Skip to main content
Ratsada Pier
Activities & Tours
Phuket

Ratsada Pier

4.3(531 reviews)

Ratsada Pier is a working waterfront pier in Mueang Phuket District, functioning as a practical departure hub for boat tours heading to Coral Island, Phi Phi Islands, and other Andaman Sea destinations. Its proximity to central Phuket makes it a convenient option for visitors who want to arrange water-based day trips without lengthy transfers across the island. The atmosphere is busy and functional rather than scenic, with tour operators, speedboats, and a mix of tourists and locals moving through throughout the day. Visitors have noted good facilities at the pier and described the surrounding seascape as photogenic. Popular activities departing from here include snorkelling excursions and island-hopping tours, with speedboat day trips to Coral Island among the most frequently mentioned. Some travellers recommend booking a private or personalised tour over large group speedboat tours for a more enjoyable experience. A practical note worth knowing: a fixed-price taxi system operates at the pier, and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are effectively unusable here due to local transport arrangements on the ground. Arrive prepared to use pier-side taxis or arrange transport through your accommodation in advance. Morning arrivals are advisable, as tour operators are most active early in the day and departure schedules are fuller. Booking tours ahead of time, particularly during peak season, helps secure preferred departure slots.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Ratsada Pier, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Surreal! Thats how I would describe this island and a host of other islands that you come across on the way to Phi Phi. Though I would highly recommend a personalised tour and not a group tour on a speed boat! They just let you be at each of the islands for around 20 min each..Thats hardly any time to soak in the beauty..Forget about trying snorkelling and other activities. They also keep pestering you to buy their stuff and offer crass food! A group tour could be your only spoiler at phi phi..also the fact that it is highly commercialised. As far as the natural beauty goes , you're going to be floored..I have been to maldives as well and I liked this better! I would suggest go on a private your on a log tail boat and enjoy snorkelling and sunbathing at the island you like the best among all!

Wicked. Definitely go snorkeling. The beach is closed indefinitely due to tourist trashing the place but you can get within a couple hundred metres to take some pictures and on the other parts of the island there is some great swimming in clear blue waters.

Great experience with the speedboat to coral island day tour..very good facilities at pier, very clear, very scenic for beautiful photographs to keep on the memory Look forward to the next trip soon

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Through Klook or GetYourGuide

These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

Also Popular in Phuket

Patong Beach
Featured

Patong Beach

4.3(45,000)
Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Phuket's most famous beach with clear waters and vibrant atmosphere

Mu Ko Similan National Park
Featured

Mu Ko Similan National Park

4.7(4,574)
MJ4X+XH2, Tambon Lam Kaen, Amphoe Thai Mueang

This serene national park features white-sand beaches & vibrant coral reefs popular among divers.

Ko Racha Yai
Featured

Ko Racha Yai

4.6(502)
Rawai

No cars exist on this tiny island with a number of resorts pitched at all budgets & sandy beaches.

Ko Yao Yai
Featured

Ko Yao Yai

4.6(437)
Ko Yao District

Large inhabited island in the Ko Yao Archipelago known for its beaches & dive sites.

Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand

JK Thai Inter Language School (ED visa)
Featured

JK Thai Inter Language School (ED visa)

5.0(167)
456 54 หมู่ 12 Soi Pratumnak soi 6, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Pattaya language school offering Thai courses and ED visa support, open daily 9am–8pm in Pratumnak.

Safari World

Safari World

4.4(47,746)
99 Panya Indra Rd, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10510, Thailand

Zoo & entertainment park featuring safari rides, marine attractions, live feedings & stunt shows.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park

4.5(39,388)
Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Central urban park featuring manicured lawns, playgrounds & an artificial lake with boat rentals.

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

4.5(28,532)
ชั้น บี1-บี2 สยามพารากอน 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Spacious aquarium offers hundreds of marine species on display, 4-D films & underwater experiences.

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands