If you’re planning to hop on a ferry from Ao Nang to almost any island in the Andaman Sea, there’s a good chance you’ll be departing from Nopparat Thara Pier. It’s the main deep-water pier serving the Ao Nang area, and unless you already know how it works, the first time you arrive can feel a bit confusing - it’s tucked just past the main beach strip, the signage is mixed Thai and English, and a dozen different speedboat operators all use the same dock. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about the nopparat thara pier so your trip to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, or beyond starts smoothly.
What Is Nopparat Thara Pier?
Nopparat Thara Pier (also written “Noppharat Thara”) is the principal ferry departure point for the Ao Nang area in Krabi province. It sits about 2-3 kilometers west of central Ao Nang, right next to Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park headquarters. The full address is Mu 3, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000.
Unlike Ao Nang Beach itself, where speedboats and longtails can only load passengers when the tide is high enough, the pier offers a proper deep-water concrete jetty that operates year-round. This is the key reason it exists: during low tide and during the monsoon shoulder months, the bigger ferries simply can’t approach Ao Nang Beach, so they all shift their operations here.
Why Travelers Use This Pier
The nopparat thara pier ao nang serves a very specific purpose in the Krabi ferry ecosystem. While Klong Jilad Pier is closer to Krabi Town and Krabi Airport, Nopparat Thara is the natural choice if you’re already staying in Ao Nang, Railay-adjacent areas, or Klong Muang. Most speedboat companies running the Ao Nang to Phi Phi and Ao Nang to Koh Yao routes use this dock as their official boarding point.
A few things make it stand out:
- Year-round operation - unlike Ao Nang Beach loading, the pier works regardless of tide
- Multiple operators in one spot - over a dozen ferry and speedboat companies depart here
- Walking distance from many Ao Nang hotels - the western end of Ao Nang is just a short tuk-tuk or 15-minute walk away
- Right next to a national park - if you arrive early, the beach and forest are stunning
Ferry Routes Departing From Nopparat Thara Pier
Here’s where things get fun. The nopparat thara pier krabi connects you to a wide range of destinations across the Andaman, and it’s one of the best multi-route hubs in the region. Here’s a breakdown of the main routes.
Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi
This is the headline route. Speedboats run multiple times daily during high season, and the journey typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. Standard ferries take about 2 hours but cost less. Operators like Ao Nang Travel and Tour, Green Planet, and several others share the route.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach
Railay isn’t connected by road, so a boat ride is the only way in. Most travelers grab a longtail from Ao Nang Beach for the short hop, but if you’re coming with luggage or earlier in the day, a speedboat transfer from the pier can also get you there directly.
Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of the most popular onward destinations. Speedboats from Nopparat Thara reach Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier in around 90 minutes to 2 hours. If you want the full breakdown of options on this route, our Krabi to Koh Lanta guide covers it in detail.
Ao Nang to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
The Koh Yao islands sit right between Krabi and Phuket and are weirdly underrated. From Nopparat Thara, speedboats hit Koh Yao Noi in about 30-40 minutes and Koh Yao Yai in roughly 50 minutes.
Ao Nang to Phuket
You can absolutely skip the bus and ferry directly across to Phuket’s Rassada Pier. Speedboats do it in around 2 hours, while slower ferries can take 2.5 hours or more.
Ao Nang to Koh Lipe
Yes, you can reach Koh Lipe from here during high season (October-May only). The journey is longer and usually involves a transfer at Koh Lanta. Our Koh Lipe ferry guide breaks down the full route.
Here’s a snapshot of typical journey times and prices:
| Destination | Vessel Type | Approximate Duration | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Phi Phi | Speedboat | 45-60 min | 600-900 THB |
| Koh Phi Phi | Ferry | 1.5-2 hrs | 450-650 THB |
| Railay Beach | Speedboat / longtail | 15-30 min | 200-400 THB |
| Koh Lanta (Saladan) | Speedboat | 90-120 min | 700-1,000 THB |
| Koh Yao Noi | Speedboat | 30-40 min | 600-700 THB |
| Koh Yao Yai | Speedboat | 45-50 min | 650-800 THB |
| Phuket (Rassada) | Speedboat / Ferry | 2-2.5 hrs | 600-1,000 THB |
| Koh Lipe (high season only) | Speedboat (with transfer) | 5-6 hrs total | 1,800-2,500 THB |
How to Get to Nopparat Thara Pier
The pier is straightforward to reach from most parts of Krabi, but exact times vary depending on traffic and where you’re starting.
