Koh Yao Noi sits in Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi, facing a skyline of limestone islands. It is about 12 km long and home to around 5,000 people, mostly Muslim fishing and farming families. There are rubber plantations, rice fields and a handful of small resorts, but few bars and no big town. It suits travellers who want a slow, rural island with easy boat trips, not a party or a long walk on white sand.
Where should you stay on Koh Yao Noi?
Most places to stay are on the east coast, which looks across the bay to Krabi's karsts. The beaches are tidal: at low tide the sea can pull back a long way, leaving sand and stones, so a room with a pool is worth having.
| Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pasai (southeast) | First visits | About 2 km, the longest beach; bungalows and cafés nearby; very shallow at low tide |
| Klong Jark (east) | A quieter stay | About 1.5 km, restaurants at the south end; swim at high tide |
| Tha Khao (northeast) | Yoga, Krabi boats | About 1 km beside the village and pier; a sandbank links it to Koh Nui at low tide |
| North tip | Seclusion | A few villa resorts; tracks are dirt and you will need transport |
Pasai and Klong Jark are about five minutes apart by scooter, and most of the island's restaurants are along this stretch.
How do you get to Koh Yao Noi?
There is no airport on the island. From Bangkok, fly to Phuket or to Krabi, which is about 1 hour 20 minutes, and take a boat from there.
- From Phuket: Bang Rong pier, on Phuket's northeast coast, is about 25 to 40 minutes by car from Phuket airport. Speedboats reach Manoh pier on Koh Yao Noi in 30 to 40 minutes, for about ฿300–400. Slower boats take about an hour. The last public boats leave around 17:00.
- From Krabi: speedboats run from Ao Thalane pier to Tha Khao pier in about 20 minutes, for about ฿300, roughly from 08:00 to 17:45. A longtail leaves at 13:00 for about ฿200. Ao Thalane is under an hour by road from Krabi airport.
- From Ao Nang: a speedboat from Nopparat Thara pier costs about ฿650.
- From Koh Yao Yai: longtails cross from Manoh pier in 10 to 15 minutes.
If your flight lands late in the afternoon, you may miss the last public boat. Plan for a night on the mainland, or ask your hotel about a private transfer.
How do you get around Koh Yao Noi?
A scooter is the usual choice, at about ฿250–350 a day. One main road circles the island, and a full loop without stops takes about an hour. Roads are dark after sunset, and some beach tracks are steep and rocky. There is no bus. Local taxis meet boats at Manoh pier, and a shared songthaew from the pier to a hotel costs about ฿100 per person.
What are the best things to do on Koh Yao Noi?
- Island hopping in Phang Nga Bay: longtail trips go to Koh Hong, with its enclosed lagoon, and Koh Lao Lading. The Koh Hong lagoon can only be entered at high tide. The national park fee is ฿300 for adults and ฿150 for children, paid in cash. Go early, before the speedboats from Phuket arrive.
- Private longtail: about ฿2,500 for a four-island trip, usually leaving around 09:00 and returning around 14:00.
- James Bond Island: a full-day Phang Nga Bay trip also visits Koh Panyee and sea caves for kayaking. Expect crowds and a ฿300 park fee.
- Rock climbing: there are more than 150 routes, including deep-water soloing. Guides and gear are available on the island, and the best months are November to March.
- Kayaking: kayaks can be rented for short paddles to nearby islets. Return before low tide, or you will carry the kayak across a long stretch of sand.
- Sunsets: the east coast faces the sunrise, so head to the west or the south, such as the fishing huts at Laem Sai pier, for sunset.
When is the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi?
The dry season runs from November to April, and December to March has the calmest seas. May and October are shoulder months. From June to September there are roughly half as many sailings, crossings can be rough and some boats are cancelled. At the Phuket weather station, about 13 km away, February averages about 24 mm of rain and September about 350 mm.
What should you know before you go?
- Dress modestly in the villages. Keep swimwear for the beach and resorts, and cover shoulders and knees near mosques.
- Alcohol is limited. It is sold in resorts and tourist restaurants, mostly around Pasai and Klong Jark, but not everywhere. Ask before bringing your own.
- Carry cash. There are a few ATMs in the main village, but they can run out on busy weekends, and many small places take cash only.
- Evenings are quiet. There are only a couple of beach bars, so dinner is the main event.
Tip: check the tide table before you plan a swim or a trip to the Koh Hong lagoon. High tide makes both far easier.
Facts checked October 2026. Boat times and fares are approximate and change with the season and sea conditions; sailings are reduced from June to September. Check timetables and national park fees before you travel.
Sources
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