Are you looking for a tropical getaway that offers stunning scenery, authentic culture, and relaxing vibes? If so, you might want to consider visiting the Koh Yao Islands, a group of two main islands, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, located in the Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi.
These islands are among the most unspoiled and peaceful destinations in Thailand, where you can enjoy the natural beauty, tranquility, and hospitality of the local people. Whether you want to explore the pristine beaches, kayak through the mangroves, snorkel in the coral reefs, or simply chill out in a hammock, the Koh Yao Islands have something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Koh Yao Islands, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and when to visit. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip to this hidden paradise. So, read on and discover why the Koh Yao Islands are the perfect choice for your next vacation!
How to Get to Koh Yao Islands
The easiest and fastest way to get to the Koh Yao Islands is by boat from either Phuket or Krabi. You have three options: longtail boats, speedboats, or ferries. Here are the details for each option:
Longtail boats:
These are traditional wooden boats that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. They are the cheapest option, costing around 150-200 baht ($5-7) per person, but they are also the slowest and least comfortable. They take about an hour to reach the islands, and they depart from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket or Tha Len Pier in Krabi. You can find them at the piers or book them through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Speedboats:
These are modern and fast boats that can accommodate up to 40 passengers. They are the most expensive option, costing around 300-400 baht ($10-13) per person, but they are also the most convenient and comfortable. They take about 30 minutes to reach the islands, and they depart from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket or Ao Nang Pier in Krabi. You can book them online, through your hotel, or a local tour operator.
Ferries:
These are large and spacious boats that can accommodate up to 200 passengers. They are the middle option, costing around 200-300 baht ($7-10) per person, and they offer a smooth and scenic ride. They take about 45 minutes to reach the islands, and they depart from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket or Tha Len Pier in Krabi. You can book them online, through your hotel, or a local tour operator.
Our tip: If you want to save money and time, we recommend taking the speedboat option. If you want to enjoy the views and the atmosphere, we recommend taking the ferry option. If you want to experience the local culture and adventure, we recommend taking the longtail boat option. Whatever option you choose, make sure to check the schedule and availability in advance, as the boats may not run every day or every hour, depending on the season and the weather.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao Islands
The Koh Yao Islands offer a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, to suit every taste and budget. You can find hotels, resorts, bungalows, guesthouses, and homestays on both islands, but keep in mind that Koh Yao Noi is more developed and has more options than Koh Yao Yai. Here are some of the best places to stay on the Koh Yao Islands, according to our reviews and ratings:
Budget:
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay, you can check out [Lam Sai Village Hotel] on Koh Yao Yai or [Sabai Corner Bungalows] on Koh Yao Noi. Both places offer basic but clean and cozy rooms with fan or air-conditioning, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. They also have a restaurant, a bar, and a garden where you can relax and mingle with other travelers. The average price for a night is around 500-700 baht ($17-23).
Mid-range:
If you are looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay, you can check out [Koh Yao Yai Village] on Koh Yao Yai or [Koh Yao Noi Resort] on Koh Yao Noi. Both places offer spacious and stylish rooms with air-conditioning, private bathroom, TV, and minibar. They also have a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a tour desk where you can book activities and transfers. The average price for a night is around 1,500-2,000 baht ($50-67).
Luxury:
If you are looking for a luxurious and exclusive place to stay, you can check out [Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa] on Koh Yao Yai or [Six Senses Yao Noi] on Koh Yao Noi. Both places offer elegant and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathroom, balcony, and jacuzzi. They also have a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar where you can enjoy the stunning views and the impeccable service. The average price for a night is around 5,000-10,000 baht ($167-333).
What to Do on Koh Yao Islands
The Koh Yao Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as they offer a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the island, or discover the underwater world, you will never get bored on the Koh Yao Islands. Here are some of the things you can do on the Koh Yao Islands:
Beaches:
The Koh Yao Islands have some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Thailand, where you can soak up the sun, swim in the clear water, or lounge in the shade. Some of the best beaches on the islands are Loh Paret Beach, Loh Jark Beach, and Ao Muang Beach on Koh Yao Yai, and Pasai Beach, Klong Jark Beach, and Tha Khao Beach on Koh Yao Noi. You can also take a boat to visit some of the nearby islands, such as Koh Nok, Koh Hong, and Koh Pak Bia, which have stunning beaches and lagoons.
Kayaking:
One of the best ways to explore the Koh Yao Islands and the Phang Nga Bay is by kayaking. You can rent a kayak from your hotel or a local operator, and paddle through the mangroves, the caves, and the limestone cliffs. You can also join a guided tour, which will take you to some of the most scenic spots and hidden gems in the area. You will see amazing wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and fish, and you will feel like you are in a movie.
