Ko Yao Noi, a small island in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, is a genuine insider tip for anyone seeking peace and nature. Here you'll find idyllic beaches, dense mangrove forests and a relaxed island life, perfect for a break away from mass tourism. The island is known for its untouched nature and its friendly local community. While the west coast invites you to relax with dreamy beaches and luxury resorts, the east coast impresses with spectacular views of the Andaman Sea's striking limestone cliffs.
The perfect antidote after the livelier islands – hardly any nightlife, but a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Public ferry from Bang Rong Pier, around €8 per person plus a Grab taxi to the pier, roughly 1 hour total (30 minutes taxi, 30 minutes ferry). Easy and pleasant: first a Grab taxi from our hotel in Phuket to Bang Rong Pier, then the ferry, which runs regularly between Phuket and Ko Yao Noi. Tip: ferries run several times a day, in high season it's worth getting to the pier a bit early. Speedboats are also available for a faster crossing. After arrival, taxis were already waiting at the pier to take us on to our accommodation.
Quiet setting surrounded by nature, ideal for rest and relaxation. Around €90 per night. The resort has a lovely property, though for this price there are more modern places with better facilities on Ko Yao Noi. Large, stylish bungalows with plenty of privacy, friendly and helpful staff, a lovely pool area to unwind in. Small downside: no direct beach access.
Verdict: A solid place for anyone seeking peace, though next time we'd choose an alternative with direct beach access.
At the northern tip of Ko Yao Yai, one of the island's most beautiful beaches. A long sandbank with fine, white sand and turquoise water. We took a taxi boat from the jetty by the ferry harbor for the short, relaxed crossing with a great view of island and sea. During our stay we only visited this beach, and it was absolutely worth it. Untouched beauty, calm atmosphere, hardly any visitors, so we could enjoy nature in complete peace. The shallow water is perfect for swimming, and the view of the surrounding islands makes the beach especially appealing.
Verdict: A dreamy, nearly deserted beach with fine sand and clear water, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy peace and nature.
The restaurant is right on the property, a quiet setting surrounded by nature, mid-range prices. Tasty Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients, refreshing watermelon shakes every day, delicious curries, fried rice and other traditional dishes, relaxed atmosphere with friendly service. Not a large selection of international dishes.
Verdict: Since we ate here exclusively during our entire stay on Ko Yao Noi, we can recommend the restaurant without reservation. Authentic Thai food, fresh ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere made every meal a pleasure.
We chartered a private longtail boat to explore nearby islands, including the breathtaking Koh Hong. Turquoise water, hidden lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs made the trip unforgettable. While snorkeling we spotted schools of tropical fish and even a few reef sharks, and the boat crew kept us stocked with fresh fruit and drinks. Cost around €50 per person for a half-day tour including snorkel gear.
Tip: Head out early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially at Koh Hong, which is a popular day-trip destination from Krabi and Phuket.
Verdict: Ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy Thailand's iconic island world without the overcrowded tourist hotspots.
A calm yet immersive way to explore the island's natural beauty. Paddling through the winding waterways we spotted colorful kingfishers, mudskippers and even a few monkeys along the shore. The silence of the mangroves made it feel like we had the whole place to ourselves. Guided tour booked through our hotel, around €25 per person, about three hours.
Tip: Wear water shoes and bring mosquito spray, the mangroves can be muddy, and there are a lot of mosquitoes in some areas.
Verdict: An absolute must for nature lovers looking for a relaxed yet adventurous way to discover Koh Yao Noi's diverse ecosystem.
Renting bikes and exploring the island at our own pace was one of the highlights of our trip. The roads are quiet and well paved, we cruised effortlessly past rice fields, rubber plantations and traditional fishing villages. Along the way we stopped at local cafés for fresh coconut water. Bikes cost around €3 to €5 a day and are available to rent at most hotels and guesthouses.
Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen, the island can get very hot at midday, and some stretches have hardly any shade.
Verdict: A great way to soak up the island's relaxed pace of life and get an authentic glimpse of the local culture.