About this tour
When Ben from our team caught the Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat from Koh Phi Phi to Ao Nang, it was a straightforward shot across the water — just an hour of engine roar and sea spray to get mainland-side. You're packed onto a proper speedboat with other travellers, hitting Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang where the limestone cliffs meet the quieter side of Krabi's coast. It's no scenic cruise; it's a workhorse transfer that gets you there fast. The boat runs year-round, though frequency drops in low season (May–October) when the afternoon swell picks up.
Highlights
- Snappy one-hour crossing beats the longer ferry alternatives
- Nopparat Thara Pier drop-off keeps you out of Ao Nang town centre crowds
- Boat departs multiple times daily in high season (Nov–Apr)
- Basic travel insurance bundled in
- Operates every day despite monsoon season
- Quick turnaround if you're island-hopping
What to expect
You'll arrive at the pier 15–20 minutes before departure; it's a tight boarding process with other passengers and bags crammed on. The ride itself is bumpy — speedboats don't coddle you, and if the sea's choppy, you'll feel every metre. Ben found the cabin a bit snug and the noise level high, but once you're out of Phi Phi's bay, the Andaman opens up. The journey cuts across open water with limestone karsts on the horizon. You'll pull into Nopparat Thara, a quieter pier than Ao Nang proper, and hop off into a much calmer vibe than Phi Phi's party crowds.
The whole experience is efficient but not luxurious. No frills, no commentary, just a fast transfer. Weather can be a wildcard — rough seas or storms mean delays or cancellations (with a refund), so book with flexibility if you're on a tight schedule.
What travellers say
- Direct, no-fuss pier-to-pier hop in under an hour
- Multiple daily departures during peak season
- Nopparat Thara drop-off skips Ao Nang town congestion
- Operates daily year-round with full refund if cancelled
- Basic travel insurance included in fare
- Loud, cramped, and physically rough for sensitive travellers
- Weather cancellations and delays common in low season
- No hotel pickup — you're on your own getting to pier
- Not suitable for pregnant, spinal-injured, or cardiac-vulnerable passengers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This beats a minivan ride if you're in a hurry and don't mind the bang and jostle. The drop-off at Nopparat Thara is genuinely handy — you skip Ao Nang's busier pier and land in a more mellow spot. Runs daily all year, so scheduling's usually flexible. Basic insurance is a nice touch.
Speedboats are loud, cramped, and rough on the back and neck, so not ideal if you've got spinal issues, are pregnant, or have heart concerns (operator's clear about that). Infants must sit on a lap — no seat for them. Weather delays are common in monsoon season; treat this as best-effort rather than guaranteed. Hotel pickups aren't included, so you're getting yourself to the pier. Peak season (Nov–Apr) can get crowded. Bring tablets for motion sickness if you're prone, and secure loose items — salt spray's real.
1-way speedboat seat, basic travel insurance.
Hotel transfers, meals, any onboard amenities beyond a seat.
Full boat varies; usually 20–40 passengers.
High season Nov–Apr (3 daily departures); low season May–Oct (1 afternoon run). Best to book ahead in high season.
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.