The island is wonderfully quiet, even during our stay in high season (January 2025). Tourism is less pronounced here, so the island has retained its original charm. The inhabitants largely live from fishing, agriculture (especially rubber), and tourism.

Koh Yao Yai awaits you with its lush nature and tropical vegetation. In the island’s interior, you will find rubber plantations, beautiful palm groves, and green forests, some of which extend to the coast. The green, rolling hills offer fantastic views of the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands.

And the coastline of Koh Yao Yai is also diverse: from quiet sandy beaches like Loh Pared Beach to rocky stretches with mangrove forests. We’ll introduce you to the island’s beautiful beaches in more detail later in this article.

Best Time to Visit Koh Yao Yai

The best time to visit Koh Yao Yai is between November and April, when it’s dry and sunny. During these months, temperatures usually range between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius—ideal for long days at the beach, excursions to the surrounding islands, and water sports. During our stay, we had great, sunny weather every day, with temperatures up to 32°C.

During the rainy season (May to October), showers can occur more frequently, but they are usually short. The island is particularly green during this time, and there are significantly fewer tourists. However, heavy rainfall and rougher seas can occasionally occur during these months, which could complicate the transfer to the island.

Getting to Koh Yao Yai

As mentioned at the beginning, Koh Yao is located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. The island is only accessible by boat, with the crossing from Phuket or Ao Nang/Krabi taking approximately 30–90 minutes, depending on the departure point. Prices for trips to Koh Yao Yai range from 350 to 800 THB per person, depending on the provider (children usually receive a discount).

You can easily book tickets online in advance at 12go.com*. Here you can get tickets starting at 11 € per person per trip. Once you arrive at the pier, simply show your online booking confirmation. This has always worked very well for us.

You can, of course, also book your ticket on-site at the pier or through local providers. However, if you want to book at the port, your desired ferry may already be fully booked. For trips during peak season, we recommend booking tickets online in advance.

Arrival from Phuket

• Bang Rong Pier (near the airport): Speedboats run every hour between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The crossing takes about 30 minutes. There are also local ferries, which are considerably cheaper but also take longer. These ferries are often loaded with groceries, motorbikes, etc.
• Chianwanich Pier (Phuket Town): The local ferry departs at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Speedboats depart every hour. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
• Thiensin Pier: The speedboats depart from here 2 to 3 times a day. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

Arriving from Ao Nang

• Floating Pier East Railay: The speedboats depart several times a day to the island. The crossing takes about 60 minutes. But be careful: Departing from there only makes sense if you are staying in a hotel there. Otherwise, you’ll have to take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay first.
• Nopparat Thara Pier: Speedboats travel to the island several times a day. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes.

Transfer on the island

Koh Yao Yai has 4 regular ports. In the north are the ports of Khlong Hia and Chong Lad, and in the west are the ports of Laem Yai and Loh Jark. We arrived at Khlong Hia port and continued from there towards Ao Nang/Krabi.

Small songthaews are waiting at the ports on Koh Yao Yai to comfortably take you to your accommodation. The name literally means “two rows,” which refers to the benches in the rear of the vehicle. A songthaew is essentially a converted pickup truck or small truck with two rows of seats in the back.

They serve as a hybrid between a shared taxi and a bus, as they operate on fixed routes but can also be hailed for shorter journeys. Prices are fixed: For accommodations in the northern and eastern parts, you pay 300 THB per ride, for accommodations in the southern and western parts of the island, 600 THB.

Getting from A to B

Scooters are the most popular means of transport for exploring the island. The roads are well-developed, so you can easily travel from beach to beach or to the small villages. You can rent a scooter locally for as little as 250 THB per day, depending on the provider. Locals rent scooters much cheaper than hotels.

Most providers require either a deposit for the scooter (250-500 THB per scooter) or your passport as security. We only had to leave a 250 THB deposit and were free to go (helmets included). We naturally got the deposit back upon return.

Many accommodations also organize transfers that take you flexibly and comfortably to beaches, restaurants, or attractions. This option is a bit more expensive, but also very convenient. It’s best to ask at your accommodation about transfer options.

