And as if this entire world trip wasn’t AWESOME enough, Marco whisked me away for my birthday from Phuket to a small, sleepy dream island, Koh Yao Noi in Thailand. I love islands, and I love them when they’re small and cozy. Who needs mass tourism when you can have a little paradise almost to yourself? So the trip could only be good. In the following article, we reveal our best tips and highlights for Koh Yao Noi.
- General
- How to get there
- How to get to Koh Yao Noi
- Transfer between the islands
- Best time to travel to Koh Yao Noi
- Accommodation on Koh Yao Noi
- Explore the island by scooter
- Kayak out to sea
- Eat at Rice Paddy
- Return trip by wooden boat
- Beautiful view of the islands
- Our total cost check
- The best travel guides
General
The small island is located east of Phuket and north of its big sister “Koh Yao Yai.” The island is a true natural paradise and lies in the beautiful limestone bay of Phang Nga. It would also only be about 40-50 minutes further to Krabi. Large parts of both islands are still undeveloped, and the little tourism here is concentrated on the beaches in the east and south (as of 2016).
Our Arrival
In the morning, Marco simply told me: “Pack your bag for 3 days!” Okay, said and done! He disappeared again for another 1-2 hours, and I packed my stuff. I had a rough idea, but didn’t know anything with 100% certainty. We then set off on a scooter to the east of Phuket. Several boats departed daily from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. We paid 240 baht for two people and 200 baht for the scooter (just under €12 in total). It took us about an hour on the longtail boat until we reached the small island.
The weather wasn’t on our side, but at least the sea was quite calm despite the rain and wind. The boat was crammed with people, cupboards, bags, canisters, scooters, and other items. We could have taken the speedboat, but it would certainly have been more expensive. The journey was nevertheless quite peaceful and not as bad as initially expected. After about 50 minutes, we reached Koh Yao Yai and, after this stop, continued directly to our destination. On the way, we passed James Bond Island and other smaller islands.
Getting to Koh Yao Noi
Getting to Koh Yao Noi
Bang Rong Pier, Phuket: Bang Rong Pier is located in the northeast of the island. From here, speedboats and longtail boats depart several times a day to both islands. After about an hour’s drive, you reach Klong Hai Pier on Yao Yai. 10 minutes later, the boat stops at Manoh Pier on Noi. The one-way trip costs 120 baht per person, and 200 baht for a scooter. So, we paid a total of 440 baht for the outward journey. It should be noted, however, that we also took a longtail boat. Speedboats are likely to be much more expensive, but somewhat faster.
Chianwanich Pier Phuket: This departure port is located in the south of the east coast, in Phuket Bay. Eight boats/ferries depart here daily. Three of them go to Loh Jark Pier, and five to Lam Yai Pier on Koh Yao Yai. The prices are likely to be similar.
Liam Hin Pier Phuket: The “port” is located centrally on the east coast, near the Premium Outlet Center Phuket. The car ferry departs once a day between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Arrival is two hours later.
Arrival from Krabi
You can also reach Yao Yai from Krabi – simply drive to Thalane Pier. Around 14 boats depart from here daily, heading first to Noi (Thakhao Pier) and then to Koh Yao Yai (Chonglad Pier). The journey to the smaller island takes just under 45 minutes, and the journey to Koh Yao Yai takes a total of 55 minutes. During peak season, a speedboat departs once a day from Noparathara Pier to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi and then to Chonglad Pier on Koh Yao Yai. The journey time to the islands is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Arrival from Phang-Nga
Once a day (except Sundays), a boat departs from Thadan Pier to Sukha Pier on Noi Island. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
Transfer between the islands
You can also commute between the islands and take a closer look at both. Boats depart several times a day from Manoh Pier to Chonglad Pier on Koh Yao Yai and vice versa. The crossing takes about ten minutes, and the price for two people is 150 baht (3.90 euros) one way.
Best time to visit Koh Yao Noi
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is between November and April. During this time, you can expect summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and turquoise water with a bathtub-like feel. Between November and April, it rarely rains. More information here: Best time to travel to Thailand.
Accommodation on Koh Yao Noi
Marco booked a bungalow for us at the Suntisook Resort. He paid €100 for two nights. The bungalow complex is located directly on the water and consists of several smaller bungalows. We were greeted very warmly and friendly by the owners and given the keys. A small veranda with a table and chairs, a small living room with a bed, mosquito net, TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning, and a cute bathroom.
Everything we needed was there. After we settled into our bungalow, we had a quick bite to eat at the accommodation. The menu was quite varied, but the prices were, of course, more expensive than usual. But that’s just how it is – no mass tourism often means higher prices. It was already dark, and we didn’t really know what the island looked like yet. That’s why we were all the more excited for the next day.
We woke up and the sun was already shining into the bungalow. The bad weather had cleared, and we were able to explore the island together in sunshine and good spirits. We had some bread and spread with us, so breakfast was taken care of for now. We then set off on our scooter along the east coast, heading north. The roads were really well developed, so you could get from A to B quickly.
