Koh Yao Noi Travel Guide: An Offbeat Thai Adventure

Koh Yao Noi was the island I went to after Koh Lipe. After a rather quiet and peaceful time at Koh Libong, Koh Lipe felt like a sensory overload with too many people all the time, everywhere. So, I quite needed a change of scenery once again and that’s how I stumbled to Koh Yao Noi: the right place at the right time (as you’ll see further in this Koh Yao Noi travel guide!)

Koh Yao Noi, located in the Phang Nga province, is the perfect place for a solo offbeat adventure. It’s one of those islands in Thailand which haven’t succumbed to mass tourism yet, but are still interesting enough to offer plenty of activities and things to do. It’s not slow in the sense that there’s not much to go about and you’ll mostly find retirees in search of a quiet getaway, but also not fast in the sense where there are parties all day long and the culture has been lost to accommodate Western tourists, like so many other parts of Thailand.

Koh Yao Noi, in my opinion, is the perfect mix that helps you interact with the authentic local Thai way of life, while also enabling you to meet like-minded fellow travellers to go around with. You’ll read more about my raving on this Koh Yao Noi travel guide, but I bloody love this island!

How to Reach Koh Yao Noi 

Wondering how to get to Koh Yao Noi? This Koh Yao Noi travel guide will show you how!

Phuket to Koh Yao Noi 

At Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier, can hop on one of the many speedboats from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi running between 8:15 am to 5 pm. The journey takes just 30 minutes and costs 400 to 500 THB. There is also the option for the Longtail Boats which will be much cheaper, but also slower. This is usually how the local population travels.

Krabi to Koh Yao Noi 

There are several Krabi to Koh Yao Noi speedboats going from various piers in Krabi including Railay and Ao Nang. The boat schedule starts from 10:30 am and runs till 3:45 pm. Depending on which pier you board from, the journey is usually 30 to 60 minutes. However, if you are planning to travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Noi via longtail boats, you must arrive at Thalen Pier in Krabi. The journey takes 1.5 hours but costs only 300 THB, half of what you would pay for a speedboat.

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Yao Noi 

There are direct Koh Phi Phi to Koh Yao Noi speedboats. This direct transfer takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. This runs twice a day and the fair is 1200 THB.

Best Places to Stay in Koh Yao Noi: Connexion Hostel

The serene island of Koh Yao Noi has a lot to offer, even when it comes to the “where to stay in Koh Yao Noi” question. This Koh Yao Noi travel guide has all the answers. Despite its quiet and rather calm atmosphere, the Koh Yao Noi accommodations are well-kept. There are enough Koh Yao Noi hotels for all kinds of travellers – from budget to luxury.

There are several beachfront, luxury Koh Yao Noi resorts including Six Senses Yao Noi and Cape Kudu Hotel.

However, as a solo budget traveller, I stayed at the Connexion Hostel smack in the middle of the island, and it was by far one of my favourite stays in Koh Yao Noi. The Connexion had everything you could ask for including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and even a daily breakfast of bread, eggs and fruit are included in your stay! The hostel owner, Priya, is a darling who can help you out with scooter rental, bicycle rental, ferry bookings, you name it. Trust this Koh Yao Noi travel guide, Connexion Hostel is a must-stay and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who asks!

Best Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi 

If you are someone who loves to spend their time in the outdoors, in nature, being active and going on adventures, Koh Yao Noi will be heaven for you. The best Koh Yao Noi activities are cycling, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and more.

But if you are someone who enjoys nightlife and loves a good party scene, you will be disappointed. Koh Yao Noi is a haven for people who wish to take a break from the party scenes and nightlife that is famous in other parts of Thailand.

That being said, there are a few bars along the main beach but the Koh Yao Noi nightlife is much more mellow. You can refer to this Koh Yao Noi travel guide anytime to ensure you make the most of your trip!

Ride a Bicycle Around the Island

Koh Yao Noi is much more rural than other touristy islands of Thailand. And to truly get off the beaten path and enjoy the island’s interior I think renting a bicycle in Koh Yao Noi is one of the best Koh Yao Noi things to do. Though most of the island was accessible by bicycle (even though I rode an average of 15 kilometres every day), there were still some far-flung corners that were out of my reach.

