Longtail Boat in Phuket

Thai Water Taxi's & Luxury Longtail Boat in Phuket

Hiring a longtail boat in Phuket is the best way to explore the many hidden beaches and offshore islands.

You will find longtail boats readily available for hire on most beaches around the Island.

These small wooden boats are used to provide several marine services, including transporting tourists from beach to beach or to the offshore islands.

They are not very fast, and they certainly aren't what you would call a speedboat, but what they lack in speed, they certainly make up for in sound.

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Longtail boats are a cheaper option than renting a speed boat; they may not be as comfortable or as fast, but are a must do a least once while in Phuket.

The price of the boats tends to change with the seasons, and the price will also depend on how well you can barter, how far you are going, how long you are going for, and how many people are in your group.

On average, a longtail boat will cost around 900 baht to 2000 Baht.

For people staying in Patong, longtail boats are available for rent at the far southern end of Patong Beach.

The boats usually carry up to eight people, and life jackets are usually on board. If you can't see them, just ask the driver if he has life jackets to wear.

A ride in a longtail boat is a fun way to get around, especially if you want to explore some of the beaches that are only accessible by boat while holidaying in Phuket.

Longtail boats are also known as Rua Hang Yao, and were once used to travel through the canals of Bangkok, which was once known as the "Venice of the East".

In Phuket, Krabi and the surrounding Islands, longtail boats are mainly used for fishing and tourism.

Whether you're staying in Phuket for your entire holiday or visiting on a shore excursion from a cruise ship, I highly recommend you take a private longtail boat tour while you're in Phuket.

Longtail boat tours are excellent for exploring some hidden gems around Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay.

Recommended Tours via Longtail Boat in Phuket

Charter a Private Longtail Boat to Coral Island

If you would like to explore Coral Island while in Phuket, you can charter your own private longtail boat to explore the Island at your own pace.

There are a couple of options and departure points to choose from.

From Chalong Pier, you can charter a private longtail boat. This boat is ideal for couples, or if you're travelling with a group of up to 6 people and would prefer the journey in a private taxi boat to Coral Island.

Boat charter includes:

drinking water
snorkelling equipment
life jackets

This particular longtail boat departs from Chalong Pier, starting from 8.00 am, with the last boat departing at 2.00 pm.

CHARTER RATES & AVAILABILITY

Charter a Private Longtail Boat To Coral Island & Koh Bon

From Rawai Beach, you can take a private longtail boat ride to Coral Island with the option to include a visit to explore Koh Bon.

This longtail boat transfer, doesn’t include snorkelling gear.

The longtail boats from Rawai depart at 8.00 am and 11.00 am.

If you would like to get to Coral Island before the crowds, I suggest booking an early time slot.

CHARTER RATES & AVAILABILITY

Luxury Private Longtail Boat Tours from Phuket

If you’re after something more than a standard taxi boat transfer, you’ll find several luxury longtail boat tours operating from Phuket that are perfect for island-hopping adventures.

These luxury longtail boat tours provide a unique way to explore the hidden beaches and islands around Phuket, combining comfort and style with the classic longtail boat experience.

While these tours come at a higher price compared to typical longtail boat rides, they deliver a more personalised journey and a comfortable experience at a slower pace, allowing you to fully relax and take in the scenery.

Highly recommended