“Gateway to Koh Yao Yai connecting Krabi and Phuket. Experience local fishing lifestyles, explore lush mangroves, and enjoy peaceful journeys across the stunning Andaman Sea.”
Klong Hia Pier is a key transportation hub located on the northern part of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Province. It serves as a primary gateway connecting Koh Yao Yai with Koh Yao Noi and the mainland, particularly routes to Klong Sai Pier in Krabi (Khao Thong area). The pier is structurally designed to extend into the sea, allowing it to effectively accommodate tidal fluctuations typical of the Andaman coast. The surrounding area is enriched by a well-preserved mangrove ecosystem, which plays a vital role in coastal protection and serves as a nursery for marine life. This natural abundance supports a strong and enduring local fishing community.
Culturally, Klong Hia Pier reflects the identity of the Thai-Muslim community on Koh Yao, where people continue to live in harmony with nature. Visitors arriving at the pier will immediately notice the calm and unhurried atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the busy and highly commercialized piers found in Phuket or Krabi. The area features simple rest pavilions that act as gathering points for locals, along with friendly local transport services. A long concrete jetty stretches out into the sea, providing panoramic views of the limestone islands scattered across Phang Nga Bay. During low tide, the exposed mudflats and intricate mangrove root systems create a unique natural landscape, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism and coastal ecosystem exploration.
Economically, the pier plays a crucial role as a logistics hub for transporting goods and agricultural products between the island and the mainland. A visit to Klong Hia Pier is therefore more than just a transit experience—it is an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the social structure, local livelihood, and the relationship between people and nature on Koh Yao Yai. From the rhythmic sound of long-tail boat engines to the early morning scenes of fishermen unloading their fresh catch, the pier embodies an authentic charm that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
How to Get There
- From Phuket: Take a speedboat or longtail boat from Bang Rong Pier. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
- From Krabi: Take a boat from Klong Sai Pier (Khao Thong Subdistrict). Both chartered and passenger boats are available according to a schedule.
- On Koh Yao Yai: You can use local shared taxis or rent a motorbike to get around the island.
Travel Tips
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Use waterproof bags for your valuables and electronics while boarding or disembarking.
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Bring sunscreen and a hat since the long jetty is an open area with strong sunlight.
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Consult local drivers at the waiting pavilion for fair rates on motorbike rentals or taxis.
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Keep the area clean and avoid littering to help preserve the surrounding mangrove ecosystem.
Admission Fees:
- Free admission.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily (regular ferry schedule runs from approximately 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM).