Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai by Green Planet Speed Boat

Koh Yao Yai is only a short boat ride away. This Green Planet transfer links Ao Nang with the quieter island by a direct speedboat, making it a useful bridge between Krabi and the Phang Nga Bay area. I like the included hotel pickup from several Krabi zones, and I like that the boat normally reaches the island in about 40 minutes. The main concern is comfort: boats can be full, luggage can crowd the cabin, and one reported engine problem turned a quick crossing into a much longer trip.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a guide or island stops. It is a practical one-way transfer, with a short run from Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Yao Yai. For $24.25 per person, the price is reasonable if your hotel lies within the pickup area and you value a prepaid ride.

The service is scheduled daily in both low and high season, but the sea still has the final say. Bad weather, rough water, or limited availability can cause a delay, date change, or cancellation.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves at 11:20 am from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.
• Hotel pickup is included from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.
• Railay pickup is at Railay East, near the floating pier in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa.
• The crossing takes about 40 minutes when the boat runs normally and travels directly.
• The arrival pier needs checking, since the information names both Klong Hia Pier and Chong Lad Pier.
• A taxi is not included, so arrange your island ride separately or ask about a fixed rate before departure.

A direct route from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai

The appeal here is simple: you skip a long, pieced-together journey. Green Planet collects you from a selected hotel area, takes you to Nopparat Thara Pier, and puts you on a speedboat bound directly for Koh Yao Yai.

The boat does not make stopovers along the way. That matters because island transfers can otherwise involve waiting, changing boats, or stopping at several piers. Under normal conditions, the crossing lasts around 40 minutes, so this is one of the quickest practical ways to reach Koh Yao Yai from Krabi.

You will see open sea and coastal views during the ride, but keep your expectations in check. This is transport first, not a scenic excursion with commentary or planned photo stops. If you want the fastest route to your accommodation, that is a virtue. If you want a relaxed cruise, the speedboat format may feel less appealing.

The 11:20 am departure at Nopparat Thara Pier

The listed departure time is 11:20 am from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. If you book hotel pickup, your precise collection time is sent by email after booking. Do not treat the 11:20 departure as your hotel pickup time.

That distinction is important. Pickup vehicles have to collect passengers across several parts of Krabi, and one report describes a songthaew arriving about 15 minutes later than expected. It still reached the pier, but you should allow some patience for local traffic and hotel loading.

If you are making your own way to the pier, use the listed meeting point:

Nopparat Thara Pier

Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180

The boat crew operates under the Green Planet name. At the pier, you will need to locate the correct departure area and have your mobile ticket ready. Your booking confirmation is issued at the time of purchase, which makes this easier than arranging a boat after you arrive in Krabi.

Hotel pickup across six Krabi areas

Pickup is included from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. Railay is handled differently. You meet at the small floating pier at Railay East, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa.

This coverage gives the transfer real value. A fare of $24.25 can look less attractive if you still need to pay for a separate ride to the pier. For many people staying in the named areas, the included collection removes that extra step.

You should check your hotel location carefully before booking. The service does not promise pickup from every part of Krabi, and the information specifically names these zones. If your accommodation sits outside them, ask the provider before assuming transport is included.

Pickup timing is confirmed by email, so check your inbox after booking. Keep the message available on your phone, especially if your hotel has more than one entrance or sits on a busy road.

What the 40-minute speedboat ride is really like

A speedboat gets the job done quickly, but comfort can change from one departure to the next. One passenger found enough room for both people and luggage and described the crossing as well organized and punctual. Another found the boat packed close to capacity, with luggage taking up valuable space and the cabin becoming hot.

The stated maximum is 75 people. That is a sizable group for a small speedboat, and the actual feel depends on the vessel assigned and how much baggage is loaded. You should expect a functional crossing rather than a roomy ferry ride.

The boat is covered, but that does not guarantee a cool cabin. If the boat is full and waiting at the pier, ventilation may feel limited. Dress for heat and keep water with you. Store important items in a small bag that stays close, rather than burying them inside a larger suitcase.

The sea can also affect the ride. The service requires good weather, and rough conditions may cause delays or cancellation. Speedboats can be more sensitive to waves than larger ferries, so a calm schedule on paper does not guarantee a smooth crossing.

A serious delay can happen

Most trips should be much shorter than the worst reported case, but you need to know the risk. On one crossing, an engine failed around 10 minutes after departure. The crew tried to repair it but could not, and the total journey eventually took about 100 minutes.

That is not the normal advertised timing, but it shows why you should avoid booking a tight onward connection on Koh Yao Yai. Give yourself breathing room before a hotel check-in, private tour, or other boat departure.

The positive side is that the crew did try to address the mechanical problem. Still, a small speedboat is a working vessel, not a high-frequency public ferry with many backup options. If you need absolute schedule certainty, this type of transfer carries more risk than a larger boat service.

Arriving at Koh Yao Yai and finding a taxi

The arrival information uses two pier names: Klong Hia Pier in the detailed instructions, and Chong Lad Pier elsewhere in the description. Both references point to the northern part of Koh Yao Yai, but you should confirm the exact drop-off point before travel.

