Koh Yao Noi - 7 attractions and beaches you must see!

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is an island that feels a bit like old Thailand – simple, local, slow and relaxed. It is very close to Krabi and also to Koh Lanta . I got there relatively by chance, when I was looking for other magical islands in the area, in the style of Koh Jam . The island is right next to Koh Yao Yai, they are very similar but personally I connected much more with Koh Yao Noi.

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Table of Contents

Weather in Koh Yao Noi

The peak season is the dry season, between November and April . During this season the weather is perfect – sunny, warm with a relatively low chance of rain. The rainy season is from May to October , when there are many beautiful days but also many unexpected rains and typhoons.

Recommended equipment for Thailand

If you are still preparing for a trip or an exciting vacation, make sure you go out with all the right equipment!

How to get to Koh Yao Noi?

The most convenient way is to take a speedboat from Phuket Marina (Bang Rong Pier), a trip of about an hour.
You can also get there from Krabi , the boats depart from Tha Len Pier.

The boats operate all day, quite frequently, and you can always find a taxi from the marina to your accommodation.

To get from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Yao Yai, or vice versa, simply go to Chong Lard Pier and take a speedboat which takes fifteen minutes.

Recommended hotels in Ko Yao Noi

Accommodation on the island is relatively simple, but you can find really nice and comfortable places at good prices.

Bangmee Homestay

⭐ Rating of 9.1 on Booking.com
✅ Huts among rice fields
✅ Comfortable private rooms
✅ There is a balcony

Compare prices to get the best price:

Camp Hadee

⭐ Rating of 9.8 on Booking.com
✅ Facing the sea
✅ Large and spacious rooms
✅ Perfect for couples

Book now:

Koyao Island Resort

⭐ Rating of 8.7 on Booking.com
✅ 4-star resort with pool
✅ Surrounded by quiet and beautiful beaches
✅ Super luxurious villas

Compare prices to get the best price:

Attractions and beaches in Koh Yao Noi

This is not an island of postcard-perfect beaches, but that's where the magic lies. The beaches are wild, quiet, don't try to impress, and the views from them are perfect.

Khao Yai Beach

It is very worth coming at sunset when the sea is at its lowest, when all kinds of interesting animals are revealed to explore – crabs, snails and fish. At low tide, you can also walk to the tiny island of Ko Nui.

Koh Yao Noi
Khao Yai Beach

Sunset from Chill out corner koh yao noi

Chill out corner is a perfect place to watch the sunset and have a drink.

Sunset at Koh Yao Noi

Little Long Beach

A quiet, small, and calm beach, almost private. It's relatively clean there, but I still recommend bringing a bag and picking up some trash along the way.

Beach in Koh Yao Noi

Hornbill view point

Hornbills are very common on the island and have become a part of the culture there! This is a great spot to watch these birds and also a good spot for sunset. 

Hornbills on Koh Yao Noi
Hornbill

Bike trip around the island

Cycling is the perfect way to discover hidden spots on the island and explore it in depth. This way you will get to know many beautiful, empty beaches, local restaurants, and get some exercise along the way. You can rent bicycles at Eco Island Bicycles. 

All tours include professional guides, convenient schedules, and excellent value for money.

Why do I recommend Viator?

Bike trip on Koh Yao Noi

Recommended by 99% of travelers with over 80 great reviews!
✅ Professional guide, small groups, and bikes that are suitable even for those who are not in peak shape
✅ Stops along the way for tastings, photos, farm tours and a visit to a fishing village
✅ Includes hotel pickup, island cruise, Thai picnic and drinks along the way

Reserve your spot now! ↓

Sailing and diving in Koh Yao Noi

⭐ A pleasant and relaxing tour on a longtail boat to the most beautiful islands in the area!
✅ Includes hotel pickup
✅ Swimming and snorkeling at sites like Lading, Hang and Lagoon
✅ Includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, fresh fruit and cold water throughout the trip
✅ Departs from both Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai

Reserve your spot on the tour now ↓

Restaurants in Ko Yao Noi

There are delicious local Thai restaurants and really good places for breakfast all over the island! What should you try?

Sawasdee kohyao Restaurant

Delicious Thai food and the restaurant is located above the river so there is also a stunning view! Perfect place for dinner and lunch.

Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup \ Sawasdee kohyao

Chaba Café and Gallery

A super special place with healthy and creative food and pastries they make there! Perfect breakfasts and sandwiches.

Tuna Bagel - Koh Yao Noi
Tuna Bagel \ Chaba Café and Gallery

Kindee Thai Cuisine

A restaurant with Thai food in a fancy atmosphere. I think it's a bit expensive, but overall it's delicious.

Green curry
Green Curry \ Kindee Thai Cuisine

Krua Koh Yai - Krua Koh Yao restaurant

An excellent local restaurant with lots of delicious Thai dishes at good prices.

Pad Carpaw
Pad Krapao \ Krua Koh Yai

Earth and Plants Restaurant

Simple and delicious Thai food, Assam curry is recommended!

Where can we continue?

If you have more time in southern Thailand, you should continue to the following destinations:

  • Krabi Town \ Ao Nang Beach – a must-see destination for anyone in the area
  • Koh Lanta – a large but quiet and pleasant island with perfect food
  • Koh Mook – a small and unique island with stunning beaches
  • Koh Hai – the most beautiful island in Thailand
  • Koh Jam – a small and authentic island, very close to Krabi
  • Koh Yao Yai – the island opposite Koh Yao Noi

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Yao Noi

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

Koh Yao Noi is considered smaller and calmer, with more accommodation for tourists. Koh Yao Yai is larger, less developed for tourism, and suitable for those looking for almost complete peace. It is also possible to move between the islands easily by local boat.

How to get to Koh Yao Noi? 

The easiest way is to take a speedboat from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket – a 30-minute ride. You can also get there from the Krabi or Ao Nang side via Tha Len Pier.

Is there an ATM on the island?

Yes, there are ATMs, but sometimes they are not always available or have withdrawal restrictions. It is recommended to arrive with cash in advance or at least make sure you have enough.

How much time is recommended to spend visiting the island?

At least 2-3 nights. It is a calm island suitable for slowing down, but it can be experienced in a few days.

Why do I recommend Viator?