Beautiful beaches, rubber plantations, rice paddies, palm trees… Add daily wild animal encounters with hornbills, butterflies and monitor lizards and you get yourself a paradise, where the pace of life is (still) slow.
Welcome to Koh Yao Noi – a little island placed between Phuket and Krabi, in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. An island that somehow still gets skipped by most travellers rushing between the two regions. Well, good for us, since the island has no crowds as a result and it is low-key kept as a secret destination in the area. That’s exactly its appeal. Although widely perceived as a backpacker’s paradise, Koh Yao Noi has something to offer for everyone – be that luxury travellers or those on a tight budget. If I had to describe how it is in one word, I would say “chill”. It has a party scene for those who seek it, it also has quiet corners with barely any other people around, it has wild nature and plenty of opportunities for hikers and snorkellers that cannot stay still the whole day at the beach (like me).
I had never heard of this island before I simply zoomed in on places between Phuket and Krabi on Google Maps, while choosing my next destination to visit from Ao Nang in Thailand. Although I initially booked 6 nights, thinking to possibly hop on to the neighbouring Koh Yao Yai later, I ended up extending my stay for another week, because it just felt right. I met travellers who did similar extensions for months, some even made it their new home. So I don’t need to tell you any more how people feel about this place once they visit. 🙂
In this Koh Yao Noi travel guide I gathered everything I’d tell a friend before they book: how to actually get there, where to stay depending on what kind of trip you want, where to eat, and where to watch the sunset with a cold Chang in hand (not as easy of a task as you might think btw).
Interesting Facts About Koh Yao Noi
• Koh Yao Noi translates from Thai as “Little Long Island” – its bigger sister Koh Yao Yai translates as “Big Long Island.”
• Around 4’000 to 5’000 people live here, most of them Muslim. Islam was brought to the island by Arab traders as early as the 13th century.
• The island is only about 12 km long and 5 km wide. You can circle the whole thing by scooter in under two hours.
• There is no official public transport on the island. Songthaew pick-up trucks and taxis are available, as well as scooter / bicycle rental options to travel around.
• Alcohol is around but far less visible than on Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi, and the island quiets down further during Ramadan. If a dinner without a drink is a no-go for you, this island might not be your best choice, since many restaurants simply do not sell alcohol.
Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai: Which One Is Better?
Koh Yao Noi is smaller but a bit more developed and easier to travel around in comparison to Koh Yao Yai. It also has more restaurant and lodging options. So it seems like it is a better option to make Koh Yao Noi your base, unless you want to go even more off-grid and comfort is no priority for you. In any case, you can also easily do a day-trip to Koh Yao Yai from Koh Yao Noi (recommended to rent a scooter on Koh Yao Yai side, since the surcharge for transporting it on the longtail boat does not make it worth it). Considering all the pros and cons, I decided on Koh Yao Noi, although I would still love to explore Koh Yao Yai to get a full picture.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Yao Noi?
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is November to April, since this is when it is dry season on the Andaman coast, with clear skies, calm seas, and boats running on schedule. I personally visited at end of November-beginning of December and it was great – the season was just rolling out, so no crowds and perfect weather.
November–February is peak: reliable weather, flat water for island-hopping, but busier and pricier. It is recommended to book ahead, since from about mid-December finding accommodation on the island becomes very difficult (especially if we talk about the budget-friendly options).
March–April is shoulder season: still dry, but heat builds fast and rain starts creeping in. Trade-off is cheaper stays and quieter beaches.
May–October is rainy season. Many restaurants and hotels close down for this period. Boat connections to the island may be disrupted due to dangerous sea state. September is the wettest month – avoid if you can.
In general, best time to visit is between mid-November and mid-December, or from mid-January to late April, when the weather is nice and you find better priced deals compared to the peak season.
|
Months |
Season |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
November-February |
Peak season, dry |
Reliable weather, island-hopping |
|
March-April |
Shoulder season |
Budget stays, quieter beaches |
|
May-October |
Monsoon season, rainy |
Avoid if possible |
How Long Should I Stay on Koh Yao Noi?
I would recommend staying for a minimum of 3 nights. Ideally, spend at least 1 week on the island to really embrace the slow pace of life and explore the island as well as the surroundings.
