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We recently returned to the southern Thai Islands for the millionth(?) time, desperately looking for something just a little alternative. The aim was a reprieve from the high-season hordes of Phuket and Ao Nang – maybe a low-key island similar to Koh Lanta or Koh Mook.
Our requirements for this mythical island weren’t that strict, really. It just needed to have minimal tourists, while still offering some decent restaurants (we can’t survive more than a few days without pizza). We also wanted quiet beaches, some pretty scenery and for the island to be easily traversed by scooter. Finally, we always value a local vibe that doesn’t feel inundated by highly touristic infrastructure.
So, after a bit of research for our requirements, we settled on Koh Yao Noi. I was mildly skeptical – how good could this little island really be, positioned between Phuket and Krabi yet minimally visited? There’s just no way it could be that great – otherwise it would be heaving with people, right?
Well, as usual, I was incorrect. Koh Yao Noi overtook Koh Mook, Koh Chang, Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta as our favourite *ever* Thai island. So, we’ve written this article to see if it might be perfect for you, too!
We’ve detailed the best areas to stay, our favourite restaurants, prices, island logistics including ferries, map and scooter hire. Most importantly, though, it’s about the vibes – after all, this island is for a niche subset of people (possibly not the Koh Phi Phi fans!).
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IN THIS GUIDE //
Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
REASONS TO LOVE KOH YAO NOI
FERRIES TO KOH YAO NOI
BEST TIME TO VISIT
THINGS TO DO ON KOH YAO NOI
ALCOHOL ON KOH YAO NOI
BEACHES ON KOH YAO NOI
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND
BEST AREA TO STAY ON KOH YAO NOI
ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS
KOH YAO NOI – MAP
SO, IS KOH YAO NOI FOR YOU?
FINAL THOUGHTS
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Reasons to Love Koh Yao Noi
Minimal traffic | there are few cars on the road which makes riding around on a scooter or bicycle super relaxing.
Small island vibes | you can easily get to almost anywhere on the island within a half an hour drive.
Secret beaches | Long Beach in the north of Koh Yao Noi doesn’t disappoint.
Few tourists | the lack of tourist-led infrastructure is refreshing.
Local feel | there are more residents’ homes than hotels, by a long shot.
Simple roads | it’s easy to get around, with no gravel or rough dirt paths, and few steep hills – great for cyclists and motorcyclists alike.
Not a party island | as a predominantly Muslim island, Koh Yao Noi is not known for beach parties like Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi and there isn’t masses of alcohol available. There are places to have a drink, obviously, but it’s just not the main vibe.
Budget-friendly | this island doesn’t come close to the prices of Ao Nang and Phuket. There are few expensive activities, food is decently priced for Thai islands and the ferries are reasonable.
Views | we think this island has the best views of any Thai island we’ve visited, because it’s completely surrounded by other islands and the nearby national park (have a look at the photos below for examples).
FIRST TIME VISITOR TO THAILAND?
If this is your first ever trip to Thailand, have a look at our monster-guide to visiting this beautiful country, which includes tips on money, food, transport, logistics, culture and more.
Also, if you’re landing in Bangkok, consider having a look at our overly ambitious one-day Bangkok itinerary (we live here, so we know it well).
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RELATED POST | A SOUTHERN THAILAND ITINERARY
Ferry to Koh Yao Noi
The ferries to Koh Yao Noi depart from various hubs around the Andaman Islands, Krabi and Phuket. Below are the most popular routes.
We use 12GoAsia to book our ferries during high season nowadays because, for the first time since we’ve been travelling in the region, the ferries are mega-busy and actually sometimes sell out of tickets.
Our journey from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi in 2025 was completely full.
So, we’d recommend 12GoAsia for ferry bookings if you want to reserve tickets in advance or like to check reviews before travelling.
Ferry from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
The two main piers near Phuket Town where boats to Koh Yao Noi depart from are Thiensin (Tian Sin) Pier just to the east, and Bang Rong Pier much further to the north.
The journey from Phuket Town to Koh Yao Noi takes between 30-60 minutes in a speedboat and a little longer in a longtail. Ferry crossings to Koh Yao Noi leaving from Phuket Town currently run between 08:40 to 17:00. The timings for the day can be easily checked in advance on 12GoAsia.
