Koh Yao Noi: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Discover the charm of Koh Yao Noi: Your complete travel guide
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Tucked away in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is one of Thailand’s last remaining sanctuaries. Often overlooked in favor of its livelier neighbors, Phuket and Krabi, this untouched island remains blissfully free from mass tourism. With its emerald-green rice fields, quiet beaches and traditional fishing villages, visiting Koh Yao Noi is an experience that feels worlds away from Thailand’s more commercialised hotspots. This travel guide to Koh Yao Noi will help you make the most of your time on this unspoiled island.
How to get to Koh Yao Noi
Reaching Koh Yao Noi is surprisingly easy despite its secluded charm. Fly into either Phuket or Krabi international airports and take a 30-40 minute speedboat ride from Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier or Krabi’s Thalane Pier. Both departures are frequent, with boats running throughout the day. It’s a breathtaking journey through Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic limestone karsts, setting the tone for the beauty that awaits you.
Once on the island, transport is delightfully simple. Renting a scooter or bicycle is the best way to explore Koh Yao Noi’s scenic roads, which wind past rice paddies and coconut plantations.
Six Senses Koh Yao Noi
Where to Stay in koh Yao Noi
Accommodation on Koh Yao Noi leans toward boutique and eco-conscious, with minimal impact on the natural surroundings. Phuket-style resorts you won’t find here.
Six Senses Yao Noi
The epitome of barefoot luxury, Six Senses is the crown jewel of luxury stays in the Andaman Sea. Traditional thatched bungalows are tucked into lush rainforest, surrounded by fragrant tropical flowers, hanging greenery and lotus ponds. Relax by your own infinity pool as you gaze out over the turquoise seas and limestone karsts that puncture the water. The spa is world-class, and the dining experience unparalleled.
Treehouse Villas, Koh Yao Noi
Treehouse Villas
Spectacular stilted bamboo villas are set amongst the jungle canopy at this adults only retreat. Relax on your private beach, swing in the hammocks and enjoy what must be one of the most romantic stays in Thailand. Stroll through their organic farm in a cooking class, hike through the jungle in search of hornbills and indulge in afternoon tea served in your own villa.
Koyao Island Resort, Koh Yao Noi
Koyao Island Resort
Safari-style villas are nestled amongst the coconut groves at this Robinson Crusoe style retreat. The best in rustic luxury, rooms are spacious and modern with wide open verandas, linen-draped beds and traditional Thai furnishings. It’s an idyllic escape that has front row seats to breathtaking sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Dine at their on-site restaurant, or take a 15 minute boat ride for a secluded dinner on your own private island of Koh Nok.
Laem Haad Beach, Koh Yao Noi
The Best Beach in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Pasai Beach is the most popular stretch of sand on the island, with calm waters and gently swaying palm trees. You’ll find a handful of rustic beachfront restaurants, but Phuket this is not. Expect tranquility and a laid-back vibe. Tha Khao Bay is an undiscovered gem, perfect for those seeking absolute seclusion. Meanwhile, the nearby Laem Haad Beach, a stunning sandbar that emerges at low tide, is an otherworldly setting for a quiet afternoon dip.
Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Explore Phang Nga Bay
Koh Yao Noi is the perfect gateway to Phang Nga Bay’s surreal seascape. Hire a longtail boat and weave through limestone caves, hidden lagoons and lush mangroves. Don’t miss Koh Hong, a breathtaking island with an enclosed lagoon where the water glows in shades of jade and emerald.
Cycling Through Rice Fields & Rubber Plantations
One of the most special ways to experience Koh Yao Noi is by bicycle. The island’s largely flat terrain makes for an easy ride through picturesque rice paddies, rubber plantations and sleepy fishing villages. Along the way, friendly locals wave hello and you realise you have a window into island life untouched by commercial tourism – a way of life that is fast disappearing in this part of the world.
Rock Climbing & Hiking
For adventure seekers and those tired of sunbathing all day, Koh Yao Noi has some of Thailand’s best rock climbing routes, with limestone cliffs rivaling those of Railay Beach. If climbing isn’t your thing, a hike to the island’s viewpoints rewards you with sweeping vistas of Phang Nga Bay.
Learn Traditional Batik Painting
For a more cultural experience, take a batik painting class at a local workshop. This traditional art form, using wax-resistant dyeing techniques, is deeply rooted in southern Thai culture. Support the local economy at a Batik workshop you’ll find just at Tha Kao Pier. It’s run by a women’s co-operative on Koh Yao Noi, and you can custom make your own design.
Where to eat on Koh Yao Noi
Despite its size, Koh Yao Noi boasts an impressive culinary scene, with fresh seafood, farm-to-table Thai dishes, and international influences.
Chaba Café & Gallery is a gorgeous bohemian café serving organic dishes, fresh smoothies and excellent coffee. Rice Paddy Restaurant is a true farm-to-table experience, with many of its ingredients grown on-site. For fresh seafood with stunning ocean views, La Sala delivers gourmet Thai cuisine surrounded by candlelight – enjoy pomelo salad, calamari in garlic and fresh steamed fish to the sound of the lapping waves.
Best Time to Visit Koh Yao Noi
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. May to October marks the rainy season, though showers are often brief, and the island remains lush and beautiful. Visiting in the off-season means fewer tourists and a quieter experience, ideal for those looking to disconnect.
Side Note
Koh Yao Noi’s charm lies in its untouched nature and deeply rooted local traditions. Help preserve its beauty by supporting local businesses and community tun initiatives, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect delicate marine ecosystems and respect the local community – Koh Yao Noi has a predominantly Muslim community, so dressing modestly when visiting villages is appreciated.
Things to Do
things to do