How to Get to Koh Yao Noi
There’s no airport on Koh Yao Noi, so getting here always means arriving by boat, either from Phuket or from Krabi. Which one makes sense depends on where you’re coming from and how much you care about saving money versus saving time.
Speedboat vs. Longtail Boat: Which is Better?
If you wonder whether it is better to go by longtail boat or speedboat – it depends. I did both and here is what I can tell you.
Speedboat is certainly a faster option and is considered to be a more reliable one with more than 1 departure per day. Downside – it is a bumpy ride even if the sea is calm, but lasts only 30 mins, so up to you whether you prefer that. Plus it is more expensive (most people would consider the difference not significant, though).
Longtail boats – a calmer and cheaper sailing experience. Well, provided that the boat doesn’t break down. 😀
I took a longtail boat to the island from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi and it was a great experience, I would absolutely do it again. The way back from Koh Yao Noi was with the speedboat, because the longtail boat had an engine issue (this was known prior to the scheduled departure, fortunately). It was fast, but LOUD and very bumpy. I was simply glad the ride was only 30 mins and not more. However, in any case, I would not build my route around the longtail boat sched
ule, neither would I go with the last speedboat if I have a flight to catch or have other commitments, where issues with any of the boats could result in being stuck on the island.
Package Deals vs. DIY Transfer Options
In order to get to Koh Yao Noi you will need to get to a pier first (duh :)). Various tour operators (whether on the street, through your hotel or online through 12Go) offer combined transfer options, where you are picked up from your hotel and brought to the pier, with some options including the speedboat ticket or even the transfer from the pier on the Koh Yao Noi island to your hotel. These packages often times are pricier than if you plan everything yourself. I would say if you travel solo – transfer options often are worth it. However, if you travel with someone where you share costs / as a family, it becomes expensive fast, since you pay a fixed transfer price per person, resulting in 20EUR+ difference (which might be insignificant, since you pay for things being handled for you).
Since I was travelling with my husband, I decided it made more sense to organise the transportation ourselves. However, there were a few difficulties. Since we were heading to Koh Yao Noi from Krabi’s local remote port, taxi drivers were unwilling to go remote without guarantee that they would pick up guests back (which is understandable) – so they would want double the price calculated by Grab. Ultimately, you can still negotiate and pay less (especially if you offer to pay in cash), which worked for us. But the initially calculated price of DIY transfer was certainly higher than expected for us, yet still lower than the organised transfer option.
On the way back, I had a similar experience with the taxi order from the Bang Rong Pier – it took a while to find a car, since most drivers are doing jobs in busier tourist spots and Bang Rong Pier is not one of them. While there is normally no issue calling a taxi from your hotel to the pier (avoid rush hours and you’ll be fine), hailing a ride from the pier to the town is trickier. Ultimately, we had to wait for about 20-30 mins until we got a ride for a good price (which I found through inDrive, when I failed to find a driver through Grab and Bolt ). But no worries, you won’t be left stranded, since there are plenty of taxi drivers waiting at the pier to bring you to your final destination, provided you are happy paying (a bit) more.
From Phuket: Bang Rong Pier to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi
This is the route almost every guide defaults to, and for good reason: it’s the fastest, with the most frequent connection.
Speedboats run from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket’s east coast to Koh Yao Noi in about 30 to 40 minutes, with departures throughout the day. The tickets can be booked directly through the operators or via an online seller like 12Go (where you can also find combined offers with transfers to/from your hotel or the airport).
If you’re flying into Phuket, this is the obvious choice: it’s a straightforward transfer from the airport to the pier, and boats leave often enough that you don’t need to plan your day around a single boat schedule.
- Duration: 30-40 minutes by speedboat or 1h by longtail boat
- Frequency: multiple daily departures
- Cost: 400 THB per person (speedboat), 300 THB (longtail boat)
- Getting to the pier: Grab, Bolt or inDrive from Phuket Airport or wherever you’re staying on Phuket (alternatively, book a package offer with transfers to/from the dock included on 12Go).
