Koh Yao Noi is our favorite island in Thailand. We’ve been several times and love it. The last time we spent 8 days. We could have stayed forever! Though pretty close to Phuket and Krabi, the island is a little piece of heaven. Besides, it still pretty underdeveloped!
If you’ve been to Thailand before you know it has changed tremendously over the years. Finding pristine islands not overrun by buildings seems a bit harder. That’s why we love Koh Yao Noi so much. It’s like traveling to Thailand 20 years ago! However, there are incredible hotels too!
Local people run most restaurants and hotels. These are small, private, and very comfortable. No big towers, loud music, or terrible franchises here. Thais are nice everywhere, but here there are even more relaxed, welcoming, and fun. Besides, there are almost no cars! We changed hotels several times to find the best for you!
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How to Get to Koh Yao Noi
From Phuket
As mentioned, the island is just 20 miles (30 km) from Phuket. Therefore, you have to take a boat to get there. Boats leave from Bang Rong Pier, 10 miles (16 km) from Phuket City. The journey is an attraction in itself, so be sure to grab a window seat.
Transportation in Thailand is mostly private and well organized. No matter where you are in Phuket, you will be able to arrange transport to the pier. Ask your hotel for information on boat schedules. They will tell you the best way to reach the pier and then Koh Yao Noi.
Depending on the weather, the trip to the island takes an hour. Boats arrive at the Manoh Pier, on the southern coast. You can hire a tuk-tuk or a motorbike there to take you to your hotel. Again, be sure to ask your hotel on Koh Yao Noi. They have the most current information.
From Krabi
You can also go from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi. The island is some 30 miles (50 km) from Krabi. Boats leave from the Ao Thalane Pier. The pier is some 12 miles (16 km) from Ao Nang Beach. You can reach the pier from all of the hotels in Ao Nang, Railay, and Krabi Town.
The journey from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi is one of the best in Thailand. The road to the Ao Thalane Pier goes through tall karsts mountains. Once on the boat, you see even more impressive karsts. Boats arrive at the Tha Khao Pier, on the eastern coast. You can hire a tuk-tuk or a motorbike to take you to your hotel.
You can go to Koh Yao Noi pretty much from all around Thailand. We met fellow travelers that went from Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. We went from Kamala Beach in Phuket to Koh Yao Noi and then to Krabi. All you have to do is inquire at your hotel on Koh Yao Noi.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao Noi
Paradise Beach
The first time we went to Koh Yao Noi, we stayed in Paradise Beach. It’s a picture-perfect white sand beach on the northeastern coast. It was love at first sight. Since it’s the least populated area on the island, it’s all about nature. The one and only hornbill of Koh Yao Noi lives here.
We stayed at the Paradise Koh Yao Noi Resort and had a great time. The fancy beachfront property is set in lush gardens. The views are to die for, the sand pure white, and the sea hundreds of blues. Every plush room comes with an outside area. The onsite restaurant is top quality. Yes, it’s got a pool.
You can also stay at its sister property, Tree House Villas Koh Yao Noi. The hotel is an architect’s dream. The luxurious villas are huge and exquisitely decorated. Every unit has a private pool. It’s probably one of the best hotels in Thailand. The Hilltop View Villa is perfect for families.
Tha Khao Beach
The best beach in Koh Yao Noi is Tha Khao. The long sandy beach is in the center, on the eastern coast. Therefore, it enjoys epic views of the karsts mountains far away. The pier is north of the beach. However, there aren’t many boats so it’s very quiet. You will love it here.
We spent 3 lovely days at the Hill House Hotel. The super-comfortable bungalows are on the slope of the hill overlooking the sea. Thus, it offers splendid views. There’s no one around, and the gardens are gorgeous. The beach is 2 minutes away. To top it all: delicious breakfast and professional hosts.
The Koh Yao Sea View Bungalows hotel has the best location in town. The rooms are directly on the sand, under tall trees. We booked a sea view one and had a great time. The hotel has a big pool in the center. The onsite restaurant is great, and they even offer bikes for rent.
Klong Jark Beach
There’s nothing wrong with Klong Jark Beach. But to us, it’s the least attractive beach on the island. It’s south of Tha Khao beach, also on the eastern coast. The sand is white and the colors of the sea are beautiful. However, it’s pretty shallow so it’s hard to swim.
The best hotel in Klong Jark is Cape Kudu. We really like the Mediterranean colors and Thai décor. Since it’s on a slope, the views are breathtaking. The rooms are elegant and have a balcony with a super comfy hammock. The property is huge and extremely quiet. This one is perfect for couples.
If you are looking for luxurious villas, book one at Villa Lydia Koh Yao Noi. You won’t get better villas on the island. The units are 2 minutes from the beach. Each features a terrace, a pool, and a garden. All villas are huge and fully equipped to cook, relax, and enjoy memorable views.
Pasai and Lamsai Beaches
Pasai Beach is a long stretch of white sand with crystal blue waters. It’s on the southeastern shore of the island. It’s very popular amongst locals. A bit further south is Lamsai, where you can swim in medium and high tides. Endless rice fields and forests surround Lamsai.
If you want to be in the middle of nature and facing the sea, book a villa at Koh Yao Bay Pavillions. The units are massive and have wooden floors and high ceilings. Each unit has a roofed veranda with hammocks. Though you can cook in your fully equipped kitchen, the restaurant is superb.
Touch offers the best glamping experience in Koh Yao Noi. We are talking about fancy tents with a private bathroom, a seating area, and a barbecue. The camp is directly on the sandy beach and is very peaceful. They’ve got kayaks and an onsite bar with a la carte breakfast.