This matters because there is no hotel drop-off. The boat leaves you at the pier, and you arrange the final ride yourself. The local information says you can get a taxi from the pier, but the price and availability are not included in the ticket.

A useful move is to ask about your onward taxi before you board in Ao Nang. One person was able to arrange a taxi at a fixed rate before arriving on the island. That can make the landing much easier, especially if you arrive with large bags or your accommodation is some distance from the pier.

Do not assume the speedboat operator will carry you to your hotel. The included service ends at the island pier. Have your hotel name, phone number, and address ready in case you need help explaining the destination to a local driver.

What the $24.25 fare includes

The fare includes one-way speedboat transport, pickup from the specified Krabi areas, Railay East pickup, and basic travel insurance. It does not include the ride from the Koh Yao Yai pier to your accommodation.

At this price, the strongest value comes from the combination of speed and convenience. You are paying for a direct crossing and a planned start, not for a full day of activities. If you are already near Nopparat Thara Pier and can arrange a cheaper local ride, the value gap may be smaller. If you are staying in an included pickup zone, the package becomes more useful.

The fare is also prepaid. That removes one common travel chore, finding a boat operator at the last minute and trying to compare departure times at the pier. You know your transport is arranged before you leave Krabi.

Basic travel insurance is included, but the provided details do not explain its coverage or limits. Treat it as a small extra, not a substitute for checking your own travel insurance.

The good points, and the less comfortable ones

The most praised parts of this service are its organization, pickup, punctuality, and speed. Several departures have run on time, and the hotel collection has been described as efficient. A direct arrival earlier than expected is exactly what you want from a transfer.

The service also works well for independent island trips. You do not need a guide, group activity, or fixed hotel package. You simply reach Koh Yao Yai and continue at your own pace.

The weak spots are comfort and consistency. A full boat with luggage can feel cramped. A hot cabin is not pleasant, particularly while waiting at the pier. Some passengers have also found the crew less friendly than expected, and dock staff have not always made a good impression.

These issues do not mean every departure will be uncomfortable. They do mean you should choose this service for its practical route, not for polished hospitality. Keep valuables with you, pack light if possible, and avoid building your whole day around the advertised 40-minute crossing.

Weather, cancellation, and basic planning

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and a cancellation inside that period is not refunded.

Weather is handled differently. If poor conditions cancel the service, you are offered another date or a full refund. Delays and postponements are also possible because of bad weather, sea conditions, or limited availability.

I would book this transfer at least a day before you need it, then watch your email for the pickup details. Since the service is commonly reserved well ahead of departure, booking early may also help during busy periods. The available information gives an average booking lead time of 49 days, so advance planning is common.

The service has a maximum of 75 people. That does not guarantee a spacious ride, but it gives you a sense of the possible group size. If you dislike crowded boat trips, ask about the vessel and expected capacity before paying.

Who should choose this transfer?

I would choose Green Planet if I were staying in one of the included Krabi areas and wanted a simple, direct trip to Koh Yao Yai. It is especially useful for people who prefer to prepay transport and avoid negotiating a boat departure at the pier.

It also suits independent visitors who already know where they are staying on the island. You can handle the final taxi yourself and keep control of your plans.

I would be more cautious if you have a strict appointment soon after arrival, are carrying a large amount of luggage, or strongly dislike enclosed speedboats. The engine problem and reports of crowding are reminders to leave extra time.

Families and older passengers should consider the pier-to-hotel gap. The boat does not include final drop-off, and you need to manage luggage again when you arrive. Most people can participate, but the service is not presented as a private transfer or a door-to-door experience.

Should you book the Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai speedboat?

Book it if speed, included pickup, and a direct route matter most. At $24.25, it offers fair value for a one-way transfer from the listed Krabi areas, particularly when you count the time and effort saved.

Before you pay, confirm three things: your hotel is inside the pickup zone, your arrival pier is Klong Hia or Chong Lad, and you have a plan for the taxi to your hotel. Then leave a buffer after arrival in case the boat runs late.

This is a useful transport service, but not a luxury crossing. Go in expecting a quick, practical boat ride with variable comfort. If that matches your needs, Green Planet is a sensible way to reach Koh Yao Yai.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat ride take?

The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes when operating normally and travels directly from Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai without scheduled stopovers.

What time does the boat depart?

The listed departure time is 11:20 am from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. Railay pickup is from Railay East.

Where do I meet the boat in Railay?

You meet at the small floating pier at Railay East, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa.

Where does the boat arrive on Koh Yao Yai?

The detailed arrival information names Klong Hia Pier, while another part of the information names Chong Lad Pier. Confirm the exact pier with the provider before departure.

Is hotel drop-off on Koh Yao Yai included?

No. The transfer ends at the island pier, and you must arrange your own taxi or other onward transport.

Does the price include travel insurance?

Yes. Basic travel insurance is included with the one-way speedboat transfer.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the service is canceled because of poor weather. Delays or postponements can also occur because of sea conditions or limited availability.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.