From Phuket: Further Alternatives through Koh Yao Yai
There are boats leaving from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Yai Chong Lard Pier and those departing from Jean Wanich Pier on Phuket to Lok Jak Pier (Koh Yao Yai). From Koh Yao Yai you can get a longtail boat running several times a day to get to Koh Yao Noi.
From Krabi: Ao Nang / Railay to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi
If you’re coming from Krabi, the most commonly booked option is a speedboat from Ao Nang / Railay. Some routes also combine a van transfer with the ferry crossing, picking up from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Krabi Airport before continuing on to the boat. Tickets can be purchased at the pier or online through 12Go.
- Departure point: Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang) / Railay East Pier
- Duration: approx. 1-1.5h
- Cost: roughly 18-25 EUR / 21-29 USD per person
- Best for: travellers who’d rather book online in advance and not think about logistics
From Krabi: the Local Ferry from Ao Thalane (Tha Lane) Pier to Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi
There’s a third option which is cheaper if you travel as a couple / family – a route that remains widely unknown to most tourists in the area. Take a taxi (order through Grab or inDrive) to the Ao Thalane Pier on the Krabi mainland and catch a speedboat or a longtail boat to Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi. The longtail boat is the boat that islanders actually use to move between the mainland and the island, not a tourist shuttle, and it costs a fraction of the standard Krabi crossing by speedboat as mentioned above.
- Departure point: Ao Thalane Pier
- Duration: approx. 45 mins (longtail boat), 20 mins (speedboat)
- Cost: 200 THB (roughly 5 EUR / 6 USD per person) for a longtail boat / 300 THB (roughly 8 EUR / 9 USD per person) for a speedboat, payable in cash at the pier
- Best for: adventure travellers and those on a tighter budget (the difference in price mainly makes sense if you travel minimum two people together), for those preferring smoother sailing using the local transport compared to a bumpy speedboat ride or a shorter speedboat ride.
Worth noting that there is a chance that Grab drivers will ask you for more money, when they accept the ride. The reason is that they are unlikely to pick up passengers at the Ao Thalane Pier, so they normally want to be paid double the rate, although you can negotiate it significantly.
Worth it if: you’re already in Krabi, want to skip the Phuket detour, or just prefer travelling the way locals actually do. Also, if you are staying close to the Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi, it is a better option, since you will be closer to your final destination on the island (although the last point is rather negligible, considering the distances on the island are not huge).
Things You Should Know Before You Go
Payment options and ATMs
There are not many ATMs on the island, and there is also always a risk that it is out of commission (the one in my area did not work for my whole stay on the island) or just doesn’t have cash inside. While you can pay with a card in some restaurants and shops, cash is still a preferred and often times the only way of payment. Make sure you bring enough with you to the island not to have any stress with money.
If you want to learn more about how to keep your cash withdrawal costs low and generally get an overview of the payment options abroad – check out my post on this topic. I also have some bonuses for you there! 🙂
WiFi and Connectivity
Most of the cafes and hotels/guesthouses have a decent WiFi. However, it is advisable to have a back-up option which you can use when you are not connected to WiFi or between your travels. I suggest getting a local SIM card (I can recommend True / True-DTAC), especially if you travel for a longer period of time and/or use data heavily – just ask for the SIM card that locals use (not the version for tourists), normally available at 7-Eleven (there is one on Koh Yao Noi too). If you are in Thailand just for a short stay or would like to have an option allowing you to connect the moment you land in Thailand, look into eSIMs (I tried many of them and can recommend Airalo, GigSky, Saily, Yesim, and my personal favourite Eskimo – which you can try for free with 1GB of Global Data with no expiry using BOHOTRAVEL code when you sign up: install today and use it later!).
Religion
The majority of the population on the island are Muslim. This means that you won’t be served pork (yes, including bacon) and alcohol in most of the restaurants. Have respect for the culture and the local ways. Dress modestly (no walking into restaurants shirtless or in a bikini).
Hospitals
While there is a public hospital and two smaller private clinics on the island, they all are mainly able to deal with non-complicated cases, like first aid, generalist doctor visits etc. If you require serious medical attention, you will be directed to Krabi, where they have a large equipped hospital. Make sure you have a good travel insurance (a guy I met on the island had a nasty scooter accident and was facing a huge bill, where hospital staff wouldn’t even perform surgery, unless they had assurance he could cover the bill).