Our journey | we chose a route run by Greenbeach Ferries, travelling to Manoh Pier at Koh Yao Noi from Thiensin Pier, Phuket. This pier was closest to Phuket Town (where we were staying) and the timings worked out well for us. This ferry operator was efficient, friendly and on time – we’d recommend them.
All speedboats and longtails from Phuket Town will stop at Manoh Pier in the south of Koh Yao Noi.
Ferry from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi
The ferries from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi leave from Ao Nang or Railay. Further afield, they also run from Koh Lanta.
Ferry from Ao Nang
The speedboats to Koh Yao Noi leave regularly from Nopparat Thara Pier and the journey takes around half an hour. The pier is a nice, 45-minute walk along the oceanfront, or a short Grab taxi, from the main area of Ao Nang. Once again, check 12GoAsia for schedules and reviews.
Our journey | we did the opposite journey and departed Koh Yao Noi for Nopparat Thara Pier with the Supaporn Speedboat company. It was on time, busy, but pleasant. We’d recommend them.
Ferry from Railay
The speedboat runs from Railay East to Koh Yao Noi’s Manoh Pier between 09:15 to 15:40. The journey takes around an hour.
Ferry from Koh Lanta
The ferries leave from Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier and take around two hours to arrive to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi. Check 12GoAsia for current departure times for your trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH YAO NOI
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is during the dry season between November and April. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and warm. There’s also a lower chance of rain during these months.
On the other hand, this is peak tourist season, so you’ll find the island a little more lively (it doesn’t exactly get busy, though).
When we visited in January, the island was almost at capacity, hotel-wise, but it didn’t feel busy, at all. The clear skies and calm water were perfect.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of rain, the shoulder months of May and October could also be a good time to visit. The weather is still relatively pleasant, but occasional rain showers are definitely a thing.
Koh Yao Noi’s rainy season typically runs between May and October, when you can expect more frequent rain than the shoulder months. Due to this though, the island would be basically empty, plus super affordable! A few northern areas of the island are tricky to traverse after rain (mud festival), so bear that in mind. Also, ferries schedules can be heavily disrupted by bad weather.
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Things to do on Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi has a more laid-back vibe compared to some of the surrounding South Thai Islands and hotspots like Ao Nang and Phuket. The island is not exactly teeming with high energy, expensive activities (which is exactly how I like it). It’s honestly the kind of place to just casually roam about, eat some food and read a book!
Having said that, we were there for four days and didn’t get bored of exploring. Below are a few things to do with your time.
Things to do
Tha Khao Waterfall | better visited in the wet season – it’s not as impressive when dry! It’s a short, easy walk. Bring bug spray (although we didn’t need it).
Hornbill Viewpoint | accessed by a footbridge at Tha Khao Pier, the seemingly hundreds of steps eventually lead you up to a covered viewpoint of the distant karst rock formations. We didn’t see any hornbills though (or any humans, either).
West coast | heading north past the Municipal Park (GPS 8.118304, 98.588683) will take you through farmland with birds and livestock (and maybe a road-residing monitor lizard or two if you’re lucky). The road runs alongside mangrove forests and through a stretch of (seemingly out of place) pine forest, before returning back to the main inland loop road.
Unpao Pier | this isolated, basically unused pier is a lovely drive up the western side, past empty beaches, isolated accommodations and a pretty mosque.
Walk across to Koh Nui | at low tide you can walk across a sand bar to a tiny island. You can spot where the sand bar is supposed to be from the random tree just growing in the ocean.
Sunset at the fishing pier | located by the Municipal Park, if you circle around the football pitch and exercise yard, there’s a pier that stretches out into the sea.
Watch some local football at the Municipal Park | there were community sporty goings-on at every night we were there. The local guys *love* football.
Kayaking | there are kayaking opportunities everywhere for reasonable prices (100-200 baht an hour).
Explore the north | during dry season, explore the untouched, muddy north (experience riding a scooter would be highly beneficial here – the ‘roads’ are a bit hairy).
Boat Tours
A few of the standard Phuket/Ao Nang tours also run from Koh Yao Noi (so you don’t need to go to Phuket!). Below are the most popular ones:
Phang Nga Bay | this is the famous location of ‘James Bond Island’, Scaramanga’s lair in the classic Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. It’s a pretty, scenic limestone bay with 42 islands, hidden lagoons and caves (a little bit like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam).
