Despite traveling to Thailand over ten times, I only discovered Koh Yao Noi this year, thanks to a couple of cool German guys I met in Chiang Mai who swore it was paradise. I decided to check it out and holyyyyy smokes they were not lying – what was meant to be a quick four day trip to Southern Thailand turned into a glorious six weeks on Koh Yao Noi because I simply couldn’t pull myself away.
If you’re craving a Thai island escape far from the usual tourist crowds, Koh Yao Noi delivers on all fronts. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip, from logistics to hidden gems, based on my extended stay and local discoveries (it’s jam-packed, so use the table of contents below to navigate to what you’re looking for!).
Koh Yao Noi Travel Guide Table of Contents
How to Get to Koh Yao Noi
It’s very easy to get to Koh Yao Noi from the mainland. Because it’s practically an equal distance between Phuket and Krabi, you can reach the island from either place in a thirty minute speedboat ride.
Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Koh Yao Noi from elsewhere in Thailand, you can save a bit by comparing flight prices into Phuket and Krabi. I’ve traveled to the island from both, and the experience was virtually the same, so it’s worth choosing the cheaper option. Just keep in mind that the last boat to Koh Yao Noi departs the mainland at 5 PM (but can be as early as 3:30 PM in low season). If you’re arriving on a late afternoon or evening flight, you’ll need to stay overnight in Phuket or Krabi and catch the boat the next morning, which will add to your overall cost.
The boat trip itself is a very quick and easy trip on calm waters (even if you get seasick like me), and tickets are sold at the pier or online in advance on 12Go, which is recommended during high season.
When you arrive at Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi, shared taxi trucks will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Once full, they’ll make the rounds, dropping each passenger off at their accommodation for 100 baht per person. Kind of like island Uber Pool.
From Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
The fastest option to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi is to take a speedboat from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket to Manoh Pier in Koh Yao Noi. The trip is approximately 30 minutes long and costs between 400 and 600 baht, depending on the boat operator and the time of year.
Speedboats run frequently, about every half hour in high season, and the last boat leaves Phuket at 5 PM in high season. You can check schedules for your date below:
To reach Bang Rong Pier, you can take a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) or a taxi. From the Phuket airport, it costs between 600 and 800 baht to go to the pier.
If you prefer the scenic route, there are also long tail boats that go from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi that are often less expensive than the speedboat. The trip is an hour long, departing from Bang Rong Pier, and the landscape is lovely, so I recommend this option if you want to turn the boat ride into a mini-tour of the bay. You can book these through 12go – look for the ‘Long Tail Boat’ option.
For more luxury, you can also book a private boat transfer from local operators in Phuket.
From Krabi to Koh Yao Noi
It’s just as easy to get from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi as it is from Phuket. Take a 30 minute speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang to Manoh Pier in Koh Yao Noi. The trip is a bit more expensive from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi – speedboats are between 600 and 800 baht, and the Grab from the airport to the pier is around 500 baht.
You can also take a speedboat from Krabi’s Floating Pier East Railay to Koh Yao Noi, but the trip is about an hour. Check all boats from Krabi below:
Basic Information About Koh Yao Noi
Before diving in, it helps to understand the layout of Koh Yao Noi and what each coast offers.
The east coast, facing Krabi, is the most scenic and developed for tourism, with limestone islands jutting out of the water, swimmable beaches, and the majority of hotels and resorts. In contrast, the west coast facing Phuket is wilder and more local, lined with mangroves and rice fields, where the shoreline is more rugged and the sand darker.
Koh Yao Noi’s key areas include:
Additionally, Koh Yao Noi is a predominantly Muslim island, which means it’s not a place to party. With mosques everywhere and the call to prayer echoing throughout the day, I sometimes felt like I was in Morocco.
Staying Connected on Koh Yao Noi: Instead of a local SIM card, I used an Airalo eSIM while in Koh Yao Noi. I found it to be way more convenient because I could top up my data from the app whenever I needed. Click here to explore Thailand eSIMS.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao Noi
Most of the Koh Yao Noi accommodation comes in the form of wooden bungalows, ranging from rustic charm to refined luxury, depending on where you stay. If you’re after the full paradise experience, there are also plenty of beautiful resorts to choose from. You’ll find a few hostels, as well as some lovely guesthouses, so whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to splurge, there’s something for everyone.
I’ve had the chance to experience a little bit of everything, and these are the places I personally recommend for staying on the island. You can also check out more in my full guide to Koh Yao Noi hotels for more properties and in depth information.
Koh Yao Noi Accommodation Prices: The prices for Koh Yao Noi vary drastically – I’m talking by hundreds of dollars – between high and low season. Considering the small size of the island, Koh Yao Noi hotels tend to sell out quickly during peak months, so book early or consider visiting during the off season to score a great deal, especially at pricier Koh Yao Noi resorts. If you’re flexible, play around with dates, and you might snag a more affordable stay.
Koh Yao Noi Resorts
I haven’t personally stayed at these, but I’ve toured a few and know people who work (or worked) at all of them, who kindly shared the inside scoop on the best Koh Yao Noi resorts.
11 Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi may be a quiet island, but there’s no shortage of things to do. Think pristine beaches, incredible seafood, lush jungle, mangrove forests, and a surprising amount of wildlife. Whether you’re here to relax or explore, this guide covers the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi, plus a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
1. Spend a Day at the Three Ladies
If you’ve come to the island for a beach holiday, one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi is to spend the day at the Three Ladies down at Long Beach. It’s set far away from the main infrastructure of the island, for a calm and peaceful beach set up with tons of lounge chairs, sunbeds, and hammocks to spread out on. The place is run by two sisters and their sister in law (hence the name Three Ladies), and they make delicious local food to keep you fueled up for your beach day. Nothing beats their soft Nutella pancakes with a cold beer and a huge ocean view to really feel like you’re in paradise.
2. Spot Wildlife
Koh Yao Noi wildlife is abundant with stunning birds, monitor lizards, and monkeys all over the island.
It’s best known for its thriving hornbill population, a large black and white toucan-like bird with a big, curved, yellow beak. If you hear rustling in the trees, look up and you’ll probably spot one! Koh Yao is also filled with big monitor lizards – kind of like komodo dragons – and when I was staying Namtok Bungalows, there was a massive family of monkeys who would come out to play when no one was around. Because it’s a quieter island, there isn’t one certain spot to see wildlife on Koh Yao Noi… it’s everywhere!
3. Swim in Tha Khao Waterfall
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, swimming at Tha Khao Waterfall is one of the best Koh Yao Noi things to do. It takes a good amount of rain for the falls to truly come alive (with no water, it’s just a bunch of rocks), but when it’s flowing, a crystal-clear pool forms at the base, perfect for a refreshing swim. Local kids often gather here, leaping from the rocks and turning the spot into an impromptu playground that’s as entertaining to watch as it is to join.
4. Have Coffee in the Rice Fields
Between the main town area and the west coast lies a vast area covered with rice paddies. There’s a small network of narrow roads that cuts through them, where you can take a scenic scooter ride or stop for a coffee. The fields are full of water buffalo (tons of babies around April/May!), and it’s a part of the island that many often miss. Look for Namm Natawn on the map, which is in the center of the rice paddies.
5. Eat Local Seafood
The seafood in Koh Yao is unmatched, so don’t miss out on eating your fill of local shrimp, squid, crab, and fish caught off the island’s coast. You can find seafood at most restaurants, but the best places to feast are on the west coast, where the fisherman deliver their daily catch right to the doorstep of most of the restaurants. Recommendations in the next section!
6. Take a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay is one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi. You can book a boat tour online or through pretty much any Koh Yao Noi hotel, where you can choose from private or group tours, and cruise around to the smaller islands you can see off the coast of Koh Yao Noi. The most popular boat tour from Koh Yao Noi is the Four Island Long Tail boat tour, which stops at Koh Hong, Koh Lao Lading, Koh Phak-bia, and Koh Ling or Koh Nok.
When I first visited Koh Yao, a boat tour was at the top of my list, but I really wanted to go places without other tourists. So rather than booking a normal tour, I drove up the west coast to An Pao and asked a local fisherman to take me out on the water. For a few hundred baht, I got a private tour of a more remote part of the bay and have gone again a few times since because it was such a great experience. I highly recommend going with a local if you have the chance.
My favorite places in the bay are:
You can also take private tours to more popular islands from Koh Yao Noi, like James Bond Island and Koh Phi Phi.
7. Kayak Around Islands
There are lots of places you can kayak to from Koh Yao Noi, and it’s easy to rent them anywhere on the island.
On the northwest coast, rent a kayak in An Pao (outside of Coco Bay Cafe or from the shake stand before the pier) and head out to Big Tree, Ko Roi, or Kudu Island if you want a longer trip.
From the northeast coast, take a kayak from Long Beach and paddle north to Paradise and continue on to Mankei Bay.
Or start from the southern tip of Koh Yao Noi and kayak out to Ko Nok or even Laem Had Beach on neighboring Koh Yao Yai. You can rent kayaks from the fishermen and guesthouses around Laem Sai Pier.
