Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two Yao Islands, located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. This area of ​​approximately 87 km² between Phuket and Krabi is characterized by rubber plantations, mangroves, and Muslim fishing villages. The speedboat ride from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket takes about 30 minutes. The island itself has no distinct bar scene, no town of any size, and very little traffic. Its beaches stretch along a long coastline. Laem Haad, a sandbar that becomes visible at low tide, is the most famous beach, while Loh Pared on the west coast is the beach where you can swim and enjoy the sunset over Phuket at any tide.

Most visitors stay at one of the few large resorts and use it as a base for longtail boat tours into the bay. Rent a scooter, plan for three nights, and travel between November and April.

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Key facts

The speedboat ride from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket takes about 30 minutes.

Boats depart from 8:30 am, with the last public boats leaving around 5:00 pm. They arrive at Chong Lard or Klong Hia piers in the north of the island. Prices for 12Go start at 390 Baht. Bang Rong is a 25- to 40-minute drive from Phuket Airport.

From Krabi, the speedboats take between 40 minutes and one hour and ten minutes.

Depending on the operator, the boats depart from Nopparat Thara near Ao Nang, Ao Thalane, and Klong Jilad in Krabi Town. Prices for 12Go start at 396 Baht.

The island is large, so a scooter is recommended.

At approximately 87 km², the island is more than twice the size of Koh Yao Noi, and the beaches, piers, and resorts are widely spread out. Scooters cost around 250–350 baht per day, and there are few songthaews (shared taxis), so it's best to ask your hotel to take you to the boat.

Plan your beach days according to the tides.

The sandbank at Laem Haad is only visible at low tide, and the beaches on the east coast become shallow as the water level drops. Loh Pared on the west coast, however, is generally considered a beach where swimming is possible at any tide.

It is a Muslim island, and alcohol is served in the resorts and some restaurants.

It is sold in some bars, restaurants, and small shops, but not in many places. Modest clothing is appropriate in the villages. Apart from a few beach bars, there is no nightlife.

The main season is from November to April, and from June onwards there are fewer boats on the water.

The dry season is quietest from December to March. From June to September, there are about half as many trips from Bang Rong, the sea can be rough, and September is the wettest month according to the nearest weather station in Phuket.

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Is Koh Yao Yai worth a visit?

Yes, if you prefer peace and quiet to the hustle and bustle of a busy beach. Koh Yao Yai lies about 13 km off the east coast of Phuket and still exudes the charm of a vibrant island with rubber trees, fishing boats, and village mosques. The karst islands of Phang Nga Bay are in close proximity, so the longtail boat tours, which take an hour from Phuket, depart just a few minutes from the pier.

It's best suited for a resort holiday. The large hotels have their own beaches, pools, and boats, and because of the island's small size, most guests choose a specific area and stay there. Those who prefer to eat dinner at a different café every evening are better off on neighboring Koh Yao Noi. And those seeking crystal-clear water around the clock are better off on the west coast of Phuket or Koh Lanta. There's no nightlife here, and that's precisely what makes it so appealing.

Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi?

Koh Yao Noi is better suited for a first visit. At approximately 36 km², the island is smaller and offers a number of cafes and boutique resorts along its east coast, which can be circumnavigated by scooter in an hour. Koh Yao Yai is more than twice the size and considerably quieter. It boasts several large resorts, the Laem Haad sandbank, and Loh Pared, the only beach on both islands where you can swim and enjoy the sunset at any tide.

Yao Yai is ideal for a resort holiday, for families who want a pool and plenty of space, or for anyone who wants to enjoy the sunsets. Yao Noi, on the other hand, is perfect for dining out and experiencing a bit more of a lively atmosphere in the evenings. The two islands are just a 10-minute longtail boat ride apart between the Chong Lard and Manoh piers, making a day trip from either side easily possible. Our Koh Yao Noi travel guide compares the two islands in detail.

The beaches, from north to south

The beaches of Koh Yao Yai stretch along a long coastline and are listed here from the piers in the north to the fishing villages in the south. There is no ranking, because on a tidal island, the best beach is the one with the tide when you arrive.

