핫야오 부두

Hat Yao Pier is located on the very long strip of Hat Yao ("Long Beach") in Trang. It is quite a fascinating place full of rocky headlands, cliffs and caves. Hat Yao is itself a small fishing village wedged in between the sea and towering limestone cliffs, located at the mouth of a mangrove estuary. There is good snorkeling around the island and the best beach is Hat Apo nestling among the cliffs. Tham Chao Mai is a vast cave full of crystal cascades and impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and a kayak tour can be arranged to explore these fascinating natural wonders — quite an experience moving through limestone tunnels in a mangrove swamp, having to shield your head from the low stalactites!

Just south of the headland is the Hat Yao Pier itself, purely functional, with the ferries docking for passengers to alight and waiting to pick them up. Being one of only four places with such limestone formations and with a chance to spot dolphins and the endangered dugong, Hat Yao has gradually acquired quite a reputation.

Ferries and island connections

Trang is the central point for journeys to the islands of the deep south, and thousands pass through Hat Yao Pier on their way. The headline route is the Trang to Koh Lipe ferry, a scenic run of around three hours that threads between the Trang islands. Boats also connect north to Koh Lanta, and combined boat-and-minivan tickets link Trang with Krabi and Ao Nang. Longtail boats from the same pier serve the closer islands — Koh Mook with its famous Emerald Cave, Koh Kradan and quiet Koh Libong.

Getting to the pier

Hat Yao Pier is about 45 minutes by road south-west of Trang town and its railway station. The simplest option is a combined minivan-and-boat ticket, which picks you up in town and delivers you straight to the boat; taxis and local minibuses make the same run. Arrive with a little time to spare — the pier is small, and check-in is quick and informal.

Staying near the pier

A handful of beach resorts sit within a short ride of the pier, handy for an early boat — you'll find live rates for places to stay near Hat Yao further down this page.