How to Go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
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Planning to escape the busy streets and crowded beaches of Phuket for somewhere more peaceful? Just a short boat ride away lies Koh Yao Yai, a tranquil island in the heart of Phang Nga Bay. Known for its long stretches of quiet sand, authentic fishing villages, and untouched natural beauty, Koh Yao Yai offers a slower pace of life that feels worlds apart from Phuket. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai, including the different transport options, travel times, and costs. You’ll also learn how to make the trip in reverse, plus useful tips for booking tickets, timing your journey, and making the most of your island-hopping adventure in Thailand.

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Koh Yao Yai is ideal for travelers seeking a genuine Thai island experience without the crowds. You can explore palm-fringed beaches with crystal-clear water, cycle through lush rubber plantations, and kayak among mangroves teeming with wildlife. Local seafood restaurants offer freshly caught fish and prawns, while small family-run resorts provide warm, personal hospitality. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, or simply to slow down and reconnect with nature, Koh Yao Yai delivers a refreshing break from Thailand’s busier tourist spots.

#1 BUS + FERRY TICKET COMBO

bus and boat combo ticket

Easiest Way to Go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

The easiest way to get to Koh Yao Yaifrom Phuket is to take the combined Bus + Boat ticket – all connections are guaranteed. And it’s really easy.

Book your bus + fastboat tickets here

Where is Koh Yao Yai?

Koh Yao Yai is located in southern Thailand, in the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. It is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands, with its smaller sister, Koh Yao Noi, just a short boat ride away. The island stretches roughly 30 kilometers from north to south, offering a mix of pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and gently rolling hills. Despite its size, Koh Yao Yai has managed to maintain its traditional charm, with fishing villages, rubber plantations, and rice paddies forming the backdrop of daily life. Its location makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby islands, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the Andaman Sea without the noise and bustle of more developed destinations.

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How to Go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

Reaching Koh Yao Yai from Phuket is straightforward, with several transport options available depending on your budget, comfort level, and schedule. Since the island has no road or bridge connection, all journeys involve traveling by boat from one of Phuket’s east coast piers.

All the boats – speedboats or longtails- go from Bang Rong Pier, so you’ll need to get there (it’s easier with a transfer).

Taking the Phuket to Koh Yao Yai Fast Boats

Fast boats, or speedboats, are the quickest and most popular way to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai. Departures are frequent from Bang Rong Pier, located on the island’s east coast, with a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes. Tickets typically cost between 300 and 500 THB per person, depending on the operator and season.

The cheapest ticket is here. BUT it doesn’t include a transfer to Bang Rong Pier, so you’ll need to get there too. (and no the public bus doesn’t go all the way there)

Speedboat arriving at Koh Yao Yai

Some speedboats also leave from Ao Po Grand Marina, which is a good choice if you’re staying further north in Phuket. These boats are modern, covered, and generally comfortable, offering a smooth ride across the bay. For added convenience, many hotels can arrange pier transfers and pre-booked tickets, making the process seamless. Speedboats operate year-round, though schedules may vary slightly during the rainy season.

Times of the Speedboats from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

You can be on Koh Yao Yai just after 10:00 but you’ll need to start early. Speedboats start with transfers from the airport and other areas around Phuket at around 07:00. The first speedboat leaves BangRong Pier at around 08:40. The last speedboat will leave Bang Rong pier at around 15:00.

You can check the times that the boats leave Bang Rong Pier for Koh Yao Yai here.

Longtail Boats between Koh Yao Yai and Phuket

For a more traditional and scenic experience, you can travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai by longtail boat. These wooden vessels are slower than speedboats, but they’ll feel faster, and the water is definitely much closer.  They take around 45 to 60 minutes to make the crossing. Longtail boats usually depart from Bang Rong Pier, and fares range from about 150 to 300 THB per person. They’re usually not as comfortable as speedboats; they tend to be cheaper, but are much more dependent on weather conditions.  Departures are less frequent, especially in the low season, so it’s best to check times in advance.

longtail boat costs bang rong pier

If you want prebook a longtail boat, then its best done through your hotel, who will be able to arrange a transfer as well. Longtail boats, however, don’t depart on set times, they depart when full. Or when you’ve paid for it to be full, if you’re doing this, then its cheaper to just pay for the speedobat ticket.

Phuket to Koh Yao Yai Private Transfer

If you prefer comfort, privacy, and flexibility, a private transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is an option. Many high-end resorts on the island offer door-to-door service, which typically includes hotel pickup in Phuket, a private car to the pier, and a dedicated speedboat to the island, with a transfer at the other end to your resort. Travel time is usually 30 to 40 minutes on the water, and the entire journey can be timed to suit your schedule. Prices vary depending on the resort and boat size, but generally range from 2,000 to 3,500 THB per trip. If you’re traveling as a group, then this is worth looking at.

