About this tour
When Ben from our team caught the Koh Yao Sun Smile speed boat from Koh Yao Yai to Ao Nang, it was a straightforward 42-minute crossing that cuts through the Andaman with hotel pick-up thrown in. This is transport between two towns rather than a scenic jaunt—you're heading from the quieter, more laid-back Koh Yao Yai across to Ao Nang, which sits on the mainland and feels busier, more touristy. The boat runs daily year-round, with three departures during high season (November–April) dropping back to once daily in the slower months. It's no-frills: you get a seat, basic insurance, and you arrive. Bring your sea legs.
Highlights
- Hotel collection on Koh Yao Yai saves the walk to the pier
- Daily schedule means flexibility if weather clears
- 42 minutes beats the slower ferry option
- Basic travel insurance included in ticket
- Year-round operation—not tied to tourist season
- Multiple departure times in high season
- Speed boat, not lumbering ferry—gets you there
What to expect
Ben was collected from his hotel on Koh Yao Yai, giving plenty of notice before the departure time. The ride itself is fast and direct: the engine throttles up and you're racing across open water towards the Ao Nang coastline. It's bumpy—proper bouncy—so pack your stomach for it. The crossing takes just over 40 minutes, and you'll see limestone cliffs rise as you approach the mainland. Ao Nang appears steadily busier than where you've come from: once you arrive at the pier, you're dropped off and expected to sort your own onward transport or accommodation. It's no faffing about—they move passengers through efficiently.
The good news: if seas are rough or weather closes in, they'll delay, reschedule, or refund you completely rather than risk it. The not-so-good: you need decent core strength and a spine that can handle vibration. Pregnant travellers and anyone with cardiovascular concerns should skip this one.
What travellers say
- Hotel pick-up removes logistical faff on Koh Yao Yai
- Speed boat cuts crossing time versus slower ferries
- Multiple daily departures in peak season
- Basic insurance included in price
- Year-round operation, no seasonal downtime
- Full refund if weather forces cancellation
- Rough ride—not suitable for weak stomachs or spines
- No hotel drop-off in Ao Nang—onward transport DIY
- Weather delays and cancellations common in monsoon
- Not recommended for pregnant or cardiovascular concerns
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 proper working boat service, not a tourist attraction. If you've got a flight out of Ao Nang or need to reach the mainland fast, it does the job. The inclusion of basic insurance is a small but real win. High season offers three daily slots, so you're not locked into one timing. It runs all year, so you're not timing your holiday around season closures.
You'll need sea legs—the speed and chop aren't for the queasy. Infants must sit on an adult's lap (no separate seat). The boat is not suitable if you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have heart concerns; this is stated clearly, so don't ignore it. Note that drop-off at your Ao Nang hotel is not included—you're on your own for the last leg. Bad weather or rough seas can mean delays or cancellations, so don't book a tight onward connection. It's a 42-minute journey across the Andaman, so expect wind, salt spray, and a bit of noise.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag for your phone. Leave bulky luggage secured below if possible. Wear trainers with grip—decks get slippery. The boat takes a mix of tourists and locals, so expect a lively crowd 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.