Koh Ngai to Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island. Nearly one-third of all international visitors pass through Phuket at some stage during their visit, which tells you just how desirable this slice of heaven is.
After traveling from Koh Ngai, you may be ready for some adventure, or at the very least, some nightlife. Luckily, Phuket has you covered on both fronts.
Of course, one of the best things to do once you arrive in Phuket is to continue relaxing on the beautiful beaches that Thailand is so known for.
While Patong is notably the most famous area, you can certainly skip over it for far less crowded and less seedy places nearby. Karon Beach and Naiyang Beach, for example, are just as beautiful, if not more so, and have far fewer people spoiling your views.
Another must-do is taking a day trip to Phang Nga Bay because you cannot miss the opportunity to see the stunning limestone karst formations. In addition, there are Chinese-style junk boat cruises that go out at sunset, offering the most Instagrammable backdrops imaginable.
If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, you could opt to canoe around the emerald lagoons.
Visiting the Big Buddha atop Nakkerd Hill is a great way to embrace Thai culture and get an amazing panoramic view of Phuket. This statue lives up to its name. It’s big, really big. It’s a whopping 45 meters tall and made out of solid white marble.
If you make it up on a clear day, the crystal blue skies behind Buddha are breathtaking. And as an added bonus, this activity is completely free!
Thailand is known for its tasty food, and Phuket province is especially revered for delicious, spicy dishes. One way to immerse yourself in local cuisine is to take a cooking class.
In addition to all of these activities, you can go island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Phuket will have no shortage of fun and exciting things for you to do.
Now, you may be wondering how do I get from Koh Ngai to Phuket? Read on to plan your trip!
About the ride from Koh Ngai to Phuket
The distance from Koh Ngai to Phuket is 140 km (about 87 miles).
Because you’re traveling from one island to another, you’ll have to take a ferry. Koh Ngai does not have an airport, and it’s still relatively off the beaten track. This means that options for transport from Koh Ngai to Phuket are somewhat limited. However, a few ferry companies have various amenities to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
How to get from Koh Ngai to Phuket
The best way to get from Koh Ngai to Phuket is by ferry. Boats operate in the high season, between October and April. Luckily the seas are relatively calm, and the journey isn’t too rough.
If you plan to travel outside of peak season, there is also a bus + ferry combination.
Ferry
As mentioned, the best way to travel from Koh Ngai to Phuket is by ferry. This is the cheapest and the most direct option between the two locations. Currently, three companies operate boats between various points on Koh Ngai island and Rassada Pier in Phuket.
All boats have restrooms and AC on their lower decks.
Tigerline Ferry
Tigerline is one of Thailand’s oldest and most trusted ferry companies. Their high-speed ferry from Koh Ngai to Phuket takes two hours and thirty minutes. It costs around $64 per person.
Tigerline allows passengers to bring two large bags on board.
They have two departures per day from Koh Ngai Resort on the southeast side of the island; one at 11:15 and one at 16:00.
You’re also able to cancel or change your ticket for free up to 48 hours before your departure, which is great if your travel plans change. Also, if your ticket is canceled due to inclement weather, you can book on the next ferry or cancel for free. This is an excellent feature if you happen to be traveling during shoulder season when the weather is a bit more unpredictable.
Satun Pakbara
Satun Pakbara has a speed boat that departs Koh Ngai right in front of Sea Open Diving at 11:30 each morning.
This trip takes three hours and costs $67 per person.
A great feature about Satun Pakbara is that they have a flexible luggage policy and allow passengers to cancel or change their booking up to seven days before departure for free.
If you decide you need to change or cancel five days before you depart, you will be charged a 15% fee. Three days before, passengers are subject to a 50% fee.
Bundhaya
The final ferry company offering boat rides from Koh Ngai to Phuket is Bundhaya. They have a speed boat that also takes about three hours. Bundhaya departs from Koh Ngai Resort on the southeast side of the island.
Passengers can bring 20kg of luggage with them, and tickets start at $50 per person.
It is important to note that once you book with this company, you cannot cancel or change your ticket.
Bus + Ferry Combo
Another option is to take a bus + ferry combination. This is essentially a private transfer, so if you’re traveling in a larger group or prone to seasickness, this may be a good option. However, keep in mind that the Koh Ngai to Phuket distance by bus is much greater and will take five hours and thirty minutes instead of two to three hours.
Hotel pickup is included in the price, so make sure you indicate where you are staying on Koh Ngai.
Rather than taking a larger ferry, you will take a small, longtail boat. This boat will take you to the mainland, where you will either meet a minivan or car, depending on what you book. The price for the entire vehicle is $195, which can be split if you are sharing it with friends or family.
A minivan seats up to nine people. Private cars seat up to three unless you have a lot of luggage. Both offer you more space to relax, and you’ll be able to control when you stop along the way. Minivans and cars do have AC.
It is important to note that these transfers only drop passengers off at the airport in Phuket, so you’ll be required to find your own way to your accommodation. However, if you are just catching a flight, this could be a good option.
When making your travel plans make sure you remember how far from Koh Ngai to Phuket you are actually traveling. This option takes twice as long as a direct ferry and is more than double the price.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, Phuket has many fantastic things waiting for you. You’re bound to continue enjoying your time in the Land of Smiles once you arrive.