Elsewhere
The western coast of Koh Yao Noi offers killer sunsets, but the beaches are super narrow. The sea looks unbelievably beautiful, but the sand is a bit muddy. The rice fields and hills are a must too. There are no real roads through the island and almost no traffic. For such a small island, there’s a 7-11 and local shops.
The best hotel on the western coast is the Purana Resort. Their big villas offer great value for money. They feature a fully equipped kitchen, a patio or balcony, and a pool! There’s also a big one. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Annie Meen’s Place has the best inexpensive accommodation in Koh Yao Noi. The big rooms are spotless and comfortable and open to a lush garden. It’s only a 12-minute walk to the beach, and even less to the main village. The service is warm and professional. Brilliant choice if you want to save.
Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Indulge Yourself on the Beach
Koh Yao Noi is blessed with gorgeous beaches. We are talking about golden or white sand, crystal blue waters, lush forests, and the best views ever. The best beaches to swim in are on the east coast. The tide changes a lot throughout the day, so be careful when going into the sea.
We love Tha Khao because it’s shallow close to the sand, but it slowly gets deep so you can swim. Likewise, it’s very calm so you can float for hours. There’s also an islet in front! The beaches to the south are isolated. You can be alone for hours enjoying the sound of the waves.
You can also rent a kayak and go from beach to beach. To reach the northernmost point of the island you can take a boat. The beaches on the western coast are great at low tide. However, people do swim in the calm waters. In any case, you will find the perfect beach for you.
Bike along the Coast
Koh Yao Noi offers a lot of things to do. Biking is one of the best because it’s safe, easy and so much fun. As mentioned, there aren’t many cars around the island. Since many locals use bikes, the few cars seem to drive carefully.
Ask at your hotel for bikes. Some of the ones we recommend have bicycles. If not, you can rent one in Thakhai Village or close to the pier in Tha Khao. It can be very hot during the day, so try to begin your ride early or in the afternoon. Once you are off the main road, you’ll be mostly alone.
There is no need to rush. Take your time to enjoy unforgettable views. You will have the sea on one side, and incredible forests or rice paddies on the other. Stop to refresh and to check the beaches. Due to the lack of proper lights, we don’t advise biking at night.
Visit the Local Mosques
As you will notice, there’s a big Muslim community on the island. You will hear the mosques calling to prayer several times a day. Everyone gets along here just fine and visiting the local mosques will give you an insight into the local life.
You have almost a dozen mosques to visit. Most of them are in the center. You will recognize them by their tall minarets and lively colors. Mosques in Thailand are different. Don’t expect huge marble temples. In fact, we like them because they blend perfectly with the environment.
The oldest one is the Napanet Mosque close to the Thakhai Village. It’s a colorful temple with two minarets. Our favorite is Ban Bangchak Mosque, on the eastern coast. This one is newer and has a calm atmosphere. Remember that locals visit mosques to pray, so be respectful.
Have Coffee Overlooking the Rice Fields
Everyone that visits Koh Yao Noi seems to know about this place. We discovered it accidentally while biking around the island. Rong Na Café and Restaurant is close to the western coast, next to the Napanet Mosque and the Islam Seminary. It’s half a mile north of the Thakhai Village.
You will recognize it by the concrete observatory towers. It’s a simple two-story wooden building with endless views of the rice fields and the hills. No other bar on the island has such a privileged location. The food is delicious too! They offer just about everything.
The place is very popular amongst locals too. You will see groups of friends and couples eating while watching the buffalos! There is no need to rush. Most of the food is hand-made, so be patient and enjoy. The cocktails and coffee are superb!
Try Delicious Thai Food
If you’ve been to Thailand before, you know how good the food is. You can eat delicious and varied food all over the country. Be it in fancy restaurants and street stalls, Thai food is simply delicious. Koh Yao Noi is no exception. Actually, we believe they have the best food in Thailand.
We became addicted to Sea Gypsy, the best restaurant on the island. The owner manages the cute restaurant set in a lovely garden. Everything is fresh and delicious. Sea Gypsy should have 10 Michelin stars! If you are into cooking, ask for private lessons. Your loved ones will thank you.
For lunch head to Stella, directly on Tha Khao Beach. It’s a simple place with memorable views of the sea and the island in front. The food is homemade and delicious. They also prepare fresh fruit juices. Take note that most places close early. Ask at your hotel.
Have a Cocktail at the Coolest Bars
For cocktails, head to Mini Bear, the coolest bar on the island. It’s a small bar with a small garden, a couple of cats, and Pat. She’s the owner. She only uses prime-quality liquor and prepares the best cocktails. Great music and a cool vibe complete the feast.
As mentioned, the best sunrise is on the east coast and the best sunset on the west. Stop by the Purana Resort and have a drink while enjoying the sunset. Another great place for sunsets is the aptly-named Sunset Bar. They have all sorts of cocktails and the coolest vibe.
For coffee after sunset, head to the bars on Tha Khao beach. Our favorite place in Klong Jark beach is Kantari Coffee, inside the Kudu Hotel. There are several good eateries in the center too. You won’t get thirsty either. You can stop at any supermarket. Better still, carry a recyclable bottle of water.
Best Time to Visit Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is a year-long destination. You can visit any time of the year and have a great time. The average maximum temperature all year round is between 85 to 92 Fahrenheit (31 to 34 C). The average low temperature is around 75 F (24 C) but reaches 85 F (26 C) in the warmest months, February, March, and April.
The water temperature is good all year round. The warmest is in April and May, and the coldest is in December, at 81 F (25 C). The big difference is the rain. It starts raining in late May, until late October. Sometimes it can rain for days in a row. It’s pretty humid all year round.
The high season is from November to March, the hot season until May, and the rainy season until October. There are hotels open all year round, and you can always find something to eat. During the rainy months, the colors are different. Prices go down a lot from June to September.
Check out this post to learn about the cost of travel in Thailand.
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