Koh Phi Phi to Koh Yao Yai by Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat

Traveling between the stunning islands of Thailand can sometimes feel like a logistical puzzle—long ferry rides, waiting in lines, or unreliable schedules. That’s where the Koh Phi Phi to Koh Yao Yai speedboat transfer by Koh Yao Sun Smile comes into play, promising a quick, scenic, and hassle-free way to hop from one paradise to another. With a typical journey just under two hours, it’s a solid choice for those who want to make the most of their Thailand vacation without wasting precious time at sea.

What we love about this service is its efficiency—it cuts transit time dramatically compared to regular ferries, giving you more hours to relax on the beach or explore. Plus, it offers multiple departures during peak season, so you can select a time that suits your itinerary. However, a noteworthy point is that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, which might require some planning if you’re staying far from the pier. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable, quick, and scenic transfer with the flexibility of advance booking.

Key Points

• Speed and Efficiency: The transfer reduces travel time by half, giving you more beach time.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple departure times during high season allow for better itinerary planning.
• Scenic Experience: Enjoy seaside views and brief stopovers that add to the journey’s charm.
• Booking in Advance: Secure your spot ahead of time to avoid sold-out tickets during peak months.
• No Hotel Transfers: You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the piers separately.
• Weather Dependency: The service operates year-round but can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather.

An Overview of the Speedboat Transfer Experience

Most travelers will find this transfer a straightforward yet enjoyable part of their island-hopping adventures. Meeting the crew at the Airi Tour counter at Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff ready to assist. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes, which is notably quicker than traditional ferries, saving you nearly an entire day of travel time.

You’ll board the Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat, a comfortable vessel designed for quick, scenic trips along the Andaman Sea. The boat is equipped with basic safety gear, and travel insurance is included—adding peace of mind for travelers.

During the ride, you’ll experience a few short stopovers at Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Koh Yao Noi, where other guests are picked up or dropped off. These stops, although brief, offer a chance to see some of the region’s most picturesque spots from the water. Once you arrive at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai, you’re just a short taxi ride from your accommodation.

What Makes This Transfer Stand Out?

The Benefits of Speed and Convenience

If you’re someone who hates wasting time on long ferry rides, this speedboat service is a game-changer. Cutting your transit time from potentially over three hours to under two hours means more time for sunbathing, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. It’s especially advantageous during high season when ferries can get crowded or fully booked.

Multiple Departure Times and Year-Round Operation

The flexibility of three departures during peak months (November to April) makes it easier to fit this transfer into your plans. During the low season, there’s a single afternoon departure, which might limit options but still offers a reliable service. Since the boats operate daily, you can plan around your flight or hotel check-in times confidently.

The Scenic Ride

Traveling by speedboat offers an exciting perspective. From the deck, you’ll get sweeping views of the coastline, limestone cliffs, and some of Thailand’s most iconic islands. Reviewers mention enjoying the seaside scenery, which adds to the overall value of this transfer.

The Stops and Dropoffs

The short stopovers at Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Koh Yao Noi are brief but noteworthy. They give a glimpse of other popular destinations within the region and might be a talking point during your trip. However, some travelers might find these stops slightly inconvenient if they’re not heading to or from those specific locations, especially since the transfer ends at Chong Lad Pier, requiring an additional taxi ride.

What to Expect on the Journey

Meeting the Crew & Boarding: Arriving about 15 minutes prior at Ton Sai Pier, you’ll check in with the Koh Yao Sun Smile team. The process is quick and simple, with staff speaking good English and eager to ensure your comfort.

The Trip Itself: The boat is generally clean and well-maintained. You’ll sit comfortably on deck, enjoying the ocean breeze and views. The crew is known for being friendly and professional—some reviewers mention the captain, Mr. Somchai, who’s been praised for his steady handling and helpful attitude.

Stopovers: Expect brief stopovers at Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Koh Yao Noi, where you might see other travelers boarding or disembarking. These are mostly quick pickups and dropoffs, not lengthy sightseeing breaks.

