Koh Yao Noi: The secluded gem you’ve been searching for

How to get to Koh Yao Noi

1. From Phuket:

Phuket is a common hub for tourists heading to Koh Yao Noi, with frequent daily boat options.

• Speedboat: The fastest choice, taking 30-45 minutes from Bang Rong Pier to Maoh Pier. Boats run daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, costing 300-400 Thai Baht per person.
• Long-tail Boat: A slower, budget-friendly option, taking about an hour. Prices vary by operator, so check locally. Ideal for a relaxed trip with time to spare.
• Private Boat: Perfect for groups seeking flexibility and privacy. Charter a speedboat from Phuket starting at 5,000 Baht.

2. Getting there from Krabi:

• Speedboat: Departs from Thalane Pier, taking 30-40 minutes, with frequent trips costing 300-500 Baht depending on the operator.
• Long-tail Boat: A scenic 1.5-hour journey from Ao Nang Beach. Prices vary by operator, making it a good choice for those with extra time

What to do in Koh Yao Noi

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably not chasing wild parties but craving nature, adventure, and a bit of chill time. Koh Yao Noi nails that balance perfectly—trust me, it’s a gem. Here’s what I love most about this island and what I’d totally recommend:

Soak in the Beaches

Koh Yao Noi’s beaches feel like paradise - untouched, quiet, and almost private. The waters are calm (outside monsoon season, but let’s be real, no one’s visiting then anyway). Lounging on Pasai Beach or Klong Jark Beach, with those limestone karsts in view, you’ll catch yourself thinking, “Yep, I made the right call coming here.” I sure did on my first trip. It’s magical.

Water Activities

Like any great island, Koh Yao Noi’s got kayaking and snorkeling on lock. Think hidden lagoons, sea caves, and vibrant marine life. And my picks are:

• Kayaking: Paddle 10 minutes to Koh Nok, a tiny island with killer Phang Nga Bay views and total peace.
• Snorkeling: Hit Koh Pak Bia or Koh Lao Lading for stunning coral reefs, colorful fish, and turquoise water.

>>>> Read more: Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites

Zip around on a motorbike

Exploring Koh Yao Noi is a breeze with its laid-back vibe and minimal traffic, making it perfect for renting a motorbike or bicycle. You can zip around on an automatic or manual scooter, or choose a motorbike with a sidecar - ideal for families, fitting two adults plus the driver, and a thrilling ride for kids. 

Mountain bikes are another great option, letting you pedal through the island’s mostly flat terrain with a few big hills, surrounded by stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. 

Driving here is relaxed compared to busier parts of Thailand, as locals cruise unhurriedly on motorbikes, but safety first - always wear a helmet (insist on one from your rental spot), a shirt, and decent shoes, not flip-flops, to stay protected. 

If driving isn’t your thing, hire a songthaew - a van with wooden benches seating 6 to 8. Your hotel can arrange one, and it’s smart to grab the driver’s number since finding another ride can be tricky. 

Rock Climbing

Bet you didn’t expect this one! Koh Yao Noi’s limestone cliffs make it a climber’s haven. Here’s what I’d try:

• Deep Water Soloing: Climb over the ocean and jump right in—beginners and pros alike can handle it. Tour companies hook you up with gear and safety tips, so no stress there.
• Big Tree Wall: A huge route with options for all levels. First-timers, go guided—it’s worth it.
• Grateful Wall: Tougher climbs with epic sea views. Bring chalk, good shoes, and water if you’re going solo, but honestly, I’d stick with a local climbing school for safety.

Sign up with a pro outfit to get the right gear and stay safe. You’ll thank yourself later—I know I did!

>>>> Read more: Top 10 Must-See Thailand Festivals That Travelers Shouldn’t Miss!

