Phuket Piers and Ferries to the islands

Rassada Pier

Goes to Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Koh Lanta

Rassada Pier is the main ferry terminal on Phuket and the departure point for all ferries and speedboats to Phi Phi Island, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. It is on the east coast, a few minutes south of Phuket Town. Big ferries take about 2 hours to Phi Phi (around 600 THB). Speedboats take about 1 hour (850 to 950 THB). You can buy tickets at the pier, but surprisingly it is usually cheaper to book online. The pier has an ATM, a currency exchange counter, a few restaurants, and a large parking area where you can leave your car for the day. Most ferry bookings include hotel pickup by shared minivan. The pier was rebuilt after the 2004 tsunami and is now a proper modern terminal.

Laem Hin Pier

Goes to Rang Yai, Rang Noi, Koh Maphrao

Laem Hin Pier is a small pier on the east coast of Phuket Town, used mainly for longtail boats to the nearby islands. Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) is only about 10 minutes away. Rang Yai Island takes about 20 minutes. Rang Noi is a private island with its own resort. You can book a longtail from the small tour office in front of the pier or negotiate directly with the drivers. A return trip to Rang Yai costs around 2,500 THB for the whole boat, including waiting time. There are also two excellent floating seafood restaurants in the channel between the pier and Koh Maphrao. The pier is simple but functional, with a seafood restaurant (Laem Hin Seafood) right at the waterfront that is popular with locals on weekends.

Bang Rong Pier

Goes to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Naka

Bang Rong Pier is on the northeast coast of Phuket, about 20 minutes drive from Phuket Airport. This is the main departure point for speedboats to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Speedboats run regularly throughout the day (roughly 7:30 am to 5 pm) and take about 25 to 30 minutes. The fare is around 300 to 400 THB per person. Longtail boats also operate but take about an hour. The pier has ticket counters, a small waiting area, and a few food stalls. It is a functional transit point, not a tourist attraction. If you are heading to one of the Koh Yao resorts, some hotels arrange their own transfer from the airport via Bang Rong. Arrive at the pier about 15 minutes before departure.

Ao Por Pier

Goes to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Naka Yai, Phang Nga Bay

Ao Por Pier (also called Ao Po Grand Marina) is on the northeast coast, about 30 minutes drive from Phuket Airport. It is more upscale than Bang Rong, with a proper marina, restaurants, bars, and yacht services. Speedboats from here reach Koh Yao Noi in about 15 minutes (the fastest crossing from Phuket). Koh Naka Yai, home to The Naka Island Resort, is about 20 minutes by speedboat. Some Phang Nga Bay tour operators also depart from here. The pier has better facilities than Bang Rong, including the Port of Call restaurant and D Deck bar, which are good places to wait if your boat is delayed. Six Senses Yao Noi guests typically depart from Ao Por.

Rawai Pier

Goes to Coral Island, Koh Bon, Koh Lone, Maiton Island, Racha Island

Rawai Pier is a long concrete deck on the southern tip of Phuket. From here, longtail boats take you to the nearby southern islands. Koh Bon is the closest, about 15 minutes away. Coral Island (Koh Hae) takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Racha Island is further out, about 30 to 45 minutes. You negotiate the price directly with the longtail drivers along the waterfront. This is a more local, less packaged alternative to booking an organised tour from Chalong Pier. Rawai Pier is also used by dive boats. The area around the pier has seafood restaurants, bars, and the famous Rawai Seafood Market at the eastern end of the road.

Chalong Pier

Goes to Coral Island, Racha Island, Koh Bon, Maiton Island

Chalong Pier is the busiest pier on Phuket. It is the main base for dive boats, private yachts, and many day tour speedboats. From here, boats head to Coral Island (about 15 minutes by speedboat), Racha Island (about 30 minutes), Koh Bon, and Maiton Island. Some Phi Phi day tour operators also use Chalong as a departure point. The pier has a large parking area, which is useful if you are driving yourself. Several tour company offices are located along the road approaching the pier. The Racha resort has its own check-in office near Chalong Pier, with a daily speedboat transfer at 1 pm.

Royal Phuket Marina

Goes to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands

Royal Phuket Marina is on the east coast and is where many premium speedboat tour operators are based. Companies like Simba Sea Trips and others depart from here for day trips to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and Similan Islands. The marina has proper facilities: restaurants, a coffee shop, toilets, and covered waiting areas. It is a comfortable place to start a day trip, and most tours include breakfast here before departure. Private yacht and speedboat charters also leave from Royal Phuket Marina.

Phuket Boat Lagoon

Goes to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands

Phuket Boat Lagoon is right next to Royal Phuket Marina and serves a similar role. Speedboat tours and private charters to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and Similan Islands depart from here. Several tour operators have offices in the marina complex. The Boat Lagoon also has restaurants, shops, a chandlery, and parking. Custom-designed island-hopping cruises and multi-day yacht charters often start here. If you are doing a premium or private tour, there is a good chance you will depart from either Boat Lagoon or Royal Phuket Marina.