Laem Hin Pier Phuket: Complete 2026 Guide to Koh Yao Ferries

If you’ve been digging around for a quieter, less hectic way out to the Koh Yao islands, you’ve probably stumbled on the name Laem Hin Pier. It’s one of those small Phuket piers that doesn’t get nearly as much hype as Rassada or Bang Rong, but for certain trips — especially shorter hops to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Maphrao — it’s genuinely the most convenient option on the island’s east coast. In Thai, it’s written ท่าเรือแหลมหิน, and if you mention that name to a tuk-tuk driver in Phuket Town, they’ll know exactly where to take you. Let me walk you through everything I wish someone had told me the first time I used this pier.

What Is Laem Hin Pier and Where Is It?

Laem Hin Pier sits on the eastern coast of Phuket, just north of Phuket Town and right next to the small fishing community of Koh Sirey (Ko Sirey). It’s tucked into a quiet stretch of mangrove-lined coastline, and the whole area still feels like a working local pier rather than a polished tourist terminal. You’ll see longtail boats, small speedboats, and a couple of floating seafood restaurants bobbing alongside the jetty.

Geographically, it’s pretty central:

• About 10 minutes’ drive north of Phuket Old Town
• Around 35–45 minutes from Phuket International Airport
• Roughly 40 minutes from Patong
• A short hop across the strait from the Koh Yao islands and the southern fringe of Phang Nga Bay

The pier is small. Don’t expect a grand terminal building or rows of ticket windows. What you get is a working jetty, a handful of local operators, and one of the shorter, calmer boat crossings to the Koh Yao islands available anywhere on Phuket. That mix — easy access from town plus a short crossing — is the whole reason this pier shows up on travelers’ radars at all.

A Quick Note on the Name

You’ll see this pier spelled a few different ways online: Laem Hin, Laem Hin Phuket, Laemhin, sometimes even “Cape Hin Pier” in older translations. In Thai it’s ท่าเรือแหลมหิน, which literally means “Stone Cape Pier.” All of these refer to the same place. If your driver looks confused, just say “Laem Hin Pier near Koh Sirey” and you’ll be sorted.

Ferry Routes from Laem Hin Pier

This is where laem hin pier phuket really earns its keep. The pier is primarily used for short crossings into Phang Nga Bay, and the route list is short and focused rather than sprawling.

Main Routes

• Laem Hin Pier to Koh Yao Noi — The most popular route. Speedboats take roughly 25–40 minutes depending on weather and how many stops they make. Longtails take 45–60 minutes and run on demand.
• Laem Hin Pier to Koh Yao Yai — Slightly longer than the Koh Yao Noi crossing, usually 40–60 minutes. Some boats stop at Koh Yao Noi first before continuing to Koh Yao Yai.
• Laem Hin Pier to Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) — A very short hop, often just 10–15 minutes by longtail. This is the everyday route for residents of Koh Maphrao and resort guests.
• Phang Nga Bay shuttles and longtail charters — Several Phang Nga Bay tour operators use Laem Hin as a quick pickup point for shuttles out to their main tour boats, especially for guests staying in Phuket Town or on the east coast.
• Private longtail charters — You can negotiate a private longtail from the pier for fishing, sunset trips, or runs to Koh Yao Noi outside the regular ferry schedule.

If your destination is Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, or anywhere in the deep Andaman, you don’t want this pier — you want Rassada Pier instead. And if you’re planning a broader island-hopping trip from the island, our boat trips from Phuket guide breaks down every option side by side.

How Laem Hin Pier Differs from Bang Rong, Ao Po, and Rassada

Phuket has four east-coast piers that get used regularly, and travelers mix them up constantly. Here’s the cheat sheet I wish I’d had:

Pier	Best For	Typical Crossing	Vibe
Laem Hin	Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Maphrao, Phang Nga Bay shuttles	10–60 min	Small, local, quiet
Bang Rong	Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai (most common route)	30–45 min	Busier, more operators, scheduled boats
Ao Po	Phang Nga Bay tours, private charters, Koh Yao Yai	30–50 min	Marina feel, tour-focused
Rassada	Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Langkawi	1.5–6 hrs	Main terminal, big and busy

The headline difference is this: Bang Rong is the default for Koh Yao, while laem hin pier is the convenient alternative if you’re already near Phuket Town or want a shorter taxi ride. Bang Rong sits further north and adds 20–30 minutes of taxi time if you’re coming from town. Ao Po, meanwhile, is built around marina-style charters and the bigger Phang Nga tour boats — you’ll rarely take a scheduled ferry from there.

How to Get to Laem Hin Pier

Because the pier sits so close to Phuket Town, getting here is one of the easiest pier transfers on the island.

