English
Thai
Phuket is the main connection point to several of Thailand’s southern holiday islands. Have you heard of Phi Phi Island, Coral Island, Racha Island or even Khai Island? Have you heard how beautiful they are? Interested in visiting these islands around Phuket? Feel like spending a day on the beach? Dying to go snorkeling and swimming with small fish?
All these things are possible once you’re here on ‘The Pearl of the Andaman”!
Longtail Boat
Hiring a longtail Boat is the best way to explore the many hidden beaches and offshore islands around Phuket. You will find longtail boats readily available for hire on most beaches around the Island. These small wooden boats are used to provide a number of marine services, including transporting tourists from beach to beach.
They are not very fast and they certainly aren’t what you would call a speedboat, but what they lack in speed they certainly make up for in sound. Longtails are cheaper than renting a speed boat, they may not be as comfortable or as fast but are a must do a least once while in Phuket.
The price of the boats tends to change with the seasons and the price will also depend on how well you can barter. It also depends on how far you’re going, how long you’re going for and how many people are in your group.
On average a longtail boat will cost around 900 to 2,000 baht depending on your destination. The boats usually carry up to 8 people, and life jackets are usually on board, if you can’t see them just ask the driver if he has life jackets to wear.
Speed Boat
If you are looking for a more adventurous experience during your travel, then you should consider a speed boat to make your trip more exciting. These services also offer private programs, making your trip more memorable and attractive. By hiring a speed boat you can be sure your travel around the island is a much better experience.
Unfortunately, tour speed boats are usually crowded, as are the locations that the tours go to and the boat operators run their day trips to a very tight schedule, not leaving you with enough time to truly enjoy your day. Chartering your own private speed boat offers you the flexibility to choose that perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming or just chilling on a secluded beach, away from the crowds.
Although it’s slightly more expensive than a normal tour, you get better value for money. You travel in smaller groups, visit places when the crowds have left, and often see places where the main tours don’t visit. A search for Phuket Speedboat Charters will turn up many companies providing inter-island charters and services.
The Speed Boats carry between 10 – 40 people, depending whether they are 2 or 3 engine. Transfers on-board a tour speedboat are typically between 1,500 to 2,500 baht depending on the destination, whereas speedboat charters to/from Phuket range from 3,000 baht to 60,000 baht depending on the distance you want to travel and also on the size of the boat.
Ferry Boat
If you are getting ready to go somewhere, one of the most important factors is your resources. Here in Phuket everything is here for you and it really can be very inexpensive. Travel by ferry boats in Phuket is definitely the choice for you if you are looking for a reliable and reasonably priced option when wanting to visit Phuket’s surrounding areas.
The exotic Koh Phi Phi is probably one of Phuket’s closest and well-known vacation spots and it is easily accessible by ferry, as is the quieter and lesser know island of Koh Lanta in Krabi. A ferry is definitely the easiest and cheapest way to visit either of these islands.
While traveling by ferry, passengers can enjoy sightseeing from the deck or if preferred the air-conditioned cabin. Life vests are always on board for all passengers. Phuket’s ferries can carry around 200 – 400 people and the price for a round trip costs around 800 – 2,500 baht depending on destination and season.
Please note that during low season, May to October, some ferries stop running so it always best to check prior to arriving at your departure point. It is usually the services which depart later in the day that are affected, so if you plan to catch the early morning ferry you should be OK. It is also advisable to make sure you are happy with the weather conditions and they are are suitable for you to travel.
It is best to arrange a pick-up from your hotel or resort for around 7:00am – 7:30am, ensuring you arrive at your destination before noon. Afternoon ferries involve a 12:30pm pickup, arriving at your destination at about 15:00.
Ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi
Daily; 08.30, 10.30, 13.30 and 14.30 departing from the Rassada Pier ferry terminal, Phuket Town.
Where to find boat rentals in Phuket
Chalong Pier
Sunrise Road starts at Chalong circle and ends at Chalong pier, Phuket’s principal boat anchorage location and the islands largest bay. Most visitors to the south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier. Charters to various places can be arranged from here, and it is the center of the islands yachting and diving businesses.
Rassada Pier
Rassada Pier is the main hub to reach the Phi Phi Islands. Besides privately chartered boats, several ferry companies use it as the departure point to get to Phi Phi. The ferry schedules are easy to follow and the boats generally run on time. There is normally a ferry in the morning and another shortly after midday.
Ao Por
At Ao Por there is a small pier used by longtail boats, speed boats and other tour boats that take tourists out on daytrips to islands in the Phang Nga Bay area.
Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach itself is only used to moor fishing boats, long tail boats and speed boats which are used for snorkeling and sightseeing trips to Phuket’s neighboring islands.
Laem Panwa
People come here to take boats to outlying islands. The main attraction of Cape Panwa is the tranquility but there is a pier at the southern end of the beach and longtails moor here.
Klong Mudong
It is also possible to rent a longtail boat from Klong Mudong. Boats go out to the Phang Nga Bay area.