You can arrange combo tickets including

Transfer from Phuket town to Koh Yao Yai Hotel

Transfer from Phuket Airport to Koh Yao Yai

For all other transfers options click here.

If you decide not to get an included transfre from your Phuket Hotel to Bang Rong Pier, then here’s how to go from various parts of Phuket to Bang Rong Pier.

Phuket International Airport to Bang Rong Pier, Phuket

Bang Rong Pier is about a 20-25 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport.  There are no buses or shared shuttles that go from Phuket Airport to Bang Rong Pier – unless you take the Tigerline boat at 9 am, so you’ll need to take a taxi or a Grab to get there. 

There are some through tickets that you can buy to get a pick up from Phuket Airport and get dropped off directly at your accommodation on Koh Yao Yai – you can check the prices here.  Taxis from the airport to Bang Rong pier will cost 650 THB.  A Grab shows a price of 620 THB. 

Phuket Town to Bang Rong Pier

Thai Songthaews – those shared trucks with seats in – run from Phuket Town to Bang Rong Pier and you can get them from the Phuket Town Market.  Expect to pay around 35-40 THB per person and the journey to Bang Rong Pier from Phuket Town to take about an hour.

Our Experience Going from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

We travelled between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai by taking a transfer from our hotel and a speedboat. 

At Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier, you’ll be told to wait in the waiting area until the boat arrives, then head towards the boat, drop your big bags at the side, and the crew will put them on and get a seat.

If you’re heading from Koh Yao Yai back to Phuket, then there’s a waiting area (in the shade) at the end of the pier.  There are usually people waiting for multiple boats at the same time, but don’t worry.  Check in, get your stickers and/or tickets, and then the staff there will push, pull, and point you in the right direction at the right time.  There are no toilets on the pier.  Go before you set off.

Waiting on the Pier at Koh Yao Yai

The speedboats come in various sizes and shapes for this route, but you are better off getting a forward-facing seat if at all possible.  If the weather and sea state are a little bouncy, then you need to brace yourself.

Seating and bags on the fastboat between Koh Yao Yai and Phuket

The crew will take on your big bags or suitcases and store them in the best place.  If you’re in a hurry to get off at the other end, then you’re best trying to get on last, and have your bag on the top; otherwise, you’re waiting until all the bags come off, as yours is inevitably right at the bottom.

Arriving on Koh Yao Yai at the pier

If it’s raining, they’ll cover over the bags (sometimes).

It’s a short journey, just about 30 minutes, so you shouldn’t be too uncomfortable!

Tips for Traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

To make your journey smooth and stress-free, keep these handy travel tips in mind:

  • Arrive at the pier at least 20–30 minutes before departure, especially in high season.
  • Carry some cash, as there are limited ATMs on Koh Yao Yai.
  • Travel light if possible—boarding can involve walking on docks or wet sand.
  • Check boat schedules in advance, particularly during the rainy season when services may be delayed.
  • Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag to protect your belongings during the crossing.
  • If you’re staying at a resort, ask if they offer a pickup service from the pier.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance during peak travel months to guarantee your spot.

Popular Routes in Thailand

Want to know more about different forms of transport in Thailand? Our guide to Thailand transport is here. And here’s how to travel some of the popular routes around Thailand, your options, and how we did it.

The quickest way to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

The fastest way is booking a combo ticket that includes a hotel transfer and a speedboat ride. This service picks you up directly from your hotel in Phuket, takes you to the pier, where you’ll join the speedboat, or rather hang around and wait for it for a bit, then head over to Koh Yao Yai in about 30–40 minutes. Transfers at both ends make this the smoothest option. Here are your options.

The easiest way to go to Koh Yao Yai from Phuket

The easiest way is also a combo ticket with hotel transfer and speedboat included. It removes the hassle of arranging separate taxis or buying boat tickets on site. You simply wait for pickup, and everything is coordinated for you, from hotel door to island arrival, ensuring a stress-free journey. Book the easy ticket here.

The cheapest way to go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

The budget option is to take a taxi booked through your hotel to Bang Rong Pier, then catch a local longtail boat to Koh Yao Yai. While this method takes longer and requires some coordination, it offers a genuinely affordable way to reach the island and experience local travel.

The best way to go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

The best all-around choice is a combo ticket that includes a hotel transfer and a speedboat ride. It balances speed, convenience, and reasonable pricing. With pickups arranged at your hotel and smooth connections at the pier, you avoid any waiting or confusion, making it perfect for most travelers.

Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand

Final Words on How to Go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

Traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is an easy journey.  Whether you go for the “book it all separately and save a few THB, or prebook and include your transfers, this is an easy trip to take.  Koh Yao Yai is a lovely island and has a chilled-out vibe.  Definitely worth at least a few days of your time.

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AUTHOR

Sarah Carter
Sarah Carter is an avid reader, writer and traveller. She loves hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring the world through food. She left a successful career in IT security and compliance in both the UK and US to travel the world with husband and partner in adventure, Nigel.

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