  • 1. Laem Haad Beach, Northeast Tip: The sandbar at low tide. The island's most famous attraction. At low tide, a long, white sandbar emerges, stretching out into the shallow water and surrounded by the karst cliffs of the bay. At high tide, it disappears, and the beach reveals itself as a quiet, unassuming stretch of sand. There is no shade on the sandbar, and hardly any shops nearby, so be sure to bring water. At very low tide, the north side becomes muddy. Therefore, plan your visit for the hours when the tide is falling rather than at low tide. Getting there: About five minutes by scooter from Chong Lard Pier. The Laleuca Cafe marks the turnoff. Best time to visit: Only at low tide. Laem Haad Beach: 4.6 (1,371) Directions
  • 2. Son Bay, West Coast, North: A quiet bay near the piers. This small bay on the northwest coast is accessible via a narrow, winding road and is close enough to the northern piers for a short trip. Like most of the island's beaches, it's most beautiful at high tide and can be disappointing at low tide. For the return trip, take the paved road. Getting there: A short drive south of Klong Hia Pier. Best time to visit: High tide.
  • 3. Loh Pared Beach, West Coast – Swimming at any tide, sunsets. Loh Pared Beach is the exception to the tide rule and the best swimming beach on the island. On clear days, it offers soft sand and stunning views of Phuket. Facing west, it allows you to enjoy the sunsets that the beaches of Koh Yao Noi miss. The Santhiya Resort clings to the hillside above the beach, and nearby you'll find a few small restaurants and one or two beach bars, including Haris Kitchen and the Gypsy Bar. The journey from the northern piers is quite long, so Loh Pared is the ideal base if you only want to visit one beach and don't want to travel by scooter every day. Getting there: About halfway down the west coast, by scooter or hotel transfer from the piers. Best time to go: At any tide. Stay until sunset. Loh Pared Beach: 4.5 (690) Open daily. Getting there
  • 4. Lo Chak Beach, Southwest Coast: A natural stretch of beach. This simple, undeveloped beach on the southwest coast, right next to the Loh Jak pier, offers only very basic facilities. Facing west, it's a quiet alternative to Loh Pared, especially at sunset. Getting there: On the southwest coast, south of Lo Pared. Best time to visit: Late afternoon.
  • 5. Ao Muong Beach, Southwest Coast: Shade and calm swimming. A palm-fringed beach near the southern end of the island, sandy with some pebbles, ideal for swimming. As there are no shops nearby, please bring water. The sandy access road can be slippery after rain. Directions: Near the southern resorts, via a sandy side road. Best time to visit: Mid to high tides.
  • 6. Ao Sai Beach, Southeast Coast – The bustling side of the island. A beach next to a fishing village on the southeast coast, where hermit crabs cover the sand at low tide and the fishing boats return in the morning. It offers more of a glimpse into the working lives of the islanders than a beach for long swims, and the road there is bumpy. Getting there: At the southeastern end of the island, by scooter. Best time to go: In the morning, when the boats arrive.

    • Things to do on Koh Yao Yai

    The best day on Koh Yao Yai is spent on the water, while the best afternoon is spent aimlessly on a scooter. The tides determine the order.

    Phang Nga Bay by longboat

    The karst islands, reachable by excursion boat from Phuket in an hour, are just a short trip from the jetties of Koh Yao Yai. A typical day trip by longtail boat takes you to Koh Hong with its protected lagoon, Koh Lao Lading, Koh Pak Bia for snorkeling, and the viewpoint on Hong Island. Some boats continue on to James Bond Island and the stilt village of Koh Panyee. The national park fee for the Hong Islands is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children and must be paid in cash. Leave early before the speedboats from Phuket and Krabi arrive.

    Snorkeling and diving

    Elixir Divers in the south of the island offers diving excursions, snorkeling days, and private speedboat tours through Phang Nga Bay and out to Phi Phi – for both beginners and certified divers. Local boat operators also organize snorkeling trips to the nearby small Khai Islands.