8. Climb the Tha Khao Lookout
Next to the Tha Khao pier, there’s a lookout that’s one of the best kept secrets on the island. From the top, you get one of the most incredible views on all of Koh Yao Noi, looking out over Phang Nga Bay to Krabi.
To reach the viewpoint, cross the bridge next to the pier and follow the staircase up the forest path.
From here, you can also access a secret beach where you can swim at low tide. Just follow the sketchy staircase to the left of the viewpoint down to the shore. Be extra careful because the path isn’t maintained and it’s slippery, full of mud, and loose rocks. But it’s worth the trek, especially because you’ll likely have the pristine beach all to yourself.
9. Start the Day With an East Coast Sunrise
Watching the sunrise is one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi if you want to experience the island’s quiet beauty. The sun comes up over Tha Khao beach, painting the sky in shades of vibrant pink and orange. Sit on the pier or beach to enjoy the spectacular sights – it’s well worth waking up for at least once during your stay.
10. Watch Sunset With the Fishermen
I’m always chasing a sunset, and Koh Yao Noi’s are some of the best I’ve ever seen. There are a few amazing places to watch the sunset from the West Coast, where you’ll rub elbows with locals, or more likely, enjoy the place all to yourself (especially during the low season). This is where to watch sunset in Koh Yao Noi:
11. Explore the Island by Scooter
Saving the very best for last… without a doubt, the best thing to do on Koh Yao Noi is to explore the island by scooter. It’s a small place (you can see everything in a day), but there’s plenty to enjoy along the interesting island roads. It’s honestly really fun to drive a motorbike on Koh Yao Noi because there’s zero traffic, and the roads are curvy and mountainous instead of boring, car filled straight lines. If you don’t have a ton of experience, this is a great place to ride and is way more chilled out than renting a scooter in Chiang Mai or other big Thai cities.
Best Beaches in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi beaches are beyond stunning, and crazy diverse depending where you are on the island. However, it’s essential to plan around the tides, especially if you want to swim.
At high tide, the water comes right up to the shore in most places on the island, with clear warm water perfect for a quick dip or long soak. But at low tide, the water retreats significantly, making it impossible to swim no matter how far you walk out. During low tide, many of the shorelines become super rocky or muddy, especially on the west coast, so it’s best to enjoy from a distance until the water comes back.
These are the best beaches in Koh Yao Noi to relax and soak in this island paradise.
Koh Yao Noi Restaurants
Koh Yao Noi’s food scene can be hit or miss — when I first arrived, finding a decent meal felt like a real challenge. But after a couple of weeks exploring beyond the usual tourist spots, I began to uncover some truly amazing places to eat. The island doesn’t have endless options, but the gems it does have live up to the best food in Thailand. I’ve rounded up my favorites here:
Koh Yao Noi Cafes
Koh Yao Noi has a handful of cafes worthy of any caffeine connoisseur. Coffee aside, a lot of these are great places to work if you’re a digital nomad or just need somewhere scenic to catch up on emails. Here’s where I liked to get coffee while on the island:
Koh Yao Noi Nightlife
Because Koh Yao Noi is 90 – 95% Muslim, it’s not a place to party. Nightlife is pretty non-existent, and most restaurants don’t serve alcohol. In fact, most of the island is in bed by 10 PM. However, certain restaurants in Koh Yao Noi have beer, and there are two liquor stores on the island: Bubble Shop near Tha Khao Beach and P’Son Bottle Shop in the south, just past Pasai Beach.
There are also a few bars around the island where you can enjoy the colors with a cocktail, like Hornbill Bar and Sunset Bar. Even though there aren’t a lot of people on the island, the front row seats fill up quickly, so arrive early for the best view.
Getting Around Koh Yao Noi
Being able to drive a scooter on Koh Yao Noi is pretty essential. There’s no Grab, and taxis need to be booked in advance. Luckily, the roads are quiet – there aren’t even traffic lights – so if you’ve ridden a scooter before but feel nervous in cities, this is a great place to drive. You’ll even see little kids ripping around, fitting as many of them as possible onto a single motorbikes. Koh Yao Noi also offers swanky scooters with sidecars, available in both classic style and larger models designed for multiple people. These are a great choice for families, small groups, or older travelers.
You can rent a bicycle on Koh Yao Noi, but with steep hills connecting much of the island, it’s less of a breezy beach cruise and more a serious workout. The island isn’t particularly walkable either, unless you’re sticking close to your accommodation. Between the hills and the distance between key spots, getting around on foot isn’t ideal. If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, though, it’s by far the easiest (and most fun) way to explore.
