“Two tickets to Koh Yao Noi, please.”, I say as we enter the pier. The guy hands us two tickets and points to a speedboat that just arrived.
As we line up and wait, I excitedly wonder what Koh Yao Noi would be like, and I have a look around. Most people are older than us and I realize that I, at 25 years of age, will be the youngest person on the boat.
I’m not surprised. The island was described to me as more laid-back and less “crazy” than some of its neighbors. Instead of loud parties and tourist crowds, as you can find on Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, you will find solitude and tranquility on Koh Yao Noi.
I know that the beaches on Koh Yao Noi are not supposed to be as good as on other islands in the area, but I’m okay with that. I don’t need the best beaches as long as the atmosphere is good. And that it is!
Although my boyfriend and I only planned to stay for five days, we ended up staying for nine. We loved relaxing on the quiet beaches, enjoyed the amazing views of the surrounding islands, and indulged in some world-class Thai food.
Sounds good? Keep reading to find out about the best things to do on Koh Yao Noi, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there!
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About Koh Yao Noi
Situated between Phuket and Krabi in Phang-Na Bay, Koh Yao Noi is hiding in plain sight. Although Koh Yao Noi is smaller than its neighbor Koh Yao Yai, it attracts more visitors and has (in my opinion) more to offer than Koh Yao Yai.
Koh Yao Noi is home to several sand beaches, various bird species, and 6000 inhabitants who reside in small villages and live off farming and the tourist industry.
Along the coast, you’ll find multiple accommodations and restaurants for tourists, whereas the island’s center is covered in rubber plantations and rice fields.
The majority of the population is Muslim and as you explore the island, you’ll notice that it’s more conservative than other islands in Thailand.
There are only a couple of stores in town that sell alcohol and while you can enjoy casual drinks in some restaurants, there is not much nightlife on Koh Yao Noi.
I guess that might be one of the reasons why you won’t find many backpackers here either. Most visitors are older folks or couples craving a quiet vacation away from the hustle and bustle.
How to Get to Koh Yao Noi
Given its prime location, Koh Yao Noi is very easy to get to. You can take a speedboat ferry from Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta.
The ferries usually depart several times per day. For exact times, check 12GoAsia*.
The Best Beaches on Koh Yao Noi
Although Koh Yao Noi has nice beaches, the island is much more affected by the tides than other islands in Phang-Na Bay. Hence, you should keep an eye on the tide schedule when visiting the island.
These are the best beaches on Koh Yao Noi:
1. Pasai Beach
Pasai Beach, the main beach on Koh Yao Noi, is located in the southeastern part of the island.
While it’s nicer to swim here during high tide, you can come here any time of day to hang out and relax.
There are a couple of restaurants on the beach, and it’s also a nice place to take a walk along the shore or simply find a shady spot underneath the trees to read a book.
2. Six Senses Beach
Six Senses Beach is by far my favorite beach on the island. It’s more secluded than Pasai Beach and in my opinion more beautiful.
The warm water is stunningly clear, and you’ll get an absolutely breathtaking view of the surrounding islands in Phang-Na Bay. Just keep in mind that the beach is pretty narrow which means, during high tide, there’s not as much space to sit on.
I also found this beach the best place to swim during low tide.
3. Little Long Beach
A little bit further up north, you’ll find Little Long Beach (although a sign simply says “Long Beach”). The view is almost the same as from the Six Senses Beach, but it’s even quieter and a bit longer.
To get there, you have to ride a short distance on a gravel road.
4. Long Beach
If you don’t mind riding on gravel roads, you can take the road from Little Long Beach further up north and hit up regular Long Beach. This beach has a similar vibe, but it’s slightly more rocky than the previous ones.
5. Tha Khao Beach
While most beaches on Koh Yao Noi are better to visit during high tide, Ta Khao Beach offers a spectacular sight during mid and low tide. As the water goes out, a sandbank appears so that you can walk to a little island just off the shore of Ta Khao Beach. Pretty cool, right?!
6. Klong Jark Beach
Lastly, you can also visit Klong Jark Beach which is located between Pasai Beach and Six Senses Beach. The location is very central and there are numerous restaurants in the area.
However, the beach is right next to the road and therefore not my favorite place to relax.
8 Best Things to Do on Koh Yao Noi
1. Explore Koh Yao Noi by Motorbike!
Koh Yao Noi is the perfect island to explore by motorbike. There is not much traffic and the roads are in good condition. Plus, you can explore the entire island within one day!
Ride along the coast to hit up different beaches or turn inland and surround yourself with the idyllic countryside. Inland, you can find lots of rubber plantations, rice fields, water buffaloes, and cows.
I also saw people renting bicycles, so if you prefer to take it slow, that could also be a good option!
2. Go Beach-Hopping!
Although Koh Yao Noi is not as good for swimming as other islands, the beaches are well worth visiting. One thing that stands out about Koh Yao Noi is the incredible views of Phang-Na Bay. From almost every beach, you can admire the limestone cliffs of the surrounding islands.
Hop on a motorbike or bicycle, ride along the coast, and hit up different beaches along the way!
3. Go Island-Hopping in Phang-Na Bay!
If you want to get out and about to see what other places Phang-Na Bay has to offer, you can also book an island tour on Koh Yao Noi.
You’ll find several signs advertising tours along Pasai Beach with group tours typically starting at 800 Baht and private tours starting at 2300 Baht.
The most popular tours include day trips to Hong Island and James Bond Island. My boyfriend and I opted for the private island tour to Hong Island which I can highly recommend (although we started from Koh Yao Yai, but the itinerary is the same).
Hong Island is very popular, but most visitors start their trip in Krabi. So, if you book a private tour and depart early from Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, you’ll get there before it gets too crowded.
Alternatively, you can also go on a day trip to Koh Phi Phi which could be a good option if you want to see the island without actually staying there.
If you prefer to get your ticket online, you can check out GetYourGuide*.
4. Kayak to Nok Island!
Not far from Koh Yao Noi, you’ll find Nok Island – a tiny island with a beautiful beach, turquoise blue water, and a limestone cliff with an amazing viewpoint.
To get there, you can rent a kayak at Pasai Beach. The kayak ride only takes about 30 minutes and the hike up to the viewpoint on Nok Island takes another 15 minutes.
It’s an amazing place to spend a few hours and one of the best activities on Koh Yao Noi!
5. Go Bird-Watching!
If you’re into birdwatching, Koh Yao Noi is the place to be! The island is home to a subspecies of Hornbill Birds: the Gag Bird. This is the smallest bird in the hornbill family, with a unique, long yellow beak. I think it looks really exotic!
It’s not a rare sight to see one or several of these birds fly by in the woods or on the beaches of Koh Yao Noi. In some places, the community of Koh Yao Noi even put up specific boxes for them to nest in.
Watching this scenario is a particularly unique sight. When nesting, the female hides in a hole of a tree (or in this case sometimes a box), tears out her feathers, and seals the hole with mud and droppings to protect her nest from predators. Her male partner typically helps her.
The female Hornbill stays here for the entire nesting period, which lasts three months. During this time, she is entirely dependent on her mate, who brings back food and feeds her through a narrow opening in the hole. What a gentleman. 😉
Next to Hornbills, you can also spot Kingfishers, White-Bellied Sea-Eagles, and many more species of birds on Koh Yao Noi.
6. Take a Day Trip to Koh Yao Yai!
Koh Yao Noi’s bigger sister, Koh Yao Yai is just a 5-minute boat ride away, so it’s easy to visit Koh Yao Yai on a day trip.
Head to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi and ask for a boat to Koh Yao Yai. The long-tail boats run all day and cost 75 Baht per person.
Once you walk up the pier, you’ll find a couple of shops where you can rent a motorbike for the day. Head to Laem Haad Beach to explore the island’s longest sandbank (ideally at mid- to low tide).
Afterward, you can ride around the island and explore beaches like Loh Pared Beach (the island’s main beach), Ao Muong Beach, and Ao Sai Beach.
If you want to treat yourself to a nice dinner before heading back to Koh Yao Noi, I can recommend Baan Rim Nam. With prices of 150 – 400 Baht per plate, it’s quite expensive by Thai standards, but it serves delicious meals and very good seafood.
7. Check Out Thailand’s Biggest Tree!
Who would have thought that Koh Yao Noi is home to Thailand’s biggest tree? Situated in the far north of Koh Yao Noi, the 500-year-old “Big Tree” has a height of 50 meters and a circumference of 30 meters. To put it into perspective, it would take more than 20 people to build a human circle around it.
You can see this impressive tree by booking a boat tour or hiking there from Paradise Koh Yao Resort. The hike takes around one hour, but the trail is not always easy to navigate and you should bring proper shoes.
I went in flip-flops and didn’t make it all the way, as the last 100 meters downhill were quite steep and slippery. So, I stayed behind while my boyfriend went to see the tree.
According to him, the tree was very impressive. Yet, there is a hefty entrance fee of 300 Baht, which, in my opinion, is very expensive to see a tree for 20 minutes.
8. Visit Thakow Waterfall!
If you visit Koh Yao Noi during or just after the wet season, you can check out Thakow Waterfall. On the road near Tha Khao Beach, there will be a small turnoff to the Namtok Bungalows. About a hundred meters further, you’ll find the waterfall just off the road.
I visited Koh Yao Noi in February and the waterfall was dry, but during the rainy season, this could be another good thing to do on Koh Yao Noi.
Where to Eat on Koh Yao Noi
One of my favorite things about Thailand is the abundance of delicious food and Koh Yao Noi is no exception.
The restaurants near the beaches are a little pricey by Thai standards, but you can head into town for a cheap feed to find more local options.