Island hopping | this is the traditional Thai island-hopping experience that most visitors do from Ao Nang or Railay. It’s magic, and includes the absolutely incredible Hong Island.
Sunrises and Sunsets Koh Yao Noi
Sunrise | our favourite spot for sunrise was, without a doubt, the southern end of Pasai Beach, near the Octagonal Pavilion.
Any beach along the south eastern side will be just smashing for sunrise, though.
Sunset | the Sunset Bar was a nice vibe, with lovely, elevated views over the bay where the sun sets. We also loved the Hornbill Bar, which is just around the corner, offering similar views. There’s also the fishing pier by the Municipal Park, which is quite cool to watch a sunset from when the tide is out and the ground is all shiny.
ALCOHOL ON KOH YAO NOI
Around 90% of Koh Yao Noi’s 18,000 population is Muslim.
As a result, alcohol is not as readily available compared with other southern Thai islands. There was no alcohol for sale in the 7-Eleven, for example. Instead, there are specialist shops that sell alcohol right next door. Not all restaurants or cafes will sell alcohol either.
You won’t struggle to get a beer on Koh Yao Noi, but it’s not exactly a heavy-drinking kind of place.
The benefit of this is you won’t be kept up until way past midnight by rowdy neighbours playing the best clubland tunes of the 90s.
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Beaches on Koh Yao Noi
Beaches on Koh Yao Noi have really straightforward access and are particularly nice along the lower-central eastern side of the island.
Reality | they are not exactly perfect, white strips of sand like some other Thai islands. There can be sharp rocks and the tides are significant, so the water is shallow at times. This means many sections are not fantastic for swimming. The water isn’t that perfect turquoise colour of Koh Lipe, either.
We’d recommend bringing some water shoes for exploring the many rocky outcrops during low tide.
What we loved | we love that the beaches aren’t built up – access is unrestricted (there is no need to walk through some posh hotel, random beach bar or even a mass of jungle). They also have, in my opinion, the best sunrises in the entire of the Andaman Sea (I thought that West Railay would win that competition, but it’s not even close). They are also almost totally empty and lovely for strolling along.
The low tide also provides the most stunning photo opportunities with vast, reflective, empty strips of beach. It’s honestly magical.
Below are a few of the main beach areas:
Tha Khao Beach | when the tide is low, it’s possible to walk along a sand bar here to the nearby tiny Ko Nui.
Klong Jark Beach | Koh Yao Noi’s longest beach, the palm tree lined sand stretching for a few kilometres on the eastern coast just off the road.
Pasai Beach | we came here for the sunrise a few times during our stay on Koh Yao Noi. The views of the rising sun behind the islands to the east is outrageous.
RESTAURANTS ON KOH YAO NOI
There is a plethora of restaurant options on Koh Yao Noi, despite the comparatively minimal tourist numbers. With decent vegetarian restaurants, Italian cuisine, Western staples and great local options, you’ll not struggle to eat here. There’s always a beach shack roti or Thai street food option, too. We found the food prices to be very reasonable.
We’ve listed some of the standout places from our recent visit below:
Kindee Thai Cuisine | honestly marvellous local Thai food, don’t miss this place. Very friendly service with comfortable little restaurant vibes.
Ciao Bella | opposite the beach with ocean views, friendly staff, and surprisingly decent pizza for a quiet Thai island (I am a connoisseur).
Pizzeria La Luna | more pizza, probably better than Ciao Bella, but without the views.
Three Ladies & the Free Bird | down a steep, rutted dirt path, nestled under pretty trees by the shore lies an isolated bar serving simple food and drinks. It’s more about the location than the food, though.
Daily Donuts | smashing, freshly cooked donuts next to 7-Eleven.
Sabai Reggae Bar | a stoner-style bar that our friend frequented every night! He loved it and it’s a great place to grab a beer.
Garden Café and Restaurant | this tiny veggie restaurant does quality food served by some extremely welcoming ladies.
Sabai Corner Bungalows | we didn’t stay here, but did eat a nice *very* affordable meal here and also had the most magnificent butterfly pea drinks.
