Koh Yao Noi: Away from the hustle & bustle
February 17, 2025
Thailand
By guy yefet
On this blog, you will find everything you need to know before you visit Koh Yao Noi: The Perfect Escape.
If you are looking for a beautiful pastoral island away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, you can find it on Ko Yao Noi
a short 30-minute ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi.
Ko Yao Noi is considered one of the last islands that the boom in development and tourism that characterizes the southern islands has not yet reached, similar to Koh Kood, and is still a kind of "nature reserve" of calm, simplicity, pleasantness, nature and magical landscapes and smiling and welcoming Thais.
The island covers only about 50 square kilometers. It has about 4000 inhabitants who are mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture (which includes fruit orchards, rubber trees, rice fields, etc.), and boat building, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Life on the island is leisurely and the island of Ko Yao Noi is in almost the same condition as it has been in the last decades.
There are several small villages on the island, a small hospital, and you will not find a McDonald's or KFC, but one 7/11 store has already opened there.
Getting to Koh Yao Noi is quite easy.
The island is accessible by boat from Phuket or Krabi. You can take a ferry or speedboat from either location, with a journey time of 30 minutes.
Speedboat services connect the two islands to Phuket in the east, Krabi in the west, and Krabi in the south, with a frequency of 3-4 times a day during peak season.
The boat that leaves from Krabi stops on its way at Railay East and Ao Nang Beach before reaching the islands.
The nearest airports are in Phuket and Krabi, about half an hour to an hour's drive from the pier, which can be reached by taxi or by buying a transfer combined with the cruise.
*Click here to book a ferry plus a taxi from Phuket to your accommodation in Koh Yao Noi.
The climate in Koh Yao Noi is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year.
The monsoon season in Koh Yao Noi usually lasts from May to October, with heavy rains and occasional storms. However, the best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny.
The ideal time to visit the islands (as in the entire Southeast region of Thailand) is between December and April when the weather is dry and sunny.
However, it should be noted that during the month of Ramadan (which usually falls in March-April, depending on the year), some restaurants may not serve food during the day.
We visited in November, and the weather was wonderful with very little rain – but this is a matter of luck.
The length of your stay on the islands depends on what you want to do. Two days is enough to explore the island on a basic level. But many find the island an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a few days of peace and disconnection.
If you ask me, the minimum time to visit the island is at least 4 days.
I originally came intending to stay on the island for five days, but the island is so peaceful and the locals are charming that I found myself staying on the island for two weeks.
There is something magical about staying on a small island long enough that when the locals get to know you and wave you over for a random ride on the scooter, or they already know exactly what dish you like to eat and in general you feel like being part of the island.
The best way to get around the islands is by scooter, as taxi services are few and relatively expensive.
There are almost no tuk-tuks or taxis available. Scooter rentals are available upon arrival, and most accommodations offer this option to their guests.
Riding a scooter allows you to explore the islands at your own pace, discover secluded beaches, and enjoy spectacular views.
Renting a scooter will cost you 200-300 baht per day. Of course, don't forget to ask for helmets.
Unlike other places in Thailand, the locals drive calmly, and there are almost no cars.
If this is your first time on a scooter in Thailand, this is the place to try it because the island is flat and surrounded by a concrete road, which makes driving and getting from place to place very easy, and all the beaches can be reached from there, compared to Koh Chang, for example, which is a much more mountainous island.
If you are traveling on a budget, I highly recommend the charming place where I sleep.
Lok Mun Bungalows -It is a homely place run by an incredibly charming local couple, the rooms are simple but have everything you need, including a beautiful terrace overlooking a well-kept garden. The garden is beautiful and there is a small pool.
They also run a restaurant with excellent dishes and affordable prices. They cook with vegetables from their garden.
The whole family are very warm people who will help you in any situation.
I do not doubt that I will come back.
If you can afford it, then the island has one of the most luxurious hotels there is, the Six Senses.
The most luxurious hotel. The hotel offers private villas of the highest standard in the middle of a tropical forest, all villas have a private pool and each villa has a private host. The hotel offers a transfer directly from the airport for a fee. A crazy and expensive experience.
The main beaches on the island are in the east, while the west is mainly made up of rice fields.
Pasai Beach – A popular beach due to its shallow and clear waters, suitable for calm swimming and families with children. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees that add to the picturesqueness.
Klong Jark Beach – a perfect destination for those looking for peace. This beach is known for its spectacular views and pristine sand, perfect for hiking and relaxing.
Tha Khao Beach – A beach characterized by an authentic atmosphere and proximity to local villages, allowing visitors to enjoy unique views and a taste of the local culture.
Please note that the seabed of the island is very gently sloping, so at low tide, on some beaches, it is not possible to swim, and the appearance of the mud is strange and not always pleasant to the eye, but the situation returns to normal with the beginning of the tide.
