Updated: June 2024
Koh Yao Islands
your ultimate travel guide
Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi – Thailand’s Peaceful Island Escape
Tucked away in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket, the Koh Yao islands are still something of a hidden gem. Part of Phang Nga province, this small archipelago is made up of many tiny islands, but only two are inhabited: Koh Yao Noi (“Little Long Island”) and Koh Yao Yai (“Big Long Island”).
If you’re craving a break from the crowds and want a glimpse of what Thailand’s more popular islands looked like 20+ years ago, you’ll fall in love with Koh Yao. Life here moves slowly. The beaches are quiet, the roads are mostly empty, and the landscape is lush, green, and unspoiled.
Out of the two, Koh Yao Noi is slightly more developed, with more restaurants, boutique hotels, and local shops. Koh Yao Yai is wilder and more rustic — perfect for travelers seeking solitude and nature.
Don’t expect powdery white sand and turquoise water everywhere — the beaches here are natural and peaceful, but some areas have rocky shores and visible low tides. What you can expect is space, silence, and a genuine escape from mass tourism.
The islands are predominantly Muslim, so nightlife is virtually non-existent — but you’ll find a few cozy beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a beer with a sea view. The local vibe is respectful, laid-back, and warmly welcoming.
Why Visit the Koh Yao Islands:
Experience Thailand like it used to be — peaceful, local, and untouched
Gorgeous scenery, quiet roads, and serene beaches
Perfect for relaxing, scooter rides, beach walks, and nature lovers
How to Split Your Time:
You can spend 2 days on Koh Yao Yai and 3 days on Koh Yao Noi, or base yourself on one island and take a short boat ride to explore the other.
👉 Tip: Check out my guide — Island Hopping: 20 Days In South Of Thailand. — for the perfect itinerary!
How do you get to Koh Yao?
Koh Yao Noi can be easily reached by longtail boat or speedboat from both Phuket and Krabi, which each have airports. You can also get here from Koh Phi Phi by a speedboat transfer.
- FROM PHUKET
If you are traveling from Phuket Airport, you’ll need to take a van or taxi to Bang Rong Pier, which takes around 30 minutes. Speedboats and longtail boats to both islands depart almost every hour. The price is around 200–300 THB per person, depending on the type of boat.
If you’re staying in the southern part of Phuket, you can also catch a boat from Jian Wanich Pier, which arrives at Loh Jark Pier on Koh Yao Yai.
Once you arrive on Koh Yao, there are taxis and motorbike taxis available to take you to your hotel.
- FROM KRABI
From Krabi Airport, you’ll need to get to Ao Thalane Pier, which is the main pier connecting the Krabi mainland to Koh Yao.
There is also a speedboat service from Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara Pier) and Railay. Be sure to check the schedule online or with your hotel, as departure times often change depending on the season.
- FROM KOH PHI PHI
There’s an easy speedboat transfer from the main pier in Koh Phi Phi a 3-4 times a day, depending on the season.
The price is around 1,300 THB per person, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, with stops in Railay and then Ao Nang.
15 things to do and see in Koh Yao
1 Explore On A Scooter
2 Kayak To Koh Nok
3 Scuba Diving
4 Snorkeling And Island Hopping
5 Leam Haad Beach
6 Rice Paddy Resto VIEW POINT
7 Spas And Treatments
8 Muay Thai Training
9 Cooking Classes
10 Visit Batik De KohYao
11 Yoga Classis
12 MR Saad Healer
13 Beach Exploring
14 Kayaking in Mangroves
15 Top Restaurants and Seafood
1. Explore on a scooter
In my experience, having your own transport is essential in Koh Yao, so renting a small motorbike is almost a must. You can rent one from most hotels for around 250 THB per day. There’s hardly any traffic, making it a safe and easy way to explore both islands.
If you don’t have a driving license, another great option is renting a bicycle. Many hotels offer them for rent—or even for free. If not, just ask a local where the nearest rental shop is. Bicycle rentals typically cost around 200 THB per day.
For those who prefer not to drive, you can also hire a car with a driver for the day. Expect to pay around 2,000–2,500 THB.
2. Kayak to Koh Nok
From Pasai Beach on Koh Yao Noi, you can kayak to the nearby island of Koh Nok. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Once there, you can climb up to a viewpoint on the cliff for breathtaking views over Phang Nga Bay. Be sure to bring proper shoes—the trail is steep but totally worth the effort.
Try to avoid midday, when many day tours from Phuket and Krabi arrive. For a quieter experience, head out early in the morning or time your visit for sunset.
3. Scuba Diving
If you love the underwater world, consider diving in Koh Yao. One of the most experienced and professional dive shops on the islands is Elixir Divers, located in the south of Koh Yao Yai.
It’s a small, friendly dive center with personal service and experienced instructors who ensure you have a fantastic diving experience. Popular dive sites include Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and Phi Phi Island, with options for all levels of experience.
4. Snorkeling and Island Hopping
There isn’t much quality snorkeling directly from the beaches on Koh Yao, so I recommend taking a boat trip—either with a group or, even better, by renting a private boat.