Sunset Bar | we just came here for drinks, but other people rated the food (and it looked decent).
Hornbill Bar | same as Sunset Bar above, in that we just visited for drinks, but the vibes were immaculate.
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How to get around Koh Yao Noi
The main roads around Koh Yao Noi are quiet, paved and mostly flat. They’re *really* easy to navigate. There is no proper public transport, though, so you’ll have to find a way to get around yourself (or just stay put in a hut by the beach!).
Below are a few things to note:
Songthaews | these shared pick-up trucks will take you from the pier and drop off at your accommodation for 50-100 baht per person, depending on distance from the pier (so arrive with a little cash). All accommodation can arrange a return songthaew to take you to your ferry (same price as the inward journey).
Bicycle | our friend didn’t have a motorbike license, so they rented a bicycle for 200 baht per day. It came with a helmet and battery powered lights for the front and back. This made it easy to travel between the main beaches.
Motorcycle | we rented a scooter from Bann Anattaya and were asked for proof of motorbike license. Our bike cost 250 baht per day. They did not ask for a cash deposit or to hold onto a passport.
Taxis | there is no Grab taxi service available on the island. Swankier accommodation *might* be able to arrange an actual car to pick you up.
Best Area to Stay on Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is smallish, so technically you could stay anywhere if you have your own transport. Below are some areas to consider:
South/central east | for convenience, we would recommend choosing accommodation along the south-central eastern side where the main beaches are, especially if you do not want to ride a scooter. Any of the beaches are good choices here, between the Octagonal Pavilion in the south, all the way up to the Tha Khao Pier.
This entire area is full of casual restaurants, incredible ocean views, little beach hut hotels, plus a few epic upscale resort type places. It’s easy to get around by bicycle, too. If we went back today, we’d choose to stay around Klong Jark Beach.
Town | another option is to stay ‘in town’, which is near the 7-Eleven and a cluster of other shops and restaurants. It’s also quite near the main pier for the ferries, too. It’s affordable and central.
From here, it’s about four kilometres to the main beaches and three kilometres to the Sunset Bar. The route is a relatively easy cycle, but there are a few moderate hills (not the typical steep ones of other Thai islands like Koh Chang though, for example!).
West | if you are looking for pure, isolated, nothing-around-you vibes then consider staying on the west coast, up towards Unpao Pier.
ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The Simple ($+) | we stayed at this little 9-room boutique hotel in the ‘town’, which was eye-wateringly affordable, especially during peak high season. The modern, super-clean rooms had epic air-conditioning, comfy beds, working television and reliable hot water. Plus, ours came with an included breakfast for the crazy low price. It lives up to its name – in the best sense. If you need an affordable, central base to explore the island from – it’s a fantastic option and we’d definitely stay there again.
Where we’d choose to stay with more money:
So, we love to scout out accommodation and pretend we can afford things that we can’t! So, on this trip, these are a few of our favourites (that we’d definitely book on a return visit):
Cape Kudu Hotel ($$$) | we totally fell in love with the vibes and views at this upscale hotel, which is set in an elevated position above the sea, kind of between two sections of beach. It’s got modern, island décor, lots of activities and some hornbills!
Hill House ($$) | this tiny little family place has five huts overlooking the ocean. It’s a bit more rustic than the option above, but still comes with comfy beds, aircon, fridge and all the usual mod-cons – all set up in the jungle, with a hammock and crazy views of the distant islands. It’s the ultimate in chill island vibes.
Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow ($$+) | if you’re looking for a quintessential huts on the beach atmosphere, but with added comfort and value for money, this may be the one for you. These simple rooms are right on the pretty beach with the sandbar and offer the archetypal Thai experience at a reasonable price. If you can stretch the budget, get a sea view room.
Unique stays:
Treehouse Villas ($$$$) | so I’ll never be able to afford this one (or even have a peek around), but it looks kind of crazy, so I thought I’d mention it! It’s a kind of nature-retreat in the remote northern section of the island, with these exquisite double-height treehouses and private pools. If anyone ever stays here, let me know because I want to live vicariously though you!
