The simplest way to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Mook (also spelled Koh Muk) is the direct speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier, which takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The crossing covers roughly 56 km (30 nautical miles). The boat usually departs at 10:10 and reaches Koh Mook Pier at about 13:20. The service is listed as running daily during the season, and is operated by Bundhaya Speed Boat, with Satun Pakbara also listed on some schedules.
Koh Mook is a quiet island in Trang Province, known for Tham Morakot (the Emerald Cave), a relaxed fishing village and uncrowded beaches. It is less developed than Koh Lanta or the Phi Phi Islands, so planning the journey in advance is worthwhile.
Transport Options at a Glance
| Option | Typical duration | Approximate fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct speedboat, Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Mook Pier | About 3 hours 10 minutes | THB 1,700 to THB 1,900 | Simplest and fastest option. Seasonal service. |
| Hotel pickup with van and boat combination | About 3 to 4 hours | THB 930 to THB 1,550 | Door-to-door convenience. Usually includes a mainland transfer. |
| Ferry via Railay or Koh Lanta | About 4 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes | THB 1,100 to THB 5,500 | More transfers. A fallback if the direct boat is full or not running. |
Fares vary by operator, season and ticket type, so treat these figures as guides and confirm the current price when booking.
Direct Speedboat: Key Details
- Departure point: Nopparat Thara Pier, on the Ao Nang side of the coast. Check the exact pier location with your hotel before travelling.
- Outbound departure: about 10:10, arriving at Koh Mook Pier at about 13:20.
- Return departure: about 11:00 from Koh Mook, with a crossing time of up to about 4 hours.
- Frequency: listed as daily in the main season, with seasonal changes to the timetable.
- Check-in: arrive before the sailing time, as check-in is usually earlier than departure.
- Season: the direct service is generally listed from 15 October to 20 May. As of late October it should be operating, but confirm for your specific date, as schedules can change.
Rules and Restrictions
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Vehicles cannot be carried on this route.
- Operators state that infants are not permitted on the speedboat.
- Pregnant passengers are not permitted to travel by speedboat.
- The boat is not recommended for passengers with heart or back problems, or for young children.
- Departure times may change with weather and sea conditions, and tickets generally cannot be changed or refunded once the departure time has passed.
Van and Boat Combination
Travellers who prefer to be collected from their hotel can choose a combined van and boat service. This costs from about THB 930 to THB 1,550 and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. It may involve a mainland transfer before the final boat crossing to the island. It is usually cheaper than the direct speedboat but involves more handovers, so allow extra time.
Ferry via Railay or Koh Lanta
This option takes about 4 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes, with fares ranging from about THB 1,100 to THB 5,500 depending on the route and ticket type. It is best treated as a backup if the direct boat is fully booked or not operating on your travel date.
Planning Your Trip
- Book ahead for the date you want, as seats on the single daily departure can fill in peak months.
- Keep your schedule flexible. Weather and sea conditions can delay or cancel sailings, so avoid tight onward connections such as flights on the same day.
- If you are sensitive to motion, take medication beforehand and wear the life jacket provided.
- Carry some cash. Koh Mook has limited banking facilities compared with Ao Nang.
What to Do After You Arrive
Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) is the island’s best-known attraction. Visitors swim or kayak through an 80 m tunnel, which is very dark, to reach a hidden lagoon with a small white-sand beach. Practical points:
- Entry fee: about THB 200 for adults and THB 100 for children (lower rates apply for Thai nationals).
- Season: the cave is reported closed from 1 June to 30 September and open from October to May, with access depending on the tide.
- Timing: early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be quieter, as day-trip boats from other islands arrive around midday.
- A boat to the cave entrance has been reported at about THB 600 per boat. Confirm the current price locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Mook?
The direct speedboat takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. Van and boat combinations take about 3 to 4 hours, and routes via Railay or Koh Lanta take 4 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes. - Where does the speedboat depart from?
It departs from Nopparat Thara Pier, near Ao Nang, and arrives at Koh Mook Pier. - What time does the speedboat leave?
The usual outbound departure is about 10:10, with arrival around 13:20. The return from Koh Mook typically departs at about 11:00. - How much does the journey cost?
The direct speedboat is typically about THB 1,700 to THB 1,900. Van and boat combinations start from about THB 930. Prices vary by season and ticket type. - Is the direct speedboat available all year?
No. It is seasonal, generally listed from 15 October to 20 May. Outside this period, expect to use the alternative routes. - Should I book in advance?
Yes. With one main daily departure, booking ahead for your date is advisable, particularly in the high season. - Can I bring children or travel while pregnant?
Operators state that infants and pregnant passengers are not permitted on the speedboat, and it is not suitable for young children or people with heart or back problems. - Can I take a pet or a vehicle?
No. Pets are not permitted, and vehicles cannot be carried on this route. - What happens if the weather is poor?
Sailing times may change, and operators may postpone or cancel trips without notice. Tickets generally cannot be changed or refunded once the departure time has passed, so avoid tight onward connections. - When can I visit the Emerald Cave?
It is reported open from October to May and closed from 1 June to 30 September. Access depends on the tide, so check timings locally. The entrance fee is about THB 200 for adults.