Visit the village market

In the heart of Koh Yao Noi, you'll find the village market where locals sell a variety of fruits, local dishes, and clothing. You can enjoy Puean Gan, or Thai roti pancakes, from a vendor on the main street, and pick up unique "made in Koh Yao Noi" souvenirs, such as organic skincare products made from local coconut oil, handmade batik textiles, and the popular Thai fishermen’s trousers at the Doo Dee shop. 

Another favorite spot to eat is the Tha Khao Night Market, held every evening from 6-8 p.m. at Tha Khao Pier. Here, you'll find classic Thai dishes like pad thai, BBQ skewers, mango sticky rice, rotis, and more.

Cultural Experiences

Koh Yao Noi’s got a ton to offer if you’re curious about local life. Being in Thailand’s southern archipelago, it’s home to a big Thai-Muslim community, and that shapes the vibe here.

• Batik Painting: Try this wax-and-dye art to make cool designs on fabric. A place I highly recommend is Batik Di KohYao which is great if you've never engaged in this kind of painting before.  
• Rice Paddy & Rubber Plantation Tours: If you want to really get the lay of the land, then be part of a Rice Paddy and Rubber Plantation Tours as you'll see how the locals harvest rice and how rubber is extracted from rubber trees. Each tour will be guided by farmers so you're truly getting a locals perspective on it all. 

• Fishing Villages: You'll not only see the main part of the islands livelihood but you'll learn about their fishing methods, see floating fish farms and if you're lucky, you'll get to see a morning fishing trip firsthand. 

• Local Cooking Class: You can find homestays and small businesses that offer this and you'll learn how to make authentic Southern Thai dishes which sometimes are hard to learn in other parts of the country. 

Island Hopping

Who said you have to spend your holiday exploring just Koh Yao Noi when you can hop on a tour and explore the many nearby islands? The most popular ones are:

• Koh Yao Yai: It’s basically Koh Yao Noi’s big sister as the name “Yai” means big. There are plenty of jungle trails you can hike and empty beaches to sit and watch the world go by on. 
• Hong Island: This is one of the more popular day-trips as it is infamous for its lagoons and white sand beaches. Over the years, it has also become a favorite spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.
  You can’t swing a sunhat in Koh Yao Noi without spotting a weathered sign hawking a boat tour, and Hong often features on the popular four-island tour alongside the Krabi Islands - Koh Pak Bia, Koh Lao Lading, and Koh Ling. This route is a hit for snorkeling and monkey-spotting, though it can get bustling with visitors at peak times.

• James Bond Island: Easily the most famous on this list, thanks to “The Man with the Golden Gun.” That limestone rock sticking out of the water is iconic, but fair warning: it gets packed with tourists during peak season. Still, the scenery’s so gorgeous you won’t mind sharing the view.
• If you want a more peaceful getaway, consider the lesser-known three-island tour, which visits Koh Kudu Yai, Koh Kudu Noi, and Koh Roi. 

Stunning sunset view

With its amazing beaches and stunning sunsets, Koh Yao Noi is a secret gem. Visit Pakbia Island at approximately 5:00 PM if you're searching for the ideal location to witness a sunset. There is something unique about watching the sun set over the ocean horizon from the beach.

Thailand's sunsets are truly magical, with colors that go from fiery orange to soft pink. My top pick for sunset views is Sunset Bar, perched on the edge of Rim Talay Village. It’s relaxed, casual, and the best seats fill up fast, so be sure to get there early!

For a bit more adventure, hike up to the 360° Koh Yao Noi Bar. It’s not an easy trek, but the stunning panoramic views from Phuket to Krabi make it totally worth it. Grab a mojito, take in the vibrant sky, and don’t forget to book ahead during the busy season!

Koh Yao Noi Nightlife Spots

Koh Yao Noi might be a peaceful island by day, but when the sun sets, the island comes to life! The beachfront bars turn into lively spots with live music, fire shows, and tasty cocktails, creating the perfect mix of chill vibes and fun. If you're looking for something with a bit more flair, head to Hornbill Bar.Run by a cool French-Thai couple, it offers a funky yet upscale atmosphere.

