Ao Nang to Phuket by Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat

The most useful part of this trip is its direct route across the Andaman Sea. You leave from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, pause at Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Naka Island, then finish at Bang Rong Pier in northern Phuket. It is a practical alternative to piecing together road transport and ferries.

I like the hotel pickup from Ao Nang and nearby areas, and I like that the journey is quick at about 1 hour 30 minutes. The boat crew also handles luggage, and the ride has a maximum of 45 passengers, so it is not designed as a packed public ferry.

The main catch is the arrival point. Hotel drop-off in Phuket is not included, so you must arrange a taxi from Bang Rong Pier. Weather can also delay or cancel the crossing, though a full refund is offered if the operator cancels it.

Key points to know before booking

• Direct sea route: Travel from Ao Nang to Phuket without making the full journey by road.
• Pickup from several areas: Collection is available in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.
• Island stopovers: The boat pauses at Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Naka Island to collect or leave other passengers.
• Boat change required: You switch boats at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai before continuing to Phuket.
• Northern Phuket arrival: The trip ends at Bang Rong Pier, not at your hotel or Phuket’s main tourist beaches.
• Good value at $45.07: The fare includes one-way transport, listed hotel pickup, and basic travel insurance, but not your final taxi.

Why this speedboat route makes sense

Ao Nang and Phuket sit across the sea from each other, but the two destinations are not connected by a simple road journey. A land route takes you around the bay and requires more time on the road. This service gives you a quicker crossing and lets you see several islands along the way.

The advertised trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. That is an approximate time, not a guarantee. The boat makes short stopovers, and you change vessels at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai. Sea conditions, loading luggage, and the movement of other passengers can all affect the schedule.

At $45.07 per person, the price is fair if you value time and a simple departure from Ao Nang. It is not the cheapest possible way to move between provinces, but it combines the sea crossing with pickup from several nearby hotel areas. You are paying for convenience as much as transport.

I would compare the fare with the price of a private car or a longer shared transfer only if you have several people in your group. For one or two people, the speedboat can be a sensible middle ground. It avoids a long overland trip without requiring you to arrange separate transport to the pier.

Pickup from Ao Nang and nearby beaches

Pickup is offered from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. This is useful because you do not have to find your own way to Nopparat Thara Pier.

The exact pickup time is confirmed by email after booking. Pay close attention to that message. The stated start time is 2:00 pm, but your actual hotel collection time may differ depending on where you stay and how many pickups are scheduled.

You should be ready before the confirmed time, with your bags packed and easy to move. The service is intended to be simple, but a hotel pickup is still a shared operation. A short wait at the pier or a delay collecting other passengers is possible.

If you are staying outside the listed areas, do not assume pickup is included. The advertised collection zones are specific. You may need to arrange your own transport to Nopparat Thara Pier, so check your hotel location before paying.

Leaving from Nopparat Thara Pier

Nopparat Thara Pier is the departure point in Ao Nang. You meet the Koh Yao Sun Smile crew there before boarding the speedboat.

This is not a private charter. The boat carries up to 45 passengers, and people may be continuing to different destinations. Keep your ticket details and booking confirmation available when you arrive, especially if you have come to the pier independently.

A speedboat departure is more exposed to weather and sea conditions than a large ferry. The journey can be quick and enjoyable when the water is calm, but rough conditions may make the ride less comfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry any medication you normally use and keep it accessible.

The boat is also an active transport service, not a sightseeing cruise. You will see islands and open water, but the main purpose is getting you to Phuket. The brief stops are for passenger transfers, not extended visits.

The first island stops: Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai

After leaving Ao Nang, the boat makes short stopovers at Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. These islands sit between Krabi and Phuket and help connect the local boat network.

You may collect or leave passengers at these stops. That means the boat might pause even if you are staying aboard. These brief interruptions add some flexibility to the route, but they also explain why the total time is approximate.

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are known as quieter island destinations than Phuket or Ao Nang, but this transfer does not give you time to explore them. Think of the stops as working piers, not included island tours.

The upside is that you get a more local route through the island chain instead of crossing directly in one long open-water run. The downside is that the boat may feel less direct than the headline travel time first suggests.

Changing boats at Chong Lad Pier

The most important detail in the itinerary is the boat change at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai. You do not remain on the same speedboat all the way to Phuket.

At Chong Lad Pier, the crew transfers you to another speedboat for the final part of the journey. This is normal for the route, but you should be prepared to move with your luggage and follow the crew’s instructions.

If you prefer a completely uninterrupted ride, this arrangement may be a drawback. It adds one more step and creates the possibility of a short wait while passengers and bags are reorganized. On the other hand, the boat change is built into the service, and the operator handles the route rather than asking you to arrange another ticket.

Keep valuables in a small bag that stays with you. Larger luggage can be handled by the crew, but important documents, medication, phones, and wallets should remain close at hand during the transfer.

Passing Naka Island before Phuket

The route also includes a short stop at Naka Island. As with the other islands, this is a pickup or drop-off point, not a scheduled beach visit.

