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Koh Yao Islands
By Paula Parker
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.
Koh Yao Noi is the smaller of the two islands, with an increase in development on the island.
Both islands remain a quiet sanctuary; they are largely unaffected by overdevelopment and mass tourism, like you see in Phuket and Krabi.
The Koh Yao islands are mainly populated by Muslim communities, with locals making their living from fishing, rice farming, rubber trees, 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.
The beaches and bays around the Koh Yao islands are lovely, as they are yet to be spoiled by mass tourism, and they offer stunning views of limestone karsts rising from the water.
There isn't a lot of nightlife on either of the islands; it is limited to quiet romantic dining and drinks at the resort bars.
The locals who live and work on the Koh Yao islands are keen to preserve their traditional ways.
So it's important when you're 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 Yai Information
Koh Yao Yai is the largest Island in Phang Nga with an array of plants, animals, 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 islands has remained virtually unchanged, and the friendly locals will welcome the eco-conscious traveler.
Koh Yao Noi Information
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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.
The beaches on the western side of the Island are picturesque, but they are not suitable 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, including a hospital, several schools, a 7-11, a post office, restaurants and internet access.
Koh Yao Attractions & Things to do
Koh Yao Noi was one of the best rock climbing destinations in Thailand. The area offered a variety of grades, face climbs and multi-pitch climbing. In recent years, rock climbing on Koh Yao Islands was officially banned.
Koh Yao Noi is a top destination for bike riding, you can cycle through coastal roads, rice fields and local villages.
Explore the local way of life with a visit to the local fresh food market, where you can taste the exotic fruits and learn a little bit about the local vegetables, sample homemade Thai delicacies and find locally made souvenirs.
If you want to explore the beautiful Islands that surround Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, you can take an island-hopping tour on a longtail boat to visit Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Bi Leh Bay and Ko Lao Lading from either of the two Islands.
Activities you might like to do are 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, let's 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 are also some Eco-friendly homestay programs available.
Below are just a couple of our favourite resorts and hotels at Koh Yao Noi.
Koyao Island Resort
Koyao Island Resort has 15 luxury villas all designed in traditional Thai architecture, each villa faces the beach and has undisturbed views of Phang Nga Bay.
With three superior villas and eleven deluxe villas that are especially designed for couples. Family villas are available and can sleep up to six people.
Activities at Kayao Island Resort include snorkeling, diving, island hopping, fishing, water sports, kayaking, bird-watching, biking, rock-climbing, jungle tracking and boating.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Six Senses Yao Noi is a five-star resort comprising 54 private pool villas. Each villa has its own infinity-edged pool and sundeck offering spectacular views over Phang Nga Bay.
Activities at the resort consist of spa treatments, holistic activities, a gym, Thai cooking classes, exclusive speed boat tours, customised boat and bicycle tours, a tennis court and a gym.
The Six Senses is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, or maybe a dream wedding on a tropical island.
Paradise Kohyao Resort
Paradise Kohyao Resort is a luxury boutique resort located at the northern end of Yao Noi Island.
The resort is an ideal destination for a tropical beach wedding or a romantic getaway.
Activities include diving, rock climbing, trekking, canoeing, snorkelling, and mountain bikes.
Niramaya Villas & Wellness Resort
Niramaya Villas and Wellness Resort is situated on the beachfront at Koh Yao Noi overlooking Phang Nga Bay.
All the villas feature a private terrace with free Wi-Fi and a private garden with outdoor Jacuzzi and in-villa spa treatments.
Activities include yoga, tai-chi and meditation.
Koh Yao Yai Resorts and Hotels
Koh Yao Yai Village
Koh Yao Yai Village is a private and peaceful retreat.
The resort is located on the eastern side of this unspoiled island. Each of the bungalows and family villas are individually styled and decorated with handmade handicrafts sourced from the island itself.
Facilities include an infinity pool, restaurant, library, gift shop, activity centre and massage room.
Elixer Koh Yao Yai Resort
Elixir Koh Yao Yai Resort features 40 spacious private villas located in the private Bo Le bay.
Visitors to Elixir will find that they have truly escaped to an unsurpassed paradise.
Activities include, horse riding, jeep, motorbike, mountain bike rental and nature walks.
Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi Tours
If you would like to do a day trip to the Koh Yao Islands from either Phuket or Krabi, there is a range of tours to both Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
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 by taking the ferry from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's east coast, approximately a 20-minute drive from Phuket Airport.
The ferry arrives first at Loh Chark Pier at Koh Yao Yai and then continues onto Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi.
There are about 10 passenger ferries per day, running from 07:30 to 17:45.
If you are travelling to the Koh Yao Islands from either Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta, there are many transfer options available.
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