Surrounding Koh Yao Noi are several pristine islands that are perfect for day trips. Koh Khai offers nice snorkeling, and you can also explore further out to islands like Koh Hong and Lao Lading. To avoid the tourist crowds, it’s best to start your trip early in the morning.
5. Leam Haad Beach
Leam Haad Beach is the iconic sandbar you’ll see in most photos of Koh Yao Yai. You can easily reach it by scooter. Located in the northern part of the island, it’s best to visit during low tide, when you can walk far out into the sea on the narrow sand strip—it’s a magical experience.
6. Rice Paddy Restaurant Viewpoint for Sunset
The Rice Paddy Viewpoint Restaurant on Koh Yao Noi is one of the best places to enjoy sunset with dinner.
The views are absolutely stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the restaurant itself is lovely and laid-back. You can reach it by scooter or taxi. It’s a perfect spot to unwind at the end of a day of exploring.
7. Spas and Treatments
The peaceful atmosphere of the Koh Yao islands makes it the perfect place to relax—and you’ll find some wonderful spas here.
Ayurvana Spa, located at the luxury Santhiya Resort, is an ideal spot to unwind and treat yourself. They offer signature massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials, as well as bath and spa packages for couples. The spa is set in a beautiful, serene environment, with prices starting from around 2,500 THB.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out Leela Massage on Koh Yao. It’s an authentic, professional massage experience at a much more affordable price.
8. Muay Thai Training
If you’re up for getting fit or just want to try something new, head to K.Y.N. Muay Thai Gym on Koh Yao Noi. The gym is run by Hlukhin, a 10-time boxing and Muay Thai champion and a true Thai boxing legend.
9. Cooking Classes
If you love cooking, don’t miss Mina’s Cooking Class on Koh Yao Noi. Mina teaches how to cook traditional Thai food in her own charming Thai-style house.
10. Visit Batik de Koh Yao
If you’re visiting Koh Yao Yai, stop by Batik de KohYao, a charming local workshop where you can create your own tie-dye or batik paintings and clothing. It’s a fun and creative hands-on activity—especially great for families with children.
11. Yoga Classes
The tranquility of the Koh Yao islands makes them an ideal setting for meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. Even if you’ve never tried yoga before, this is the perfect place to begin.
If you’re staying on Koh Yao Noi, I recommend Island Yoga. It’s a well-known studio offering a variety of daily classes in a peaceful, nature-filled setting.
12. Mr. Saad Blind Massage
Mr. Saad is a blind medical masseur based on Koh Yao Yai, who has been treating and healing people from all over the world for over 30 years. His massages focus on targeting and relieving chronic issues that you may have carried for a long time.
13. Beach Exploring
The beaches on Koh Yao may not be the most stunning in Thailand, and the low tide is quite noticeable on both islands. However, the peacefulness, lack of crowds, and scenic views more than make up for it.
On Koh Yao Noi, head north to Paradise Beach—a bit tricky to access due to a steep slope, but well worth it. Other nice beaches include Klong Jark Beach and Long Beach.
On Koh Yao Yai, check out Son Bay Beach, Ao Muang Beach, and of course, the iconic Leam Haad Beach.
14. Kayaking in the Mangroves
If you love kayaking and nature, don’t miss a mangrove kayaking trip. These excursions usually include paddling through mangrove rivers, spotting wildlife, visiting a viewpoint, and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of the islands.
15. Top Restaurants and Seafood
Koh Yao islands are known for fantastic Thai food, especially seafood. For the freshest catch, head to the Fisherman’s Village.
On Koh Yao Yai, try:
Ban Rim Nam Restaurant(north of the island) – famous for its seafood
On Koh Yao Noi, don’t miss:
Cafe Kantary @ Cape Kudu Hotel – excellent breakfast and great coffee
Kaya Restaurant – delicious Thai classics
Chaba Cafe – where we ate almost every day; great vegetarian and organic options
Anchor Point and Stella Restaurant – two solid choices for Thai food
Where to stay in Koh Yao Yai and Noi
There are accommodations to suit every budget on both islands. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of simple bungalows and even a few tent camps perfect for backpackers.
For mid-range travelers, there are some great value-for-money resorts and boutique stays. And if you’re looking for luxury or planning a honeymoon, Koh Yao Noi is home to some fantastic 5-star resorts that offer stunning views, privacy, and top-notch service.
BEST HOTELS IN KOH YAO NOI
Luxury $$:
Cape Kudu Hotel
Tree House Villas- Adults Only
Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi
Mid-range $:
Purana Resort Koh Yao Noi
Awana Villa Resort YaoNoi
Hill House Koh Yao Noi
Budget $:
The Khao Bay View
Antonio’s Ko Yao Noi BED & BBQ
Sabai Corner Bungalow
BEST HOTELS IN KOH YAO YAI
Luxury $$$:
Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Elixir Koh Yao Yai
Mid- range $$:
Esmeralda View Resort
Yao Yai Beach Resort
Resting Place Koh Yao Yai
Budget $:
Koh Yao Modern Inn
Koh Yao Yai Sea Breeze House
Green Mountain Resort Koh Yao
