Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai by Green Planet Speed Boat

The fastest part of reaching Koh Yao Yai is also the simplest: a direct 40-minute speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier to Klong Hia Pier, with no stopovers. Hotel pickup from several Krabi areas makes this a useful bridge between mainland beach time and a quieter island stay.

I like the prepaid planning and the daily schedule in both low and high season. I also like that the transfer covers Railay East, since Railay visitors otherwise need to sort out their own boat connection. The main concern is comfort: boats can be full, luggage may crowd the cabin, and one reported engine problem turned a short ride into a much longer trip.

Key points to know before booking

• A direct 40-minute crossing: The boat travels from Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Yao Yai without stopping at other islands.
• Pickup covers several Krabi areas: Hotel collection is available in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach, with Railay East pickup at the floating pier.
• You arrange the final ride: The boat ends at Klong Hia Pier, and hotel drop-off on Koh Yao Yai is not included.
• The boat may feel crowded: Capacity is listed at up to 75 people, and luggage can reduce personal space.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor sea conditions may cause a delay, postponement, or cancellation with a full refund.
• The price is reasonable for speed: At $24.25 per person, this is a practical point-to-point connection, especially when pickup is included.

Leaving Ao Nang from Nopparat Thara Pier

Your scheduled departure is 11:20 a.m. from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. If you book hotel pickup, the exact collection time arrives by email after booking. That matters because the pickup time can differ from the boat’s departure time, and you need to be ready before the vehicle reaches your hotel.

Pickup areas include Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. Railay works differently. You meet at the small floating pier at Railay East, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa, rather than receiving a normal hotel collection.

The transfer to the pier may be by songthaew. One passenger reported a pickup about 15 minutes later than the indicated time, although the vehicle still reached the pier. I would allow extra time and avoid arranging a tight connection after reaching Koh Yao Yai.

At Nopparat Thara Pier, look for the Green Planet crew. The pier itself is the practical starting point, not a sightseeing stop. You should have your booking confirmation available on your phone, keep important items close, and make sure your luggage is clearly identifiable before boarding.

The 40-minute run across Phang Nga Bay

Once the boat leaves Ao Nang, the route heads directly toward Koh Yao Yai. There are no planned stopovers, which is one of the strongest reasons to choose this service over a slower connection with several changes.

The ride takes about 40 minutes in normal conditions. You get open-water views and a quick change from the busy Krabi coast to a more rural island setting. The scenery is the reward for choosing a boat rather than a longer land-and-ferry route, though the view is best treated as a pleasant part of the transfer rather than a guided sightseeing experience.

Comfort is less predictable than speed. A small speedboat can feel tight when every seat is taken and luggage is loaded aboard. One account describes the boat as packed, with passengers and bags leaving little spare room and the cabin becoming hot. Another account found enough space for people and luggage, so conditions clearly depend on the departure.

The published maximum is 75 passengers. That is a useful warning for anyone who values elbow room or gets uncomfortable in warm, enclosed spaces. If you are sensitive to heat or motion, think of this as transport first and a scenic boat ride second.

There was also a report of one engine failing about 10 minutes into the crossing. The crew tried to repair it, but the journey eventually took around 100 minutes. That appears to be an exception rather than the planned timetable, but it shows why you should avoid booking a close connection on arrival.

Arriving at Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai

The boat arrives at Klong Hia Pier, also described as Chong Lad Pier in the trip details. Either way, the important point is that you arrive in the north of Koh Yao Yai, not directly at your hotel.

Your onward taxi is your responsibility. Hotel drop-off is not included, so you need to arrange a ride from the pier to your accommodation. This is the single detail most likely to catch people out when they focus only on the boat crossing.

A useful trick is to organize a taxi before you arrive. One passenger was able to charter a taxi at the departure pier at a fixed rate before reaching the island. That can save time and remove the uncertainty of standing at the pier with luggage, especially if your accommodation is some distance away.

Because the final ride is separate, have your hotel name and location ready. The information provided does not include a set island taxi price, transfer duration, or hotel collection service. Do not assume that the speedboat company will carry you any farther than Klong Hia Pier.

What the $24.25 fare really buys you

At $24.25 per person, the fare is fair for a direct island transfer with mainland pickup included from several areas. The value comes from saving time and avoiding a complicated sequence of local transport, pier changes, and separate boat tickets.

The price is especially useful if you are staying in Ao Nang or Railay and want a simple way to begin a Koh Yao Yai stay. You pay in advance, receive confirmation at booking, and have a clear departure point and arrival pier.

The fare does not cover your final taxi on Koh Yao Yai. Add that cost when comparing the total price with other options. Since no onward fare is supplied, you should ask your accommodation or local taxi contact for the current rate before departure.

The service has an overall rating of 2.8 from 10 reviews, which signals uneven experiences rather than a dependable luxury transfer. Positive accounts focus on efficient booking, punctual hotel transport, quick arrival, helpful organization, and enough space for luggage. Negative accounts focus on a hot, crowded boat, late pickup, unfriendly dock staff, and mechanical trouble.

