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Naka Island Information
The Naka Island is only accessible via the water and it is a part of the Phang Nga day trips. If you’re already in Phuket, then you could go on a day trip to Phang Nga Bay and pass by Koh Naka on your way back. But if you want to explore the island well, and spend some time admiring the amazing view of the tall coconut trees on the beach, then it is recommended to visit the island separately as the stops between the islands can be very short. Speedboat trips are available from Ao Po Pier in Pha Khlok to take you straight to Naka island in only 20 minutes. And if you’re coming from another destination you have to pass first by Phuket. Phuket has an international airport which makes it very easy and simple to reach. From the airport, you can take a shared minivan or a private taxi to Bang Rong Pier in order to take a ferry to Koh Yao Yai. From Koh Yao Yai, you will switch boats to reach Ao Po Pier and catch a speedboat to Koh Naka.
Piers
Naka Island Pier
Naka Island Information
Naka Island: two islands off Phuket's northeast coast
Koh Naka is a group of two islands, Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi. The word “Naka” means “Serpent” since the island’s shape forms a mythical sea-serpent in Hinduism and Buddhism. The two islands can be found off the Northeast coast of Phuket. There is no electricity on Koh Naka, only some private generators.
The pair sit inside Phang Nga Bay, close enough to Phuket for a short crossing but quiet enough to feel remote. Koh Naka Yai (“big Naka”) is the larger of the two and holds most of the island’s beaches and accommodation. Koh Naka Noi (“small Naka”) is the smaller neighbour and is known for its pearl farm.
Because there is no mains power, day trips and overnight stays are shaped around what the island can support: limited signage, few shops, and services that run on private generators. Bring cash, water and anything you need for the day.
How to get to Naka Island
Naka Island is reached by boat from the Phuket mainland. Crossings are short compared with trips to the Phi Phi group or Krabi, which is why many travellers visit for the day and return the same afternoon.
On this site you can compare the operators serving Naka Island side by side, with departure times, seat types and total price shown before you pay. We currently list several routes routes connecting Naka Island, with fares from our online fares.
Availability changes by season and by weather, so check the live timetable on the search results page for the date you plan to travel rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
Departure and arrival points
Departures for Naka Island generally leave from piers on Phuket's east coast, which are the closest access points to the island. Arrival on the island is usually at a beach landing or a small jetty rather than a large terminal building, so expect a short walk on sand and pack accordingly.
Check your ticket for the exact pier name at booking. Phuket has several piers within a short drive of each other, and they are not interchangeable — turning up at the wrong one is the most common reason travellers miss a boat.
Connections from Phuket and beyond
Most visitors reach the pier by road transfer from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon or Phuket International Airport. If you are arriving from further afield, you can combine a long-distance leg with a local transfer in one booking.
Travellers often pair a visit here with other islands and mainland hubs in the region. See our pages for ferries and transfers to Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands to plan the next leg of your route.
What to see and do on Koh Naka
The main draw is the pace. Koh Naka Yai has quiet beaches, shallow water for swimming and views back across the bay towards Phuket and the limestone karsts of Phang Nga.
- Beaches and swimming: sheltered sand on Koh Naka Yai, best around high tide, as the water pulls back a long way at low tide.
- Koh Naka Noi: the smaller island, associated with pearl farming, visited as a short hop or as part of a boat tour.
- Kayaking and snorkelling: calm bay water on settled days; conditions vary with the monsoon season.
- Walking and cycling: a handful of tracks cross Koh Naka Yai between the beaches, rubber plantations and small local settlements.
Practical travel information
A few things worth knowing before you book:
- Power: there is no mains electricity, only private generators. Charge phones and camera batteries before you leave the mainland.
- Money: there are no ATMs on the island. Bring enough Thai baht for food, drinks and any activities.
- Tides: boat landings and beach access are tide-dependent, and departure times may be set by the tide rather than by convenience.
- Weather: the west-coast monsoon runs roughly May to October and can bring rougher water and cancellations. Sailings are weather-dependent year round.
- Luggage: allowances are set by our transport partners and are shown during booking. Small boats have limited space for large cases.
- Getting around: there is no public transport network on the island. Distances are walkable, and resorts arrange their own pick-ups.
Booking tips
Book ahead for high season and for public holidays, when boats to Naka Island fill quickly. Arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow for check-in and boarding.
Your confirmation and any ticket conditions — including change and cancellation terms, which are set by our transport partners — are shown before payment and emailed to you afterwards. Save a copy offline, as mobile signal on the island can be patchy.
Book your trip to Naka Island
Compare several routes routes, check live departure times and see the full price before you pay. Enter your travel date to see what is running to Naka Island, with tickets from our online fares. Search availability now to secure your seat.
Highlights
Biking
Kayaking
Do Yoga
Learn Thai Massage
On the island, you will learn the ancient Thai form of how the body works and how to boost the body’s circulation. You will learn the massage techniques and how to create a stimulation feeling while harmonizing the soul, body, and mind.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?
Phuket Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.
Ferry Samui :
FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
Bali Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket Ferry :
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Ferry Samui :
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
Bali Ferry :
Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.
Will bad weather affect my travels?
Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.
Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.
On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
When will I receive my ticket confirmation?
After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.
On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
