Ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai: Your Complete 2026 Island Transfer Guide
Looking for the most convenient and scenic way to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai? The ferry to Koh Yao Yai is the top choice for travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity in one journey. This route connects Thailand's bustling Phuket with the serene, undeveloped island of Koh Yao Yai. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, the ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai remains the most popular, scenic, and affordable way to make the crossing. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about taking the trip, including schedules, costs, pier locations, return options like the ferry Koh Yao Yai to Phuket, and what to expect during your transfer.
Phuket to Koh Yao Yai Ferry Routes & Terminals
Where to Catch the Ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai
- Bang Rong Pier (most popular for speedboats and longtail ferries)
- Ao Po Grand Marina (luxury and mid-range transfers)
- Royal Phuket Marina (used by select operators and private charters)
Ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai Schedules and Prices
| Operator | Departure Pier | Frequency | Duration | Price (THB) |
| Sea Angel Cruise | Bang Rong Pier | Hourly (8–17) | 30–45 min | 300–400 |
| Green Planet | Ao Po Grand Marina | Every 1–2 hrs | 25–35 min | 450–600 |
| Koh Yao Yai Center | Royal Phuket Marina | On-demand | 25 min | 600–850 |
Booking Your Phuket to Koh Yao Yai Ferry
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online Booking Platforms (like 12Go)
- Directly at the Pier (Best for spontaneous trips)
- Hotel Concierge Services (Higher convenience, sometimes more expensive)
Pro Tip: Booking a ferry round-trip often comes with discounts. Furthermore, if you book your ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai tickets through 12Go, you can compare all operators in one place and secure your seat in advance — especially useful during high season when capacity fills quickly.
Phuket to Koh Yao Yai: What to Expect on Board
Speedboats vs Ferries
- Speedboats: Quicker but bumpier ride. Great for those in a hurry.
- Ferry: Slower but offer a more authentic local experience.
Most ferries offer basic seating and may not have toilet facilities, so prepare accordingly. Luggage space is limited on smaller boats. As a result, we recommend travelling light on the ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai crossing. A day bag with essentials is ideal — check larger bags into your Phuket hotel storage if possible.
Arrival at Koh Yao Yai
Ferries usually arrive at:
- Klong Hia Pier (north side)
- Loh Jak Pier (central-west side)
From there, tuk-tuks or resort shuttles will get you to your accommodation. Most resorts that cater to travellers arriving from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai offer a free pier pickup — confirm this when you book.
Where to Stay in Koh Yao Yai
Recommended Resorts:
- Santhiya Koh Yao Yai – 5-star eco-luxury with panoramic sea views, ideal for couples
- Koh Yao Yai Village – mid-range eco-retreat with beachfront bungalows
- Glow Elixir – affordable and cozy beach bungalows
Why Choose the Ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai Over Other Routes?
The ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai route is not just the most convenient way to reach the island — it is also one of the most scenic short crossings in all of Thailand. As you leave Bang Rong Pier behind, the Phuket skyline fades, and the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay begin to rise around you.
Moreover, the journey itself is part of the Koh Yao Yai experience. Unlike flying to a remote island or enduring a long bus-and-boat combination, the Phuket to Koh Yao Yai crossing takes under 45 minutes and costs less than a taxi ride across Phuket.
For those on a tighter schedule, the speedboat option on the ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai route cuts the crossing to just 25 minutes. Consequently, you can leave your Phuket hotel after breakfast and be on the island's quiet beaches by mid-morning — making even a short stopover feel entirely worthwhile.
Return Trip: Ferry Koh Yao Yai to Phuket
Booking the ferry Koh Yao Yai to Phuket is just as simple:- Return ferries run frequently throughout the day
- Depart from the same piers: Klong Hia or Loh Jak
- Be sure to confirm your pickup time with your resort or ticket vendor
Travel Tips for the ferry journey
Best Time to Visit
- High Season: November to April – calm seas, ideal for ferry travel.
- Low Season: May to October – cheaper but expect occasional rain.
What to Pack
- Light clothing
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Waterproof bags for electronics
- Cash (many places don’t accept cards)
Safety Advice
- Wear life jackets (always provided on licensed boats)
- Avoid travelling in rough weather
What to Do Once You Arrive: Koh Yao Yai Highlights
The Phuket to Koh Yao Yai crossing opens the door to one of Thailand's most authentically unspoiled islands. Here is what to prioritise once you step off the ferry:
Explore by Motorbike
Renting a scooter is the best way to explore the island. A full loop takes roughly two hours and passes rice paddies, fishing villages, rubber plantations, and empty beaches. Rental costs around 250–300 THB per day from shops near the pier.
Visit Laem Sai Beach
One of the finest beaches on the island, Laem Sai sits on the eastern coast with calm, shallow waters and views across Phang Nga Bay. It is rarely crowded, even in high season.
Try Local Seafood
The island's fishing heritage means fresh seafood is everywhere and extremely affordable. Several small restaurants near Loh Jak Pier serve grilled fish, prawns, and squid — all caught that morning.
For a complete list of activities in Koh Yao Yai don't forget to read our article on the Things to do in this beautiful island.
Your Seamless Ferry Experience
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family escape, the ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai route makes island life effortlessly accessible. With multiple piers, hourly departures, and a crossing that takes under 45 minutes, there is no excuse to skip this remarkable island. Book your Phuket to Koh Yao Yai ferry tickets in advance during high season, pack light, and let the journey begin. The island is quieter, slower, and more beautiful than you expect — and the ferry Phuket Koh Yao Yai crossing is one of the finest ways to arrive.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
