Islands · Phang Nga Bay, north-east of Phuket
Koh Yao Noi
A quiet island of Muslim fishing villages in Phang Nga Bay, 30 to 40 minutes from Bang Rong: one to sleep on, not just to visit.
Access
By boat only
Time to allow
A few nights, or a day by bike on a tour
Best time
November to April; about half as many boats from June to September
Why go
To stay on an island rather than visit one. Koh Yao Noi has villages, places to stay and a slower pace than Phuket, and the public speedboat from Bang Rong reaches it in 30 to 40 minutes.
Not for you if you want nightlife: there is none.
What you will find
The island is in Ko Yao district, in Phang Nga province, not in Phuket. Most islanders are Muslim and live from fishing, farming and rubber.
Of the two Koh Yao islands it is the smaller and the better equipped, with a hospital, a post office and cash machines. Its villages started their own community tourism, with homestays run by local families, in 1995; the programme won a World Legacy Award in 2002.
People come to kayak, cycle, snorkel and walk.
Getting there
The public speedboat from Bang Rong, in the north-east of Phuket, takes 30 to 40 minutes, costs about 400 baht and lands at Manoh, in the south-west of the island; some tickets go to Laem Sai. A slower longtail runs too. Boats leave roughly every hour, with the last one around 5 pm.
Before you go
If your flight lands after about 3.30 pm, you may miss the last boat and spend the night in Phuket.
From June to September there are about half as many boats, and speedboats can be cancelled in rough seas.
Dress modestly away from the beach. The Tourism Authority of Thailand advises drinking alcohol only in restaurants or resorts.
According to several travel writers, the tide changes the beaches a lot and swimming can be difficult at low water: ask your hotel about its beach before you book.
Where this place leads
Common questions
How do I get to Koh Yao Noi from Phuket?
By public speedboat from Bang Rong, in the north-east of Phuket: 30 to 40 minutes to Manoh pier, roughly every hour, with the last boat around 5 pm. There are about half as many from June to September.
Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai?
Koh Yao Noi is smaller and better equipped, with a hospital, a post office and cash machines: the simpler choice for a first stay. Koh Yao Yai is clearly larger and less developed.
Can I visit Koh Yao Noi as a day trip?
Yes. One tour offers a 25 km bike loop through the island's countryside with a beach lunch, on Mondays and Thursdays. On your own, check the times of the boats back before you go.