Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, thirty to forty-five minutes by boat from either Phuket or Krabi, yet it feels a decade removed from both — a quiet Muslim fishing island of rice paddies, rubber plantations, water-buffalo pastures, and east-coast viewpoints looking onto the bay's limestone karsts. There are no bar streets and no jet skis; the draws are slow scooter loops, kayaking among the karsts, rock climbing on Koh Yao's crags, and some of southern Thailand's most peaceful boutique resorts. It's the escape-the-crowds pick for travelers who found Phuket and Phi Phi too much.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Yao Noi, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Book tours & tickets in Phuket
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Koh Yao Noi — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Koh Yao Noi: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Yao Noi worth visiting?
Koh Yao Noi holds a 4.4★ rating from 181 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches & islands in Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi?
The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).
Where is Koh Yao Noi located?
Koh Yao Noi is at Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao District, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Koh Yao Noi
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Beaches & Islands
Check Monsoon Seasons
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas from May to October. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is roughest from October to December. Plan your island-hopping around these windows.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Tesco Lotus or Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Book Ferries on 12Go.Asia
The 12Go platform lets you compare ferry operators, times, and prices between islands. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Avoid the cheapest operators if reviews mention safety concerns.
Also Popular in Phuket
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Jungceylon
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Central Phuket
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Promthep Cape
Iconic southern Phuket headland offering sweeping Andaman Sea panoramas, famous for spectacular sunset views.
Similar Beaches & Islands Across Thailand
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, in Thailand's far southern Andaman near the Malaysian border, is the country's closest answer to the Maldives — powder-white sand at Sunrise and Pattaya beaches and water in improbable shades of turquoise, with snorkeling straight off the shore into the protected Ko Tarutao Natio.
Ko Pha Ngan
A laid-back Thai island of white-sand beaches, jungle interior, and the legendary monthly Full Moon Party.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Koh Yao Noi
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.