From Ao Nang Town
If you’re already in Ao Nang, you’re basically there. The pier sits at the very western end of Ao Nang’s main beach road, just past Noppharat Thara Beach.
- Walking - From the central Ao Nang strip, it’s a 20-30 minute walk along the beachfront. Doable with light luggage.
- Tuk-tuk (songthaew) - 50-100 THB per person, takes 5-10 minutes
- Taxi or Grab - 100-200 THB, 5-10 minutes
- Hotel shuttle - Many Ao Nang hotels include free or paid transfers
From Krabi Town
Krabi Town is about 20 kilometers from the pier - roughly a 30-minute drive on a good day.
- Songthaew (white shared minibus) - 60-80 THB per person, runs frequently
- Private taxi / Grab - 300-500 THB
- Pre-booked transfer - 250-400 THB if arranged with your ferry ticket
From Krabi International Airport (KBV)
The airport is about 30-35 kilometers from the pier. The trip usually takes 40-50 minutes.
- Airport shuttle van - 150-200 THB per person to Ao Nang area
- Private taxi - 600-800 THB
- Combined ferry + transfer ticket - Booking platforms like Thailand Boat Tickets can package the airport pickup with your ferry seat, which simplifies the whole arrival
If you’re coming from Phuket Airport or Phuket Town, the transport between Phuket and Krabi guide covers the road and ferry options.
Facilities at the Pier
Nopparat Thara is not a luxury terminal. It’s a functional working pier, but it has the basics covered.
What you’ll find:
- Ticket counters - Each major operator has its own counter, usually open from around 7am
- Covered waiting area - Benches and shade, important when the sun is brutal
- Restrooms - Basic but generally clean (sometimes 5-10 THB)
- Small food and drink stalls - Snacks, water, coffee, instant noodles, soft drinks
- Free WiFi - Patchy but available in the waiting area
- Parking - Free or low-cost parking for cars and motorbikes
- Tour desks - Last-minute booking counters and operator reps
- National park office - Right next door if you need information
What’s missing:
- No proper restaurant - eat in Ao Nang before you head over
- No luggage storage as a formal service (but some operators will watch bags for paying customers)
- Limited charging outlets - bring a power bank
- ATM access is spotty - withdraw cash in Ao Nang first
Ferry Schedule Overview
I’m going to keep this general because exact times change with season, operator, and weather. But there’s a pattern that’s worth understanding.
High Season (November to April)
This is when the pier is busiest. Calm seas mean every operator is running their full schedule.
- Phi Phi: First departure around 8:30-9am, last around 3pm. Multiple boats per day.
- Koh Lanta: Usually 1-3 departures per day, mid-morning and lunchtime
- Phuket: 1-2 departures, mostly mid-morning
- Koh Yao: Multiple daily runs spread across the day
Low Season (May to October)
Schedules thin out significantly. Some routes drop to once daily, others pause entirely.
- Phi Phi runs continue but with fewer options
- Koh Lipe connections typically stop
- Weather cancellations are common - always check the day before
A good rule of thumb: in high season you can almost always find a same-day seat, but in low season book ahead and have a flexible Plan B.
Tickets and Prices
Prices from the nopparat thara pier krabi depend on three factors: destination distance, vessel type (speedboat vs. ferry), and season. Here’s the broad shape:
- Short hops (Koh Yao, Railay) - 200-700 THB
- Medium routes (Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Phuket) - 450-1,000 THB
- Long routes (Koh Lipe via transfer) - 1,800-2,500 THB
- Children (2-9 years) - Usually 50-70% of adult price
- Infants under 2 - Often free
You can buy tickets:
- At the pier - Same-day, walk up to any counter. Risky in high season.
- Through your hotel - Convenient, small markup (50-100 THB)
- Online in advance - Best for high season and peace of mind
- Via messaging apps - Thailand Boat Tickets lets you book through WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram - useful if you don’t want to deal with payment forms in a foreign currency
Booking ahead also lets you compare operators, which matters more than people realize. A “speedboat to Phi Phi” can mean a sleek 200hp vessel with shaded seating - or it can mean an aging open longtail. Read recent reviews if you can.
