Jaofa Port

Jaofa Port — Chao Fa Pier on maps and to most locals — is Krabi Town’s main river harbor, on the Krabi River in Pak Nam. It’s the departure point for island ferries to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, longtail boats to Railay Beach (around 150 THB one way, 300 THB return, a handful of sailings through the morning), and hired longtails out to Khao Khanap Nam, the twin limestone karsts visible upriver, and the Ko Klang fishing village across the water.

Longtails with their long, angled propeller shafts line the wooden jetty, tour touts work the waterfront selling day trips and snorkelling tours, and fishing boats mix in with the tourist traffic — this is still a working river pier as much as a tourist departure point. Departure times shift with the season and passenger numbers, so it’s worth confirming the day’s schedule at the pier itself or with your guesthouse the evening before rather than assuming a fixed timetable.

Ferries onward to Koh Lanta typically run a couple of sailings a day in high season, first departure around 07:00, with the crossing taking under two hours on the faster boats. Phi Phi ferries run more frequently. Both routes can also be booked from travel agents around town rather than at the pier itself, which is often the easier option if you want a guaranteed seat rather than turning up and hoping.

Watch out: Jaofa Port is not where the Four Islands tour (Poda, Chicken Island, Tup, and Mor) leaves from — that departs from Nopparat Thara Pier near Ao Nang, about 20 minutes away. If a boat operator here tries to sell you a Four Islands trip, confirm exactly which pier the boat actually leaves from.

Insider Tip: Krabi Walking Street, the weekend night market, sets up along the riverfront near the pier Friday to Sunday evenings (17:00–22:00) — good for grabbing food before or after a boat trip, though it’s not running on weekday nights.

The pier is within walking distance of central Krabi Town, so there’s no need for transport if you’re already staying nearby. Entry to the pier itself is free; you only pay for whichever boat you book.