You can even rent a bike. The island is hilly, but for shorter distances or leisurely rides near your accommodation, this can be a good alternative to scooters and taxis. ☞ Rent a bike for 1 day*.

Staying on the island

Koh Yao Yai offers a good selection of accommodations, ranging from simple bungalows to luxurious resorts. There are simple bungalows and guesthouses, which are well suited for backpackers or travelers on a budget, as well as mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations with comfortable rooms.

And you don’t have to forgo luxury either. Many of the upscale accommodations are located directly on the beaches and offer private villas, infinity pools, and first-class service. These naturally come at a price, but in return they offer an all-round, worry-free package with that certain something extra.

Price categories:

• € – Budget: up to €50 per night for 2 people
• €€ – Mid-range: approximately €70-100 per night for 2 people
• €€€ – Luxury: approximately €150-300 per night for 2 people

€ – Budget

• Activities Resort*
• Koh Yao Beach Front*
• Esmeralda View Resort*
• Sunrise Beach Resort*
• Thiwson Beach Resort*

€€ – Mid-range

• Baan Taranya Resort*
• Blue Bay Resort*
• Koh Yao Yai Village*
• Yao Yai Beach Resort*
• Better View*

€€€ – Luxury

• Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort*
• Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa*
• Glow Elixir Koh Yao Yai*
• Saengsuree Villas Koh Yao Yai*
• Yao Bada Badoo Boutique Resort*

Our hotel: Baan Taranya Resort

For our stay we chose the Baan Taranya Resort* in the northeast of the island. It’s a popular mid-range hotel, particularly suitable for couples and families seeking peace and quiet yet comfortable accommodations.

The resort offers charming and modern rooms and Thai-style bungalows, often constructed from natural materials like wood. There’s a pool, a beachfront restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a bar where you can unwind in the evening.

We particularly appreciated the lush garden and the atmosphere of the beachfront restaurant. You have a direct view of the sea, and after dinner, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach to help you digest your meal. There are also a few loungers and parasols for relaxing.

Additional information about the hotel:

• Laundry: 120 THB per kilo
• Scooter rental: from 300 THB per day (next door from the locals only 250 THB per day)
• Tour desk available: Hong Islands, Khai Islands, James Bond Islands, etc.
• Water sports can be booked on site: jet skiing, diving, sailing, SUP, kayaking, etc.
• Free shuttle service to Laem Had Beach (October to April)
• Restaurant prices are comparatively expensive.

Restaurants, cafes and bars on Koh Yao Yai

There are numerous food stalls and small restaurants on the island, so no one will go hungry. Prices are generally somewhat higher than in larger towns like Phuket or Krabi. However, it’s still very affordable by our standards.

Many restaurants and bars offer fresh seafood, often prepared right before your eyes. Be sure to try local specialties like Massaman Curry, Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Panang Gai, Khao Soi, or Gaeng Kiew Wan.

Many restaurants also offer a few Western dishes on their menus, such as burgers, fries, schnitzel, pancakes, and chicken nuggets. So even children who aren’t yet familiar with Asian cuisine won’t go hungry. You can get delicious fruit drinks, smoothies, beer, coffee, and soft drinks at almost every snack bar and restaurant.

Our food tips for Koh Yao Yai

• Chill Chill Restaurant (good Thai cuisine)
• Vibe Sand White Bar (chilled bar by the sea for drinks and snacks)
• Swiss Coffee and Shop (very good coffee)
• Hinkong Restaurant (very good Thai cuisine)
• Bansuan Nakhokyor (shakes and coffee)

The most beautiful beaches on Koh Yao Yai

1. Laem Had Beach

Laem Had Beach is our personal favorite for quiet strolls. The beach in the northeast of the island forms a narrow sandbank, which is particularly visible at low tide. The water here shimmers turquoise, the surroundings are tranquil, and despite peak travel season, there are no crowds.

