🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are sister islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, both part of Koh Yao district in Phang Nga province. A lot of people mix the two up, so here's the simple version: Koh Yao Yai is the larger island but sees fewer tourists, with resorts spread far apart. Koh Yao Noi is smaller but has a denser cluster of upscale stays and restaurants. If you're after real quiet, Koh Yao Yai is the better fit.
What sets Koh Yao Yai apart from your typical tourist island is that it wasn't built for tourists in the first place. People here just live their normal lives — tapping rubber, heading out to fish, with the mosque as the heart of the community. There are only a handful of convenience stores, and nights are very quiet. It's great if you genuinely want to rest, and not the place to come looking for parties or nightlife.
How to get to Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai has no airport, so the only way in is by boat — and you can come from either Phuket or Krabi. The main piers where speedboats dock are Khlong Hia and Chong Lard, both on the northern side of the island.
- From Phuket — speedboats leave from Bang Rong pier, the main hub with the most departures, followed by Laem Hin pier. The ride takes about 30–45 min and costs roughly 200–400 THB per person.
- From Krabi — speedboats run from Tha Len pier and Noppharat Thara–Ao Nang, a few times a day. Some boats stop at Koh Yao Noi first before carrying on to Koh Yao Yai, taking around 30–60 min.
- Ferry / longtail — some piers run cheaper slow boats, but with fewer departures and less reliable timing than the speedboats.
Check before you go
Boat schedules change with the season and the weather. During monsoon (roughly May–October), departures can be cut back and the swell picks up. Check the timetable with your hotel or the operator ahead of time, and book your return trip with some buffer for connections.
Want more out of Phang Nga? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Getting around the island
There are no buses or metered taxis on the island. The easiest and most popular option is to rent a scooter and ride yourself — the main roads are fairly smooth and traffic is light, so it's an easy ride. If you don't drive, there are songthaews and local pickup transfers you can call, but agree on the price first.
- Scooter rental — around 250–300 THB per day, available at resorts or shops near the pier. This is the most freeing way to get around.
- Bicycle rental — some resorts lend or rent bikes, great for an easy morning ride around the beaches and rubber plantations.
- Songthaew / transfer — for runs between the pier and your hotel. It's easier to have your hotel arrange this in advance.
About fuel
There aren't many petrol stations on the island — a lot of places sell fuel by the bottle, at higher prices than in town. Top up before heading out anywhere far, and don't forget cash, since many shops still don't take transfers or cards.
Beaches and things to see
The charm of Koh Yao Yai is its long, quiet beaches — not many shops lined up along them. At several beaches the tide goes out a long way at low tide, exposing mudflats and the sea creatures living in them; at high tide you can swim comfortably. Check the tide table before planning a swim.
Loh Paret Beach
A white-sand beach on the east coast, calm and quiet, and a lovely spot to watch the sunrise. The water is clear at high tide, good for walking and kayaking.
Lo Chak Beach
Another quiet beach on the other side, with a private feel. Good for sitting back and watching the sea, with small resorts scattered along it.
Klong Son Beach
The area with the most beachfront stays and restaurants to choose from — handy if you want some convenience close to the sand.
Viewpoints & rubber plantations
Ride a scooter through the rubber plantations and fishing villages to see how island life really works. Plenty of photo stops along the way.
Beyond lying on the beach, popular activities include kayaking, snorkelling over the coral around the little outlying islands, and taking a longtail boat out into Phang Nga Bay. Because Koh Yao Yai sits right in the middle, it's not far to run over to James Bond Island (Khao Tapu) and Koh Hong.
Where to stay on Koh Yao Yai
Places to stay range from upscale beachfront resorts to budget guesthouses. The big draw is that most sit right on the beach and feel fairly quiet and private, since the island is large but the stays aren't densely packed. A few names that come up often:
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
A Thai-style beachfront resort with beautiful woodwork, sea views, pools and a spa. Good for couples or honeymooners, at the higher end of the price range.
Glow Elixir Koh Yao Yai
Around 35 beachfront villas on a long, quiet beach that many reckon is the best on the island. A very private feel.
Koh Yao Yai Village
A relaxed beachfront resort with both rooms and villas, mid-range pricing and easy to reach.
Thiwson Beach Resort / Baan Taranya
More accessible options — wooden bungalows and villas right on the beach, suited to budget-to-mid travellers.
Match the location to your style
The island is big and the stays are spread far apart, so pick a coast that matches what you want. The east coast (Loh Paret) gets the sunrise; the west coast gets the sunset. If you'd rather not ride far for meals, choose a place with its own restaurant — it's a lot easier.
A Koh Yao Yai itinerary
Arrive on the island + settle in
Ride around the island + the sea
Chill before heading back
Before you go
- Bring cash — there are few ATMs on the island, and many shops and smaller stays still take cash only.
- Respect Muslim customs — most people on the island are Muslim, so dress modestly when entering villages or the mosque, and note that many restaurants serve halal food with no pork.
- Avoid the monsoon — May–October brings strong swells, fewer boat departures and some resort closures. The best window to visit is November–April.
- Internet and power — mobile signal works but is weak in spots, so come ready to genuinely unplug from your screen.
Want a quiet beachfront stay on Koh Yao Yai? See the options travellers rate highly.
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