    Mangrove kayaking

    The mangrove channels on the north and west sides of the island are ideal for kayaking. Local operators organize half-day guided trips, some including a village visit and lunch. GetYourGuide lists these tours starting at around US$48.

    A day trip by scooter around the island

    The main roads are paved, flat, and almost deserted. A day trip by scooter takes you to Laem Haad at low tide, for lunch over the water at Baan Rim Nam on Klong Hia Pier, and then on to Loh Pared for swimming and sunset. The side roads to the outer beaches are unpaved and slippery when wet; after sunset, the roads are dark.

    A day on Koh Yao Noi

    The longtail boat ride from Chong Lard Pier to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi takes about 10 minutes. Rent a scooter on the other side to visit the cafes of Pasai and, at low tide, the Tha Khao sandbank, returning before nightfall.

    Accommodation on Koh Yao Yai

    Where you stay on Koh Yao Yai determines how much of the island you see. Loh Pared offers a swimming beach, a few restaurants, and beautiful sunsets, but is far from the piers. The north is conveniently located for excursions to Laem Haad and the boats to Phuket and Koh Yao Noi, but has fewer restaurants in the evening. The east coast boasts bay views and tide-breaking beaches, while the south is the most secluded. All three resorts offer their own transfers.

  • 1. Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, West Coast, Loh Pared: Sunsets and a beach suitable for swimming. This large resort is situated on a hillside above Loh Pared, the only beach where swimming is possible at all tides. Guests can take the resort's private speedboat from Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket, a journey of approximately 20 minutes. There is a charge for the boat trip, so be sure to inquire about the price when booking. Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, 4.4 (3,992), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 2. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, East Coast: Pure ocean views and luxury. Rooms and villas on the east coast offer direct views of the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay. Guests are transported by private boats from Phuket via Laem Sai Pier, eliminating the need to worry about public transport schedules. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, 4.7 (1,300) – Directions
  • 3. Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai, South End, Phru Nai: Secluded and tranquil. A beachfront resort near the southern tip, as far removed from civilization as almost anywhere else on the Yao Islands. Plan to dine at the resort and book transfers through them. Combine your stay with a day of diving with Elixir Divers, located nearby. Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai, 4.5 (782) Directions

    • Food, drink, and the alcohol question

    Koh Yao Yai is almost exclusively Muslim. Alcohol is sold in resorts and selected bars, restaurants, and shops, but not everywhere. It's easy to have a beer with dinner in the resorts and around Loh Pared, but more difficult in the villages. Away from the beach, you should dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting a mosque.

    Seafood is the specialty here. Baan Rim Nam is located right on the waterfront at Klong Hia Pier, and the small restaurants near Loh Pared offer Thai cuisine and some Western dishes. There is no nightlife, so dinner is the highlight of the day.

    How many days does one need on Koh Yao Yai?

    Three nights is ideal for most stays. This gives you two full days: one for a longtail boat trip to Phang Nga Bay and another for a scooter ride to the sandbar and sunset. You can also enjoy a relaxed morning before your boat trip. Boats from Phuket stop running around 5:00 PM, so an evening flight to Phuket could cost you your first night.

    A fourth night is ideal for a stay at a resort or a day trip to Koh Yao Noi. A longer stay can make the island feel too quiet, unless that's exactly what you're looking for. A day trip from Phuket is possible by public speedboat, but the island is best experienced early in the morning and late in the evening, which you'll miss on a day trip.

    Getting to Koh Yao Yai from Phuket and Krabi

    From Phuket, public boats depart from Bang Rong Pier on the northeast coast, a 25- to 40-minute drive from Phuket Airport and considerably further from Patong or the southern beaches. Speedboats cross to Chong Lard or Klong Hia Pier on the north side of Koh Yao Yai between 8:30 a.m. and approximately 5:00 p.m., taking about 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the boat and pier. Some boats to Koh Yao Noi stop at Klong Hia en route. From June to September, there are roughly half as many departures, so allow extra time for the final leg of the journey.