What makes the beach even more beautiful: The tall, curved palm trees, which look like something out of a postcard, provide shade and create a truly tropical feeling. From here, you also have a fantastic view of the neighboring island of Koh Yao Noi. Please note, however, that there are no on-site amenities such as restrooms, restaurants, etc.

2. Klongson Beach

Klongson Beach also completely surprised us. Here, we were greeted by an almost untouched beach, surrounded by dense mangrove forests and green hills that blend gently into the landscape. The atmosphere was, above all, peaceful – no resorts, no bars, no music, just the sound of the waves and the chirping of birds.

The beach is still so beautifully pristine and untouched. If you visit this beach, you should bring drinks and provisions. Apart from restrooms and a small local food stall, there’s nothing else there yet, which is part of its charm. In return, you get a place that somehow feels like a little piece of undiscovered paradise.

3. Loh Pared Beach

One of the most popular beaches on the island is Loh Pared Beach in the west of the island. Swimming is possible here even at low tide—a major advantage compared to other beaches on the island. It’s also the only beach on Koh Yao Yai with a small shopping street. Here you’ll find small shops, tour desks, mini-markets, ATMs, and a few restaurants.

You can spend the whole day relaxing on Loh Pared Beach. The water is ideal for swimming, as it’s usually calm and pleasantly warm. You can rent umbrellas and loungers on the beach for a small fee, and enjoy the view of the ocean.

At the northern end is the popular 5-star Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort*, which leaves nothing to be desired. Other accommodations are also available on site, such as the Yao Yai Beach Resort*, the Royal Yao Yai Island Beach Resort*, and the Blue Bay Resort*. In our opinion it is the liveliest place on the island.

4. Lo Chak Beach

We also really liked Lo Chak Beach in the west of the island. This beach is a bit more secluded and offers a wildly romantic backdrop with palm trees, lush greenery, and fine sand. The water is crystal clear and inviting for swimming, especially at high tide. The beach is ideal if you fancy a relaxing stroll where you’ll hardly encounter other people.

The Koh Yao Heaven Beach Resort is located at the southern end of the beach. There are no other accommodations here. The Vibe Sand White Beach Bar, right on the beach, is really cool. Here you can get drinks, smoothies, beer, and small meals, and you can also use the loungers, umbrellas, and chairs for free.

Cozy house music was playing in the background when we were there. The beach bar seems a bit haphazardly thrown together, but that’s part of its charm. So don’t expect a state-of-the-art, spotlessly clean beach bar here! You can’t complain about the price either – a coke only cost 60 THB (€1.70).

Massage & Relaxation

A relaxing massage on Koh Yao Yai is practically a must – and the best part: It’s easy to find anywhere on the island. Whether directly on the beach overlooking the sea or in small, cozy massage huts in the villages – the island’s relaxed atmosphere makes the massage even more relaxing.

A traditional Thai massage is particularly recommended, in which specific pressure points are worked on to relieve tension. For those who prefer a gentler approach, there are also oil or aloe vera massages, which are perfect for restoring tired legs after a walk on the beach and also provide intensive skin care.

The prices are more than fair. Marco paid only 300 THB (approx. €8.50) for his 60-minute Thai massage, and I paid 400 THB (approx. €11) for my 60-minute aloe vera massage. We’ve often seen these prices from other providers as well. “Sanya Massage” near the Baan Taranya Resort is highly recommended.

Cool Excursions and Tours

1. Koh Yao Noi

There are a whole range of cool tours you can take on Koh Yao Yai. If you’re staying on the island longer, you could take a boat over to Koh Yao Noi and explore the island for a day. The trip only takes 10-15 minutes and costs approximately 70-100 THB per person. Koh Yao Noi is the smaller island and can be circumnavigated by scooter in a short time.

2. Hong Islands

A very popular tour takes you to the offshore islands between Koh Yao Noi and Ao Nang. The Hong Islands are a small archipelago in Phang Nga Bay, relatively easy and quick to reach from Yao Noi. These small rocky islands are known for their breathtaking lagoons, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Tour operators pretty much all head to the same spots. Keep in mind that tourists from places like Krabi, Ao Nang, Phuket, and Koh Yao Noi also travel to these islands. Accordingly, this area is very busy (especially during peak season). We found the large Hong Island, with its great beaches, nature trail, and magnificent viewpoint, to be the most beautiful.

