Phang Nga Bay · between Phuket and Krabi

Koh
Yao Noi

A working Muslim island in the middle of the most famous bay in Thailand.

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Phang Nga Bay
Limestone karsts
Rice fields
Kayaking
Local island life
Between Phuket and Krabi
Introduction

A working island with a famous view

Koh Yao Noi sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay with Phuket on one side and Krabi on the other, and it has stayed itself: a mostly Muslim island of rubber plantations, rice fields and fishing, where the beaches are modest and the views are extraordinary. Every eastern bay looks out at limestone towers standing in flat water.

Limestone formations in Phang Nga Bay

It is not the island for sunbathing — the east coast has big tides and shallow water. It is the island for cycling past rice fields in the morning, kayaking between karsts in the afternoon, and eating in a village where nobody is performing for tourists.

Transport

Tickets & connections

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Tours

Tours & activities

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Quick facts

Koh Yao Noi

  • In Phang Nga Bay, about 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket
  • Predominantly Muslim — dress modestly away from the beach and resorts
  • Big tidal range on the east coast; swimming is best at high tide
  • The centre of the sea kayaking area around Phang Nga's karsts
  • Quiet all year; low season here is wet but not shut
Kayaking among limestone cliffs
Getting there

Getting to Koh Yao Noi

Speedboats leave from Bang Rong pier on Phuket's east coast, about forty-five minutes, and from Ao Thalane and Tha Len near Krabi in about half an hour. Longtail boats do the same trips more slowly and more cheaply.

From the Gulf coast, cross to Krabi or Phuket first — bus or train to Surat Thani, then a minivan — and take an afternoon boat.

There is no bridge and no car ferry for tourists; you arrive on foot with your bag and take a sidecar taxi from the pier.

Good to know

On the island

  • Alcohol is limited outside resorts — this is a Muslim island; be a good guest.
  • Rent a bicycle: the island is flat, small and made for it.
  • Check the tide table before you plan a swim on the east coast.
  • Koh Yao Yai next door is bigger, emptier and connected by longtail.
Longtail boat on the Andaman coast
Highlights

What to do on Koh Yao Noi

  • Kayaking Phang Nga Bay — hongs, tunnels and karsts, from the island rather than from a tour bus.
  • Cycling the interior — rice fields, rubber trees and two mosques.
  • Laem Sai viewpoint — the eastern headland with the bay laid out in front of it.
  • Sunrise on the east coast — the reason to be awake at six.
Where to stay

Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi

The east coast has the views and most of the places to stay, from simple bungalows to a couple of serious resorts. Pick a place with a pool if you are travelling outside the high tide window, and remember that dinner usually means a short ride to the village.

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Where next

Nearby islands

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