Plan your journey through Ao Nam Mao Pier with practical information on transport, boat schedules, fares, travel times, and connections to Railay and Koh Phi Phi.
Ao Nam Mao Pier is an important departure point on Krabi’s coast, particularly for travelers heading to Railay and, on selected services, Koh Phi Phi. The pier is located in Ban Ao Nam Mao, east of Krabi Town and south of Ao Nang.
For travelers staying in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or arriving at Krabi International Airport, reaching the pier is relatively straightforward. The main consideration is choosing the right road transfer and allowing enough time for your boat connection.
Where Is Ao Nam Mao Pier?
Ao Nam Mao Pier is approximately 30 minutes by road from Krabi Town and about 24 km by road from Krabi International Airport. The pier has two separate areas: a main concrete pier used for speedboat services and a smaller floating pier used mainly by longtail boats.
Do not confuse Ao Nam Mao Pier with Klong Jilad Pier, which is another major pier serving Krabi. Your departure pier should always be checked carefully on your boat ticket.
How to Get to Ao Nam Mao Pier
| Starting point | Recommended transport | Approx. travel time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krabi Town | Private taxi | About 30 minutes | Around THB 300–600 |
| Krabi Town | Songthaew/local transport | About 30–50 minutes | Around THB 50–100 |
| Krabi Bus Terminal | Taxi/private transfer | About 15–25 minutes | Varies |
| Krabi Airport | Private taxi/transfer | About 25–45 minutes | Around THB 850–1,400 |
| Krabi Airport | Public/shared bus connections | About 1–2 hours | Around THB 270–550 |
| Ao Nang | Taxi or local transport | About 15–25 minutes | Around THB 50–400 |
Travel times and fares vary according to traffic, weather, vehicle type, and whether the service is private or shared. Current route information puts the road distance from Krabi Airport at approximately 23–24 km.
From Krabi Town
A taxi or private transfer is the simplest option, particularly when traveling with luggage or connecting to a scheduled boat.
The drive normally takes around 30 minutes, although additional time should be allowed during busy periods.
A songthaew can be considerably cheaper, but shared local transport may not operate according to a fixed departure timetable. This makes it less suitable when a specific boat departure needs to be caught.
From Krabi Airport
Ao Nam Mao Pier is approximately 24 km by road from Krabi International Airport. A direct taxi or private transfer is generally the most convenient option and can take roughly 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public transport is possible but generally involves a connection and takes considerably longer. Current route information indicates that bus journeys can take around 1–2 hours, depending on the route and transfers.
If you have a pre-booked boat, private transport is usually the safer choice because it avoids waiting for connecting buses.
Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay
Railay is the main reason many travelers use Ao Nam Mao Pier.
The boat arrives at Railay East, which is particularly convenient for travelers staying on the eastern side of Railay or at accommodation near the mangrove-side waterfront.
The crossing takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Current information from the pier indicates that speedboat services between Ao Nam Mao and Railay East can take about 20 minutes, while local longtail services generally take around 15–20 minutes.
Public Longtail Boats
Public longtail boats are available, although departure arrangements can vary depending on passenger numbers.
Typical fares are around:
- THB 100–150 per person one way
- Around 15–20 minutes travel time
- Shared boats may wait until there are enough passengers
- Private boats can be arranged when there are too few passengers for a shared departure
The pier advises that shared boats may wait until approximately 6–8 passengers are available.
Another current local source lists public longtail fares from approximately THB 100–150 and notes that waiting times can increase during quieter periods or the rainy season.
Speedboat Services
Scheduled speedboat services also operate between Ao Nam Mao and Railay East.
The pier’s current published timetable lists departures at:
- 10:30 → 10:50
- 15:00 → 15:15
The published fare is THB 1,000 per adult one way and THB 700 for children aged 4–11.
Because schedules can change, particularly outside the main tourist season, confirm the departure time before traveling to the pier.
Ao Nam Mao Pier to Koh Phi Phi
Ao Nam Mao Pier also has direct speedboat services to Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi.
The current published schedule shows:
| Departure | Arrival at Ton Sai Pier | Travel time | Adult fare |
| 10:30 | 11:40 | 1 hr 10 min | THB 1,000 |
| 15:00 | 16:15 | 1 hr 15 min | THB 1,000 |
The published child fare for ages 4–11 is THB 700, while children under four travel free on the listed service.
These services are faster than conventional ferry services, but availability can depend on the season and operating conditions.
If traveling to Koh Phi Phi, check the departure pier carefully. Krabi has several piers, and a ticket referring simply to “Krabi” does not necessarily mean Ao Nam Mao Pier.
Ao Nam Mao Pier vs. Klong Jilad Pier
Choosing the correct pier is particularly important when traveling to the islands.
Ao Nam Mao Pier is especially convenient for:
- Railay East
- Selected speedboat services to Koh Phi Phi
- Travelers staying around Ao Nam Mao and parts of Ao Nang
- Travelers who want a short boat crossing to Railay
Klong Jilad Pier is another major Krabi departure point and serves different ferry and boat services.
The two piers are not interchangeable. Always check the exact pier printed on your ticket before arranging your road transfer.
How Early Should You Arrive?
For a scheduled speedboat or ferry, arriving 30–45 minutes before departure is a sensible approach.
