Phuket (Ao Po Pier) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Phuket is highly accessible with its international airport receiving flights from major Asian hubs, with most visitors arriving this way before transferring to the ferry terminals. From Phuket Airport, Ao Po Pier is approximately a 30-minute drive (25km) on the island's northeast coast, with taxis and shuttle services readily available. If arriving from mainland Thailand, regular buses connect from Bangkok (12-hour journey) and other major cities to Phuket Town, from where you'll need a 30-minute taxi to reach Ao Po Pier. For those driving, the pier offers ample parking facilities, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak season as spaces fill quickly.

Nestled in the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket stands as Thailand's largest island and one of its most treasured destinations. This tropical paradise blends stunning beaches with lush rainforests, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. As a key maritime gateway to the breathtaking islands of southern Thailand, Phuket's Ao Po Pier serves as an ideal jumping-off point for island adventures while the main island itself offers travelers an intoxicating mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Thai experiences.

Phuket enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons that significantly impact ferry operations. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from November through April, when clear skies, calm seas, and temperatures around 30°C (86°F) create perfect conditions for island hopping. February and March offer the most reliable weather with minimal rainfall and optimal sea conditions for ferry travel. The monsoon season (May to October) brings afternoon showers and occasionally rough seas that might disrupt ferry schedules, particularly in September and October. If seeking value, consider the shoulder months of November and April when you'll find fewer crowds but still enjoy favorable weather conditions.

Ao Po Pier serves as the gateway to some of Thailand's most spectacular island destinations. The stunning Phi Phi Islands lie just 90 minutes away by speedboat, offering world-class snorkeling, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the famous Maya Bay. The breathtaking Phang Nga Bay, with its distinctive limestone karsts jutting from emerald waters, is merely 20 minutes away and includes the iconic James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). For a more secluded experience, the pristine Similan Islands can be reached in about 3 hours, rewarding travelers with some of Thailand's best diving opportunities and powder-white beaches. The lesser-known Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, just 30 minutes from Ao Po, offer a glimpse into traditional Thai island life away from the tourist crowds.

While waiting for your ferry or extending your stay, Phuket offers countless attractions beyond its famous beaches. The colorful streets of Phuket Old Town showcase Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and local markets perfect for an afternoon stroll. For cultural immersion, visit the 45-meter tall Big Buddha overlooking the island or the ornate Wat Chalong temple, Phuket's spiritual center. Foodies shouldn't miss sampling authentic southern Thai cuisine like pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, or fresh seafood at the local night markets in Patong or Phuket Town. Adventure seekers can explore the island's interior with treks through Bang Pae Waterfall and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, home to gibbons and diverse tropical flora just a short drive from Ao Po Pier.

Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, Phuket harbors fascinating stories and unique features. The island was once a crucial trading post on the route between India and China, with its incredible wealth coming from tin mining rather than tourism until the 1980s. Phuket is home to the annual Vegetarian Festival, where devotees perform shocking acts of body piercing while in trance states to purify themselves, certainly not your typical island celebration. Interestingly, though part of Thailand, Phuket's culture shows strong Chinese and Portuguese influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and the local dialect that differs significantly from standard Thai.