Boat type · เรือหางยาว

Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao)

Hand-built using plank-on-frame methods passed down since 1950s. Engine is mounted on a long swivelling shaft - the 'long tail' that gives the boat its name. Drives a propeller at the end of the shaft, eliminating the need for a fixed shaft and stuffing box. This design is unique to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.

Hull
wooden plank-on-frame
9-12m
Engine
100-300hp
Toyota/Hino/Isuzu repurposed car/truck engine on swivel mount
Speed
12-25 (turbo variants 40-50) kn
Capacity
8-12 pax
Built in
Phang Nga, Trang, Samut Songkhram
Thai name
เรือหางยาว

Best for

  • shallow water
  • limestone hongs
  • beach landing
  • traditional experience

Downsides

  • wet ride
  • slower than speedboat
  • loud
  • no shade unless added

Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao) tours

longtail6h

Krabi 4 Island Tour by Traditional Longtail

from $37per person

4.6/5 · 5,833 reviews · verified 2026-07-16

longtail5h

Phi Phi Island Tour by Wooden Longtail

from $399per group

4.2/5 · 21 reviews · verified 2026-07-16

longtail6h

Maya Bay & Hidden Lagoons by Longtail from Phi Phi

฿1,800typical range
longtail8h

James Bond Island by Traditional Longtail

฿1,500typical range
longtail9h

Phang Nga Bay Full Day Longtail with Sea Caves

฿2,400typical range
longtail0.25h

Ao Nang to Railay Beach Longtail Transfer

฿100typical range
longtail6h

Hong Island Day Trip by Longtail from Krabi

฿1,100typical range
longtail8h

Ang Thong Marine Park by Longtail from Koh Samui

฿1,900typical range

Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao) by destination

Phi Phi IslandsKrabiPhuketPhang Nga BayKoh SamuiKoh LantaRailay BeachKoh Yao NoiTrang IslandsKoh LipeHua HinSamut Songkhram

Common questions

What is a Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao)?+

Hand-built using plank-on-frame methods passed down since 1950s. Engine is mounted on a long swivelling shaft - the 'long tail' that gives the boat its name. Drives a propeller at the end of the shaft, eliminating the need for a fixed shaft and stuffing box. This design is unique to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.

How fast is a Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao)?+

Typical cruising speed is 12-25 (turbo variants 40-50) knots. Engine is Toyota/Hino/Isuzu repurposed car/truck engine on swivel mount (100-300hp). Hull length 9-12m, carries 8-12 passengers.

What is the Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao) best for?+

Best for: shallow water, limestone hongs, beach landing, traditional experience. Downsides: wet ride, slower than speedboat, loud, no shade unless added.

Where are Traditional Wooden Longtail (Rua Hang Yao) boats built?+

Phang Nga, Trang, Samut Songkhram. wooden plank-on-frame hulls.