Phuket to Koh Yao Yai/Koh Yao Noi by Green Planet Speed Boat

The useful thing about this trip is that it is a proper point-to-point transfer, not a sightseeing cruise dressed up as one. In roughly 30 to 40 minutes, you leave Phuket behind and reach Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, with the boat landing at the pier closest to your chosen island.

I like the reasonable $16.21 price, especially compared with arranging a private boat. I also like the staff’s punctual, organized approach, plus the option of hotel pickup in Phuket. The main catch is simple: this is one-way transport only, and you must arrange your own ride from the island pier to your hotel.

Key points to know before you book

• Bang Rong Pier is the departure point: Make your own way there 15 minutes before departure, unless you pay for Phuket hotel pickup.
• Two different island arrivals: Koh Yao Yai uses Klong Hia Pier, while Koh Yao Noi uses Manoh Pier.
• The crossing takes 30 to 40 minutes: You get a quick, scenic ride across the Andaman Sea rather than a long ferry journey.
• The boat runs daily: Service operates in both low and high season, subject to weather and sea conditions.
• The service is built for efficiency: The listed departure time is 3:00 pm, and the boat service has a maximum capacity of 75 people.
• You need a plan after landing: Hotel drop-off is not included, so arrange a taxi from Klong Hia or Manoh Pier.

Why this transfer works better than a private boat

Phuket and the Koh Yao islands are close on a map, but getting between them still requires a boat and a little planning. Green Planet’s service handles the sea crossing without the cost or fuss of arranging a private charter.

At $16.21 per person, the fare is a strong value for a short international-style island transfer. You are paying for the boat ride, not a full excursion with stops or a guide, but that is exactly why the price stays modest. If you simply need to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, this is the right kind of service.

One practical point matters here: booking ahead may cost a little more than arranging the same ride in person. The benefit is having the seat and departure arranged before you reach Phuket, which can be worth the small difference during a busy holiday period.

The boat has space for up to 75 people, though the available feedback describes a ride with plenty of room rather than a cramped cabin. That can vary by departure date, so I would not book this expecting a private-boat feel. Still, the trip is short enough that a shared speedboat makes good sense.

Getting to Bang Rong Pier in Phuket

The standard meeting point is Bang Rong Pier in the northeast of Phuket, at 2CX8+Q9M, Soi Mukthalang, Tambon Thep Krasatti, Thalang. You should arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

The departure time listed for this service is 3:00 pm. Check your confirmation carefully, since a late arrival at the pier can be difficult to fix once the boat has left.

If you prefer not to arrange transport across Phuket, hotel pickup is available for an additional fee. This is useful if you are staying in a standard hotel within the covered pickup area. Pickup is not included for remote locations, private villas, or rental properties, so confirm the address before paying for that option.

A small but useful pier detail: check in at the small brown building or booth beside the steps leading down to the water. That is the kind of information that saves time when you arrive at an unfamiliar pier with luggage.

Free toilets are available at the pier. It is a modest convenience, but a welcome one before boarding a fast boat.

The 30 to 40 minute ride across the Andaman Sea

Once checked in, you board the speedboat for Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi. The crossing takes about half an hour, sometimes a little longer depending on sea conditions and the exact route.

This is a transfer with a view, not a narrated tour. You can expect open water, changing coastal scenery, and the sense of leaving Phuket’s busy resort zone behind. The short ride also makes the service easier to fit into an arrival day. You do not lose half a day to the journey.

The boat has been described as clean, and the captain has been singled out for providing excellent service. The crew is also noted for being polite, friendly, and well organized. Those details matter on a speedboat, where clear boarding instructions and calm handling make the trip much more comfortable.

The sea can be rough. This operator requires good weather, and a departure can be delayed, moved to another date, or canceled if the weather, sea conditions, or availability make the crossing unsuitable. If the company cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

If you are sensitive to boat movement, keep the short duration in mind but do not assume the sea will always be smooth. The ride is quick, yet conditions can change across the Andaman Sea.

Arriving at Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi

Your arrival pier depends on which island you choose.

For Koh Yao Yai, the boat arrives at Klong Hia Pier. From there, you will need to arrange a taxi or other local transport to your hotel.

For Koh Yao Noi, the boat arrives at Manoh Pier on the southwest side of the island. Again, hotel drop-off is not included, so you should have your accommodation address ready and arrange a taxi after landing.

This split is easy to understand, but it is worth checking twice when you book. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are separate islands, and choosing the wrong destination can create an unnecessary transport problem. Make sure the confirmation names the island where you are staying.

The pier arrival is intentionally practical. You get off, collect your bags, and continue to your hotel. There is no sightseeing stop or guided island orientation, which keeps the transfer quick but means you need to handle the final leg yourself.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The $16.21 fare includes one-way speedboat transport and basic travel insurance. If you select the pickup option, hotel pickup in Phuket is included as part of that paid upgrade.