Other accommodations on Koh Yao Noi
- Anattaya Holiday Home
- Ban Tidlay
- Tha Khao Pier Bungalow
- The Simple Koh Yao Noi
- 5* TreeHouse Villas
- 5* Six Senses Yao Noi
Exploring the island by scooter
The island is lush green and densely forested. Everything here seems so untouched, quiet, idyllic, and natural. It felt like there were only 10 other tourists on the island with us. It took us maybe 2 hours to circle the island.
We also stopped often to take a closer look at some places. If you’re expecting white, powdery sand beaches, you’re in the wrong place. You’re more likely to find those over on the island of Koh Yao Yai. There are beaches here on the island, but they don’t look like the paradisiacal images you see in TV commercials.
The three beaches of Tha Khao Beach (Thakhao Beach), Klong Jark Beach, and Pa Sai Beach (Pasai Beach) all offer the peace and relaxation you need. You can also find numerous resorts in all price ranges here. Resorts here also mean cozy bungalow complexes with ocean views, rather than concrete buildings with driveways and outdoor pools.
Nevertheless, the beaches are truly beautiful; the water is turquoise blue and clear. The whole island has a pristine and totally relaxed feel. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Time stood still for these two days. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and just want to completely unwind, this is definitely the place for you.
Shortly before we reached our accommodation, we passed a stunningly beautiful swing. I immediately braked, parked the scooter, and hopped on it. Huge palm trees to the left and right, the beach in front of me, the sea, and small islands in the distance. This view was simply the most perfect thing I’d ever seen. Marco and I took the opportunity to take some nice souvenir photos.
Out to sea in a kayak
Back at the bungalow, we put on our swimsuits and rented a kayak for an hour. We would have loved to take a private boat tour to the surrounding islands, but it was already too late. So we rowed around on the water, jumped into the refreshing water, and just had a great time.
We got the kayak directly from our accommodation for 100 baht per hour. On the way back, it started to rain, so we headed straight for the shower. Marco then treated himself to a short nap, while I leafed through a Thailand travel guide on the veranda.
Book a cool tour on Phuket here and experience the island up close. Whether it’s a snorkeling tour, diving trip, temple visit, cooking class, or island hopping – you’ll find a huge selection at Get Your Guide:
Eating at Rice Paddy
In the evening, we went to “Rice Paddy.” Here, we had some truly delicious pasta to round off the day. This cute little restaurant is run by a German and is highly recommended. Whether fish, meat, pasta, salads, or typical Thai dishes, you can find practically everything here. The prices are quite expensive by Thai standards. We paid just under €14 for two dishes and a large bottle of water, including a tip. But as mentioned above, you can’t expect cheap prices on a small island, which, after all, comes at a price.
Return by wooden boat
On the last morning, we were again woken by the sun. The sky was a brilliant blue, and we immediately felt like starting the day. We treated ourselves to a small breakfast there and then relaxed on our veranda. Around 12:00 PM, we checked out and made our way back to the pier. There, we were greeted by the cool boat guys.
The wooden boat was loaded with some water canisters, luggage, and scooters, and around 1:30 PM, we started our return journey. This time, the boat was much larger and there were fewer people on board. We sat right at the front of the boat. I was really looking forward to the trip, as we had simply perfect weather this time. You could also see much more than on the rainy outward journey.
The air rushed around our ears, the sun kissed our skin. It was the most perfect boat ride ever, and yet totally unspectacular. But for us, it was such a magical moment that we will never forget. Everything was just right. In front of us was the vast sea, dotted with lush green little islands. The water was blue, and our mood was simply at an all-time high. We lay in each other’s arms and were simply happy.
Beautiful view of the islands
On the way back, we passed Yao Yai again, continuing towards Reat Ko and Naka Yai Island. Before you drive between the last two, you can see an entire archipelago on the right, where the famous James Bond Island is located. Many green hills rise out of the water here and are truly impressive to behold. Exactly an hour later, we reached Bang Rong Pier again.
I’ll certainly never forget a birthday like this. Also because I’m usually used to cold temperatures and mostly snow. A December birthday isn’t exactly sunny or warm, as we all know. Thanks to Marco for this great birthday present!
Our total cost check
- Arrival: 440 Baht (2 people and scooter)
- Accommodation: 4000 Baht (2 nights)
- Kayak: 100 Baht (1 hour)
- Meals (Accommodation, Dinner & Breakfast): €535
- Meals (Restaurant (Rice Paddy): 550 Baht)
- Departure: 440 Baht (2 people and scooter)
- TOTAL: 6065 Baht (equivalent to approximately €160, or €80 per person)
The best travel guides
Want to learn more about Thailand so you’re well prepared for backpacking in Thailand? Then get the really good Thailand travel guide by Stefan Loose. Here you’ll find absolutely every piece of information in almost 900 pages. Also recommended is the book by Ferndurst: 105 Reasons to Love Thailand. It’s a travel guide with heart-pounding moments and insider tips. We also contributed a chapter. Therefore, we’d be all the more delighted if you picked up this book (e-book and print) for your Thailand trip.
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