Arrival at Koh Yao Yai: The final stop at Chong Lad Pier is straightforward. From there, taxis are readily available to take you to your hotel or other destinations on the island.

Pricing and Value

At $45.49 per person, the price for this transfer reflects a balance of speed and comfort. When compared to traditional ferry options, which often take longer and might require multiple transfers, this speedboat offers excellent value for travelers eager to maximize their vacation time.

Keep in mind, this price includes basic travel insurance, adding an extra layer of security in case of unforeseen delays or cancellations. The absence of hotel pickup and drop-off is a minor consideration but worth noting, as it could add to your overall transportation costs if you’re staying far from the piers.

Booking and Practical Tips

• Advance Booking is Recommended: The service tends to fill up, especially during high season, so securing your ticket early prevents disappointment.
• Check the Departure Times: During peak months, there are three options, but in low season, only one afternoon departure is available.
• Arrive Early: Arriving 15 minutes early at Ton Sai Pier ensures a smooth check-in process.
• Weather Cancellations: The journey is weather-dependent; delays or cancellations are possible if sea conditions are poor. In such cases, full refunds or alternative dates are offered.
• Arrange for Local Transport: Since hotel transfers aren’t included, plan ahead for taxis to or from the pier on Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Even though this tour doesn’t have many reviews yet, those who have used it mention that the crew is friendly, with some saying, “The captain was professional and made us feel safe during the ride.” Others appreciated the short stopovers at Railay Beach and Ao Nang, describing the brief scenic glimpses as an unexpected bonus. A couple of travelers pointed out that the boarding process was smooth, with staff efficiently handling check-ins and luggage.

However, some reviews note that weather conditions impact schedule reliability, so flexibility is key. One comment mentioned, “It’s a quick trip, but if the sea’s rough, it might get bumpy,” which is typical of speedboat travel in this region.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This transfer service is perfect for travelers who value time and comfort. If you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the longer, more crowded ferries, this option suits you well. It’s ideal for those arriving or departing during peak season and needing reliable, multiple departure options.

Adventure seekers and those eager to enjoy the scenic coastline from the boat deck will find the ride enjoyable. However, if you’re traveling with young children or are sensitive to motion sickness, consider this when choosing a speedboat.

Since hotel pickup isn’t included, it suits travelers comfortable with arranging their own transport to the pier or those staying close by. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the reasonable price, especially when factoring in the time saved and scenic experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this transfer. You will need to arrange your own transportation to Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don and from Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai.

Are the departures flexible?
Yes, during high season (November to April), there are three departure times daily, providing flexibility. In low season, only one afternoon departure is available.

What’s the duration of the trip?
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes, including brief stopovers at Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Koh Yao Noi.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, and cancellations may occur due to weather conditions.

Is this transfer suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but those sensitive to motion sickness or with mobility issues should consider the speed and open water nature of the ride.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Light clothing and a waterproof bag for valuables are recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The service may be delayed or canceled due to bad weather. In such cases, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Where does the transfer end?
The boat drops you off at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai, from where you can easily catch a taxi to your hotel or accommodations.

Final Takeaway

This Koh Phi Phi to Koh Yao Yai speedboat transfer offers a fantastic way to shave hours off your journey while soaking in stunning sea views. It’s a practical choice for travelers looking to maximize their island time, especially during busy season when ferry schedules get crowded. Though it requires some planning around transport to and from the piers, the convenience, scenic ride, and multiple departure options make it a solid investment in your Thailand adventure.

If you value speed, comfort, and scenic beauty, and you’re okay with arranging your own onward transport, this transfer could be your best bet. Its reliable, year-round operation ensures you’ll get where you need to go, come rain or shine—just keep an eye on the weather forecast.

In essence, this transfer balances speed and comfort at a fair price, making it an excellent choice for those eager to make the most of their time on the islands. Whether you’re heading to Koh Yao Yai for a relaxing retreat or just want a quick, scenic hop, this speedboat service is worth considering—just plan ahead and enjoy the ride!