Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are Thailand\’s best-kept secret islands — sitting in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, surrounded by some of the most dramatic karst scenery in the country. Rubber plantations, rice fields, fishing villages, and almost no development make them feel completely unlike their famous neighbours. Yet they\’re only 30–60 minutes by speedboat from both Phuket Airport and Krabi. This guide covers how to get there, the differences between the two islands, and what to do.
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Koh Yao Noi vs Koh Yao Yai: Which Island?
| Koh Yao Noi (Small) | Koh Yao Yai (Big) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller, more compact | Larger, more spread out |
| Vibe | Laid-back creative, cycling, community feel | More remote, insane beaches, fewer tourists |
| Beaches | Good but not the headline attraction | Spectacular — some of Thailand\’s best |
| Nightlife | Almost none (mostly Muslim island) | None |
| Infrastructure | More restaurants and guesthouses | More limited |
| Between islands | Longtail boat, 10–15 minutes, under 100 THB | |
| Best for | Cyclists, culture seekers, longer stays | Beach lovers, total escape |
Getting to Koh Yao Noi
From Phuket (Easiest)
Speedboats from Bang Rong Pier (northeast Phuket, ~25 minutes from the airport) to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi run throughout the day. Journey time approximately 30 minutes. Fare 400 THB (~$11 USD) per person. Tickets available at the pier — no advance booking usually needed, but book ahead in high season.
From Phuket Airport to Bang Rong Pier: ~25 minutes by taxi (~400–500 THB). Total from airport to island: approximately 1–1.5 hours.
From Krabi
Speedboats from Krabi depart from several piers — Tha Len Pier, Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang), and East Railay floating pier. Journey time approximately 30 minutes to Koh Yao Noi. Fare approximately 500 THB (~$14 USD) per person — slightly more expensive than from Phuket as it\’s a longer crossing.
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Getting to Koh Yao Yai
From Phuket
Speedboats from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Yai — approximately 30–40 minutes. Operators include Koh Yao Travel Speedboat, Bundhaya Speed Boat, and Tigerline. Fare similar to Koh Yao Noi at ~400 THB per person.
From Krabi
Tigerline operates from Chao Fah Pier in Krabi Town to Koh Yao Yai. Other speedboat operators depart from Ao Nang. Journey ~30–40 minutes.
From Koh Yao Noi
The easiest connection — longtail boats run throughout the day between the two islands from Manoh Pier. Journey 10–15 minutes, under 100 THB. No booking needed — just show up at the pier.
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What to Do on Koh Yao Noi
- Cycling: The best way to explore — flat roads through rubber plantations, rice paddies, and fishing villages. Rent a bicycle from ~100 THB/day at most guesthouses. A full island circuit takes 3–4 hours.
- Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay: Paddle among limestone karsts in one of Thailand\’s most dramatic seascapes. Several operators offer guided half-day tours from ~800–1,200 THB per person.
- Secret viewpoint (Tha Khao pier): Cross the bridge next to the pier and follow the staircase through forest to a viewpoint overlooking Phang Nga Bay toward Krabi. One of the island\’s best-kept secrets — no tourist infrastructure, completely free.
- Mangrove kayaking: The east coast of the island has extensive mangrove channels — explore by kayak at high tide for a completely different perspective from the open bay.
- Fishing village walk: Koh Yao Noi is predominantly Muslim — the main village has a traditional character, fresh seafood market in the morning, and a pace of life that feels untouched by tourism.
What to Do on Koh Yao Yai
- Loh Jark Bay: One of the most beautiful beaches in Phang Nga province — a long crescent of white sand with a completely natural backdrop of karst hills and forest. Almost no development.
- Laem Had Beach: A sandbar that connects to a small island at low tide — dramatic and photogenic. Kayak from Koh Yao Noi\’s southern tip to reach it.
- Motorbike around the island: Koh Yao Yai is larger and less walkable — rent a motorbike (~200–250 THB/day) to explore the beaches and villages at your own pace.
Important Notes
- Alcohol: Both islands are predominantly Muslim — most restaurants don\’t serve alcohol. There are a handful of bars on Koh Yao Noi, but don\’t expect beach club vibes. This is genuinely part of the appeal.
- ATMs: Limited and sometimes out of cash — bring enough Thai baht from Phuket or Krabi.
- Dress code: Cover up when visiting the villages — shoulders and knees as a minimum sign of respect.
- Best from Phuket: Phuket has more flight options and is better connected internationally, making it the preferred gateway.
Where to Stay
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels on Koh Yao Noi]
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