Koh Yao Islands

By Paula Parker

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai Islands

The Koh Yao Islands are located in the south of Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and the mainland of Krabi.

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are two large islands surrounded by many smaller islands. These islands are part of Phang Nga Province and are accessible by boat from Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi.

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The smaller of the two islands is Koh Yao Noi and while development is rapidly increasing on this island, both islands still remain a quiet sanctuary and are largely unaffected by over development and mass tourism like you see in Phuket and Krabi.

The Koh Yao islands are mainly populated by Muslim communities.

These people make their living from fishing, rice farming, rubber tree, fruit, palm and coconut plantations.

During the south west monsoons the Koh Yao islands are sheltered from the rainy season waves making them a great destination where you can go for a few days to relax and enjoy the calm waters. 

Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is the largest Island in Phang Nga with an array of plants, animal and marine life.
The main road that runs the entire length of the Island winds past small village communities, farms, fishing villages and many quiet beaches.

The Koh Yao Islands are one of Thailand's best kept secrets; the traditional way of life on the Island has remained virtually unchanged and the friendly locals will welcome the eco-conscious traveller.

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi covers about 50 square kilometres and has approximately 18 kilometres of dirt and concrete roads, making it an ideal spot for bicycling and walking.

The beaches on the eastern side of the island are suitable for swimming, where as the beaches on the western side although very picturesque, they are not suited for swimming as they are covered with mangrove trees.

Being one of the most developed islands in the Phang Nga Bay archipelago; Koh Yao Noi is where you will find all the government offices located and a range of facilities which include a hospital, several schools, a 7-11, a post office, restaurants and internet access.

The beaches and bays around the Koh Yao islands are lovely as they are yet to be spoiled by mass tourism, they offering stunning views of limestone karsts rising from the water.

There is not a lot of night life on either of the islands and it is limited to quiet romantic dining and drinks at the resort bars.

The locals that live and work on the Koh Yao islands are keen to preserve their traditional ways.

So it's important when your visiting the islands to respect the local culture and religion by dressing modestly and refraining from drinking alcohol outside of the restaurants and resorts that cater to visitors.

Koh Yao attractions & things to do 

Koh Yao Noi is one of the best rock climbing destinations in Thailand. There is a variety of grades, face climbs and multi-pitch climbing.

For the ultimate climbing experience in Thailand there is also deep water soloing, tours for both are available through Andaman Adventures and a few other companies.

If rock climbing is not your scene you can go bike riding which is a great way to take in the scenery.

You can visit the local fresh food market where you can taste the exotic fruits and learn a little bit about the local vegetables.

There are also home made Thai delicacies and locally made souvenirs.

Or explore the beautiful Islands that surround Koh Yao Yai by longtail boat and visit Hong Island and Bi Leh Bay.

Activities you might like to do is to rent a long-tail boat to go snorkeling at Khai Nok and Khai Nai islands or go hiking, kayaking or take a tour of the island by motorbike.

Where to stay: Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi?

Well that's a hard question but here are a few things to consider.

Koh Yao Yai is not as well developed for tourism as Koh Yao Noi, however both islands are equally beautiful and both have a good selection of resorts to choose from.

We personally loved our stay at Koh Yao Noi and would definitely recommend at least 4 to 5 nights on the Islands.

If you want to experience the relaxing atmosphere of both islands, you could split your time between the two islands, lets say 2 nights on Koh Yao Yai and 3 nights on Koh Yao Noi.

The boat ride between the two islands is only around 10 minutes so if you decide to stay only on one of the two islands you can easily do a day trip to the other.  

Koh Yao Noi Resorts and Hotels

Koh Yao Noi has some of the finest resorts as well as a range of cheap bungalows. There is also some Eco-friendly homestay programs available.

Koh Yao Yai Resorts and Hotels

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi Tours

If you would like to do a daytrip to the Koh Yao Islands our friends at Easy Day Thailand can organise a range of tours to both Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi as well as bicycle tours. You can contact them here.

How to get to Koh Yao Islands from Phuket

From Phuket the best way to get to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai is from Bang Rong Pier, on Phuket's east coast, approximately 20 minutes drive from Phuket Airport.

The ferry arrives firstly at Loh Chark Pier at Koh Yao Yai and then continues onto Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi.

There are about 10 passenger ferries daily, from 07:30 to 17:45.

The fare is 120 baht per person by longtail boat, taking around an hour.

If you choose to go by speed boat it will only take around 30 minute, costing around 200 baht.

Location Map of Koh Yao Islands