The Untouched Islands – Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

Flo MBT
Apr 21
6 min read

Updated: Jul 26

The Koh Yao Islands are stunning, laid-back gems that still feel wonderfully untouched. This ultimate guide has everything you need—from how to get there to the best things to do, plus pro tips to help you make the most of your trip!

Best Ways to Reach Koh Yao Islands
How to Get Around Koh Yao Islands
What to Expect
How Long to Spend on the Koh Yao Islands
Things to Do on the Koh Yao Yai
Things to Do on the Koh Yao Noi
Where to Eat

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Best Ways to Reach the Koh Yao Islands

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are super easy to reach — nestled between Ao Nang and Phuket, you can hop on a speedboat and get to either island in less than 45 minutes.

🚢 From Phuket:

Take a taxi or Grab to Bang Rong Pier.
From there, hop on a speedboat — it takes around 40 minutes to reach either Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi.

🚢 From Krabi/ Ao Nang:

Head to Tha Len Pier or Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.
From there, catch a speedboat — it also takes about 40 minutes.

🚢 From Other Thai Islands:

You can reach the Koh Yao islands from nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi, Railay, or Koh Lanta. Just check with local ferry and speedboat companies — most guesthouses and tour desks can help you book easily.

🚢 Between Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi:

To travel between Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, it’s super easy and quick — they’re neighboring islands separated by just a narrow channel!

By Longtail Boat
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cost: ~50–100 THB per person. We paid 150 THB for 2.
- Where: Boats leave from Chong Lad Pier (Yao Yai) and Manoh Pier (Yao Noi).
- Schedule: no need to book in advance, just show up at the pier.

Our Experience

We travelled from Phuket to Ao Nang, making stops on both Koh Yao islands along the way. First, we reached Koh Yao Yai from Phuket by speedboat, then continued on to Koh Yao Noi, and finally made our way to Ao Nang — a perfect little island-hopping route!

Booking Tips:

For ferries between islands (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, etc.), we book on 12go.asia or directly on the island minimum a day before departure.
Pro tip: Compare ferry companies both locally and online at 12go.asia.

How to Get Around the Koh Yao Islands

The best way to explore both islands is by renting a scooter—or even better, a sidecar (how cool is that?).Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi cover approximately 87 km² and 50 km² respectively, offering plenty of space to roam freely. The roads are quiet, with very few cars and almost no traffic, making it a super relaxing and safe way to discover the islands at your own pace. On Koh Yao Noi, many people also choose to rent bicycles, which is a great option to enjoy the slow island life while taking in the beautiful scenery.

What to Expect

Koh Yao Yai – our first stop, and we couldn’t believe there were still untouched islands in Thailand. With an area of 87 km², Koh Yao Yai is a true natural beauty, offering peaceful surroundings and very few tourists. It’s the perfect escape if you love nature, want to connect with locals, enjoy authentic Thai food, relax on the beach, and aren't looking for entertainment like nightlife or jet skis. It’s a place to truly unwind and experience a more laid-back, authentic side of Thailand.
Koh Yao Noi – our second stop, and if you think we loved Koh Yao Yai (and we definitely did!), just wait until you hear about Koh Yao Noi. As soon as we hopped onto the scooter and started exploring, we looked at each other and said, “Let’s book two more nights.” It felt like we had truly found the perfect place.
We drove across the island to our hotel, passing vibrant, colorful flowers, winding roads along the water, beautiful palm trees, and charming little restaurants. Just like Koh Yao Yai, there’s no nightlife or jet skis here—it's all about nature, peace, and genuine relaxation.

It’s important to keep a few things in mind when visiting the Koh Yao islands. Both islands are predominantly Muslim, so it's respectful to dress modestly when walking through villages or shopping areas. Additionally, the tide can vary significantly, which might make swimming difficult at certain times or on specific beaches. While the islands don’t offer the crystal-clear blue waters found at places like Koh Phi Phi, they still feature beautiful, serene beaches that are perfect for relaxation and appreciating the natural surroundings.

How Long to Spend on Each Island

It really depends on what you're looking for! We felt that Koh Yao Noi had a bit more to offer than Koh Yao Yai. You can easily spend two full days exploring each island at a relaxed pace.

In our experience, as soon as we arrived on Koh Yao Noi, we knew two nights wouldn’t be enough — we instantly extended our stay by another two days. That’s how much we loved it!

Where to Stay

Koh Yao Yai – We stayed at Yao Island Resort and Farm, and the two sisters who run it were absolutely lovely — they couldn’t have been more helpful! The place truly feels like you're immersed in the jungle. We stayed in a tent, but they also offer cozy bungalow options for those who prefer a more traditional stay.
Koh Yao Noi – We had a fantastic time at both Holiday Resort and Baan Suan Coconut. At Holiday Resort, we stayed for two nights in a charming resort right on the water, complete with a swimming pool and lovely bungalows.Then, at Baan Sean Coconut, we stayed for another two nights, and it had such a warm, family vibe. The family running the place is incredibly welcoming, and with only a few bungalows nestled in a beautiful garden, it felt like a peaceful, personal retreat.

Things to Do in Koh Yao Yai

#1 Explore Laem Haad Beach

Known for its stunning sandbar and crystal-clear shallows, it’s one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Best time is to go between low/ high tide - but low, in between or high tide offer each a different view.

#2 Wander Around the Different Beaches

Rent a scooter to explore the island, stopping at the different beaches along the way—each with its own unique vibe and charm.

Our favourites: Loh Paret Beach, Son Bay Beach, Loh Jak Pier, Ao Muong Beach.

#3 Enjoy a Thai Massage by the Sea

Many beachfront spots offer open-air massages—there’s nothing like relaxing with the sound of the waves in the background.

#4 Go Island Hopping

Take a day trip by longtail boat to nearby islands like Koh Yao Noi or even explore Phang Nga Bay’s limestone cliffs and lagoons.

#5 Unplug & Recharge

This island is all about slow living—read a book in a hammock, nap in the shade, and truly disconnect.

1.Sunset Loh Pared Beach 2.Laem Haad Beach

Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi

#1 Wander Around the Different Beaches

Koh Yao Noi is home to some beautiful, tranquil beaches—perfect for exploring at your own pace. We drove, stopped, swam, and repeated! Each beach had its own unique vibe! The perfect spot to spend a day relaxing is Long Beach.

#2 Spend a day with Captain Mark

Spend an unforgettable day with Captain Mark (aka Captain Anh Pao), a local who opens his home and heart to visitors—harvesting fruit, exploring mangroves, learning about rubber tapping, cooking over woodfire, and truly experiencing local life.

#3 Hike to Mankei Bay and the Big Tree

Take a scenic walk through the forest to reach Mankei Bay, a peaceful hidden spot with barely a soul around. If you're up for more, keep going toward the “Big Tree”—a massive centuries-old beauty nestled deep in the jungle. The hike is short (about 20 minutes), but it’s a sweaty medium-to-hard climb. And don’t do like us—bring mosquito repellent (yes, we forgot it… yes, it was awful).

#4 Drive or Cycle around the Island

Koh Yao Noi is ideal for cycling or riding—flat roads, little traffic, and stunning views around every bend. Pass by rice paddies, water buffalo, rubber plantations, and small villages for an authentic slice of Thai island life.

#5 Visit Coconut & Rubber Plantations

Drive through the inner roads of the island and you’ll pass coconut groves and rubber plantations—this is the real countryside of Thailand.