Getting Around On the Island
In order to get from the pier of arrival to your accommodation, it is advisable to check with your hotel / guesthouse if they offer a pickup. Otherwise, they will probably be able to organise a taxi for you. Another option – use the local shared transportation (songthaews). They normally have a fixed rate of 50 THB per person.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao Noi
The island splits fairly cleanly into three zones, and where you stay changes your trip more than people expect.
South (Pasai Beach area) – for more buzz
This is where most of the restaurants, bars and rental shops cluster. It is also a busier area with higher prices.
East coast – for comfort and quiet
A mix of slightly more polished resorts and budget stay options. It is generally calmer with nicer beaches. If you stay in the area around the Tha Khao Pier, there is also plenty to explore on foot. This is where I chose to stay and I would do the same again, having seen other areas.
West coast – for sunset and stillness
The best sunset views on the island, hands down, but the trade-off is beach access – it’s not great for swimming or lounging due to low tide and rocky access. Go here if you’re prioritising the view over the sand and really want peace and quiet.
Accommodation Recommendations on Koh Yao Noi
Here are some accommodation options worth looking into:
Suan Proud Coconut (formerly Baan Suan Coconut)
Price per night: from 13 EUR (discounts for longer stays) | Zone: East Coast
This is where we stayed with my husband. A basic budget option – fan, mosquito net, little terrace with hammocks, basic bathroom – but cheap (at the time this was probably the best value for money option on the island). There are also more comfortable huts with aircons on site (although those didn’t have the hammocks which I found to be a big downside, to be honest). There is a community kitchen that you can use if you want to cook your own meals. Plus, we were offered daily a small breakfast (some fruit and local sweets), tea and coffee, as well as fresh coconuts for free.
The owners and staff were genuinely warm and helpful the whole time we were there. You can also rent a scooter from the guesthouse. It is surrounded by the palms and the hornbills come to visit daily – which makes for quite a view! Large monitor lizards are also lurking around. If you are not into wildlife encounters – this is probably not the right place for you.
Disclaimer: there were repeated reports online of money theft and scams at the property. I didn’t experience anything like that myself. During our stay, however, our neighbours in one of the huts facing the road claimed to have money go missing but it could not be pinned on the owners. What we believe could have happened is that someone was slipping in from outside. Even with safety concerns in mind, I’d still recommend this place. However, caution is advisable like anywhere else: don’t leave valuables in a hut, consider using a lockbox or keeping cash on you. It is also advisable not to make payments directly to the property via transfer and use booking platforms like Booking.com / Agoda. I booked through Booking.com and did not have any issues.
Hillhouse Koh Yao Noi
Price per night: from 56 EUR | Zone: East Coast
Best sunrise views on the East coast due to the elevated placement of the villas. Only went here for breakfast, but can tell the place is cute and the views are amazing.
Six Senses Koh Yao Noi
Price per night: from 750 EUR | Zone: East Coast
The most luxurious, expensive and exclusive place on the island. If you want VIP treatment and have cash to spend – this one is for you, as it doesn’t get any better. Worth checking out the photos of this place even if you can’t afford staying there – but dreaming is free. 🙂
Samsam Yao Noi Villas
Price per night: from 139 EUR | Zone: South
Purana Resort
Price per night: from 129 EUR | Zone: West Coast
Where to Eat on Koh Yao Noi
Sea Gypsy
The best food we had on the island. And the prices are very fair. Don’t miss out on their curries and mango sticky rice. Pretty much everything we’ve tried on the menu was good. Service is a bit slow and the orders get mixed sometimes, so have a little patience. 🙂
Tha Khao Bay View Restaurant
Unfortunately, I discovered this place on my last day on the island, otherwise, I would have eaten there more often! The views are simply amazing since the restaurant has an elevated platform overlooking the sea and the Hong islands. It gets a bit too warm during midday, so maybe not the best spot for lunch, but perfect for breakfast or dinner. Food was great too! Something to highlight – they had a few Thai dishes on the menu I didn’t see in other restaurants. So worth giving it a shot for the views and food variety.