The fare does not include hotel drop-off on Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi. It also excludes pickup from remote Phuket locations, private villas, and rental homes.

That makes this a budget transfer, not a door-to-door service. I would compare the price with the cost of reaching Bang Rong Pier on your own, especially if you are staying far from the pier. The standard fare is attractive, but a paid hotel pickup may be worthwhile if you have heavy luggage or are staying elsewhere in Phuket.

The service is also useful for solo visitors. A private boat can be hard to justify for one person, while a shared speedboat keeps the cost low. Couples and small groups may also find it good value, particularly if they want a fixed departure instead of negotiating at the pier.

Basic travel insurance is included, but the supplied details do not describe the coverage limits. Treat it as a modest inclusion, not a replacement for your own full travel insurance.

Punctuality, space, and the practical service style

The strongest pattern in the feedback is punctuality. The hotel pickup arrived on time, the departure from Phuket was on time, and the arrival at Koh Yao Noi was also on time. That is exactly what you want from a transfer, especially when you have a hotel booking or onward plans.

The boat is reported to be clean, and the crew is repeatedly described as friendly and professional. One useful detail is that the boat was not full on one departure, leaving enough space for a comfortable ride. Capacity is limited to 75 people, but actual crowding depends on the day and season.

I would think of the service as efficient rather than luxurious. You are not buying lounge access, a meal, or a guided cruise. You are buying a clean boat, a short crossing, organized staff, and a direct route to one of the two islands.

That straightforward approach is part of the appeal. You do not need to decode a complicated itinerary. You need to reach Bang Rong Pier, check in at the correct booth, board, and arrange your island taxi after arrival.

Who should book this Phuket to Koh Yao transfer?

This service suits you best if you want to:

• Reach Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi quickly from Phuket
• Keep transport costs under control
• Avoid arranging a private boat
• Use a daily service in either low or high season
• Have the option of hotel pickup in Phuket
• Travel with a mobile ticket and confirmed booking
• Handle your own taxi from the island pier

It is also a good fit if you value punctuality and simple planning more than extras. The staff-focused service and short crossing make it a sensible bridge between Phuket and the quieter islands.

I would be more cautious if you need door-to-door transport, are staying in a remote Phuket villa, or dislike making local transport arrangements after arrival. The final ride to your hotel is your responsibility, and that should be part of your plan before you board.

Most people can participate, but the boat remains weather dependent. If your schedule has no flexibility at all, leave some room for a delay or cancellation caused by rough seas.

Booking ahead, pickup, and cancellation details

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a mobile ticket is available. You can either meet the boat at Bang Rong Pier or pay extra for eligible hotel pickup in Phuket.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 3:00 pm departure, based on local time. Cancel within 24 hours, or request changes inside that window, and the fare is not refunded.

Weather cancellations are handled differently. If poor weather or bad sea conditions force the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

The service averages around 56 days of advance booking. That does not mean you must book two months ahead, but it does suggest that planning early can be sensible if you are traveling on fixed dates or during a busy season.

My verdict on the Green Planet speedboat

I like this transfer because it does one job and does it at a fair price. The crossing is fast, the staff are described as punctual and polite, the boat is clean, and the route runs daily in both low and high season.

The trade-off is that you must arrange the edges of the journey yourself. You need to reach Bang Rong Pier unless you pay for pickup, and you need a taxi from Klong Hia or Manoh Pier after landing. Once you understand that, the service becomes easy to judge.

Book it if you want a reliable shared speedboat at a modest fare, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple and do not need a private boat. Skip it only if you require full hotel-to-hotel service or cannot allow for weather-related changes.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat leave from in Phuket?

The speedboat leaves from Bang Rong Pier in northeast Phuket, at 2CX8+Q9M, Soi Mukthalang, Tambon Thep Krasatti, Thalang.

What time does the boat depart?

The listed departure time is 3:00 pm. You should arrive at Bang Rong Pier 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the journey?

The speedboat ride takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Where does the boat arrive on Koh Yao Yai?

The boat arrives at Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai.

Where does the boat arrive on Koh Yao Noi?

The boat arrives at Manoh Pier on the southwest side of Koh Yao Noi.

Is hotel pickup available in Phuket?

Yes. Optional hotel pickup is available from eligible Phuket hotels for an additional fee. Pickup is not available from remote locations, private villas, or rental properties.

Is hotel drop-off included on Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi?

No. Hotel drop-off is not included. You can arrange a taxi from Klong Hia Pier or Manoh Pier to your accommodation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the boat?

If the service is canceled because of poor weather or bad sea conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.