If traveling directly from Krabi Airport, allow additional time for:
- Immigration and baggage collection
- Finding your driver
- Road traffic
- Check-in at the pier
- Possible weather-related delays
For an international arrival, a 2.5–3 hour buffer between the scheduled flight arrival and boat departure is a more comfortable option than attempting a very tight connection.
For a public longtail to Railay, arriving earlier can also be useful because the boat may wait for enough passengers before departing.
Traveling During the Rainy Season
Krabi’s southwest monsoon can affect boat operations, particularly when winds and waves become stronger.
During the rainy season:
- Boat departures may be less predictable.
- Shared longtail boats may take longer to fill.
- Private boat prices may be higher when there are insufficient passengers.
- Speedboat services can be changed or cancelled because of sea conditions.
- Road journeys from the airport or Krabi Town may also take longer during heavy rain.
The pier specifically notes that longtail departure times and prices can vary according to passenger numbers.
If the sea conditions are poor, do not rely on an extremely tight connection between a flight, road transfer, and boat.
Luggage and Facilities at Ao Nam Mao Pier
Ao Nam Mao Pier has basic facilities, including covered seating, toilets, and food and convenience options nearby. However, there is no luggage-storage facility at the pier, according to the pier’s current information.
Travelers should keep valuable items such as passports, phones, cameras, and wallets in a waterproof bag, particularly when using longtail boats.
If traveling with large suitcases to Railay, be prepared for some handling of luggage during boarding and disembarking.
Parking at Ao Nam Mao Pier
Travelers arriving by car or motorbike can park at the pier.
The pier currently lists parking at approximately:
- THB 100 per day
- THB 200 overnight
Parking availability should be confirmed when arriving, particularly during busy periods.
Which Option Is Best?
For most travelers, the best choice depends on the destination.
For Railay:
Ao Nam Mao is one of the most convenient departure points because the boat crossing to Railay East is short. A public longtail is the most economical option when available.
For Koh Phi Phi:
A scheduled speedboat from Ao Nam Mao can be convenient, particularly if the departure time fits your itinerary. The current published direct service takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
From Krabi Airport:
A private taxi or pre-arranged transfer is the most straightforward option when you have a fixed boat departure.
For budget travelers:
Shared local transport to the pier followed by a public longtail to Railay can reduce costs, but it requires more flexibility.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Check the exact pier name before leaving your hotel or airport.
- Allow at least 30–45 minutes before a scheduled boat departure.
- Allow more time when traveling from Krabi Airport.
- Carry cash in Thai Baht for local boats and small pier expenses.
- Confirm the return boat time if making a day trip to Railay.
- Protect luggage and electronics from seawater and rain.
- Do not assume that a boat operates at the same frequency throughout the year.
- During the rainy season, allow extra time for possible weather-related changes.
- If a shared longtail has too few passengers, be prepared to wait or pay for a private boat.
- Remember that Ao Nam Mao and Klong Jilad are different piers.
Conclusion
Ao Nam Mao Pier is particularly useful for travelers heading from Krabi to Railay, with the short boat journey to Railay East making it a practical alternative to departing from Ao Nang.
From Krabi Town, the pier is roughly a 30-minute drive, while the road journey from Krabi Airport is approximately 24 km and usually takes around 25–45 minutes by private vehicle.
For Railay, public longtail boats offer the lowest-cost option when available, while scheduled speedboats provide a more predictable alternative. Direct speedboats to Koh Phi Phi take around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes on the currently published timetable.
The most important step is to confirm the departure pier, boat schedule, and weather conditions before setting out, particularly when connecting from a flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Ao Nam Mao Pier from Krabi Town?
Ao Nam Mao Pier is approximately a 30-minute drive from Krabi Town, although the actual journey time depends on traffic and your exact starting point.
2. How far is Ao Nam Mao Pier from Krabi Airport?
The pier is approximately 24 km by road from Krabi International Airport. A private vehicle generally takes around 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Krabi Town to Ao Nam Mao Pier?
A private taxi typically costs around THB 300–600, while shared local transport can cost considerably less. Prices vary according to pickup location and whether the vehicle is private or shared.
4. How long does the boat from Ao Nam Mao to Railay take?
The crossing to Railay East takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
5. How much is the boat from Ao Nam Mao to Railay?
A public longtail generally costs around THB 100–150 per person one way. Scheduled speedboat services listed by the pier currently cost THB 1,000 per adult one way.
6. Do boats from Ao Nam Mao run all day?
Boat availability depends on the type of service. The pier currently lists scheduled speedboats to Railay and Phi Phi at 10:30 and 15:00, while local longtail services operate according to passenger demand and conditions.
7. Can you travel directly from Ao Nam Mao Pier to Koh Phi Phi?
Yes. The pier currently lists direct speedboat services to Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
8. Is Ao Nam Mao Pier the same as Klong Jilad Pier?
No. They are separate piers serving different services. Check the exact departure pier on your ticket before arranging transportation.
9. Is Ao Nam Mao Pier suitable for travelers with large luggage?
Yes, but travelers should expect to handle their own luggage during the boat transfer. The pier does not currently provide luggage storage, so valuable belongings should remain with you.
10. Is Ao Nam Mao Pier reliable during the rainy season?
Boat services can be affected by heavy rain, wind, and sea conditions. Shared longtail boats may also take longer to depart when there are fewer passengers. Travelers connecting with flights should allow extra time and avoid very tight boat connections during periods of unsettled weather.