Note: We took the tour with two friends from Ao Nang and rented a longtail boat together. We paid 3,300 THB (825 THB per person). There was also a national park fee of 300 THB per person. On Koh Yao Yai, you can book this tour at your hotel or at any tour desk.

3. Khai Islands

Between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai are the Khai Islands. This group of small, picturesque islands, easily accessible from Yao Noi, Phuket, or Krabi, is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and snorkeling opportunities. The group consists of the three islands of Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui. ☞ Book Tour 1 here* | Book Tour 2 here*.

Tip: You can often rent snorkeling equipment on organized tours, but bringing your own set is of course much more hygienic.

4. Mangrove Kayak Tour

The mangroves on Koh Yao Yai are dense and well-preserved, ideal for nature lovers. Here you can observe birds, small crabs, and sometimes even monkeys. This is a popular way to explore the mangroves up close and navigate the waterways. Afterwards, enjoy delicious Thai dishes at the on-site restaurant. ☞ Book a kayak tour here*.

5. Other Tours

From Koh Yao Yai, tours are also offered to the Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach in Ao Nang, and James Bond Rock. These places are also very touristy and heavily visited during the peak travel months between November and March.

• Ko Yao Yai: Private 4-Island Speedboat Charter*
• Local Cultural Community on Koh Yao Yai*
• Ko Yao: Private Speedboat to Hong Island Evening Snorkeling*
• Small Speedboat Tour to James Bond Island from Koh Yao Yai*
• Exclusive Speedboat Tour to Phi Phi Islands from Koh Yao Yai*
• Scuba Diving from Koh Yao Yai*

Our best local travel tips

⚕️Pharmacies: For medications and first aid supplies, there are small, well-stocked pharmacies on the island. It’s best to just ask for “Pharmacy”.

Supermarkets: Mini-markets like 7-Eleven and local shops offer everything you need for everyday life. There are now two very well-stocked 7-Eleven stores on the island (north and south).

Electricity: German plugs (Type C, F) often fit into Thai sockets, but not always. Schuko plugs (Type F) in particular do not work everywhere. We therefore recommend our universal travel power adapter*.

⛽️ Gas stations: Small gas stations and pumps at mini-markets supply you with gasoline for scooters and mopeds. Locals also sell gasoline in glass bottles for 40-60 THB. However, you can find better and cheaper fuel at the gas station.

Laundry service: Cheap laundry services are available in many places. We had our laundry washed at the hotel for 120 THB per kilo. It’s much cheaper. Washing machines and laundry services in small villages usually cost only 40 THB.

ATMs: There are a few ATMs on the island, but keep in mind that fees apply. A Krungsri Bank ATM is located in the very north of the island (fees: 220 THB per withdrawal). It’s best to stock up on cash before you even arrive on the island. If an ATM doesn’t work, you’ll be stuck without it. Card payments aren’t widespread on the island.

Medical Care: Two small clinics (Andaman International Clinic Klong Bon) are available for emergencies, but for more serious problems, a trip to Phuket is recommended.

Drone: In Thailand, flying a drone is only permitted with registration with the CAAT and a permit from the NBTC – violations can result in heavy fines. We used the great drone service* from Max and Mild. We had all the necessary documents in no time. Simply great!

Internet: We used the Airalo* e-SIM (30 days of unlimited internet) our entire time in Thailand and always had a very good and stable connection. We were connected to the internet immediately after landing. With our code “NICOLE2629” you get €3 credit for free (and we get €3 too as a thank you). More on this topic here: eSim for Thailand – providers, prices & our recommendation.

Sale of alcohol: In Thailand, there are set times for the sale of alcohol. Supermarkets, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and other stores are only allowed to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight. On certain holidays, e.g. B. Buddhist holidays or elections, there is even a complete ban on the sale of alcohol.

Costs Koh Yao Yai – Our Expenses