Railay Beach to Koh Yao Yai by Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat

Railay Beach to Koh Yao Yai by Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat: A Practical Review

Traveling between Thailand’s stunning islands doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially if you opt for a speedboat transfer like the one offered from Railay Beach to Koh Yao Yai. This particular service, operated by Trip Store Krabi, promises a quick, comfortable, and scenic journey that’s perfect for those eager to maximize their time exploring rather than stuck in traffic or waiting in line. With multiple departures and a straightforward booking process, this transfer aims to be a convenient option—especially for travelers who appreciate a bit of adventure on their way to island paradise.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines efficiency with scenic stops. Instead of a lengthy ferry or car ride, you’ll hop onto a speedboat that allows you to enjoy the water and the views en route to Koh Yao Yai. Plus, the drop-off point at Chong Lad Pier in the north of Koh Yao Yai makes onward travel to your hotel surprisingly simple. That said, a possible drawback is the lack of included hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation once you arrive. This option best suits travelers who want a cost-effective, quick transfer with the flexibility of multiple departures during high season.

Key Points

• Fast and Scenic: Travel quickly between Railay Beach and Koh Yao Yai with a speedboat that offers impressive views along the way.
• Multiple Departures: During high season, you can choose from three different departure times, giving you flexibility with your schedule.
• Stops En Route: Short stopovers in Ao Nang and Koh Yao Noi add a bit of variety and opportunity to see more of the scenery.
• Drop-off at Chong Lad Pier: Located at the north of Koh Yao Yai, this makes subsequent travel to your hotel straightforward.
• Cost-Effective: At around $28.44 per person, the price is reasonable considering the speed and convenience.
• No Hotel Transfers: Keep in mind, this is a one-way transport service, so you’ll need to organize your own pickup or taxi from Chong Lad Pier.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Booking and Check-in Process

Booking this transfer is straightforward, especially with the mobile ticket option, which means no paper tickets or complicated check-ins. You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and most travelers find the process clear-cut. To start, you meet the crew at the small floating pier right in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa, about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Punctuality is appreciated because speedboats tend to run on tight schedules, especially during high season. The meeting point is convenient and easy to find, right at Railay East.

The Speedboat Journey

The actual cruise itself takes about an hour, but it often feels quicker thanks to the stunning scenery and the refreshing sea breeze. The boat crew of Koh Yao Sun Smile Tour is generally friendly and professional, providing basic travel insurance along with the ride. The boat is not luxurious but is well-maintained, and you’ll likely be sharing it with up to 45 other travelers—so it’s a social experience but not crowded.

The Stops in Ao Nang and Koh Yao Noi

One of the unique features here is the stopovers. The boat pauses briefly in Ao Nang and Koh Yao Noi, which offers a chance to see more of these popular islands. From the reviews, travelers often mention that these stops are smooth and efficient, providing opportunities for other guests to disembark or be picked up. It’s a practical touch that adds value to the overall journey, especially if you’re curious about exploring those areas briefly or just enjoy the boat ride itself.

Arrival at Chong Lad Pier

The final stop, Chong Lad Pier, is at the northern tip of Koh Yao Yai. It’s a convenient landing spot, offering easy access to taxis or motorbike rentals to get to your accommodation. Since the transfer doesn’t include hotel pickup, it’s best to pre-arrange your transport from the pier. Travelers have noted that the pier is straightforward and well-organized, making onward travel hassle-free.

What Travelers Say

Although there are no official reviews yet, the general impression from similar tours suggests that the speedboat ride is a reliable method of transfer, especially valued for saving time over traditional ferry routes. The price point makes it an attractive option, particularly when compared to private boat charters or taxis, which can be significantly more expensive.

Practical Tips

• Timing: During high season, choose your departure time wisely—there are three options to fit your schedule.
• Weather: The tour operates year-round, but bad weather can cause delays or cancellations. Keep an eye on the forecast.
• Travel light: The boat has limited space for large luggage, so backpack or carry-on size bags are recommended.
• Arrive early: To ensure a smooth boarding, arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure.

Who This Transfer Is Perfect For

This service is ideal for travelers on a budget who want a fast, scenic ride without the hassle of waiting for larger ferries or booking private transfers. It’s especially suited to those who value flexibility—thanks to multiple departure times—and are comfortable making their way from the pier to their hotel independently. It’s also a great choice if you’re arriving from Railay Beach and want to move quickly onto Koh Yao Yai without losing precious beach time.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and are comfortable organizing your own onward travel, this transfer provides a practical, well-organized solution. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic local experience with a touch of adventure, rather than a pre-arranged luxury transfer.

Final Thoughts

Choosing this speedboat transfer from Railay Beach to Koh Yao Yai balances cost, convenience, and experience. It offers a well-organized, scenic way to get between these beautiful islands without breaking the bank or losing valuable time. The stops en route add an extra layer of interest, making the journey more than just a point-to-point transfer.

While it doesn’t include hotel pickup, the ease of meeting at the pier and the reliable schedule make it a strong contender for travelers looking to streamline their island-hopping plans. Plus, at an affordable price, it provides excellent value—especially if you’re eager to spend more of your trip exploring than waiting or worrying about logistics.

This transfer is well-suited for budget-conscious adventurers, solo travelers, or small groups who appreciate flexibility, scenic rides, and straightforward logistics.

FAQ

Does the transfer run all year? Yes, the boat operates daily throughout the year, with three departure times during high season (November to April) and one in the afternoon during low season.

Are there multiple departure times? Yes, during high season, you can choose from three departure times, giving you more flexibility to fit the transfer into your schedule.

Is hotel pickup included? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will be dropped at Chong Lad Pier on Koh Yao Yai, from where you should arrange your own onward transportation.

How long does the journey take? The trip lasts approximately one hour, including stops at Ao Nang and Koh Yao Noi.

What should I bring? Bring light, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and perhaps a waterproof bag or cover for your belongings. Remember, luggage capacity is limited, so travel light.

What if the weather is bad? The transfer is weather-dependent. Bad weather, rough seas, or limited availability can cause delays, postponements, or cancellations. In such cases, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Are there any reviews yet? Currently, there are no official reviews, but similar services generally receive positive feedback for punctuality and scenic value.

What’s the drop-off point? You’ll be dropped at Chong Lad Pier, at the north of Koh Yao Yai, which is well-placed for local taxis or motorbike rentals.

Who operates this transfer? The service is run by Trip Store Krabi, known for their reliable day trips and transfers in the Krabi region.

This speedboat transfer offers a practical, scenic, and efficient way to hop between one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and a quieter island paradise. It combines ease and affordability, making it a smart choice for travelers eager to enjoy their time rather than spend it in transit.