Naka Island adds another link to the route between Krabi and Phuket. You may enjoy glimpses of the surrounding islands from the boat, but do not book this service expecting time to swim, walk ashore, or explore.

This distinction matters when you compare the transfer with an island-hopping excursion. The service gives you transportation and some changing coastal views. It does not include a guide-led tour, meals, snorkeling, or free time at any of the stops.

Arriving at Bang Rong Pier in Phuket

You arrive at Bang Rong Pier in northern Phuket. From there, you arrange a taxi to your hotel.

Bang Rong is not in the main beach areas of Phuket, so the final road leg is important when judging the real cost and convenience. Your transfer is not finished at the pier if your accommodation is in places such as Patong, Kata, Karon, Phuket Town, or another part of the island.

The service includes no hotel drop-off. Ask your accommodation or arrange a taxi plan before departure if you want a smoother arrival. You may find a taxi at the pier, but the supplied details only confirm that you can get a taxi there, not a fixed fare or a prearranged driver.

This arrival point suits people who are comfortable completing the last part of a journey independently. It is less ideal if you want door-to-door transport with no decisions after getting off the boat.

What the $45.07 fare includes

The fare covers one-way Koh Yao Sun Smile speedboat transport, pickup from the listed Ao Nang and Krabi-area locations, and basic travel insurance.

The included pickup adds real value. Getting from a hotel to a pier can otherwise require a separate taxi, especially if you are carrying large bags or staying outside central Ao Nang.

The fare does not include your taxi from Bang Rong Pier. Add that cost when comparing this transfer with a road journey or a full hotel-to-hotel service. Your final price depends on your destination in Phuket.

The service operates daily in both low and high season. That makes it useful for planning, but daily operation does not remove the effect of weather. Bad sea conditions, bad weather, or limited availability can cause delays, postponement, or cancellation.

A practical look at comfort and group size

The maximum group size is 45 people. That gives you a clearer idea of the experience than the word speedboat alone. You are joining a shared transfer, not booking a quiet private boat.

The ride has been praised for being quick, easy, and not overly crowded, with good care taken of luggage. That fits the service’s purpose well: you get from one destination to another without a complicated chain of tickets.

Comfort will depend on the sea and your own tolerance for boat travel. The operator provides basic travel insurance, but the supplied details do not specify seating arrangements, onboard refreshments, toilets, or luggage limits. If any of those details are essential for you, ask before booking.

Most people can participate, according to the booking information. Still, anyone who finds boat transfers difficult should consider the weather risk and the boat change at Koh Yao Yai before committing.

Timing, weather, and cancellation

You receive booking confirmation at the time of booking, while the exact hotel pickup time follows by email. Check both messages and keep them available on travel day.

The advertised departure time is 2:00 pm. Since pickup is offered from several places, do not plan a tightly timed activity immediately after the stated arrival window. The 1 hour 30 minute duration is approximate, and the final taxi ride across Phuket will add more time.

Weather is the main factor outside your control. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or sea conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time. This is worth remembering if your plans depend on another ferry, flight, or hotel booking.

Who should book this transfer

I would choose this service if you are staying in one of the listed pickup areas and want a faster sea connection to Phuket. It works well for independent visitors who are comfortable taking a taxi from Bang Rong Pier after arrival.

It also suits people who prefer a shared transfer with a clear route and a known price. The island stops give you a look at the chain between Krabi and Phuket, even though they are brief.

I would think twice if you need door-to-door service, have a very tight connection, or dislike changing boats. You should also consider another option if the sea forecast is poor, though the weather policy protects you from losing the fare when the operator cancels.

The strongest reasons to book are simple: quick travel, hotel pickup, daily operation, and a route that avoids a long road trip. The main compromises are the boat change, the approximate timing, and the taxi you must arrange after reaching Phuket.

Is the Koh Yao Sun Smile transfer worth booking?

Yes, if your priority is getting from Ao Nang to Phuket quickly and you are happy to finish the journey by taxi. At $45.07, the service offers reasonable value because pickup from several Krabi-area locations is included and the boat crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Before booking, confirm that your accommodation is inside the pickup area and check where your Phuket hotel sits relative to Bang Rong Pier. Add the final taxi cost to your budget, keep your schedule flexible, and watch for the pickup email.

Book it for speed and convenience, not for an island tour or a hotel-to-hotel arrival. If that distinction suits your plans, this is a practical way to cross from Ao Nang to Phuket.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat leave from?

The boat leaves from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, Krabi.

What time does the service start?

The listed start time is 2:00 pm. Your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed by email after booking.

Which areas have hotel pickup?

Pickup is available from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.

Where does the boat arrive in Phuket?

The boat arrives at Bang Rong Pier in northern Phuket.

Is hotel drop-off included in Phuket?

No. Hotel drop-off is not included. You arrange a taxi from Bang Rong Pier to your Phuket accommodation.

Do you stay on the same boat for the whole journey?

No. You change to another speedboat at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai.

How long does the transfer take?

The approximate duration is 1 hour 30 minutes, including short stopovers at Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Naka Island.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather or sea conditions cause cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.