Tips for Travelers Using Nopparat Thara Pier
After helping a lot of travelers through this pier, here are the practical things that actually matter.
Arrive Early
Get to the pier at least 30-45 minutes before your departure time. Operators sometimes ask for an even earlier check-in during peak season. Better to sit in the shade with a coffee than panic-running across the parking lot.
Bring Cash
Plenty of things at the pier - water, snacks, restroom fees, last-minute snacks for the boat - run on small Thai baht notes. ATMs aren’t reliably nearby.
Pack Smart for the Boat
The pier wait is short, but the ferry ride after isn’t. Bring:
- A light jacket or sarong (speedboat air-con can be cold, longtails get windy)
- Motion-sickness pills if you’re sensitive (take 30 minutes before)
- Sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof phone pouch
- Snacks and plenty of water
Mind Your Luggage
Most operators include a 20kg allowance and bags travel in a covered area at the front or roof of the speedboat. Soft duffels handle the trip better than hard cases. Keep valuables and electronics in your day-pack.
Watch the Weather
Late afternoon storms are common in shoulder season. If your route has an option, take the morning departure - smoother seas and you don’t lose your day to a cancellation.
When NOT to Use Nopparat Thara Pier
Honestly, this pier is great - but it’s not always the right choice.
Skip it if you’re staying in or near Krabi Town. From central Krabi Town, Klong Jilad Pier is much closer (about 3 km vs. 20 km to Nopparat Thara). Klong Jilad has more modern facilities, better parking, and serves most of the same major destinations.
Skip it if you’re after a longtail-only hop to Railay. Just walk to Ao Nang Beach itself - longtails leave from the sand every few minutes and the boatmen will load you straight from the shore.
Skip it during severe weather. If there’s a storm warning, all the Krabi piers will likely close anyway. Check operator updates or contact your booking platform before heading over.
Skip it if your destination is Koh Samui or the Gulf side. Those routes leave from Surat Thani / Donsak ports on the other coast - completely different system.
If you’re planning a Krabi trip and want broader context, our guides to Krabi Island and things to do in Krabi are good companion reads.
FAQ
Where exactly is Nopparat Thara Pier?
It’s located at Mu 3, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, at the western end of Noppharat Thara Beach - about 2-3 kilometers west of central Ao Nang and roughly 20 kilometers from Krabi Town.
What’s the difference between Nopparat Thara Pier and Ao Nang Beach?
Ao Nang Beach is a tide-dependent loading point used mostly by longtails and some speedboats during high tide. The nopparat thara pier is a proper concrete jetty that operates year-round regardless of tide, which is why most major ferry operators officially depart from here.
Can I walk to Nopparat Thara Pier from Ao Nang?
Yes, if you don’t have heavy luggage. It’s a 20-30 minute walk along the beach road from central Ao Nang. With bags, take a songthaew or tuk-tuk for 50-100 THB.
How early should I arrive at the pier?
Plan for 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure. In peak season (December-February) or for international routes that need passport checks, push it to 45-60 minutes.
Is there parking at the pier?
Yes. There’s a free or very low-cost parking area for both cars and motorbikes, suitable for short-term and same-day parking. For multi-day island trips, ask your rental company about leaving the vehicle.
Can I buy tickets on the day at the pier?
Usually yes during low and shoulder seasons. In high season (especially holidays, weekends, Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year) walk-up tickets to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta can sell out by mid-morning. Book online ahead when you can.
Are ferries from Nopparat Thara Pier safe?
Reputable operators follow Thai maritime safety rules - life jackets are provided, capacity is monitored, and departures are cancelled in dangerous weather. Stick with known operators, listen to the safety briefing, and don’t board boats that look overcrowded or poorly maintained.
Nopparat Thara is one of those travel hubs that seems chaotic the first time and obvious the second. Once you’ve made one departure from here, you’ll understand the rhythm: arrive early, check in with your operator, grab a cold drink at the snack stall, and watch a parade of speedboats line up to take travelers all over the Andaman. Ready to book your ferry from the nopparat thara pier krabi to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, or Phuket? Thailand Boat Tickets makes it ridiculously easy - just message us on WhatsApp, LINE, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram and our AI-powered booking assistant will sort the route, the seat, and even your pier transfer while you focus on the trip itself.
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