Jaiyen Eco Resort ($$$+) | this is another place that has to be seen. The architecture is magic and kind of similar to the Treehouse Villas above, but with a far more affordable price tag (still pricey, though). It’s hidden on the cliffs of the west coast, away from the hustle but with easy access by road to town. The resort is opposite a few skinny but pretty beaches, and it’s a super quiet area if you’re looking for that kind of relaxation.
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Koh Yao Noi – Map
Below is a savable Google Map which includes everything we’ve mentioned above. The map is split into colour-coded layers:
Green | food and drink recommendations
Blue | accommodation suggestions
Orange | things to do on Koh Yao Noi
To save this to your Google Maps, select the star next to the title.
SO, IS KOH YAO NOI FOR YOU?
To put it succinctly (which is absolutely not my style), here are the main points to consider when planning a trip to Koh Yao Noi:
Alcohol | are you okay with quite a few restaurants not serving alcoholic beverages?
Beaches | are you alright to chill in a pool, take a walk down a beach, or just read a book instead of being in the sea all day?
Transport | are you okay to cycle or ride a moped around?
Nightlife | is going to bed at 10pm a dream, or a chore?
Entertainment | can you entertain yourself by just exploring, rather than having lots of predetermined boat trips, tours and other organised activities?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Koh Yao Noi have ATMs?
Yes, there are a number of ATMs from various banks on Koh Yao Noi, including Government Savings Bank and the usual bold yellow Krungsri Bank ones. All will charge you 220 baht per withdrawal, regardless of how much you take out, so plan accordingly.
Is Koh Yao Noi worth visiting?
Yes, Koh Yao Noi is worth visiting, especially if you’re after a calmer, more serene and less built-up island than nearby Koh Phi Phi. However, if you’re not into lowkey vibes, then perhaps there may be better options for you!
How many days do I need on Koh Yao Noi?
We’d recommend three days on Koh Yao Noi. This allows enough time to have a good look around, soak up some island vibes, and read a book.
When is the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi?
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is between November and March as it is the cooler, drier season.
How much does scooter rental cost on Koh Yao Noi?
We paid 250 baht per day for a scooter. They checked we had either a valid driving license with motorbike endorsement or an International Driving Permit with the correct stamp.
How much does a bicycle rental cost on Koh Yao Noi?
Our friend rented a bicycle on Koh Yao Noi for 200 baht a day. They received a decent bike, helmet and front/back lights.
Is Koh Yao Noi safe?
Yes, Koh Yao Noi is safe. We saw bags left on scooters, keys left in ignitions and our friend wasn’t even given a bike lock with his rental bicycle. Safety never even crossed our mind on Koh Yao Noi.
Should I bring cash or card to Koh Yao Noi?
Bring both. Smaller establishments don’t accept credit or debit cards, while most hotels, more expensive restaurants and the 7-Eleven do. Always have cash as a backup just in case the card machine isn’t working, though.
Is alcohol legal on Koh Yao Noi?
Yes, although Koh Yao Noi is a Muslim island, alcohol is legal and can be bought in some shops and restaurants. It’s definitely not the place to be getting off your face, though.
Does the Grab App work in Koh Yao Noi?
No, the Grab taxi app does not operate in Koh Yao Noi.
Are there gas stations on Koh Yao Noi?
Yes, there is one main gas station on Koh Yao Noi, just outside the town. There are also small, street side barrels to fill up your bike.
Final Thoughts
Koh Yao Noi may not be the typical island choice for most people to Thailand’s Andaman Coast, but we think that’s going to change in years to come. With animosity growing towards Ao Nang and Phuket’s unchecked tourism-related issues, smaller, quieter islands will become more in demand.
Our opinion is that Koh Yao Noi, positioned right between the two hotspots, is such a magical place, that it will inevitably gradually gain mainstream popularity, potentially transforming into something else.
This is why we’d encourage people to visit *if* the vibe is right for them. Don’t come to the island looking for an alcohol-fueled rager or fire shows on the beach. It’s kind of beautiful, just as it is – and tourist infrastructure can develop and be welcomed here, but it would be an enormous pity for it to become the next Koh Phi Phi in ten years time.
We honestly loved it here far more than we could have predicted – it’s absolute magic. We hope this guide helps you decide if you might agree!
Have a fantastic trip, no matter what islands you choose!
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