Longtail Boat Tours – The Classic Thai Experience
The longtail boat (“reua hang yao” in Thai) is the traditional wooden boat of Thailand, named for its long propeller shaft that extends from the engine to the back. These boats are slow, charming, and perfect for small groups who want an authentic journey through Phang Nga Bay. This page compares longtail boats to speedboats, explains costs, and tells you what to expect.
⛵ Book a traditional longtail tour ⛵
Authentic experience with local captain. Small groups, great for photos. Prices from 1,800 THB per person.
History and Design
Longtail boats were originally fishing boats. The design evolved over centuries: a narrow wooden hull, a car engine (often from a four‑cylinder truck), and a long steel shaft with a propeller at the end. The driver can change direction by swinging the entire shaft – no rudder. The engine sits at the back on a swivel mount. These boats are cheap to build and repair, but loud and smoky. They are not fast – about 6‑8 knots (10‑15 km/h) – but they can navigate very shallow water and mangrove tunnels that speedboats cannot reach.
Why Choose a Longtail Boat for James Bond Island?
- Authentic atmosphere – no plastic seats, no loud pop music. Just the engine rumble and wind.
- Better for photography – slow speed means less blur. You can shoot from the bow without vibration.
- Small groups – typical longtail takes 8‑12 people. You are not packed with 30 strangers.
- Access to shallow caves – can enter mangroves and low‑tide passage that speedboats avoid.
- Cheaper for private hire – a private longtail for your group costs around 2,500‑3,500 THB for half a day, split among friends.
Disadvantages
- Slow – journey from Phuket pier to James Bond Island takes about 90 minutes (speedboat 45 minutes).
- No shade – some longtails have a canvas awning, but it is small. You will be in the sun for hours.
- No toilets – you must use beach toilets or wait. Not ideal for families with small children.
- Loud and vibrating – earplugs are helpful for sensitive people.
- Not suitable for rough seas – longtails are less stable than speedboats; tours may cancel if waves exceed 1 metre.
Typical Longtail Itinerary
A standard longtail tour (8‑9 hours):
- 7:30‑8:30 – Hotel pickup, drive to pier.
- 9:00 – Board longtail, depart.
- 10:30 – Arrive James Bond Island. 45‑60 minutes.
- 11:30 – Koh Panyee, lunch (1 hour).
- 12:30 – Panak Island, kayak into Ice Cream Cave (low tide required).
- 13:30 – Hong Island, swim / snorkel (1 hour).
- 14:30 – Return trip.
- 16:00 – Back to pier, transfer to hotel.
Speedboat tours fit more stops (e.g., Khai Island). Longtails take it slower – you visit 2‑3 major sites plus James Bond Island.
Costs and Booking
Shared longtail tours from Phuket cost around 1,800‑2,200 THB per person, including lunch, water, hotel pickup, and national park fees. Private longtail hire: 2,500‑3,500 THB for the boat (up to 12 people), plus guide fee (200 THB) and park fees (300 THB adult) – total around 5,000‑6,000 THB for a group of 4, cheaper per person than shared. You can book through travel shops in Phuket or online platforms like Klook. Always confirm what is included – some longtail tours do not provide snorkel masks or life jackets.
Packing Tips for Longtail Tours
- Strong sunscreen – shade is limited.
- Waterproof bag – waves can splash.
- Toilet paper – no toilet on boat.
- Earplugs – if you are sensitive to engine noise.
- Motion sickness tablets – the ride is bumpy across the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is better – longtail or speedboat?
A: Choose longtail for authenticity and small groups; choose speedboat for speed, comfort, and more stops. Both see the same islands.
Q: Are longtail tours safe?
A: Yes, if the weather is calm. Operators will cancel in rough seas. Life jackets are provided.
Q: Can I bring a baby?
A: Not recommended – no safety rails, loud engine, no shade for infants. Minimum age is usually 4 years.
Q: Do longtail tours visit the Ice Cream Cave?
A: Yes, but only at low tide. The guide will check tide times and may swap stops accordingly.
Final Word From Local Experts
The longtail boat is a disappearing icon. Many travellers prefer fast speedboats, but the gentle put‑put of a longtail connects you to old‑style Thai travel. You can feel the history. If you have a day to spare and want to go slow, book a longtail. You will return with better photos, better stories, and a deeper appreciation for the bay. Just bring earplugs and a hat.
— Written by the team at VisitJamesBondIsland.com