Don’t miss the happy hour (4 PM–5 PM) for their signature Tom Yum cocktail or a classic Margarita. While most places close around 11 PM, Hornbill keeps the party going until 1 AM!

For a more laid-back vibe, check out Sabai Reggae Bar Restaurant & Bungalows. This lively spot is the perfect place to relax and soak in the tropical paradise. With reggae beats, a friendly crew, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true Koh Yao Noi spirit.

Restaurants I recommend

By The Sea

• Address: 25/25 Moo 5, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Tucked along the beachfront near Cape Kudu, this unassuming spot serves some of the island's best home-cooked meals. The deep-fried local fish with a spicy kick steals the show, while the slow-cooked beef curry is so delicious I went back for more. Service is laid-back, matching Koh Yao Noi’s relaxed pace, but the food is definitely worth the wait.

Tha Ton Do Restaurant

• Address: 46/16 Village No. 7, Ko Yao Noi, Thailand

My go-to for fresh seafood, this spot sits above the mangroves in a traditional Thai wooden house on stilts, just a short walk from Ton Do Pier. The menu is packed with southern Thai flavors, like yellow curry with juicy crab or squid braised in black ink. The papaya salad with prawns is a tearjerker, spicy enough to wake you up.

Bonus: they’ve got vegan and vegetarian options too.

Kindee

• Address: 21/1 Moo 1, Ko Yao Noi, Thailand

Located in Koh Yao Noi village, Kindee perfects traditional Thai dishes with both balance and beauty. Grab a street-facing table and watch life unfold. The roasted duck in panang curry is a must-try, along with the hearty massaman beef curry with peanuts and potatoes. 

Best time to visit Koh Yao Noi

• Dry Season - November to April: This is prime time for Koh Yao Noi—sunny skies, calm waters, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and all the fun stuff. It’s peak season, though, so expect a crowd. If it’s your first visit and you want the full experience, Ithis is what I would recommend.
• Wet Season - May to October: Rain kicks in during these months, with August to October bringing the heavy monsoon vibes. It’s not ideal, but there’s still plenty to love. The island turns super lush and green - great for jungle trails - and fewer tourists mean quieter vibes and cheaper hotel rates. 
• Shoulder Seasons - May and October: These months are a gamble - some sunny days, some rain. You’ll definitely get the full Koh Yao Noi experience, but in a mix of adventure and relaxation at the same time.

A heads-up: It’s worth digging a little deeper to match the season to your plans. During the wet months, rough seas can cancel tours like island-hopping trips, so keep that in mind if you’re set on those.

>>> Learn more about:

• Best Time to Visit Thailand
• Thailand in April, Here Comes a Tropical Paradise!
• Thailand in November: 5 Must-Know Facts

My personal opinions 

Having explored tons of Thai islands, I can honestly say Koh Yao Noi has a special spot in my heart. It’s not just gorgeous - it’s still so underrated as a holiday destination.

I adore Phuket and everything it offers, but lately, it’s felt too commercial and packed, especially in peak season. That’s why I escaped to Koh Yao Noi for some proper rest and relaxation - and it delivered.

The island also gave me peace while diving into its local culture. Sure, you can do that in Phuket or Krabi, but it’s different here. The way people live on Koh Yao Noi is unique - you’ve got to see it for yourself. Even the island-hopping tours felt better, less rushed than the ones out of Phuket or Krabi.

So, I hope this guide’s been helpful and inspires you to visit Koh Yao Noi someday. Maybe you’ll fall for its magic like I did!

>>> Also, read for a comprehensive guide on preparing for your trip to Thailand:

• How to get to Thailand?
• Thailand Visa Update: Latest Formalities and News
• How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Thailand?
• Phuket or Krabi: Which to Choose? - 10 Questions to Help You Decide
• Koh Samui or Phuket: Which is better for your trip?