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Operator Comparison

Phantip 1970 vs Andaman Wave Master

Compare Phantip 1970 and Andaman Wave Master — routes, service areas, and coverage across Thailand. See where they overlap and where each operator goes its own way.

Operator A Phantip 1970 vs Operator B Andaman Wave Master
Phantip 1970 4.3 / 5 7400+ reviews
Andaman Wave Master 4.5 / 5 1070+ reviews

What travellers say: Phantip 1970 vs Andaman Wave Master

Reviewers give both operators solid marks for southern Thailand journeys, though Andaman Wave Master records a higher average rating and stronger positive share across its feedback.

Phantip 1970

Phantip 1970 earns a 4.27 average from over 7,400 reviews for its coordinated multi-leg transfers, frequent on-time or early arrivals, helpful staff at key points, and good value, with travellers often noting smooth connections via stickers and flexible earlier departures; common complaints centre on speeding or distracted drivers, cramped minivans, unclear communication at transfers, luggage surcharges, and occasional older ferries.

Andaman Wave Master

Andaman Wave Master achieves a 4.46 average from 1,075 reviews, with travellers frequently praising its organised check-in and boarding, comfortable seating with deck access, helpful crew, and premium upgrades offering AC and free drinks; the main drawbacks mentioned are occasional delays, chaotic luggage handling, overcrowding on standard boats, and variable cleanliness in lower classes.

Overall sentiment favours Andaman Wave Master for fewer negatives and higher consistency, while Phantip 1970 suits those seeking budget multi-leg options; book either reliably through ThailandBoatTickets.com and reach their 24/7 Virtual Ticket Assistant on WhatsApp, Instagram DM, Telegram or Facebook for support.

Pros & cons

Phantip 1970

Pros

  • Smooth, well-organised, coordinated transfers with helpful staff using destination stickers
  • On-time or often early arrivals, with flexibility to switch to earlier departures at no charge
  • Good value for money on multi-leg bus-ferry-van routes
  • Helpful, friendly staff praised at offices and during transfers
  • Comfortable vehicles and especially Seatran ferries (clean, AC, sun deck)

Cons

  • Reckless driver behaviour including speeding, phone use and unsafe overtaking
  • Poor communication at transfer points leading to confusion and long waits
  • Cramped, overpacked minivans with little legroom and luggage issues
  • Luggage surcharges of 100-300 baht for larger suitcases
  • Longer-than-advertised journey times due to extra stops or detours
Andaman Wave Master

Pros

  • Well-organised and smooth check-in, boarding and overall process
  • Comfortable seating, space to move and access to open decks
  • Friendly, helpful crew who assist with luggage and provide directions
  • Onboard amenities like free water/tea/coffee, clean toilets and AC
  • Premium Class upgrades praised for sofas, strong AC and free drinks

Cons

  • Frequent delays of 20-45 minutes or more, often waiting for passengers
  • Overcrowding and cramped seating on standard class boats
  • Chaotic, untagged luggage handling leading to scrambles at disembarkation
  • Unclear check-in locations and long queues in the sun
  • Older or dirty boats in lower classes with weak AC or cockroach issues

Service areas at a glance

Based on currently active routes for each operator.

Routes & coverage compared

Both Phantip 1970 and Andaman Wave Master operate the same core routes between Koh Phi Phi ↔ Krabi, Koh Phi Phi ↔ Phuket and Krabi ↔ Phuket, giving travelers direct options on these popular connections. Book these shared routes at ThailandBoatTickets.com, where our 24/7 Virtual Ticket Assistant (VTA) is available on WhatsApp, Instagram DM, Telegram and Facebook.

Phantip 1970 uniquely covers extensive routes linking Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Ao Nang, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Khao Sok, Trang, Donsak and Koh Lanta with each other and the overlap destinations, while Andaman Wave Master alone serves all Koh Lanta ↔ Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta ↔ Phuket, Phuket ↔ Krabi plus the full set of Railay connections to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket. Compare and reserve the best fit for your itinerary at ThailandBoatTickets.com with help from our 24/7 Virtual Ticket Assistant (VTA) on WhatsApp, Instagram DM, Telegram and Facebook.

Routes both operators run

Same departure and destination — true head-to-head options.

Price distribution

How ticket prices spread across each operator's routes (THB).

Phantip 1970 tickets usually fall between 530 THB–940 THB (median 770 THB), while Andaman Wave Master between 910 THB–1,260 THB (median 1,060 THB). On the whole, Phantip 1970 offers the cheaper tickets.

0–250
250–500
500–1k
1k–2k
2k+
Phantip 1970 — min 60 · median 770 · max 2740 Andaman Wave Master — min 360 · median 1060 · max 1460

Which should you pick?

Best on a budget Phantip 1970 — long-established operator repeatedly described as reliable and good-value for multi-leg southern Thailand trips.
Fastest Andaman Wave Master — operates speedboats on direct Andaman routes such as Phuket-Krabi-Phi Phi with strong punctuality feedback.
Most comfortable Andaman Wave Master — higher 4.46 rating, 87.3% positive reviews and frequent praise for professional, well-organized service.
Most travel options Phantip 1970 — coordinates minivan, bus, ferry and transfer combinations across Gulf and Andaman destinations plus Khao Sok.

Frequently asked questions

Phantip 1970 vs Andaman Wave Master