Koh Yao Yai is an island in Thailand whose name reflects its size, indicating that it is large and expansive. However, when compared to the vast Phuket across the water, its dimensions seem relative.
What makes this destination special is that it’s a nearly deserted island with beautiful, untouched beaches and spectacular vegetation. Don’t go there expecting parties or crowds—it’s perfect for relaxation and solitude. Or almost solitude.
It’s surprising that tourism hasn’t fully taken over this Thai island, as it boasts one of the most stunning stretches of sea in the country. Interestingly, there’s not a single bar, beach shack, or even a street vendor. A few boats from Phuket occasionally dock here, but for most of the day, it remains deserted except for a few animals. This is certainly one of the unique charms of this large Thai island.
Although getting to Koh Yao Yai is easy, few people make the trip. Perhaps this is because all the beaches are separated, or maybe because mass tourism tends to focus elsewhere, leaving untouched places like this where the locals are incredibly friendly and trusting.
Want to experience genuine Siamese warmth in a place where English is widely spoken? This is a great place to do so, partly because the type of tourists who come here are laid-back and relaxed.
However, if you don’t rent a motorbike on Koh Yao Yai, getting around will be a bit challenging, as the island is minimally developed, and public transport consists of just a few vans.
As with all Thai islands in the Andaman Sea, the best time to visit is from mid-November to the end of February, when the sun shines, there’s no rain, and the temperatures are pleasant.
From February to May, the heat becomes oppressive, though it rarely rains.
Between June and late October, the skies can be cloudy, and the monsoon comes and goes. The upside of visiting during this time is that prices are lower.
Travel advice: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
To begin with, we always recommend getting good travel insurance Thailand. This can save you a significant amount on medical expenses and, most importantly, ensures that the insurance covers the costs upfront, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
In the previous article, we go into more detail about healthcare in Thailand, as well as tips on how to get the best insurance (and save money).
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants in Thailand with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Thailand card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
To reach the island, you’ll need to travel from Phuket. Boats depart from Bang Rong Pier, which is close to Phuket’s airport. There’s usually a boat every hour between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and the trip takes less than half an hour.
The fare is 400 baht each way, about 11 euros, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Getting to the island is relatively easy by plane, as the port connecting to it is next to Phuket’s airport.
In fact, traveling to Koh Yao Yai from Bangkok may be quicker and more affordable than reaching some popular beaches in Phuket, such as Patong or Kata, from Phuket’s airport.
First of all, relax. There isn’t much to do on the island other than ride a motorbike and visit the beaches. At night, everything becomes completely quiet after 10 p.m. There won’t even be streetlights on the roads, and the only place you might go is the island’s single 7-Eleven, located near the port.
The main beach for a day trip on Koh Yao Yai is Loh Pared Beach, a long stretch of sand and sea with a few hotels and restaurants. You can enjoy a meal right on the sand for an affordable price, around four dollars per dish.
The must-see beach is, without a doubt, Laem Had. This spectacular stretch of sea creates an exceptional atmosphere when the tide is high. It’s such a magical location that films and commercials have been shot here. Instead of beach bars and shops, you’ll find coconut trees and lush vegetation.
The most stunning attraction of Koh Yao Yai is Laem Had Beach, a place where you can marvel at nature’s ability to create such beauty. Walking along the entire sandy stretch is a real delight. To reach the beach, you’ll have to park your motorbike on the dirt road before the sand begins, and you might even spot some wildlife.
In the south of the island, there’s a small cove called Aoi Sai, known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. It takes a while to reach, but it’s worth the effort. Another more remote beach, Son Bai Beach, is even more charming because it remains completely untouched, though its waters are not quite as pristine.
Son Bai Beach on Koh Yao Yai is also known as “Crab Beach” due to the abundance of crabs in various sizes. Just be mindful not to disturb them, as this is their natural habitat.
You’ll find a few more coves around the island, all of them small. A large part of Koh Yao Yai‘s charm is discovering these hidden spots where there is no tourist industry.
The only tour operator is located ten minutes from the port, right in front of the school, where you can also rent a motorbike. They also offer excursions to places like Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and other destinations.
You don’t need to be in Phuket or Krabi to book popular day trips around the Andaman Islands. Plus, in Koh Yao Yai, you avoid tourist scams—mainly because there aren’t any. You can also book this private longtail boat island hopping tour from Koh Yao Yai.
You can also book a Yao island cycling and beach day trip from Phuket from Phuket if you’re planning to visit the island as part of a day trip. The choice is yours.
There aren’t many hotels in Koh Yao Yai, but you can find peaceful places at more reasonable prices compared to Phuket or other islands like Koh Phi Phi.
One highly recommended option is The Mantra Resort if you’re looking for quality at a good price. The bungalows are beautiful, and the staff is very welcoming.
For those willing to spend a little more and enjoy a terrace with sea views, Koh Yao Beachfront is a great choice. However, it doesn’t compare to Santhiya, a luxurious resort located in a more exclusive area of the island.
For something more budget-friendly, Relaxing House offers comfortable bungalows at affordable rates.
How many days should you spend in Koh Yao Yai to make the most of it? That depends on your preferences. Considering the island is quite large, you’ll need at least a day and a half to get a good experience. However, two nights is ideal.
From there, it’s up to you: some may want a longer stay to enjoy peace by the sea, while others might use Koh Yao Yai as a base to avoid Phuket or Krabi and explore the Andaman Sea or take excursions to nearby famous beaches.
If you’re looking for a quiet, less populated island paradise and don’t mind skipping the more popular destinations, this could be the perfect spot for you. While it may not have the country’s most stunning beaches, the ones here are still quite beautiful.
Upon arriving at Koh Yao Yai’s port, you’ll notice that the heavy tourist atmosphere common in other parts of Thailand hasn’t affected this island. From the port, you can catch a van to any part of the island, walk if you prefer, or rent a motorbike.
Our recommendation is to rent a motorbike. There aren’t many rental shops on the island since it’s not overly touristy, but you can rent one directly at the port. For 250 baht (around six euros) you can have a scooter for 24 hours, without needing to pay a deposit or leave your passport.
However, take extra precautions, as the roads may not be in the best condition. And don’t forget to have travel insurance.
For dining, the most well-known restaurant on the island is Baan Rim Nam, located in the northern part of the island. It’s worth a visit to enjoy seafood right by the sea.
In the evening, we recommend Chill Chill @ Pai. Though its terrace doesn’t offer a view, it makes up for it with excellent dishes at very affordable prices. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the beach on the Thai island of Koh Yao Yai.
Exploring the ocean floor is a fascinating activity, though for many, it can also be a bit unsettling. Simply putting on a diving mask and looking beneath the water reveals a whole new world of colors and unknown forms of life.
But this world needs to be cared for and respected. So, if you’re planning a trip that might include snorkeling and you don’t want your presence to have a negative impact on the ecosystem, you might be interested in what I share in the link above—what I’ve learned about responsible diving (with or without a tank).
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Koh Yao Yai.