    From Krabi, speedboats depart from Nopparat Thara Pier near Ao Nang, Ao Thalane, or Klong Jilad in Krabi Town. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on the operator. Alternatively, the inexpensive wooden boats from Ao Thalane go to Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi. From there, you cross the island to Manoh Pier and then take a 10-minute longtail boat to Chong Lard.

    The resorts operate their own boats. Santhiya departs from Ao Po Grand Marina, and Anantara from Laem Sai Pier. If you have booked one of these boats, please check with your resort before purchasing your ticket. Regardless of your accommodation, you should arrange a transfer to the pier, as taxis are not always readily available. My Phuket to Koh Yao Yai travel guide includes all departure times, the locations of both piers, and return boat trips.

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    Getting around on the island

    Rent a scooter. At around 250–350 baht per day, it's the only practical way to explore an island this size. Hotels and shops near the piers can arrange a scooter for you. The main roads are paved, flat, and almost deserted, but the paths to the outer beaches are dirt and slippery after rain. There's no lighting at night. There are some songthaews and tuk-tuks, but no regular schedule. Therefore, hotels pick up their guests from the boat.

    Bring cash. While there are several ATMs, they may be empty or out of order, and small restaurants and scooter rental shops only accept cash. Bring enough cash from Phuket or Krabi to last a few days.

    When should you go?

    The quietest months are November to April and December to March. Koh Yao Yai follows the Andaman calendar. The nearest weather station in Phuket records only 24 mm of rainfall in February and 350 mm in September, the wettest month. The main rainy season begins in May.

    On an island accessible only by small boats, the rainy season plays a more significant role. From June to September, only about half as many trips operate in Bang Rong, the crossing can be rough, and longtail boat trips into the bay depend on the sea conditions. May and October are considered transitional months: green, calm, and more affordable – ideal if you're planning a day with little wind. Our monthly weather guide contains all the information you need about the weather in the Andaman Islands.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Koh Yao Yai travel guide.

    Drive to Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's northeast coast (a 25-40 minute drive from the airport) and take a speedboat to Chong Lard or Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai (approximately 15-35 minutes, depending on the boat). Boats run from 8:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm. Prices from 12Go start at 390 baht. Guests of the Santhiya and Anantara resorts use their hotel boats.

    Take a speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier near Ao Nang, Ao Thalane, or Klong Jilad in Krabi Town (approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a wooden boat from Ao Thalane to Tha Khao on Koh Yao Noi, cross the island, and continue to Manoh Pier. From there, you can reach Chong Lard in 10 minutes by longtail boat.

    Koh Yao Noi is ideal for a first-time visit and for going out, as it's smaller and offers more cafes and restaurants nearby. Koh Yao Yai, on the other hand, is perfect for a resort stay, families, sunsets, and Loh Pared, the only beach on both islands where you can swim at any tide. The islands are only a 10-minute longtail boat ride apart, making it easy to visit both.

    Yes, for about three nights if you're looking for a quiet island with some good resorts, with the Laem Haad sandbank and Phang Nga Bay right on your doorstep. The island is tidal, sprawling, and has no nightlife, so it's not the right place for a lively stretch of beach.

    Yes, in the resorts and in selected bars, restaurants, and shops. It's a Muslim island, so many establishments don't serve alcohol, and apart from a few beach bars, there's no nightlife.

    Loh Pared on the west coast is suitable for swimming, as it's generally possible to swim there at any tide and the sunsets are particularly beautiful. Laem Haad at the northeast tip is the most impressive spot, but only at low tide when the sandbar becomes visible.

    Most likely. The island is about 87 km² in size, more than twice the size of Koh Yao Noi, and there is no regular transport. Scooters cost about 250–350 baht per day, and hotels arrange pick-ups from the pier.

    There are some, but they may be empty or out of service, and many small shops only accept cash. Bring enough cash from Phuket or Krabi to last a few days.

    The weather is calmest from November to April and from December to March. Rain begins in May and peaks in September. From June to September, there are about half as many boats leaving Phuket, and the crossing can be rough.

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