Speedboat logistics can feel like a puzzle—until it’s solved. This one-way Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai transfer is built for a clean, low-effort start: you get picked up from select areas, meet the crew at Nopparat Thara Pier, and cruise straight to Yao Yai without stopovers. I like the direct ride (about 40 minutes) and the fact it’s pre-booked and prepaid with a mobile ticket, so you’re not scrambling at the dock. The main drawback to plan around is comfort and timing: boats can run full with luggage, and rough water or weather can delay or cancel service.

You’ll also appreciate the practical landing point. You arrive at Klong Hia Pier on the north side of Koh Yao Yai, which makes it easy to grab onward transport to your hotel (hotel drop-off isn’t included). If you’re sensitive to cramped seating or want a guaranteed on-the-dot departure, keep a little buffer in your day and you’ll be fine.

Key Things That Matter on This Transfer

• Pickup from multiple starting points: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, Tubkaek Beach, plus Railay East via the floating pier
• Meet the crew at Nopparat Thara Pier and head out quickly, without intermediate stops
• About 40 minutes on the water to Koh Yao Yai, with arrival at Klong Hia Pier
• Arrive with a plan for your next step: hotel drop-off isn’t included, so you’ll need taxi onward
• Weather and sea conditions can affect timing: delays, postponements, or cancellations can happen with a full refund
• Small-crew vibe, bigger boat reality: the transfer maxes at 75 travelers, but it can still feel tight when full

Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai in About 40 Minutes: Why This Transfer Works

This is a simple idea executed well: you want to get to Koh Yao Yai fast, and you don’t want ferry-stops or complicated rescheduling. A speedboat transfer is usually the quickest way to cover this stretch, and the ride time here is listed as about 40 minutes. When you’re on a tight schedule in Krabi, saving an hour (or more) can be the difference between a full afternoon on the island and an early night.

The other “quiet win” is how it’s set up for peace of mind. It’s one-way, you’re prepaid, and you get a mobile ticket. That combination matters because the moment you step into transit chaos, your whole day can start to feel off. Here, the process is aimed at keeping things predictable: pick up, go to the pier, go.

The day-of experience won’t be luxury. Expect a boat full of passengers and luggage, and understand that small delays can happen for operational reasons. If you’re the kind of person who likes everything to feel spacious and chilled, you may find the physical setup more crowded than you hoped.

Pickup Where You Actually Are: Ao Nang, Railay East, Tubkaek, and More

One-way boat transfers can be frustrating when pickup is far from your hotel. This one is better: pickup is offered from select areas, including Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. If you’re staying in Railay, you’re not left out either—there’s pickup from the small floating pier at Railay East Beach, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa.

What I like about this approach is that it respects how spread out the Krabi area can be. Ao Nang is not one place, and rail access to boats can be its own little game. This setup tries to meet you where you’re already sleeping so you don’t lose your morning (or waste money on extra transfers).

Your exact pickup time isn’t guessed. It’s confirmed by email after you book. Also, the start time shown is 11:20 am, which you can use as a general anchor when planning. Still, your pickup time is the thing you should treat as “real.”

Practical tip: if your hotel reception is slow to reply, keep an eye on your email around booking time. You’ll want that pickup window nailed down early so you don’t stand around in the heat.

The Pier Moment: Nopparat Thara to Chong Lad Pier (Direct, No Stopovers)

You’ll meet the Green Planet crew at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang (the address is listed in the tour details). From there, the transfer goes directly to Koh Yao Yai without stopovers en route. That direct routing is what makes the ride time feel believable, because there are fewer unknowns caused by other passengers, other routes, or extra docking.

From the cruising perspective, your destination side of the journey is the pier on Koh Yao Yai. The boat arrives at Chong Lad Pier as part of the transfer process, and you’re ultimately dropped at Klong Hia Pier. For your planning, focus on the final landing at Klong Hia because that’s where your onward ground transport will connect.

On a good day, this section is what you came for: sitting close to the action, taking in the coastal views, and moving fast. On a tougher day, the same speed is what makes discomfort more noticeable. Speedboats can feel lively and bouncy, especially with luggage stored around you.

My advice: if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what you normally use. The ride is short, but it’s still time on the water at speed.

Arrival at Klong Hia Pier: Your Taxi Plan Is Part of the Ticket

Here’s the most important logistics detail for your Koh Yao Yai morning/afternoon: hotel drop-off is not included. You get dropped at Klong Hia Pier, which sits on the north side of the island. That’s a useful choice because it gives you options. From there, you can grab a taxi to your accommodation.

In practice, you’ll likely want to handle your onward ride right away. One helpful pattern is that at the pier you can set a taxi arrangement before you arrive at your hotel area, rather than trying to hunt for transport later. That saves time and reduces the chance you end up negotiating while tired.

