Updated: June 2024
Koh Yao Islands
your ultimate travel guide
Koh Yao islands are not so well known islands, located in the Andaman sea and belong to Phang-nga province. The islands are situated between popular tourist destinations of Krabi and Phuket. Koh Yao archipelago consists of many smaller islands, but the two main and the only inhabited islands are called Ko Yao Noi (“Small Long Island”) and Ko Yao Yai (“Big Long Island”).
If you want to relax and see what many of the popular Thai islands used to look like 20 or more years ago, than you will love Koh Yao.
The islands are very quiet, with not so much build-up infrastructure and empty beaches. Out of the two islands, Koh Yao Noi is a little bit more developed.
The beaches are very natural, with hardly any people, but there is quite a prominent low tide with some rocky shores so don’t expect azure water like on some of the other islands in the Andaman Sea.
The islands are predominately Muslim populated and there is no nightlife, but you can buy a beer in a restaurant if you fancy and there are a couple of chill-out bars and restaurant you can hang out.
Staying in Koh Yao is like stepping back in time and enjoying Thailand’s nature and calmness with no tourist crowds. Koh Yao is for anyone looking to unwind, relax, enjoy beach walks and exploring the beautiful nature.
Both islands are worth visiting. You can spend two days in Koh Yao Yai and three days in Koh Yao Noi or you can pick one island and visit the other island for a day.
Check out my itinerary Island Hopping: 20 Days In South Of Thailand.
How do you get to Koh Yao?
Koh Yao Noi can be easily reached by long tail boat or speedboat from Phuket and Krabi, both of which 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 will have to take a van or a taxi to Bang Rong Port. It takes around 30 minutes. Speedboats and long-tail boats are leaving to both islands almost every hour. The price is around 200- 300THB per person depending on the type of the boat. You will arrive at the Klong Hai Pier in Koh Yao Yai or Manoh Pier in Koh Yao Noi.
If you are staying in the south part of the Phuket you can get a boat from Jian Wanich Pier (arrives at Loh Jack Pier in Koh Yao Yai).
Once you arrive in Koh Yao there are taxies and also motorbike taxi, which can take you to your hotel.
- FROM KRABI
From Krabi Airport you 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 Aonang (Nopparat Thara Pier) and Railay. Please check the times online or with your hotel as it changes often, depending on the season.
- FROM KOH PHI PHI
There is an easy transfer by speedboat from the main port in Koh Phi Phi a few times a day depending on the season.
The price is around 1,300THB per person and the journey takes around 1,5 hours (first stop is in Railay and then Aonang).
Alternatively, you can get to Koh Yao via Phuket, by ferry + minivan + boat which will be more time consuming, but a little bit cheaper.
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
From my experience it is quite essential to be able to drive around in Koh Yao, so renting a small motorbike is almost a must on the island.
You can rent a motorbike from your hotel, the price per day is usually around 250THB. There is hardly any traffic on the island and it is the best way to explore both islands.
If you don’t own a driving license you can also rent a bicycle, many hotels have bicycles for rent or even for free to use. If they don’t have, you can ask locals where is the nearest place to rent. Bikes are usually around 200THB per day to rent.
Another option would be to rent a car with driver for the day, the price would be around 2000- 2500THB.
2 Kayak to Koh Nok
You can kayak from Koh Yao Noi from Pasai Beach to the small island Koh Nok, it takes around 40 minutes. There is a viewpoint at the top of the cliff which you can climb to enjoy amazing views of Phang Nga Bay. When you go there, make sure to bring proper shoes as the walk up to the viewpoint is quite steep, but worth the sweat. The views are stunning.
Beware of the midday when many day trips from Phuket and Krabi come here for a stop. If you prefer fewer people, head out to the island early morning or later for the sunset.
3 Scuba Diving
If you like underwater, then why not try scuba diving in Koh Yao.
One of the most experienced and professional dive shops Elixir Divers is located in the south part of Ko Yao Yai.
The dive shop is a very personal dive centre with very friendly dive instructors, who make sure you have the best experience possible.
There are a few different dive sites you can visit, depending on your level of experience. Shark Point, Anemone Reef and Phi Phi Island are amongst the most popular sites.
4 Snorkeling and Island Hopping
There isn’t much quality snorkeling from the beach in Koh Yao, so I’d recommend doing a boat trip, either with a group or even better, renting a private boat.
Surrounding Koh Yao Noi are several small pristine islands that are great for day trips. There is nice snorkeling around the island Koh Khai and you can also venture out further to Koh Hong and Lao Lading. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, then start your trip early.
