Getting from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi

About the ride from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi 

Take a ferry or a speedboat from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi, and in less than an hour you’ll find yourself in a tropical paradise that is still relatively unknown to tourists. Boats depart from Bang Rong on Phuket's north east coast or Yamo Pier on the east coast and you can buy a combination ticket which includes the ride from Phuket Airport to the pier.

Koh Yao Noi is a tropical island in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and mainland Thailand. Less well known than Koh Samui or Phuket, this island is a great place to escape the crowds and experience authentic Thailand. Pamper yourself on the beach, relax in a spa, or enjoy more active pursuits like snorkeling, kayaking, diving and rock climbing. Despite being home to many luxury resorts, Koh Yao Noi still feels traditional and is dotted with coconut farms and rubber plantations. 

There’s no airport on the island, so you’ll get around using speedboats, ferries and longtail boats. Boats leave from Bang Rong Pier or Yamo Pier and arrive at Manoh Pier on the island’s south coast.

When you arrive, you might find some songthaews or local taxis waiting at the pier, but to be sure you’re not stranded, you can ask your hotel to pick you up. Bookaway offers a combination ticket which includes transport from Phuket Airport to Bang Rong Pier and transport to your hotel on Koh Yao Noi.

If you’re keen to explore further, you can take a ferry from Koh Yao Noi to the Phi Phi Islands, where some of the best dive sites in Thailand are located. Or visit Koh Yao Yai, a larger island directly to the south, which has fabulous beaches. You can also grab a longtail boat to tiny nearby islands for a day’s snorkeling.

What you’ll see when traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi  

The ride to Koh Yao Noi is short but idyllic. Expect a gorgeous breeze, clear turquoise water, and views of limestone islands.

How to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi  

By High-Speed Ferry

The High-Speed Ferry has seats in an air-conditioned cabin as well as an outdoor deck if you want to take in the idyllic view. The journey takes a super-fast 15 minutes.

If you’re taking this ferry, have your passport handy as you may need it when you check in. Be aware that ferries can be unpredictable - boats might be cancelled if there are rough seas, in which case you’ll be able to obtain a refund or wait for a later one. 

By Speedboat

There are two different speedboats you can take to get to Koh Yao Noi. The See Sea Blue Marine ferry leaves from Yamo Pier and takes 40 minutes. The Green Planet Speed Boat leaves from Bang Rong Pier and takes 30 minutes.

Both speedboats have generous baggage policies of up to 20 kg plus a carry on bag, and both allow cancellations up to 24 hours before departure. Speedboat journeys are not very relaxing and can be a little bumpy - you might want to choose a different option if you're pregnant or have a bad back.