These are some of my favorite restaurants on the island:
- Pradu Seafood: Pradu Seafood, the first restaurant of Koh Yao Noi, lives up to its name. The restaurant serves freshly caught fish of the day, big prawns, crabs, and even lobster. Also, make sure to try their seafood salad – it’s delicious!
- Earth and Plants Restaurant: This local gem was my favorite restaurant on the island. It’s located in town and doesn’t even have a name (on Google Maps it’s called Earth and Plants Restaurant). The value for money in this local restaurant is unbelievable. All meals cost 60 Baht, and I’m convinced the lady is one of the best chefs in Thailand!
- Sea Gypsy: This casual restaurant with a lovely garden view serves deliciously creamy curries and whips up some of the best smoothies on the island. Although it’s definitely catered towards foreigners, the prices are not as high as in other restaurants on Koh Yao Noi.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao Noi
In general, the prices for accommodation on Koh Yao Noi are on the higher side of things, but my partner and I found a good budget guest house called Ban Tidlay* which I can highly recommend.
They have AC and fan rooms available and are located right in front of the coast with beautiful sunset views.
Just keep in mind that you need a scooter if you stay here, as the guest house is located in a quiet area and there’s no public transport on Koh Yao Noi.
If you don’t ride a scooter, you should stay in a central location to get around by foot or bicycle.
After doing a bit of research, I found a few accommodations in a central location with very good reviews online:
- Koh Yao Sea Bungalow*: This accommodation features bungalows with fans and ACs and is located right on the coast of Koh Yao Noi. There is also a pool and restaurant on site.
- Hillhouse – Koh Yao Noi*: The Hillhouse is the perfect accommodation for those wanting to surround themselves in nature. It overlooks the jungle and offers a beautiful view of Phang-Na Bay.
- Sabai Corner Bungalows*: If you’re traveling on a tight budget, this accommodation is a perfect choice. The bungalows are simple but cozy. On each terrace, you’ll find a hammock to relax and there is even a restaurant on site.
FAQ
Koh Yao Noi is located between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi in Phang-Na Bay in Thailand. It’s about a 30-minute speedboat ride from Koh Yao Noi to the closest pier in Phuket and about an 80-minute speedboat ride from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Phi Phi.
January through April are the best months to visit Koh Yao Noi. During this time of year, you can expect the least rainfall and stable temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees.
Although Koh Yao Yai is larger, I prefer Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Noi wowed me with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding islands in Phang-Na Bay. Plus, I thought there were better restaurants on Koh Yao Noi. On the other hand, Koh Yao Yai is home to a beautiful long sandbank and several beaches which are slightly better for swimming.
Technically, you can see Koh Yao Noi in one day, but I would suggest spending at least three days on the island. This will give you enough time to see everything without feeling rushed. If you want to fully relax, you could easily spend a week here.
Koh Yao Noi is more affected by the tides than other islands in Thailand and therefore not the best island for a beach holiday. At high tide, you can swim at most beaches on the island, but during low tide, the water is quite shallow.
Conclusion: Is Koh Yao Noi Worth Visiting?
Yes, in my opinion, Koh Yao Noi is well worth visiting! Although Koh Yao Noi doesn’t have the best beaches or any other “highlights” to offer, it’s one of my favorite islands in Thailand.
I love how peaceful and laid-back the island feels. Koh Yao Noi doesn’t get a crazy amount of tourists like Koh Phi Phi or Phuket, there is not much traffic, and you can always find yourself a quiet spot on the beach. On top of that, I loved the beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
The beaches are not quite as nice as other beaches in Thailand and you have to keep the tide in mind when planning your beach days, but I still enjoyed swimming on the island. Also, despite its small size, there are quite a few things to do on Koh Yao Noi and you can always head out to other islands in Phang-Na Bay on a day trip from Koh Yao Noi.
However, I feel obliged to mention that it may not be the best island for solo travelers and young backpackers who are looking for a lively atmosphere. There is barely any nightlife on Koh Yao Noi and there are no hostels or dorm rooms either. If that’s what you’re looking for other islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, Koh Phangnan, Phuket, or even Koh Lanta are better options.
On the contrary, if you crave a calm, peaceful atmosphere and you’re okay with “second-class beaches”, Koh Yao Noi is absolutely perfect!
Helpful Travel Resources for Your Trip
Do you still need to book your trip? Here, I’ll show you what resources I use:
TRANSPORTATION
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Skyscanner*: I book (almost) all my flights through Skyscanner. This site scans the web for the best deals within the blink of an eye. Plus, it shows you prices for the whole month, which makes it easy to find the cheapest day to fly!
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12GoAsia*: This site specializes in providing cheap tickets for planes, buses, and trains all over Asia!
ACCOMMODATION
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Agoda*: Agoda usually has the best prices for accommodation and offers unbeatable 24-hour flash deals!
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Booking*: Alternatively, you can also find good deals and a wide selection of hotels and guest houses on Booking.com.
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Hostelworld*: If you’re looking specifically for a hostel, you’ll be amazed by the variety of options Hostelworld has to offer!
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