5 Leam Haad Beach
Leam Haad beach is the iconic sandy bar which is pictured in most photos when talking about Koh Yao Yai. You can get here by a scooter. The beach is located at the north part of the island. It is nice to visit during low tide when you can walk far out.
6 Rice Paddy Restaurant View Point for Sunset
The Rice Paddy Viewpoint Restaurant is a beautiful spot for a dinner with views of the sunset in Koh Yao Noi.
The sunset and views are unreal, the restaurant is quiet and has a lovely atmosphere. You can get here by scooter or a taxi.
7 Spas and Treatments
The calmness of the Koh Yao islands invites for relaxing and you can find some amazing spas here.
Ayurvana Spa is located in the luxury hotel Santhiya and it is the perfect place to unwind and treat yourself. Ayurvana Spa offers signature massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials, bath and spa packages for couples. The spa is located a luxurious environment and prices start from around 2,500THB.
If you fancy massage in a more budgeted environment try Leela Massage, also in Koh Yao. An authentic and professional massage experience.
8 Muay Thai Training
If you fancy getting fit or just to try something new, you can schedule training in K.Y.N. Muay Thai Gym in Koh Yai Noi. The head teacher, a 10 times boxing and Muay Thai champion, is a Thailand’s boxing superstar Hlukhin.
You can book an hour private session or stay longer for a programmed training. The trainings are suitable for all levels of fitness and experience.
9 cooking Classes
If you like to cook than visit Mina’s Cooking Class in Koh Yao Noi. Mina loves to teach others how to cook Thai food in her own traditional Thai house. Her house is situated in a quiet neighborhood just outside the market and has an amazing view over the rice fields and the ocean.
Mina grows a lot of Thai herbs and spices herself in her garden, which you are going to use for cooking your delicious Thai dishes. This is as authentic and local as you can get. Must reserve spots beforehand as she is very busy and the cooking classes are small.
10 Visit Batik de KohYao
If you are visiting Koh Yai you can come to the workshop Batik de KohYao, where you can create your own tie-dye and batik paintings and clothes. It is a nice activity, especially for families with children.
11 Yoga Classes
The tranquility and calmness of Koh Yao islands invite for meditation and relaxation. If you haven’t done yoga before, here is the perfect place to start.
If you are staying in Koh Yai Noi I would recommend Island Yoga. Island Yoga is a well known yoga studio and have many classes available daily.
12 Mr Saad Blind Massage
Mr Saad is a blind, medical masseur living in Ko Yao Yai. He has been treating and healing people from all over the world for more than 30 years. His massages are focused at fixing (chronic) problems that you might have in your body for a long, long time.
The treatment is around 45min-1h and prices are around 1,300THB, including pick up and drop off, or 750THB for the massage only.
13 Beach Exploring
The beaches in Koh Yao are not breathtaking and the low tide is quite prominent on both islands. But the lack of tourists and calmness of the sea with some stunning views makes up for it.
In Koh Yao Noi head up to the north part of the island to Paradise Beach, it’s a bit tricky going there down the steep slope but it’s worth it. You can also visit Klong Jark Beach and Long Beach.
In Koh Yai Yao head to Son Bay Beach and Ao Muang Beach and of course the above mentioned Leam Haad Beach.
14 Kayaking in Mangroves
If you like kayaking and nature don’t miss out on a mangrove kayaking. The trip usually includes kayaking in mangrove rivers, wildlife viewing, view point and a lunch in the restaurant. Definitely and experience you will enjoy and remember as a highlight of your holidays.
15 Top restaurants and Seafood
Koh Yao islands are known for some amazing Thai food, especially seafood.
You can visit Fishermans village and enjoy some freshly caught seafood.
Some of the best restaurants you should visit in Koh Yao Yai are Ban Rim Nam Restaurant at the north part of the island – known for the best seafood and Heimat Gardens Restaurant or Emm Restaurant.
In Koh Yai Noi visit Cafe Kantary @ Cape Kudu Hotel for great breakfast and an amazing coffee and Kaya Restaurant for some Thai classics. We ate almost every at Chaba Cafe (good vegetarian and organic options). Anchor Point and Stella restaurants are two other safe options for good Thai food.
Where to stay in Koh Yao Yai and Noi
There are hotels and resorts for all budgets on both islands.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation then there are plenty of basic bungalows and even some tent camps for backpackers.
There are also some good mid-range options and if you are after some luxury or planning a honeymoon then Koh Yao Noi has some fantastic 5* hotel options.
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