Having said that, I still think the best way to explore Koh Yao Noi is on a simple bicycle. Riding your bicycle allows you a leisurely pace to absorb the beauty a place offers and observe many things you would otherwise miss zipping on a scooter, making for one of the best Koh Yao Noi activities. Don’t forget to carry enough water, drink coconut water from streetside hawkers and apply plenty of SPF 50+ sunscreen and you will be good to go!

Take a Village Eco Tour

This Koh Yao Noi Local Way of Life Eco Half-Day Tour is the perfect way to truly get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the local culture, and is easily one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi. The tour begins with a visit to a local Batik artist in Tha Khao where you can create your own Batik painting and learn more about the craft. From there, you head on to a fishing village to learn the local way of life. Then there is a visit to a coconut plantation where you can sample freshly harvested coconuts. And finally, you make your way to the paddy fields to enjoy the island’s lush pastoral interior. A wholesome day, indeed.

Kayak to (and Climb) Koh Nok

Koh Nok is a beautiful tiny island about a mile away from the southwest coast of Koh Yao Noi and is a must-visit according to this Koh Yao Noi travel guide. To get to Koh Nok (Nok Island on Google Maps), kayaks can be rented from one of the many outfits on Pasai Beach. The journey takes about an hour and can be exhausting (especially since I was paddling by myself on a two person kayak!) but trust me when I saw, this was one of my most favourite adventures in Thailand, one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi!

The kayak cost 200 THB and once I reached Koh Nok, it had the tiniest, most pristine beach you can imagine. There is also a 15 minute climb to get to the top of the island. But be informed: this 15 climb is difficult and involves rappling up the hill using the ropes dangling. It was a proper adventure but soooo worth it when you see the view from above!

Once I climbed down, I went for the most rewarding swim in the beach. And if I could, I would visit Koh Yao Noi just to kayak to Koh Nok again!

Go Rock Climbing

This Koh Yao Noi travel guide would be incomplete if I didn’t mention the island’s appeal for rock climbing enthusiasts. Though I didn’t go to check this one out myself, I heard there are about 8 climbing spots in the north of the island with several routes that attract climbers in the area, making it one of the best Koh Yao Noi things to do.

Being pretty close to Railay, Ao Nang, Krabi and other climbing hotspots of Thailand, Koh Yao Noi should also be on your list! The Mountain Shop is popular for organized climbing expeditions to Koh Yao Noi. Locals from the Tha Khao Village also have their ventures for the same. 

Explore Koh Yao Noi Beaches

Koh Yao Noi has some really great beaches. Though they don’t have the white, powdery sand feel, the general lack of crowds and having whole beaches to yourselves is definitely a plus! Pasai Beach and Klong Jark Beach on the southwest are great if you fancy a swim as they are not very crowded.

Tha Khao Beach, on the other hand, is great to take a stroll and watch the far off limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay. Some really remote and untouched beaches like Mankei Bay and Kian Bay are inaccessible by roads and can only be visited via a longtail boat charter, but are well worth it. Don’t forget to add these Koh Yao Noi activities to your Koh Yao Noi travel guide itinerary.

Take a Hong Islands Tour

One expedition you can’t miss in this Koh Yao Noi travel guide is the four-island tour of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. The tour is one of the many day trips from Koh Yao Noi. It takes you to the islands of Ka Mit, Koh Pak Bia, Lao Lading and finally Koh Hong.

Ko Ka Mit, also known as the Monkey Island, is popular for its monkeys (obviously). Next is Koh Pak Bia, the picnic table island for the perfect lunch. Koh Lao Landing is known for the swarms of colourful fish and finally comes Koh Hong. The islands have some of the best beaches and the tour also includes a nice walk in the forest. Some tours even take you to Koh Nok! It is definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Yao Noi if you love island hopping!

Where to Eat in Koh Yao Noi

Despite its rather low profile, Koh Yao Noi does not disappoint when it comes to food. This Koh Yao Noi travel guide will show you some of the best places to eat in Koh Yao Noi:

Rice Paddy is a Thai restaurant situated in the middle of a paddy field. The architecture is simple and primarily wooden, the food is delicious and the ambience is perfect, including seaside seating!

