Where Ao Po Grand Marina is
The marina sits in Pa Khlok, in Thalang District on the north-east side of the island. It is on the bay coast, not the Andaman beach coast, so you see limestone islands beyond the breakwater instead of surf. There is no swimming beach at the pier.
It is a practical place. The marina advertises round-the-clock access with no tide restrictions and berths for large yachts, with charter offices and a few cafes and bars around the pontoons. Spellings vary: Ao Po, Ao Por and Ao Po Grand Marina all mean the same marina, and the postal address uses Pa Klok. Copy the name exactly as it is written on your boat voucher.
What leaves from the marina
Yacht charters and island trips use Ao Po to reach Phang Nga Bay. Travel sites also list ferry and speedboat links from here to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta. Which of these runs on a given day, and from which pier, is up to the operator. Schedules and routes change, so check the current ones with your operator before you plan around them.
Some tours that visit the bay start at other piers, so the voucher matters more than the name of the area. If it says Ao Po, it is this marina.
Places nearby on the same coast
| From the airport | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Pa Klok | 16 km | 20 min |
| Ao Po Grand Marina | 20 km | 27 min |
| Baan Yamu | 25 km | 31 min |
| Phuket Town | 36 km | 50 min |
Baan Yamu is the nearby villa area on the same side of the island, and Pa Klok is the village the marina belongs to. If your stay is a villa and not a boat, see the Baan Yamu transfer or the Pa Klok transfer.
Arriving in time for a boat
The taxi is the short part of a boat day. Ask your operator for two times: when the boat leaves and when you must be at the pier. Then add the drive. From the airport that is about 27 minutes, but from a west-coast beach the ride crosses the island and takes longer, so add a margin. Do not plan a tight connection on the same day as a long flight.
You can book a private car from your hotel to Ao Por, or from the pier back to your hotel after the trip. Choose your start point and Ao Por on the booking form, or see the airport to Ao Po Pier page for fixed prices from the airport.
Size the car to your group and your bags. A sedan takes up to 3 passengers with luggage, an SUV / MPV up to 4, a minibus up to 9 and a VIP minibus up to 8 in a premium cabin. Small boats can limit luggage, so ask the operator before you pack.
Questions about this transfer
Is Ao Po the same as Ao Por?
Yes. Ao Po, Ao Por and Ao Po Grand Marina are different spellings of the same marina in Pa Khlok. Use the spelling on your boat voucher.
Where is Ao Po Grand Marina?
On Phuket's east coast at Pa Khlok, Thalang District, facing Phang Nga Bay. It is 20 km from the airport, about 27 minutes by car.
Is there a beach at Ao Po Grand Marina?
No. It is a working marina with pontoons and boats. The beaches are on the west coast, a longer drive across the island.
Which islands can I reach from Ao Po?
Travel sites list boats toward Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta. Routes and times are set by the operators, so confirm with yours.
Is the marina open at night?
The marina advertises round-the-clock access for yachts. Passenger boat times and office hours differ by operator, so ask yours.
What do I send when I book a transfer to the marina?
Your flight number if you arrive by air, the name on your boat voucher, a map pin, the car size and the date. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal when you book.