REVIEW · KRABI
Ao Nang to Phuket by Green Planet Speed Boat via Koh Yao Islands
Book on Viator →Operated by Trip Store Krabi · Bookable on Viator
Phuket in a hurry feels surprisingly doable. This speedboat transfer from Ao Nang cuts out the long road slog, and I like the hotel pickup so you’re not dragging your luggage to the pier. The trade-off: this isn’t a luxury cruise, and loading can feel a bit hectic when there are lots of stops and passengers.
You leave from Nopparat Thara Pier around 11:20am, cruise for about 1 hour 20 minutes, and add short pauses on the Koh Yao islands (Yai and Noi) to pick up or drop other guests. If weather turns rough, the trip can be delayed, postponed, or canceled with a full refund, so you’ll want a flexible plan for your onward day.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- The Big Win: Why This Ao Nang to Phuket Speedboat Works
- Pickup Zones in Krabi: Where You Need to Be Waiting
- Railay travelers: the pier matters
- Getting to the start point
- The Ride Itself: Outside Seating, Quick Duration, and Group Size
- Not luxury, but efficient
- Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi Stops: The Island Break in Between
- Why those stops are still worth it
- Arrival in Phuket: Bang Rong Pier and Your Next Step
- The covered-area question you should check
- Price and Value: Is $37.84 a Good Deal?
- Timing, Weather, and When Plans Change
- Who This Transfer Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- A Practical Tip for a Smoother Day
- Should You Book This One-Way Transfer?
- FAQ
- What time does the speedboat transfer from Ao Nang to Phuket depart?
- Where do I meet the boat crew in Krabi?
- How long is the transfer?
- Is hotel pickup included, and where does it pick up?
- Is drop-off in Phuket included?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Fastest way to reach Phuket from Krabi: You skip the half-day drive and go by speedboat instead
- Pickup coverage around Krabi’s west coast: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, Tubkaek, plus Railay East options
- Brief Koh Yao island stops: Real island coastline time, but it’s not a long sightseeing break
- Drop-off at Bang Rong Pier in Phuket: Northern Phuket access for easier onward transport
- Functional, not fancy: Expect efficient service with outside seating, not spa-boat vibes
- Weather can change plans: Bad sea conditions can lead to delays or full refunds
The Big Win: Why This Ao Nang to Phuket Speedboat Works
Krabi and Phuket sit close on the Andaman Coast, but getting from one to the other by road often turns into a long, watch-the-clock day. This one-way speedboat transfer is built for people who want to save time and keep the rest of the day for exploring or just recovering.
I also like the simple logic of it. You’re picked up, you get to the pier, and then you cruise out to Phuket. No detours through traffic, and no slow “we’ll see how it goes” feeling—unless the sea decides otherwise.
And yes, you’ll still get the feeling of being at sea without committing to a full day boat outing. The ride is fast, and the outside seating means you can actually enjoy the open-air vibe instead of being stuck indoors.
Pickup Zones in Krabi: Where You Need to Be Waiting
The whole trip starts with pickup, and the list of areas is strong. If you’re staying in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, or Tubkaek Beach, you’re in the coverage zone for hotel pickup.
Exact pickup time is confirmed by email after booking. That means you shouldn’t assume a fixed time from the start—treat your email confirmation as your real schedule and keep an eye on it.
Railay travelers: the pier matters
If you’re based on Railay Beach, you don’t go to the main land pier. You’ll be picked up from the small floating pier at Railay East Beach, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa. This detail matters because Railay can feel like a maze if you’re moving around without a plan.
Getting to the start point
If you’re coordinating on your own or verifying details, the meeting point start is Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang). That’s where you meet the Green Planet crew and board.
In practice, you’ll want to arrive early enough that you’re not stressing when the group is being managed at the pier and waiting areas. Even smooth trips go better when you’re not rushing.
The Ride Itself: Outside Seating, Quick Duration, and Group Size
This is a one-way speedboat transfer, not an all-day tour. The trip is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, and the service runs daily in both low and high season.
The boat is described as sitting outside for passengers, and that’s a real quality-of-life thing. Salt air, coastal views, and the feeling of speed come through more when you’re not stuck inside a cabin.
Group size is capped at 75 travelers, which is large enough that you should expect organization and a bit of movement during loading. It’s not a private boat, so you should plan for it to feel like shared transportation.
Not luxury, but efficient
From the experience notes shared by customers, the tone is clear: this is about getting you there. One account summed it up as direct service with a functional boat rather than a premium cruise experience.
That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or a disaster. It just means you shouldn’t expect leather seats, champagne, or a slow scenic drift. You’re here for speed and convenience, and you’ll likely feel that in how the day is run.
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi Stops: The Island Break in Between
The route includes brief stopovers on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. These stops are primarily for picking up and dropping off other transferring guests.
So, what can you realistically do with that time? Think of it as a short pause rather than a full island tour. You’ll see more of the islands than you would from a straight-through transfer, but don’t count on long sightseeing windows.
Why those stops are still worth it
Even short pauses change the feel of the day. Instead of feeling like you’re just getting transported, you get a moment of coastline variation and a break in the cruise rhythm.
Also, these stopovers are part of why this works logistically for multiple hotels and pickup zones. It’s how the operator spreads out the shared pickup and drop-off without requiring everyone to be at the pier at the exact same second.
Arrival in Phuket: Bang Rong Pier and Your Next Step
You’ll be dropped off at Bang Rong Pier in northern Phuket. From there, you’re in a practical spot to continue by taxi, rental car, or hotel-arranged transport.
There’s also an option for hotel drop-off in Phuket. If you booked that option, you’ll get drop-off services, but it depends on your hotel location being covered. One clear limitation: Mai Khao and Panwa are not included for drop-off.
The covered-area question you should check
If your Phuket hotel is in northern Phuket, you’re more likely to be covered for drop-off service. But don’t gamble—provide your hotel name as requested and confirm what’s included for your specific address.
If your hotel isn’t covered, you still arrive at Bang Rong Pier. That part is solid. It’s just on you to arrange the final leg.
Price and Value: Is $37.84 a Good Deal?
At $37.84 per person, this transfer is priced like a budget-friendly way to protect your vacation time. The big “value” factor isn’t just the dollar amount—it’s what you avoid: a long drive, fatigue, and the stress of sitting in traffic while you’re trying to move between destinations.
If you were planning to go by road, you’d likely lose half a day (and feel it). With a fast speedboat transfer, you can use that time for something more fun:
- grab a meal in Phuket when you arrive
- do one last Krabi sight before you leave (depending on your schedule)
- keep the rest of the day open for beach time or your next booking
This option tends to make the most sense when you’re on a tight itinerary or you want to minimize travel days.
Timing, Weather, and When Plans Change
The trip starts at 11:20am (as the listed start time). Pickup time will be confirmed by email, so your day likely won’t feel “exactly scheduled” until you get that message.
One important reality check: the operator notes that the service requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right—bad weather, bad sea conditions, or limited availability—the transfer may be delayed, postponed, or canceled with a full refund.
That affects how I’d plan your onward day. If you have a flight, a non-refundable tour, or something time-critical right after you land in Phuket, build in slack. Sea conditions are one variable you can’t outsmart.
Who This Transfer Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)
This is a strong match if you:
- want the fastest route from Ao Nang to Phuket
- prefer outside views and open-air speed over a long van ride
- like having hotel pickup so you can start the day already relaxed
- are okay with a functional, shared-transport style rather than a luxury cruise
It might be less satisfying if you’re expecting:
- a long Koh Yao sightseeing experience
- a calm, private, slow-paced boat day
- guaranteed drop-off right to your door in every part of Phuket (because Mai Khao and Panwa aren’t included, and coverage depends on your hotel)
If your priority is maximum comfort and minimal group logistics, you might consider other transfer options. But if your priority is getting there quickly and smoothly, this hits the mark.
A Practical Tip for a Smoother Day
Because the service manages multiple pickups and stopovers, the flow at the pier can feel controlled but busy. In one experience note, boarding sounded chaotic with passengers being moved between spots and directed loudly.
You can reduce stress by doing two things:
- arrive early enough to be calm during boarding
- keep your essentials ready (phone, water, a light layer) so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to move
Also, if you get motion-sick easily, consider taking precautions in advance. Speedboats are quick and can feel more intense than you expect, especially in choppy conditions.
Should You Book This One-Way Transfer?
I’d book it if you want to protect your vacation time and you’re traveling between Krabi (Ao Nang) and Phuket without wanting a long overland day. The hotel pickup coverage, the quick ride time, and the practical drop-off at Bang Rong Pier are exactly what make this transfer useful.
I’d think twice if you have a very tight schedule in Phuket the same day, or if you’re staying in an area where drop-off coverage isn’t guaranteed. And if you’re hoping for a luxury boat experience with lots of downtime, this is more “efficient transport” than “cruise day.”
In short: if your goal is getting from A to B fast, with outside sea views and minimal hassle, this is a solid pick.
FAQ
What time does the speedboat transfer from Ao Nang to Phuket depart?
The listed start time is 11:20am. Your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed by email after you book.
Where do I meet the boat crew in Krabi?
You meet at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. That’s where you meet the Green Planet crew and board.
How long is the transfer?
The duration is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Is hotel pickup included, and where does it pick up?
Hotel pickup is included in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach, plus Railay East pickup from the small floating pier at Railay East Beach.
Is drop-off in Phuket included?
Drop-off in Phuket is included only if you book the drop-off option. It’s available for covered hotel locations, and it is not included for Mai Khao and Panwa.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If there is bad weather or bad sea conditions, the transfer may be delayed, postponed, or canceled, with a full refund.