From Phuket Town

This is the shortest hop. The pier is around 5–6 km north of Old Town, and a metered taxi or Grab/Bolt ride should cost roughly 150–250 baht and take 10–15 minutes. Tuk-tuks will quote you more, usually 250–400 baht. If you’re on a scooter, just follow signs toward Koh Sirey — the pier is signposted from the main road.

From Phuket Airport

The airport is up in the north of the island, so it’s actually further away than you might expect — about 35 km, with 45–60 minutes of driving depending on traffic.

1. Private taxi — 800–1,000 baht, most convenient with luggage
2. Grab / Bolt — Usually 600–800 baht
3. Airport bus to Phuket Town, then local taxi — Cheapest at ~150–250 baht total, but slower

From Patong, Kata, Karon

The west-coast beaches add significant driving time because you have to cross the island.

Starting Point	Distance	Typical Taxi	Travel Time
Patong	~20 km	500–700 baht	40–50 min
Karon	~22 km	550–750 baht	45–55 min
Kata	~24 km	600–800 baht	50–60 min
Rawai	~28 km	700–900 baht	55–70 min

Honestly, if you’re staying in Patong or Kata, look hard at whether your boat actually requires this pier or whether Bang Rong (or even a transfer from your hotel arranged through your ferry operator) would make more sense. For travelers staying in or near Phuket Town, however, laem hin pier phuket is hard to beat.

Parking at Laem Hin

If you’re driving yourself, parking is available but limited. There’s an unpaved lot near the pier with informal attendants; expect to pay 50–100 baht per day for a scooter and 100–200 baht for a car. It’s fine for day trips, but for multi-day stays on Koh Yao Noi I’d recommend a metered taxi or pre-arranged transfer rather than leaving a rental at the pier.

Facilities at the Pier

Let’s be honest: this is a small, simple pier and the facilities reflect that. You won’t find air-conditioned waiting halls, baggage storage, or rows of cafés. What you will find:

• A small ticket counter / kiosk for the main ferry operators
• A couple of local Thai food stalls and a floating seafood restaurant next door
• Basic restrooms (bring a few baht in coins)
• A covered seating area near the jetty
• Informal parking
• Some shade, but not a lot of it — bring sun protection

The pier’s biggest charm is the floating seafood restaurants moored alongside it. If you arrive early or have time to kill before your boat, walk over and order a fresh grilled fish or some pad thai. It’s one of the few piers in Phuket where the food experience is arguably better than the terminal experience.

Ferry Operators That Use Laem Hin Pier

The operator lineup on these laem hin pier koh yao routes is smaller than at Rassada, and it shifts a bit season to season. Typical operators include:

• Local Koh Yao speedboat services — Several small operators run scheduled and on-demand speedboats to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
• Longtail boat cooperatives — A loose collective of local longtail owners who handle the Koh Maphrao runs and on-demand charters
• Phang Nga Bay shuttle operators — A few of the larger Phang Nga tour companies (Green Planet, John Gray’s-style operators, and others) use Laem Hin as a pickup point for guests
• Resort transfers — Many of the higher-end Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai resorts run private shuttle boats from Laem Hin for guests, on fixed daily schedules

Always confirm the exact departure pier with your operator when booking. A surprising number of “Koh Yao boat” listings online actually depart from Bang Rong even when the booking is made via a Phuket Town agent.

Ferry Schedule Overview

Schedules at the pier are less rigid than at the major terminals. Here’s the general pattern in 2026:

• First boat to Koh Yao Noi/Yai typically leaves around 08:00–09:00
• Last scheduled boat is usually around 16:00–17:00, sometimes later in high season
• Speedboats run roughly every 1–2 hours in high season (Nov–Mar)
• Longtail boats run on demand — they often wait until they have enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile
• During low season (May–Oct), some operators reduce frequency or consolidate departures

For Koh Maphrao, boats run far more frequently — basically whenever there are passengers, since it’s a short hop and locals use it as a daily commuter route.

Tickets and Prices

Prices here are very reasonable compared to other Phuket departures. Approximate 2026 ranges:

Route	Boat Type	Approx. Price (one-way)	Duration
Laem Hin → Koh Yao Noi	Speedboat	200–400 baht	25–40 min
Laem Hin → Koh Yao Noi	Longtail	150–250 baht	45–60 min
Laem Hin → Koh Yao Yai	Speedboat	250–450 baht	40–60 min
Laem Hin → Koh Maphrao	Longtail	50–100 baht	10–15 min
Private longtail charter	Per boat	1,500–3,500 baht	Negotiable

Resort transfer boats are usually included in your room rate or booked through the resort directly, so you won’t see public pricing for those.