Bonus tip: it is also a good spot for remote workers / digital nomads, since you will find good WiFi and plug-ins to connect your laptop.
Kaya Restaurant
Away from the busy area, this place is tucked away from the road, offering a cozy setting and great food.
Anchor Point Restaurant
The place is run by a Hungarian owner and offers a great alternative to those who are tired of the local dishes and want a taste of something different. Try their slow-cooked Wagyu beef stew, falafel and home-brewed kombucha. It’s also one of not many places in the area that sells beer at a good price – so if you look for a sundowner spot on the East coast (well, you won’t see the sunset but the vibes are good), this is your place.
Takao Beach Bar
Here you find an amazing breakfast option with the nicest view, as the cafe is placed right at the seafront. Here you can have your feet dipped into sand, while you are sipping on your YUMMY iced coffee and enjoying your breakfast set, pancakes or one of the Asian dishes (this place was a really good find, since I prefer European breakfast and my husband looks for Asian dishes, so whenever they offer both is ideal for us – with cherry on top being a good coffee from a coffee machine).
Nokkho Nok Sourdough Breakfast & Pizza
Here you find a proper sourdough bread on the island. A bit pricey, but since it is a unique product on the island, it is justified. I didn’t try their pizza (being spoiled by Italian pizza I am normally left disappointed, whenever I order it while travelling anywhere outside Italy), but it looked good (the size seemed to be quite small though). Their bagels were great!
Note: this shop is / used to be located next to the Sea Gypsy restaurant. According to Google Maps, it is now located at the seaside, possibly the owners moved the shop / rebranded under the name of the Sea Breeze Cafe. There is also a possibility that it substituted the Takao Beach Bar, since the restaurants look identical. If you are in the area and can give me an update – it would be much appreciated! 🙂
Where to Go for Best Sunset Views on Koh Yao Noi
Stella Restaurant
Most guides will send you to the neighbouring Buffalo Bar for sunset, but this place next door has cheaper prices and a quieter, more chill vibe. Food is also decent – try their Pad Thai or curry.
Hornbill Bar
Probably the most famous sunset spot on the island. Perfect for cocktails, a bit pricey.
Tong Do Pier
Great views of the setting sun from the pier. Head to the Pradu Seafood restaurant for dinner immediately after.
Things To Do On Koh Yao Noi
Relax on a Beach
Island vibes are absorbed best on the beach, no doubt about that. Good thing that Koh Yao Noi has a great selection of sandy beaches. The nicest beaches on the island are located in the Northern / Eastern, Southern part. The West coast is not ideal for swimming due to rocky entrance into the water in most places.
My top three favourite beaches on Koh Yao Noi:
- Six Senses Beach (natural beach with no amenities, amazing soft sand, clear water and perfect entry into the sea with no stones, availability of plenty of options to hide in shade in afternoon)
- Secret Beach (this one is not marked on Google, but it is a short walk down to the sea from the Hornbill Viewpoint – most likely you will have the whole beach to yourself with only occasional visitors)
- A beach in front of the Three Ladies guesthouse (the vibe is chill here and there are no big crowds – yet there is also a small bar where you can get drinks and food, as well as possibility to rent sunbeds; alternatively, you can just drop your towel on sand slightly to the side of the main guesthouse grounds, no one is bothered)
Don’t forget your suncream, snorkelling gear and plenty of water and snacks for a great day out. Make sure you don’t leave any trash behind (we are decent humans, right? :)).
Hike Around
There is plenty to explore on foot. Hike to the Kian Bay and see the Big Tree (it is really big indeed :)) – a moderate hike through the jungle with some steep parts, where you need to hold onto ropes not to fall. A short walk to the Paradise beach from the road (can be combined with the Kian Bay hike). An easy mini-hike to the Hornbill viewpoint (surprisingly, this is not where we saw the hornbills, but we saw some monkeys instead).
Rent a Bicycle or a Scooter to Explore the Island
The island is quite small, yet big enough to explore. It is easy to see most of the sights within 1-2 days, but you can also take it slow and you will have plenty to do each day. 🙂 If you rent a scooter, make sure you don’t run out of petrol, because petrol stations (or petrol selling points) on the island are rather scarce, so keep that in mind.
Scooter rental price: 200-300 THB per day (5-8 EUR)
Visit the Thakow Waterfall (aka Tha Khao Waterfall) and a Koh Nui Sandbank
I stayed in a resort within walking distance to both of these sights. I found both sights a little bit underwhelming, so I wouldn’t make an extra trip to see them. However, if you have time to kill or are already in the area, I would still recommend paying a visit and checking out these places on the Tha Khao beach. Check for a low tide to make sure you can walk over the sandbank to the island and back (e.g. here). For the waterfall adventure – do not forget a mosquito repellent!
Visit a Full Moon Party
This was a new thing on Koh Yao Noi when I visited in December 2025. But the idea was for various businesses to host a full moon party once a month. It was almost kept a secret when they launched this venture, since the information was passed on by word of mouth. Ask around – your hotel/guesthouse/local shop/restaurant – you might find someone who knows the details. The atmosphere was very relaxed, with live music, drinks, bbq and some dancing and singing under the full moon. 🙂
Book an Island Hopping Trip
4 Islands Boat trip is one of the most popular options. You can also visit the Hong Island (Ko Hong), as well as the James Bond Island and more. You normally have a possibility to choose between a private tour (more expensive, but less rushed + you get a possibility to beat the crowds) and a shared tour (better if your budget is rather tight).
Join a Guided Kayak Tour Through the Mangroves and Local Village
I spotted this option when looking at what one could do on Koh Yao Noi and it seemed worth it to include it here. This is an opportunity to learn about the life of the locals, while navigating through the mangroves on your kayak. There is also a more advanced option with several days of kayaking – more like an expedition on the water but requires commitment and good physical fitness.
Rent a Kayak and Explore Koh Yao Noi (Or Even the Nearby Islands)
If you want to get out on the water yourself rather than book a group tour, try kayaking. There are multiple options around the island – from easy to challenging kayaking trips. One of the easiest kayaking routes is from the Pasai Beach to the Nok Island, where you can explore the island, snorkel or just chill on the beach. Moderate to high difficulty is the kayaking route from the Unpao Pier to Koh Roi, Koh Kudu Yai and Kian Bay (any of these, or you can do the whole loop for a bigger challenge). And an unofficial option, something that we did – kayaking from the Tha Khao pier to the Hong islands of Ko Han Tu, Ko Cha Bang, Ko Ka Mit, and Ko Pakbia. I would only recommend it if you are in good physical condition and a good swimmer – my arms were sore for 3 days after that so the second planned kayaking trip off the coast of the island had to be cancelled.🙈
Take a Trip to Koh Yao Yai
There is a short 10-20 mins boat connection between Koh Yao Noi (Manoh Pier) and Koh Yao Yai (Chong Lard Pier). If you get around the Koh Yao Noi by scooter, it is recommended to leave it on the pier and rent another motorbike on Koh Yao Yai, since you will pay more to transport it than to rent a new bike (or the boat might refuse to board you with the scooter if there is no space).
Getting Away From Koh Yao Noi
To continue your travel from Koh Yao Noi, you have plenty of options.
The main direct connection points from the island are Koh Yao Yai, Phuket, Ao Nang, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Jum.
From Koh Yao Noi (normally with a stopover on Koh Jum) you can also get to Koh Lanta (I would, however, consider going overland from Krabi, at least part of the way to avoid long travel by sea), which opens the route to the islands of Ngai, Kradan, Mook, Libong, Lipe (from where you can get as far as Langkawi in Malaysia).
Is Koh Yao Noi Worth Visiting?
Koh Yao Noi is worth visiting for you if:
• You want a slower, quieter alternative to Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi without giving up comfort entirely.
• You’re happy exploring by scooter, bicycle or on foot.
• You’re not too sad about the lack of the overwhelming choice of restaurants, bars, nightlife and activities.
• You prefer spending time in nature over partying and love wildlife.
Koh Yao Noi rewards the kind of traveller who’s open to everything new and happy to figure a few things out along the way. Take the Ao Thalane crossing instead of defaulting to Phuket, pick your coast based on what you actually want out of the stay, and don’t be afraid to explore on your own. You’ll certainly be rewarded with one of Southern Thailand’s real gems.