However, there are beautiful beaches on the island where you can swim at all hours of the day.
Koh Yao Noi is surrounded by waters rich in marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. You can rent equipment and go on snorkeling tours in areas like Ao Muong Beach or dive near nearby islands like Koh Hong and Koh Phi Phi.
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover Koh Yao Yai is to rent a scooter and explore the island. The quiet roads pass through small villages, rice fields, and green jungles. During the trip, you can stop at local temples, observe the daily life of the locals, and discover hidden corners.
On Koh Yao Noi, you can get to know the local culture up close. The island is mainly inhabited by Thai Muslims, and the atmosphere is a little different from the more touristy islands of Thailand. You can visit local fishing villages, sample traditional cuisine, and take part in unique activities such as Thai cooking workshops.
Despite the simple atmosphere of Koh Yao Noi, several resorts and hotels offer pampering spa experiences. You can indulge in a traditional Thai massage or enjoy other spa treatments, all in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere against the pastoral landscape of the island.
For those who love physical activity, there are bicycle tours around Koh Yao Noi, which offer great experiences and allow you to see the stunning scenery.
You can rent kayaks and paddle through the mangroves while watching wildlife such as monkeys and birds. These tours offer a close-to-nature experience.
Don't worry, although the island is small, you won't go hungry.
Sea Gypsy - is one of our favorites. We went back there almost every day. Excellent dishes, a cute family place.
In the evenings, the place is always busy, so probably you will need to wait for the dishes a little bit, but it is worth it. Anyway, life on the island is always relaxed and easygoing. Here, you will also find beer on the menu for those who are interested because they simply bring it from the liquor store next door.
Tha Khao Bay View Restaurant - An accommodation that also operates an excellent restaurant (something that is very common in Koh Yao Noi, where restaurants are also possible places to stay). Great view over the sed and delicious food.
Stella Restaurant- a small local restaurant that is simply excellent. Located on the beach, the service of the person who runs the place is simply so friendly that it is impossible not to return to it again and again.
Mojito Bar- Welcome to the beach bar with the coolest and most chill owner there is. The owner is an Italian guy who lives in Koh Yao Noi and runs a lovely bar on the beach.
Honey Grilled Chicken - A small, cheap, authentic, and insanely delicious place. The best chicken on the island is here. The place is open until 5pm, the food is so delicious and fresh!
A great place for an authentic lunch on the beach. Don't forget to try also the spicy papaya salad.
Extra Time Sports Bar & Restaurant - The best bar on the island! Great atmosphere. There are plenty of social opportunities like darts, the best pool table, board games, cards, and live music night. What more could you ask for? The place is run by a lovely couple who always take care of the customers, we went back there every evening and always chatted and played with them some pool. The service is at the highest level. Do not hesitate, here is the place to go.
If you don’t have enough time but still want to visit Koh Yao Noi, you can do it on a day trip.
Organized day trips to Koh Yao Noi are a great way to discover the island’s charms in just one day without worrying about the logistics.
Popular trips depart from Phuket and Krabi and last an average of 6 to 8 hours. These tours usually include visits to key sites on the island, such as rice fields, stunning beaches, and traditional villages, and sometimes also include stops at nearby islands, such as Koh Hong and Phang Nga Bay.
You can book a day trip in advance at this link with free cancellation, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free experience.
*If you are looking for parties, this is not the place to celebrate. Although some bars open until late, the island has a calm and quiet atmosphere. It is not Koh Phangan or Phuket, and you will not find parties until dawn here. This is the place to escape the hustle and bustle.
*Like many islands in Thailand, there are periods of very high low and high tides, so don't be surprised if you wake up in the morning and find that you cannot swim at the beach.
*Please note that it is advisable to arrive with enough cash on the island, as there are some ATMs, but they do not always have money, which can be a problem.
*Respect the local population. As mentioned, most of the island is Muslim and leads a simple and respectable life.
*As mentioned, because the majority of the island's population is Muslim, you will not find alcohol at 7/11. Still, you can find it in a small local shop on the island.
*If you choose to rent a scooter, wear a helmet, don't be a hero.
Ko Yao Noi is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Phuket and Ao Nang Beach. It’s the perfect place to be in nature, in peace, to hike, read a good book, and experience the unspoiled side of Thailand.
Ko Yao Noi offers more accessible trails, making it perfect for cycling or scootering. You can cycle through small villages, stop at family-run cafes, or visit local markets selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
It’s an ideal island for those looking to immerse themselves in the local way of life through homestays or guided cultural tours. Just a short boat ride from Ko Yao Yai or Phuket, Ko Yao Noi remains a hidden gem in Phang Nga Bay, with a unique charm and a sense of time standing still.
Wouldn’t you like to relax on an unspoiled island and experience the real Thailand?
Here are some websites I use when preparing for my next journey worldwide.
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