{"id":24002,"date":"2026-06-10T06:44:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T06:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/?st-import=e6a4bc026e46ae2fb37bf4cf0d3e1535"},"modified":"2026-07-24T00:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T00:59:09","slug":"koh-yao-noi-yai-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/koh-yao-noi-yai-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai: Complete Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are Thailand\\&#8217;s best-kept secret islands \u2014 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\\&#8217;re only 30\u201360 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/agent.12go.asia\/tools\/widget\/country_widget.js\"><\/script>\n<onetwogo-country-widget\n  country=\"TH\"\n   width=\"400\" agent=\"16173966\" lang=\"en\" fxcode=\"USD\" wl=\"12go.asia\">\n<\/onetwogo-country-widget>\n\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Phuket\/Koh-Yao-Noi-speedboat\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=phuket-koh-yao-noi-speedboat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Phuket \u2192 Koh Yao Noi speedboat tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Koh Yao Noi vs Koh Yao Yai: Which Island?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Koh Yao Noi (Small)<\/th><th>Koh Yao Yai (Big)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Size<\/strong><\/td><td>Smaller, more compact<\/td><td>Larger, more spread out<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Vibe<\/strong><\/td><td>Laid-back creative, cycling, community feel<\/td><td>More remote, insane beaches, fewer tourists<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Beaches<\/strong><\/td><td>Good but not the headline attraction<\/td><td>Spectacular \u2014 some of Thailand\\&#8217;s best<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nightlife<\/strong><\/td><td>Almost none (mostly Muslim island)<\/td><td>None<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Infrastructure<\/strong><\/td><td>More restaurants and guesthouses<\/td><td>More limited<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Between islands<\/strong><\/td><td colspan=\"2\">Longtail boat, 10\u201315 minutes, under 100 THB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td>Cyclists, culture seekers, longer stays<\/td><td>Beach lovers, total escape<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Koh Yao Noi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Phuket (Easiest)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speedboats from <strong>Bang Rong Pier<\/strong> (northeast Phuket, ~25 minutes from the airport) to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi run throughout the day. Journey time approximately 30 minutes. Fare <strong>400 THB (~$11 USD)<\/strong> per person. Tickets available at the pier \u2014 no advance booking usually needed, but book ahead in high season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Phuket Airport to Bang Rong Pier: ~25 minutes by taxi (~400\u2013500 THB). Total from airport to island: approximately 1\u20131.5 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Krabi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speedboats from Krabi depart from several piers \u2014 <strong>Tha Len Pier<\/strong>, Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang), and East Railay floating pier. Journey time approximately 30 minutes to Koh Yao Noi. Fare approximately <strong>500 THB (~$14 USD)<\/strong> per person \u2014 slightly more expensive than from Phuket as it\\&#8217;s a longer crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Phuket\/Koh-Yao-Noi-speedboat\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=phuket-koh-yao-noi-speedboat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Phuket \u2192 Koh Yao Noi speedboat tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Krabi\/Koh-Yao-Noi-speedboat\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=krabi-koh-yao-noi-speedboat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Krabi \u2192 Koh Yao Noi speedboat tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Koh Yao Yai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Phuket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speedboats from <strong>Bang Rong Pier<\/strong> to Koh Yao Yai \u2014 approximately 30\u201340 minutes. Operators include Koh Yao Travel Speedboat, Bundhaya Speed Boat, and Tigerline. Fare similar to Koh Yao Noi at ~400 THB per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Krabi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tigerline operates from Chao Fah Pier in Krabi Town to Koh Yao Yai. Other speedboat operators depart from Ao Nang. Journey ~30\u201340 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Koh Yao Noi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The easiest connection \u2014 longtail boats run throughout the day between the two islands from Manoh Pier. Journey 10\u201315 minutes, under 100 THB. No booking needed \u2014 just show up at the pier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Phuket\/Koh-Yao-Yai-speedboat\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=phuket-koh-yao-yai-speedboat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Phuket \u2192 Koh Yao Yai speedboat tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do on Koh Yao Noi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cycling:<\/strong> The best way to explore \u2014 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\u20134 hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay:<\/strong> Paddle among limestone karsts in one of Thailand\\&#8217;s most dramatic seascapes. Several operators offer guided half-day tours from ~800\u20131,200 THB per person.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secret viewpoint (Tha Khao pier):<\/strong> 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\\&#8217;s best-kept secrets \u2014 no tourist infrastructure, completely free.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mangrove kayaking:<\/strong> The east coast of the island has extensive mangrove channels \u2014 explore by kayak at high tide for a completely different perspective from the open bay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fishing village walk:<\/strong> Koh Yao Noi is predominantly Muslim \u2014 the main village has a traditional character, fresh seafood market in the morning, and a pace of life that feels untouched by tourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do on Koh Yao Yai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Loh Jark Bay:<\/strong> One of the most beautiful beaches in Phang Nga province \u2014 a long crescent of white sand with a completely natural backdrop of karst hills and forest. Almost no development.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Laem Had Beach:<\/strong> A sandbar that connects to a small island at low tide \u2014 dramatic and photogenic. Kayak from Koh Yao Noi\\&#8217;s southern tip to reach it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motorbike around the island:<\/strong> Koh Yao Yai is larger and less walkable \u2014 rent a motorbike (~200\u2013250 THB\/day) to explore the beaches and villages at your own pace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alcohol:<\/strong> Both islands are predominantly Muslim \u2014 most restaurants don\\&#8217;t serve alcohol. There are a handful of bars on Koh Yao Noi, but don\\&#8217;t expect beach club vibes. This is genuinely part of the appeal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ATMs:<\/strong> Limited and sometimes out of cash \u2014 bring enough Thai baht from Phuket or Krabi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dress code:<\/strong> Cover up when visiting the villages \u2014 shoulders and knees as a minimum sign of respect.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best from Phuket:<\/strong> Phuket has more flight options and is better connected internationally, making it the preferred gateway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f3e8; <strong>[Travelpayouts Hotellook\/Agoda widget: Hotels on Koh Yao Noi]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f3e8; <strong>[Travelpayouts Hotellook\/Agoda widget: Hotels on Koh Yao Yai]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/krabi-travel-guide\/\">Krabi Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/railay-beach-guide\/\">Railay Beach Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/andaman-island-hopping-itinerary\/\">Andaman Island Hopping Route<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/kuala-lumpur-to-koh-lanta\/\">Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lanta<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This post contains affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Complete guide to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai \u2014 speedboat from Bang Rong Pier Phuket 400 THB (30 min) or Krabi 500 THB. Cycling, Phang Nga Bay kayaking, Laem Had sandbar, no alcohol culture.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-thailand"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi.jpg",940,529,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi.jpg",940,529,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi.jpg",940,529,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi.jpg",940,529,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/koh-yao-noi.jpg",18,10,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"markylipu","author_link":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/author\/markylipu\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Complete guide to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai \u2014 speedboat from Bang Rong Pier Phuket 400 THB (30 min) or Krabi 500 THB. Cycling, Phang Nga Bay kayaking, Laem Had sandbar, no alcohol culture.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24002"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37706,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24002\/revisions\/37706"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}