If you’re staying somewhere remote or far from the pier roads, plan extra time for the final push inland. Even with a taxi, it can take longer than you expect once you’re off the pier and into the island’s roads.

Timing, Comfort, and What to Expect When the Boat Is Full

This transfer is priced as a budget-friendly way to save time, not as a private charter. The boat can be packed with passengers and luggage, and that tends to affect comfort more than you’d think. When the seating is tight and everyone’s gear is around you, the trip can feel hotter and more confined.

There’s also a real-world timing factor worth respecting. Even with an arranged pickup and a scheduled departure, you might experience minor lateness during pickup—especially if the pickup is coordinated across multiple hotel locations. In one case, pickup was around 15 minutes later than indicated, though the group still made it to the pier in time.

Then there’s the issue of weather and sea conditions. The service notes that bad weather, bad sea conditions, or limited availability can lead to delay, postponement, or cancellation with a full refund. You can think of this as the boat equivalent of “nature has final say.” Speedboats are fast, but they’re also more exposed.

Balanced takeaway: this is usually a smooth transfer when conditions cooperate, but it’s not the kind of service where you should build an ultra-tight plan with zero slack.

Price and Value: Is $24.25 Worth It for Ao Nang to Yao Yai?

At $24.25 per person for a one-way transfer, this is the kind of cost that often feels like a no-brainer compared with spending half a day on slower connections. When I look at value, I focus on what you’re buying beyond transport itself: you’re buying a scheduled process, hotel pickup from select areas, and direct boat routing.

You also get a few extras that quietly add value:

• Mobile ticket support, so you’re not chasing paper
• Basic travel insurance included
• Pre-booked and prepaid service to reduce hassle
• A capped group size (maximum 75 travelers)

The “payoff” is time. If you land at Koh Yao Yai and want to actually enjoy it that same day, a 40-minute transfer can feel like money spent well. If you’re arriving late anyway and the island activities are minimal, you might decide you can tolerate slower options. But if you want to maximize beach time, this speedboat format usually wins.

One note: the transfer is one-way, so you’ll need separate plans for any return trip. If your overall itinerary includes both directions, it’s worth coordinating your travel days so you’re not stuck waiting for the next departure.

Who This Speedboat Transfer Fits Best

This transfer suits you if:

• You’re staying in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, Tubkaek Beach, or Railay East
• You want the fastest practical way to reach Koh Yao Yai
• You prefer a pre-booked and scheduled start, with hotel pickup included
• You’re okay with a basic comfort level in exchange for speed

It might not be the best fit if:

• You’re very sensitive to cramped seating or heat
• You require a lot of personal space
• You’re building your day around strict minute-by-minute connections (because weather and schedule shifts can happen)

Should You Book Green Planet Speed Boat for Koh Yao Yai?

I’d book it if your priority is getting to Koh Yao Yai quickly with pickup support and a straightforward route. The combination of direct cruising, prepaid organization, and arrival at Klong Hia Pier makes this a practical choice for most people, especially for first-timers trying to keep Krabi logistics simple.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re expecting a roomy, calm ride or you’ll be angry if timing slips due to sea conditions. In that case, you’d be safer choosing a slower option or building in a longer buffer day.

If you do book: pack light if possible, plan your taxi onward the moment you land, and keep your day flexible enough to handle weather. This is a fast transfer—use it to gain time on the island, not to gamble on a perfectly rigid schedule.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat ride from Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai?

The transfer duration is listed as approximately 40 minutes.

Where does pickup happen for this one-way transfer?

Pickup is offered from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach, plus Railay East from the small floating pier at Railay East Beach.

Where do I meet the boat crew?

You meet the Green Planet crew at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.

Where is the drop-off on Koh Yao Yai?

You’re dropped off at Klong Hia Pier on the north side of Koh Yao Yai.

Is hotel drop-off included?

No. Hotel drop-off is not included, so you’ll need onward transport from Klong Hia Pier to your accommodation.

Does the service run every day?

Yes, it operates daily in both low and high season.

What happens if the weather is bad or the sea conditions are rough?

If bad weather or sea conditions affect the transfer, it may be delayed, postponed, or cancelled. In those cases, you receive a full refund.

Is the ticket available on mobile?

Yes. Mobile tickets are offered.

What is the maximum group size?

The transfer has a maximum of 75 travelers.

You Might Also Enjoy

Lisbon Speedboat Sunset with Monuments SightseeingStockholm Archipelago RIB Speed Boat Tour with Swedish FikaPhuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling by SpeedboatLima: Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour & Swim with Sea Lions