
Ao Po Pier Phuket
Gateway to Phang Nga Bay's stunning karsts and islands, offering a less crowded and more authentic departure point for boat tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas

Ao Po Pier Phuket
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Phang Nga Bay's stunning karsts and islands, offering a less crowded and more authentic departure point for boat tours.
"This is one of the most beautiful Piers of Phuket. We went James bond island through this pier."

Negotiate Boat Prices
Bargain directly with fishermen or boat owners at the pier for better rates on private tours.
DIY Tour Advantage
Arrange your own longtail boat for a personalized trip, avoiding large tour groups.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Phang Nga Bay Expedition
Departure point for tours
Embark on a breathtaking journey through limestone karsts and emerald waters to iconic spots like James Bond Island.

James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay
See the famous 'nail' island, Khao Ping Kan, that gained fame from the James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'.

Limestone Cave Exploration
Panak Island & Hong Island
Navigate through hidden lagoons and sea caves by longtail boat or kayak, discovering the natural beauty of Panak and Hong Islands.

Koh Panyee Village
Floating village
Experience the unique lifestyle of the local sea gypsy village, often a stop for lunch on boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Phang Nga Bay
Logistics and Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Boat Prices
Bargain directly with fishermen or boat owners at the pier for better rates on private tours.
DIY Tour Advantage
Arrange your own longtail boat for a personalized trip, avoiding large tour groups.
Pack Essentials
A small market at the pier sells hats, sunglasses, and phone covers.
Consider a Private Tour
For a more intimate experience, opt for a private longboat to explore islands at your own pace.
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Boat Prices
Bargain directly with fishermen or boat owners at the pier for better rates on private tours.
DIY Tour Advantage
Arrange your own longtail boat for a personalized trip, avoiding large tour groups.
Pack Essentials
A small market at the pier sells hats, sunglasses, and phone covers.
Consider a Private Tour
For a more intimate experience, opt for a private longboat to explore islands at your own pace.
Proximity to Airport
The pier is about 20 minutes from Phuket Airport, convenient for day trips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ao Po Pier a lovely and well-organized departure point for exploring Phang Nga Bay, particularly for James Bond Island tours. Its location away from the main tourist hubs is appreciated for offering a more authentic experience and better opportunities to negotiate boat prices. While some wish for more food options, the scenic views and quality of boats are generally praised.
"This is a lovely location. We embarked on our James Bond Island tour from this pier. It is situated far from the city and famous beaches. The pier offers a breathtaking view of the island. The area is clean and well-organized. We boarded our large boat via a songthaew. The pier features a market where one can purchase essential items such as hats, sunglasses, and mobile covers for the boat trip."
Arpita Singha
"Got a speed boat from here to James Bond and other islands, really nice tour. Our tour was arranged by Sea HI Andaman and they have arranged lunch at Muslim village( fishermen village) floating restaurant. Really really nice tour."
Duminda Rukshan
"We had a very nice boat tour to james bond island etc"
Yaro Van goethem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ao Po Pier is located on the east coast of Phuket. It's about a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT) and roughly 30-40 minutes from Phuket Town. Renting a car or hiring a Grab taxi are common options.
Yes, Ao Po Pier is quite a distance from Patong Beach, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour drive depending on traffic. It's situated in a less touristy part of the island.
Absolutely! Driving to Ao Po Pier is a popular choice, especially if you've rented a car. It allows you to easily access the pier and negotiate boat tours directly.
From Phuket Town, you can take a taxi or a Grab. The journey usually takes around 30-40 minutes. Consider renting a scooter if you're comfortable navigating local roads.
Public transport directly to Ao Po Pier is limited. Your best bet is to use ride-sharing apps like Grab or arrange a private taxi for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Ao Po Pier itself. However, you will need to book and pay for boat tours or private boat hires departing from the pier.
Prices vary greatly depending on the type of boat (longtail vs. speedboat), duration, and whether it's a group tour or private hire. Negotiating directly at the pier can secure better deals, with private tours potentially costing around 1,500 THB for a few hours.
While you can book tours in advance online, many travelers recommend negotiating directly at the pier for potentially better prices and more flexibility.
Ao Po Pier is generally accessible throughout the day, with boat tours typically operating from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to confirm specific tour timings when booking.
Some islands within Phang Nga Bay, like James Bond Island, may have small national park fees or entrance charges that are usually included in tour packages but can sometimes be separate.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ao Po Pier is primarily a departure point for boat tours to Phang Nga Bay. You can also find a small market for essentials and enjoy the scenic views of the bay.
Food options at Ao Po Pier are limited. While there's a small market, many tours include lunch at a floating village like Koh Panyee. It's advisable to bring snacks or eat before arriving if you have specific preferences.
You can find both longtail boats and speedboats departing from Ao Po Pier. Longtail boats are great for a more traditional and intimate experience, while speedboats offer a quicker way to cover more ground.
Yes, Ao Po Pier offers beautiful views of the bay, especially during low and high tide. The surrounding limestone karsts and the pier itself make for scenic shots.
The tide levels at Ao Po Pier can vary significantly. You might observe low tide in the morning and high tide in the evening, which can change the appearance of the shoreline.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the expansive views of Phang Nga Bay from the pier itself, especially during sunrise or sunset. The unique architecture of the pier and the approaching/departing boats also make for great shots.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the bay. Evenings can provide dramatic skies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast bay views. If you plan on taking photos on the boat, a waterproof camera or a protective case for your phone is advisable.
Absolutely! The dramatic limestone karsts, sea caves, and the iconic James Bond Island offer endless photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the vibrant floating village of Koh Panyee.
Try to capture the contrast between the man-made pier and the natural beauty of the bay. Photos of local fishermen or boats can add a touch of authenticity.
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