That mix gives you a clear way to judge the purchase. The fare is good if your top priority is a direct crossing at a modest price. It is less attractive if you need guaranteed comfort, generous personal space, or a firm arrival time.

Pickup timing and the practical side of departure

The booking is confirmed at the time of purchase, but the exact hotel pickup time is sent by email afterward. Check your inbox and have the confirmation ready on the day.

The boat’s stated start time is 11:20 a.m. at Nopparat Thara Pier. Hotel pickup must happen earlier, but the precise time depends on where you stay. You should not treat 11:20 a.m. as your hotel departure time.

Green Planet operates daily in both low and high season. That gives you more flexibility than a service that runs only on selected days. Still, daily operation does not remove the effects of sea conditions, boat availability, or mechanical problems.

I would keep the day open after arriving on Koh Yao Yai. Do not schedule a wedding, flight, private boat, or other fixed activity soon after the planned landing. A direct 40-minute trip can be very efficient, but the reported engine failure shows that a short route can still become a long one.

Weather, safety, and cancellations

Basic travel insurance is included. The service also allows a full refund when bad weather or poor sea conditions force cancellation, although you may be offered another date instead.

The same weather rule can lead to delays or postponements. A speedboat crossing depends on sea conditions, so flexibility matters more than it would with a normal road transfer.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The cutoff follows local Thai time.

Most people can take part, and the stated maximum is 75 passengers. No special accessibility details are provided, so anyone needing specific boarding assistance should confirm arrangements before booking.

Who will get the most from this transfer

I would choose this service if I were staying in one of the listed Krabi pickup areas and wanted the quickest practical route to Koh Yao Yai. The direct boat keeps the trip simple and avoids unnecessary island stops.

It also suits people who prefer to pay ahead and have the mainland pickup arranged. Families and couples with luggage may appreciate not having to organize several separate legs, though they should be ready for limited space if the boat is full.

Railay visitors get a particularly useful option. Pickup at Railay East means you do not need to make your own way back to Ao Nang before starting the island crossing.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboats, need a guaranteed arrival time, or have a lot of luggage. The information available does not promise a spacious cabin, and the boat may be hot or crowded. If you are prone to seasickness, the short crossing helps, but the speedboat format may still not suit you.

Small details that make the trip easier

Keep valuables, passports, medication, and electronics in a small bag you can hold yourself. Larger bags may be placed with other luggage, and quick boarding and unloading are part of the appeal of this service.

Wear practical clothing for a boat transfer. The ride is short, but a warm cabin and spray are possible. I would avoid carrying loose items that can slip under seats or become difficult to find during a busy arrival.

Arrange the Koh Yao Yai taxi before departure if you can. A fixed-rate arrangement made ahead of time is easier than negotiating after a boat ride, particularly if you arrive with children, several bags, or a hotel far from Klong Hia Pier.

Give yourself time at Nopparat Thara Pier. Pickup vehicles may run slightly late, and you do not want to turn a minor delay into a missed boat. The exact pickup time should come by email, so check it rather than relying only on the 11:20 a.m. departure time.

Should you book the Green Planet speedboat?

Book it if you value a direct crossing, included pickup from a qualifying Krabi area, and a low price more than guaranteed comfort. The best parts are clear: no stopovers, a planned 40-minute ride, daily operation, and a simple arrival point on Koh Yao Yai.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared speedboat transfer, not a private charter or a polished sightseeing cruise. The boat may be full, the cabin may feel warm, and your final taxi is not included.

The fare is good for an efficient mainland-to-island connection, but leave room in your schedule and arrange your island taxi in advance. If bad weather cancels the ride, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. For most independent visitors who want the fastest straightforward link from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai, that makes this a reasonable booking, provided you are comfortable with the practical limits of shared boat transport.

FAQ

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

The scheduled speedboat journey takes about 40 minutes, with no planned stopovers between Nopparat Thara Pier and Klong Hia Pier.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, Krabi. The listed meeting point is in Mueang Krabi District.

What time does the transfer start?

The stated start time is 11:20 a.m. at Nopparat Thara Pier. Hotel pickup times are different and are confirmed by email after booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. Railay pickup is available from the floating pier at Railay East, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa.

Is hotel drop-off included on Koh Yao Yai?

No. The boat ends at Klong Hia Pier, and you must arrange your own taxi or other onward transport to your accommodation.

Where does the boat arrive?

The arrival point is Klong Hia Pier in the north of Koh Yao Yai. The trip details also refer to this area as Chong Lad Pier.

Does the service run all year?

The boat service operates daily in both low and high season. Departures can still be affected by weather, sea conditions, or limited availability.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You may be offered a different date or a full refund if the transfer is canceled because of poor weather or sea conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted.

What is included in the $24.25 price?

The fare includes one-way speedboat transport, listed mainland or Railay East pickup, and basic travel insurance. It does not include hotel drop-off on Koh Yao Yai.