How to Book

You can book in three main ways:

1. At the pier — Works for spontaneous travelers, but you risk longer waits or missing the boat you wanted
2. Through your accommodation — Convenient, with a small markup
3. Online or messaging app booking — The smoothest option. Thailand Boat Tickets lets you book via WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger, with confirmed seats and clear pier instructions

Tips for Travelers

A few things I’ve learned the hard way using this pier over the years:

• Arrive 30 minutes early. Even though the pier is small, ticket counters can be slow and boats don’t always wait for late arrivals.
• Bring small bills. Many local ferry operators don’t accept cards, and a 1,000 baht note for a 300 baht ticket isn’t always welcome.
• Pack waterproof. Speedboats from the pier can get spray, especially on the Koh Yao Yai route. A dry bag for your phone and camera is well worth it.
• Speedboat vs longtail. Speedboats are faster and have proper seats; longtails are cheaper, more atmospheric, slower, and more exposed. For a 30-minute crossing in calm weather, longtail is romantic; for a longer trip with luggage, take the speedboat.
• Check the weather. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, so the crossing is usually smooth even in low season — but during heavy monsoon days, departures can be delayed or rerouted to Bang Rong.
• Bring sun protection. There’s limited shade at the pier and the boats are mostly open.
• Tell your driver “Laem Hin Pier, Koh Sirey side” (ท่าเรือแหลมหิน) — not the floating restaurant next door. The two are right next to each other and drivers sometimes drop tourists at the wrong gate.

When to Choose Laem Hin Pier vs Bang Rong

This is the single most-asked question I get about laem hin pier phuket, so let me be direct:

Choose Laem Hin if:

• You’re staying in Phuket Town, Phuket Old Town, or anywhere on the east-central side of the island
• You want the shortest taxi ride to a Koh Yao ferry
• You like a smaller, quieter, more local pier experience
• Your resort runs its own boat from Laem Hin (many do)

Choose Bang Rong if:

• You’re staying in the north of Phuket (Mai Khao, Bang Tao, Surin, Cherngtalay, near the airport)
• You want the maximum number of scheduled departure times throughout the day
• You’re traveling with a lot of luggage and want a slightly more developed pier
• Your specific operator only departs from Bang Rong

Neither pier is dramatically better than the other — they serve the same islands. The right answer almost always comes down to where you’re sleeping the night before. Pull up Google Maps, plug in your hotel, and pick whichever pier has the shorter drive. That decision alone will save you more time than any other optimization.

If you want a deeper dive on what awaits you on the other side, our Koh Yao Noi guide covers everything from beaches to where to eat once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Laem Hin Pier in Phuket?

Laem Hin Pier (ท่าเรือแหลมหิน) is on the east coast of Phuket, just north of Phuket Town, near Koh Sirey. It’s about 5–6 km from Old Town and around 35 km from Phuket International Airport.

Which islands can I reach from Laem Hin Pier?

The main destinations are Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island). Some Phang Nga Bay tour operators also use Laem Hin as a shuttle pickup point.

How long does the boat from Laem Hin to Koh Yao Noi take?

Speedboats take roughly 25–40 minutes. Longtails take 45–60 minutes depending on weather. It’s one of the shortest crossings to Koh Yao Noi available from Phuket.

How much does the Laem Hin to Koh Yao Noi ferry cost?

Speedboats are typically 200–400 baht one-way. Longtails are cheaper, around 150–250 baht. Resort shuttles are usually bundled into room rates.

Is Laem Hin Pier or Bang Rong Pier better for Koh Yao?

It depends entirely on where you’re staying. If you’re in or near Phuket Town, Laem Hin is closer. If you’re in the north of Phuket, Bang Rong is closer. Bang Rong has more scheduled departures, but Laem Hin is quieter and more local.

Can I drive to Laem Hin Pier and leave my car?

Yes. There’s informal parking near the pier, costing roughly 50–100 baht/day for scooters and 100–200 baht/day for cars. Space is limited, especially in high season.

Are there food and restrooms at the pier?

Yes, but on a small scale. You’ll find local Thai food stalls, a floating seafood restaurant alongside the pier, and basic restrooms. Don’t expect a fancy terminal — bring water, snacks, and any essentials you need.

Do boats run year-round from Laem Hin?

Yes. Schedules thin out a bit during the low season (May to October), and weather occasionally delays departures, but the route operates year-round because it serves residents of the Koh Yao islands as well as tourists.

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Laem Hin Pier won’t wow you with marble floors or duty-free shops, but for the right traveler it’s quietly one of the most useful piers in Phuket. Short crossing, low fares, easy access from town, and a relaxed local vibe — that’s the whole pitch. If you’re heading to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, or out into Phang Nga Bay and your hotel is anywhere near Phuket Town, this is almost certainly the pier you want. Ready to lock in your ferry? Thailand Boat Tickets makes it painless — message us on WhatsApp, Instagram, or any chat app you already use and our AI-powered booking assistant will sort your seats, your pier, and your pickup so you can focus on the trip itself.