Phuket to Koh Yao Noi

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Koh Yao Noi is one of the least-developed islands in the Phuket area, lying in the middle of Phang Nga Bay about 30 km northeast of Phuket. The crossing from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's northeast coast takes just 30 to 45 minutes by longtail or speedboat — short enough to feel like a day trip, but Koh Yao Noi repays a proper stay. Its neighbour Koh Yao Yai (the larger island to the south) is accessible on the same route, so it's worth knowing which island you actually want before you board.

Bang Rong Pier: the departure point

Bang Rong Pier is on the northeast coast of Phuket, about 20 km north of Phuket Town and roughly 30–35 km from the main west coast beach resorts (Patong, Karon, Kata). The road to Bang Rong winds through rubber and palm plantations — not dramatic, but pleasant. Most travellers reach it by taxi from their accommodation, or by renting a motorbike or car. There is no direct public bus from Phuket's tourist areas to Bang Rong; songthaews from Phuket Town can get you to the general area but it's not a clean connection. A taxi from Patong takes around 40–50 minutes.

The pier is small and informal — a short jetty with space for a handful of longtails and the occasional speedboat. There is a simple ticket booth and a few vendors. This is not a Rassada-scale operation; it suits the quieter character of the island you are heading to.

Longtail boats

Traditional longtail boats are the most common vessel on this crossing. They carry around 10–15 passengers and make the trip to Koh Yao Noi pier (on the island's west side) in roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Longtails run on a loose schedule throughout the day — there are typically several departures from Bang Rong in the morning and a few in the afternoon — but this is not a frequent service in the style of a city ferry; if you arrive at the pier and the longtail has just left, you may wait 30–60 minutes for the next. The crossing is scenic across the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay, with limestone karst towers rising from the water on all sides.

Longtails are open to the elements and low to the water, which means spray in choppy conditions and a slightly bumpy ride when the bay is less than glassy. In the main monsoon (May to October) the bay is rougher and services can be affected, though the sheltered position of Phang Nga Bay means disruptions are less severe than on the open Andaman routes to Phi Phi.

Speedboats

Shared and private speedboats also operate from Bang Rong, cutting the crossing to around 20 to 30 minutes. These are faster and can be convenient, particularly if you have timed luggage and a tight schedule, but they are more expensive than the longtail. Private speedboat charters between Phuket and Koh Yao Noi can be arranged through hotels and travel agencies, and are popular with resort guests doing a direct airport-or-hotel-to-island transfer.

Some resort operators on Koh Yao Noi arrange their own speedboat transfers from Bang Rong or even from Phuket airport's pier area — if you are staying at one of the island's higher-end properties, check whether this is included or available for an additional charge.

Koh Yao Noi vs Koh Yao Yai

The two Koh Yao islands sit close together, and it's easy to confuse them:

• Koh Yao Noi (the "small" island, though it is the more developed of the two in terms of tourism) has a small cluster of guesthouses, a handful of mid-range resorts, a Muslim fishing community, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely off the beaten track by Thai island standards. There are mangroves, paddy fields, bicycles for hire, and very few jet skis. It's the island most travellers and travel writers mean when they talk about "the quiet Koh Yao."
• Koh Yao Yai (the "large" island) is actually bigger in land area but less visited by tourists. It has fewer accommodation options, quieter beaches, and an even more local character. A small car ferry also connects Koh Yao Yai to the mainland side of Phang Nga Bay, which means some visitors arrive there by a different route entirely.

Most travellers from Phuket using Bang Rong Pier are heading to Koh Yao Noi. If you want Koh Yao Yai, confirm with the longtail driver before you set off — some boats serve both islands.

Combining with Phuket airport or Phang Nga Bay

Koh Yao Noi's position in the middle of Phang Nga Bay makes it an interesting midpoint if you are doing a broader Andaman loop. Some travellers arrive from Phuket and continue to Krabi by speedboat, or hop across to join a long-tail or kayak tour of the bay's karst scenery. The island itself makes a good quiet night or two within a Phuket-based itinerary — close enough for a day trip, but far more rewarding as a stay.

If you are flying into Phuket and want to reach Koh Yao Noi on the same day, allow time for airport arrivals, a taxi to Bang Rong (roughly 40–50 minutes from the airport, which is also in the north of Phuket and actually the closest point on the island to Bang Rong), and the ferry crossing itself. An early-afternoon arrival at the airport typically allows a same-day crossing in high season.

For context on other Andaman island crossings, see our guides on Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and ferries to the Thai islands. For travel into the region, see Bangkok to Phuket.

Monsoon season

The Andaman monsoon runs from approximately May to October. Phang Nga Bay is more sheltered than the open Andaman routes — the karst islands provide a degree of wind-break — so Koh Yao Noi is accessible for much of the low season, and many small guesthouses stay open year-round. That said, heavy rain can make longtail crossings unpleasant, and occasional storms can disrupt services. The island is quietest between June and September, which is a reasonable time to visit if you want empty beaches and competitive room rates.

Frequently asked questions

Which pier does the boat to Koh Yao Noi leave from in Phuket?

Boats to Koh Yao Noi depart from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's northeast coast, about 20 km north of Phuket Town. There is no direct public bus; most travellers take a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach the pier.

How long is the crossing from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi?

Longtail boats take around 30 to 40 minutes; speedboats can do it in 20 to 30 minutes. Both cross the sheltered waters of Phang Nga Bay and the journey is usually calm and scenic.

What is the difference between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai?

Koh Yao Noi is the smaller island in land area but has more guesthouses and traveller facilities, with a quieter, community-based character. Koh Yao Yai is larger but less developed for tourism. Most travellers from Phuket head to Koh Yao Noi. Confirm with your boat driver which island they serve.

Can I get to Koh Yao Noi during the monsoon?

Generally yes — Phang Nga Bay is sheltered enough that longtail services usually continue year-round, though rough weather can cause delays. Many guesthouses on Koh Yao Noi stay open in low season, making it a viable off-season destination.