La Luna Pizzeria is located on the eastern end of Koh Yao Noi. it is a cute little cafe surrounded by a refreshing green cover. The restaurant is run by an Italian serving freshly made authentic Italian food. The restaurant has a wood fire oven and also offers various kinds of pasta. I had the Greka pizza with olives and it was really delicious, especially with the olive oil drizzled over. They are also known for their panna cotta and tiramisu. 

Chaba Cafe and Gallery is a famous coffee shop on the island which has a vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu. They also have homemade goods such as cakes and breads, and also offer a wine lounge and a mix of Thai and Western cuisines. The architecture is also really unique, made of upcycled trinkets everywhere. They also feature a small gallery where you can buy souvenirs and art made by locals of Koh Yao Noi. It was my favourite place to eat on the island, and the vibe is really nice too!

Sea Gypsy is a family-run operation on the island and is also a great choice for vegan and vegetarian options. They offer a mix of Thai and other Asian cuisines along with a liquor menu. The owner and staff are incredibly sweet and prices are pretty low. This is also one of the few places on the island where you can enjoy the low-key Koh Yao Noi nightlife with some music and such.

Getting Around in Koh Yao Noi 

Koh Yao Noi is quite a big island, about 50 square kilometres, so getting around can be a bit tricky. For this Koh Yao Noi travel guide, I would recommend renting a motorbike. It’s the most convenient way to explore and reach far-off places on the island. The roads are smooth, mostly paved with slopes here and there, though you might stumble upon a few dirt tracks that’ll lead you to some seriously hidden beaches.

Best Time to Visit Koh Yao Noi 

The most optimal Koh Yao Noi weather according to this Koh Yao Noi travel guide is from November to March, marking the island’s dry season, with the temperatures not soaring off into a heatwave.

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Yao Noi

Is Koh Yao Noi worth visiting?

Absolutely! The island has a lot to offer, especially if you’re looking for a nice natural retreat. It is not overpopulated and the nightlife is more lowkey. There are also a wide variety of activities such as trekking, kayaking, boat tours, rock climbing, etc. So take this Koh Yao Noi travel guide and get exploring!

Can you walk around Koh Yao Noi?

Going on leisurely walks around your hotel might be possible. But since the island is quite big, getting around on foot will not be ideal. Two-wheeled options such as bicycles and scooters would be a more convenient bet, according to this Koh Yao Noi travel guide.

What is the difference between Koh Yao Yai and Yao Noi?

The Koh Yao islands (Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi) are neighbouring islands in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. Koh Yao Yai, larger at 90 square kilometres, is less developed and ideal for tranquillity seekers. Koh Yao Noi, smaller at 50 square kilometres, offers more amenities and organized tours. Both islands feature activities like snorkelling and kayaking, with Koh Yao Noi having better ferry services.

Is Koh Yao Noi touristy?

No, Koh Yao Noi is touristy. Even though there is plenty of tourist infrastructure to get you by and keep you entertained, you will not see hoards of tourists flocking here, unlike other islands. You can plan your activities here using this Koh Yao Noi travel guide. The vibe of the island is much more relaxed, simple and easygoing with no raves or loud nightlife.

How to get to Koh Yao Noi from Bangkok?

Bangkok to Koh Yao Noi is not very straightforward, but not difficult either. From Bangkok to Koh Yao Noi, your best bet will be to catch a flight to Phuket or Krabi Airport. From the airport, you will need to rent a taxi to get to the pier and catch a speedboat or long tail boat to the island, as already mentioned in this Koh Yao Noi travel guide.

How big is Koh Yao Noi?

Koh Yao Noi, located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi provinces in Thailand, spans an area of approximately 50 square kilometres. The island boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including lush forests, mangrove swamps, and picturesque coastlines. Explore every bit of this expanse using this Koh Yao Noi travel guide. 

Is Koh Yao Noi expensive?

Koh Yao Noi is a rather affordable trip with cheap restaurants and rentals. The accommodation prices vary depending on the Koh Yao Noi hotels you choose. The closer to the beach, the more the price. You can plan your budget for your trip using this Koh Yao Noi travel guide.