Destination guide · Andaman Sea

Koh Yao Noi: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget

A rural, mostly Muslim island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi. Rice paddies, water buffalo and fishing villages, with stunning views of the limestone peaks: the ideal island to slow down.

Kylian DevBy Kylian Dev

  • Best: November to April
  • €40 - 85 / day

In short

Koh Yao Noi (Andaman Sea) — Rice paddies, buffalo and limestone peaks in the heart of Phang Nga Bay. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 29°C. Budget: about €40 - 85 / day. Weather: 29°C • Sheltered bay with calm water and karst peaks on the horizon

TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature29°C
Budget / day€40 - 85 / day
Suggested stay3 to 5 days
Thai nameเกาะยาวน้อย

Must-sees

Top 10 things to do in Koh Yao Noi

Rice paddies, buffalo and limestone peaks in the heart of Phang Nga Bay

1

Longtail trip around Phang Nga Bay

Kayak into the hidden lagoons of Koh Hong and land on the sandy beaches of nearby islets.

3

Round-island ride by bike or scooter

Quiet roads through rice paddies, rubber plantations and traditional villages.

More things to do in Koh Yao Noi

  1. 4

    Kayaking among the islets

    Sea & islandsHalf day

    Paddle to the limestone islets in Phang Nga Bay from the east coast.

  2. 5

    Snorkelling and hong tours

    Sea & islandsFull day

    Boat tours to Koh Hong and other islands, with their hidden lagoons (hongs) inside.

  3. 6

    Rock climbing

    ActivityHalf day

    The island has climbing routes with a view over the bay, for beginners and experienced climbers.

  4. 7

    Visiting the rubber plantations

    CultureAbout 1 h

    A quiet walk in the rubber plantations to see how latex is collected.

  5. 8

    Cycling around the island

    ActivityHalf day

    Flat roads and little traffic make cycling the best way to explore.

  6. 9

    Sunrise from the east coast

    ViewpointAbout 1 h

    The east coast faces the bay; sunrise over the islets is superb.

  7. 10

    Fishing village life

    Culture2 to 3 h

    Traditional Muslim fishing villages where you can see daily life.

Great forBeaches & RelaxingYoga & WellnessJungle & Hiking

Weather

When to go to Koh Yao Noi?

29°C • Sheltered bay with calm water and karst peaks on the horizon. Month-by-month outlook:

  1. JanIdeal
  2. FebIdeal
  3. MarIdeal
  4. AprIdeal
  5. MayRain / monsoon
  6. JunRain / monsoon
  7. JulRain / monsoon
  8. AugRain / monsoon
  9. SepRain / monsoon
  10. OctRain / monsoon
  11. NovIdeal
  12. DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon

Budget

Budget in Koh Yao Noi: how much per day?

Plan on roughly €40 - 85 / day per person, excluding international flights.

Mid-range

40–85 € / day

Estimate my budget for Koh Yao Noi

Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)

Accommodation
~25 €
Food
~16 €
Activities
~13 €
Local transport
~9 €

Transport

How to get to Koh Yao Noi

Transport tip

Speedboat or longtail (30–45 min) from Bang Rong pier on Phuket, or boat from Tha Len near Ao Nang (Krabi).

From Bangkok → Koh Yao Noi

Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier

Flight

~660 km

Nearest destinations

Koh Yao Noi → Krabi & Railay

Road

~28 km · ~1 h by road

Koh Yao Noi → Phuket

Boat

30–45 min

Koh Yao Noi → Koh Phi Phi

Road

~46 km · ~1 h by road

Where is Koh Yao Noi?

BangkokKoh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is in the Andaman Sea region, about 660 km from Bangkok as the crow flies.

Accommodation

Where to stay in Koh Yao Noi

The best-known areas to base yourself:

Pasai / Klong Jark

East coast, beaches, restaurants and karst views.

Tha Khao

North-east, quiet bungalows and the pier to Krabi.

North coast

Secluded high-end resorts with bay views.

Full guide: where to stay in Koh Yao Noi

Food

What to eat in Koh Yao Noi

Southern sour fish curry (gaeng som)

Southern sour fish curry (gaeng som)

Roti for breakfast

Roti for breakfast

Prawns and crab from the bay's farms

Prawns and crab from the bay's farms

Combine with

Similar destinations

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Koh Yao Noi

What are the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi?

The must-sees are Longtail trip around Phang Nga Bay, Pasai beach, Round-island ride by bike or scooter. Also worth your time: Kayaking among the islets, Snorkelling and hong tours, Rock climbing, Visiting the rubber plantations.

How many days should I spend in Koh Yao Noi?
What is the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi?

The best season is November to April. 29°C • Sheltered bay with calm water and karst peaks on the horizon. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.

Thailand weather month by month
What daily budget should I plan for Koh Yao Noi?

Plan on roughly €40 - 85 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.

Estimate my budget for Koh Yao Noi
How do I get to Koh Yao Noi?

Speedboat or longtail (30–45 min) from Bang Rong pier on Phuket, or boat from Tha Len near Ao Nang (Krabi). From Bangkok, Koh Yao Noi is about 660 km away as the crow flies.

Bangkok to Phuket
Which area should I stay in, in Koh Yao Noi?

The most popular areas are Pasai / Klong Jark, Tha Khao, North coast. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.

Full guide: where to stay in Koh Yao Noi

Plan your trip

Tools to plan your stay in Koh Yao Noi