Reaching Koh Kradan from Ao Nang: Speedboats, Costs and What to Expect on Arrival

Koh Kradan, one of the quietest islands in Trang’s Andaman archipelago, has no road access and no proper pier. Most travelers from Ao Nang reach it by speedboat, and the right choice depends on how much you want to spend and how much hassle you can tolerate.

Quick Answer

The simplest route is a direct speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier, at the western end of Ao Nang, to the beach landing on Koh Kradan. The crossing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs around THB 1,900 per adult (THB 1,300 per child) in high season.

Transport Options at a Glance

Direct speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
Cost: about THB 1,900 per adult, THB 1,300 per child
Best for: travelers who want the fastest and simplest option

Hotel pickup with van and longtail or speedboat combination

Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Cost: from about THB 1,199 to THB 1,550
Best for: door-to-door convenience at a lower price

Via Koh Lanta (ferry, then a Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan boat)

Duration: 4.5 to 6.5 hours
Cost: varies, and can be lower
Best for: flexible timing, or trips that include a stay on Koh Lanta

Private transfer plus boat

Duration: about 3 hours, plus the road leg
Cost: roughly THB 5,100 to THB 5,800 per vehicle
Best for: families and groups who want added comfort

The Direct Speedboat

Direct services are commonly operated by Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. In the high season, from roughly November to April, there are generally several sailings per week. Morning departures are typical, at around 07:50, 08:00 and 10:10, with arrival between midday and early afternoon.

Because the route is long and runs through open water, a morning departure is usually the better choice, both for scheduling and because seas tend to be calmer earlier in the day.

The Hotel Pickup Combination

If your accommodation is far from Nopparat Thara Pier, or you are carrying heavy luggage, a combination ticket with hotel pickup removes the need to arrange a separate taxi. It takes longer, typically 5 to 7 hours, because it combines road and sea legs, but it costs less than the direct speedboat, starting from about THB 1,199 to THB 1,550.

Traveling via Koh Lanta

When no direct sailing suits your schedule, a common alternative is to travel to Koh Lanta first, then continue on the Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan speedboat. The journey takes around 4.5 to 6.5 hours in total. It also works well if you want to spend a night on Koh Lanta before moving on.

Private Transfers

A private transfer with a boat leg costs roughly THB 5,100 to THB 5,800 per vehicle. The sea portion takes about 3 hours, with additional time for the road section. This works best for families or groups who prefer a more comfortable and flexible journey.

Practical Tips

No pier on the island. Boats land directly on the beach at the southern end of the main bay, in front of Kradan Beach Resort. Expect a wet landing and pack valuables, electronics and documents in a dry bag.
Book ahead in high season. Between roughly November and April, direct sailings are most reliable and tend to fill up.
Allow for weather. The crossing is long and exposed, so trips can be delayed, rerouted or cancelled in rough conditions. Leave buffer time before any flight or onward ferry.
Choose a morning departure. It gives you the best chance of arriving by early afternoon and settling in before dark.
Have a backup plan. If no direct boat fits your dates, the Koh Lanta route is a dependable alternative.

Our Recommendation

For most travelers, the direct Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Kradan speedboat on a morning departure is the best balance of speed and simplicity. If you are staying far from the pier or traveling with luggage, a hotel pickup combination ticket is worth the small extra effort in transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Kradan?
The direct speedboat takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours. Combination tickets and the Koh Lanta route take longer, typically between 4.5 and 7 hours.
How much does the direct speedboat cost?
In high season, about THB 1,900 per adult and THB 1,300 per child.
Where does the boat leave from in Ao Nang?
Direct boats depart from Nopparat Thara Pier, at the western end of Ao Nang.
What time do boats leave?
Morning departures are typical, at around 07:50, 08:00 and 10:10, arriving between midday and early afternoon.
Is there a pier on Koh Kradan?
No. Boats land directly on the beach at the southern end of the main bay, in front of Kradan Beach Resort. Expect a wet landing.
When is the best time to go?
The high season, from roughly November to April, offers the most reliable direct sailings. Check schedules in advance for other months.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, particularly in high season, when sailings are limited to several per week and can fill up.
Can I get a ticket that includes hotel pickup?
Yes. Combination tickets with hotel pickup start from about THB 1,199 to THB 1,550 and take around 5 to 7 hours.
Can the boat be cancelled because of weather?
Yes. The crossing is long and exposed, so trips may be delayed, rerouted or cancelled in rough seas. Allow extra time before any flight or onward ferry.
What if there is no direct boat on my travel date?
Travel to Koh Lanta first, then take the Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan speedboat. The total journey takes roughly 4.5 to 6.5 hours.