Snorkeling and diving:
Another great way to discover the Koh Yao Islands and the Phang Nga Bay is by snorkeling or diving. You can rent snorkeling or diving equipment from your hotel or a local operator, and explore the coral reefs and the marine life. You can also join a boat trip, which will take you to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the area, such as Koh Roi, Koh Phanak, and Koh Yao Yai Marine Park. You will see colorful corals, exotic fish, turtles, rays, and sharks, and you will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the underwater world.
Cycling and hiking:
If you want to see the Koh Yao Islands from a different perspective, you can try cycling or hiking. You can rent a bicycle from your hotel or a local operator, and ride along the roads, the trails, and the villages. You can also join a guided tour, which will take you to some of the most interesting and authentic places on the islands, such as rice fields, rubber plantations, temples, and markets. You will see the local culture, the rural life, and the friendly people, and you will learn more about the history and the traditions of the islands.
Yoga, cooking classes, and cultural tours:
If you want to relax and learn something new, you can try yoga, cooking classes, or cultural tours. You can find yoga classes at some of the hotels and resorts on the islands, or you can join a yoga retreat, which will offer you a holistic and rejuvenating experience. You can also find cooking classes at some of the restaurants and cafes on the islands, or you can join a cooking course, which will teach you how to make some of the delicious and healthy Thai dishes.
You can also find cultural tours at some of the hotels and resorts on the islands, or you can join a cultural excursion, which will show you some of the highlights and the hidden gems of the islands, such as the Koh Yao Noi Village, the Koh Yao Noi Village, the Koh Yao Yai Mosque, and the Koh Yao Yai Museum. You will see the different aspects and influences of the culture, such as the Muslim, the Buddhist, and the sea gypsy communities, and you will appreciate the diversity and harmony of the islands.
Where to Eat on Koh Yao Islands
The Koh Yao Islands have a variety of restaurants and cafes, where you can taste the local and international cuisines. You can find Thai, seafood, vegetarian, Italian, Indian, and more options on both islands, but keep in mind that Koh Yao Noi has more choices than Koh Yao Yai. Here are some of the best places to eat on the Koh Yao Islands, according to our reviews and ratings:
Thai:
If you want to try the authentic and delicious Thai food, you can check out [Rice Paddy] on Koh Yao Noi or [Chaba Cafe & Gallery] on Koh Yao Yai. Both places offer a cozy and friendly atmosphere, and a menu that includes classic and regional dishes, such as pad thai, green curry, tom yum, and massaman. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, and a selection of drinks and desserts. The average price for a meal is around 100-200 baht ($3-7).
Seafood:
If you want to enjoy the fresh and succulent seafood, you can check out [Tha Khao Bay View] on Koh Yao Noi or [Better View] on Koh Yao Yai. Both places offer a stunning and romantic view of the bay, and a menu that includes grilled, fried, or steamed fish, shrimp, squid, crab, and lobster. They also have Thai and international dishes, and a selection of drinks and desserts. The average price for a meal is around 200-400 baht ($7-13).
Vegetarian:
If you want to eat healthy and tasty vegetarian food, you can check out [The Garden Cafe] on Koh Yao Noi or [Koh Yao Yai Veggie] on Koh Yao Yai. Both places offer a relaxing and charming garden setting, and a menu that includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pasta. They also have vegan and gluten-free options, and a selection of drinks and desserts. The average price for a meal is around 100-200 baht ($3-7).
Italian:
If you want to indulge in some pizza and pasta, you can check out [La Luna] on Koh Yao Noi or [La Sirena] on Koh Yao Yai. Both places offer a cozy and elegant ambiance, and a menu that includes wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, lasagna, and risotto. They also have salads, soups, and meat dishes, and a selection of drinks and desserts. The average price for a meal is around 200-400 baht ($7-13).
Indian:
If you want to spice up your palate with some curry and naan, you can check out [Ruen Raya] on Koh Yao Noi or [Koh Yao Yai Indian Food] on Koh Yao Yai. Both places offer a simple and casual atmosphere, and a menu that includes chicken, lamb, or vegetable curry, biryani, tandoori, and naan. They also have salads, soups, and rice dishes, and a selection of drinks and desserts. The average price for a meal is around 200-400 baht ($7-13).
The Koh Yao Islands are a hidden paradise in Thailand, where you can experience the best of nature, culture, and relaxation. The islands offer a variety of activities and attractions, such as beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, cycling, hiking, yoga, cooking classes, and cultural tours. The islands also offer a range of accommodation and dining options, from budget to luxury, to suit every taste and budget.
The islands are easy and fast to reach by boat from Phuket or Krabi, and the best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The Koh Yao Islands are the perfect choice for your next vacation, as they will give you a memorable and enjoyable experience that you will never forget.