About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this speed boat run from Ao Nang down to Phuket, we got a straight shot across the Andaman with a detour through Koh Yao Islands. It's a 1 hour 20 minute crossing that beats the minibus slog — hotel pickups across the Krabi spread (Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, Tubkaek Beach) and a drop at your Phuket hotel make it hassle-free. The Koh Yao route keeps things scenic without adding much time. Most travellers on board are ferry-weary tourists keen to skip the overland route, so the vibe is practical rather than social.
Highlights
- Speed boat cuts travel time versus the overland minibus option
- Koh Yao Islands route adds visual interest to a point-to-point transfer
- Flexible Krabi pickups cover most beachside and town bases
- Basic travel insurance bundled in, which isn't always standard
- Relatively short crossing means minimal seasickness risk for most
- Direct Phuket hotel drop-off eliminates the airport-to-hotel scramble
- Rollable regardless of fitness — no hiking or physical exertion required
What to expect
You'll be collected from your Krabi hotel in the early morning or mid-morning (exact timing depends on your location and the operator's schedule). The ride to the pier is short. Once aboard, the speed boat takes off across calm-to-moderate waters, skirting Koh Yao Islands before heading straight for Phuket Town or the western beaches. The crossing is quick and relatively smooth if sea conditions cooperate — Alex's run was choppy but bearable. You're packed shoulder-to-shoulder with other travellers, mostly holidaymakers, so don't expect a scenic cruise feel; it's functional transport with decent views. The boat doesn't stop to swim or snorkel, though the island views are a nice bonus over a bus seat.
Once you hit Phuket, you're dropped at your nominated hotel. No fuss, no waiting for a transfer coordinator. The whole experience is about getting from A to B without the eight-hour minibus grind. Weather and sea state can push things back — the operator reserves the right to reschedule or refund if conditions turn ugly.
What travellers say
- Cuts half a day off the minibus route between regions
- Hotel-to-hotel service, no airport or pier navigation stress
- Scenic island views as a bonus over overland transport
- Insurance included; straightforward, no hidden add-ons
- Works for all fitness levels; pure transport, zero exertion
- Choppy seas make the crossing uncomfortable for sensitive stomachs
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or spinal injury concerns
- Weather delays or cancellations possible; don't book tight connections
- Infants have no dedicated seat; lap-sitting only on cramped boat
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a genuine time-saver if you're moving between Krabi's beaches and Phuket without wanting to sit in a van. The direct hotel-to-hotel service removes the typical "find your own onward transport" hassle. Insurance is included, which sweetens the deal. Small groups mean you're never crammed with hundreds of other travellers. The route through Koh Yao beats pure ocean for visual relief.
Speed boats are rough on the back and neck — rough seas will make you feel it. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal issues, or dodgy cardiovascular health; the operator flags this clearly. Infants must sit on a lap (no allocated seats), which is a squeeze on a rocking boat. Weather delays happen; bad seas mean cancellation and refund, so don't book tight onward connections. Peak tourist seasons (December–February) get crowded. Phuket drop-offs exclude Mai Khao and Panwa Beach areas, so check your destination. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.