About this tour
When Charlie from our team caught the Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat from Koh Yao Yai to Phuket, it was a straightforward 30-minute crossing to Bang Rong Pier in the north. This is a no-frills transfer service — not a sightseeing tour, but the quickest way to hop between islands if you're moving on from Koh Yao. The boat handles the route regardless of season, though rough seas or weather can cause delays or cancellations (you'd get a full refund). It's basic transport with basic insurance included, and works best if you're light on luggage and don't need hotel-to-hotel convenience.
Highlights
- 30 minutes door-to-door between islands — no dawdling.
- Bang Rong Pier landing puts you on Phuket's quieter northern edge.
- Basic travel insurance bundled in, no extra charge.
- Full refund if weather or seas force a postponement.
- Infant-friendly if they sit on a lap — no separate seat needed.
- Speed boat feels swift and purposeful, not leisurely.
What to expect
Expect a genuine ferry crossing, not a leisure jaunt. You'll board a speed boat designed to shift passengers fast across the Andaman Sea. The journey takes half an hour, and the boat moves at pace — you'll feel the engine and the spray if you're on the upper deck. Charlie found it quick and efficient, with minimal chat or orientation; the crew gets you onboard, gets you across, and lands you at Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's north coast. That pier isn't central Phuket town, so factor in an onward taxi or pickup if you need to reach Patong or another beach.
Weather is the wild card. If the sea's rough or a storm's brewing, the operator will delay or reschedule your journey rather than push through. It's a smart policy for safety, though it means flexibility is key if your onward plans are tight.
What travellers say
- Half-hour crossing beats any alternative ferry or flight option.
- Weather cancellations fully refunded, no rebooking hassle.
- Insurance included in the ticket price.
- Straightforward route to northern Phuket without tourist theatre.
- Infants travel cost-free on an adult's lap.
- Not suitable for spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor heart health.
- No hotel pickups — you arrange pier transport yourself.
- Bang Rong Pier is remote; expect further travel to reach central Phuket.
- Rough seas (May–October) can postpone or cancel your journey.
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 the fastest way to island-hop from Koh Yao Yai to Phuket without flying. If you're done with island life and want to reach town quickly, it works. Insurance is included, and refunds are honoured if weather intervenes — no hidden gotchas there. Suits anyone who can handle speed and motion; infants travel free on a lap.
It's not recommended for pregnant travellers, anyone with spinal issues, or those with cardiovascular concerns — speed boats aren't gentle on the body. No hotel pickup means you'll need transport to and from piers. Bang Rong Pier is Phuket's quieter northern landing, so you'll need an onward taxi (budget 200–400 baht to Patong or town). Rough seas between May and October can trigger cancellations. Pack light luggage — storage is tight. Bring sunscreen and a hat; there's little shade on deck.
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.