But even with a scooter, it’s worth knowing that some of the best places on Koh Yao Noi, like Long Beach, are down steep dirt roads. These can be tough to navigate and nearly impassable during rainy season. Unless you’re confident on two wheels, I’d stick to the main roads. But overall, I found that driving a motorbike here was relaxing and definitely one of my favorite parts of my stay. I’m confident that I explored every corner of the island on my trusty Scoopy scooter — even the hidden forest roads not on any map.
Where to Rent a Scooter on Koh Yao Noi
Most bungalows, resorts, and Koh Yao Noi hotels will have scooters or motorbikes to rent. It costs between 200 and 400 baht per day depending on the season and type of bike you get. There are also a few scooter rental shops around town by 7-Eleven, and a big one at the base of Cape Kudu Hotel.
Weather in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi has a classic tropical climate similar to the rest of southern Thailand, meaning it’s warm year round with two main seasons: dry and rainy. If you’re looking for sunshine and clear skies, the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is between December and April. Expect temperatures around 82–90°F (28–32°C), perfect for beach hopping, scooter rides, and boat trips. There are more people during peak season, but nothing overwhelming, and prices are higher for accommodation.
From May to November, the island enters its monsoon season with slightly cooler temperatures. That doesn’t mean non-stop rain, but you can expect short, heavy downpours, especially in the afternoons. Mornings are often sunny, and the island is lush, quiet, and less crowded — ideal if you don’t mind the occasional storm and want a more peaceful experience. It is insanely humid, though.
The sea is warm all year, ranging from 81–86°F (27–30°C), so you can swim, kayak, and snorkel any time you go. Just check the tides and local forecasts if you’re planning boat trips during the rainy months.
I spent time on Koh Yao Noi during both high and low season, and honestly, I loved the quiet of the off-season. There were hardly any tourists, and I saw so much wildlife. The rain cooled things off made everything feel even more lush, the rice paddies were vibrant and green, and the usually dry waterfall was overflowing. So don’t let a little rain put you off. As my boyfriend likes to say, you’re not made of sugar!
Tips for an Amazing Trip to Koh Yao Noi
Here are some final tips for visiting Koh Yao Noi to make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts: Is Koh Yao Noi Worth Visiting?
If you’re on the fence trying to figure out “is Koh Yao Noi worth visiting’ I say with zero hesitation YES, but only if you’re keen on a quieter local destination with minimal tourist infrastructure. Koh Yao Noi is not a party destination, which means it attracts quite a different crowd than other Thai islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. It’s also a place best enjoyed on a motorbike, so not being able to drive turns many people away. However, if you’re good on a scooter and want some peace, quiet, and a genuine local experience, Koh Yao Noi is truly one of the best places I’ve ever been in my seven years of full time travel. I can’t recommend it enough and can’t wait to come back.
FAQs About Koh Yao Noi
Can you swim in Koh Yao Noi?
You can swim in Koh Yao Noi, but you need to plan around tide times. At high tide, you can swim anywhere on the island, but at low tid,e on most beaches, the water goes out so far that it’s impossible to submerge yourself. That said, there are some places you can swim at low tide, like Pasai and Six Sense beaches. But swimming in Koh Yao Noi is much better when the tide is in.
Which is better, Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai?
When choosing between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, it depends on what you’re looking for. Koh Yao Noi is smaller and has a laid-back creative vibe, while Koh Yao Yai is larger and less dense with some insane beaches. Both are about 30 minutes from Phuket and Krabi. You can hop over to Koh Yao Yai from Koh Yao Noi on a long tail boat for less than 100 baht if you want to see both islands.
Can you drink alcohol on Koh Yao Noi?
You can drink alcohol on Koh Yao Noi, but because the island is predominantly Muslim, most restaurants don’t serve it. There are only a handful of bars on the island, and it’s certainly not a place to party – nightlife is non existent.
What is the closest airport to Koh Yao Noi?
The closest airports to Koh Yao Noi are Phuket International Airport and Krabi International Airport.
Are there monkeys on Koh Yao Noi?
There are monkeys on Koh Yao Noi, but you have to be lucky to spot them. They’re normally in trees in quieter areas of the island, in the dense jungle, or hiding around places where they know they can score a snack. While staying at Namtok Bungalows during low season, I saw dozens of monkeys from my balcony every day.
Is Koh Yao Noi walkable?
Koh Yao Noi is not walkable because the island is fairly spread out and hilly. But if you’re staying in areas like town, Pasai Beach, or Tha Khao, you’ll be able to walk to a few restaurants, cafes, and the beach.
Is Koh Yao Noi touristy?
Koh Yao Noi sees significantly fewer tourists than most Thai islands, making it a quiet and peaceful destination to escape the crowds. It’s ideal for travelers looking for an authentic, slow-paced island experience.
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