Thailand is famous for its beautiful islands, and while places like Phuket and Krabi are always crowded with tourists, Koh Yao Noi remains an untouched paradise. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape away from the crowds, Koh Yao Noi is the perfect place to explore.
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Koh Yao Noi Is Thailand’s Best-Kept Paradise Island
Unlike other more famous islands of Thailand, Koh Yao Noi is still a quiet getaway, free from high-rise resorts and wild beach parties. Its lush green landscapes, quiet beaches, and eco-friendly local community are welcoming. Furthermore, it has rubber plantations, coconut farms, and fishing villages. They show tourists a simple, real Thai lifestyle.
Also, unlike the busy centers of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi allows for more personal experiences. Indeed, mass tourism controls both regions. Its friendly locals, family-run seafood restaurants, and hideaway, untouched beaches are in their own way very ‘chill’. You can admire the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, cycle around villages, or escape the noise to find peace in Koh Yao Noi.
Top Things to Do on Koh Yao Noi
Kayaking through Phang Nga Bay
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Kayaking around Phang Nga Bay is an exciting way to see the towering cliffs, secret caves, and emerald waters close up. To this end, trusted operators like John Gray’s Sea Canoe and Two Sea Tour run guided tours. They explore secret small lakes in the bay, spotting monkeys and sea eagles. Additionally, Paddle Asia runs eco-friendly, small-group tours for a free, people-less experience. Guided day trips cost about 4,450 Thai Baht per person. Multi-day trips are available for those wanting to explore the bay’s beauty.
Cycle around the Local Villages
Cycling through the calm landscapes of Koh Yao Noi provides a much better feel for the traditional appeal of this island. The island has little traffic. Therefore, a casual ride around the rubber plantations, fishing villages, and raised houses welcomes you with the locals’ pleasant smiles. Tours by operators like Amazing Bike Tours and Koh Yao Travel explore the island’s sustainable farming culture and history. The full-day beautiful cycling tour costs about 3,900 Thai Baht per participant. So, it is a rewarding eco-adventure.
Relax on Pasai Beach
Following a morning of cycling, Pasai Beach welcomes you with its 2-kilometer stretch of soft golden sand bordered by palm trees. The waters at this beach are shallow and super calm, ideal for a refreshing swim, especially when the sea appears tempting during high tide. If you’re hungry, Pasai Beach Restaurant serves real Thai seafood. Its tables are on the sand, with a front-row view of the Andaman Sea.
For something to drink, the beach bar at the northern end is an unmarked yet popular spot serving up ice-cold beers and tropical cocktails. For the more relaxed, beachside stands offer massages. Guests can get traditional Thai massages under the palm trees. It faces eastward, so the sun rises over the Andaman Sea. From here in Koh Yao Noi, the view is amazing. Golden ripples dance on the calm water.
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Hike to The Viewpoint at Khao Ka Rot
The Khao Ka Rot Viewpoint offers a serious adventure with one of Koh Yao Noi’s most amazing views. The hike is 30-45 minutes, steeply uphill, through dense jungle. Although it’s tough, it is worth it for the views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone rock formations. The trail is easy, and proper hiking shoes are necessary, along with a sufficient amount of water. Visitors can take nature walks to learn about the island’s plants and animals. In addition, Koh Yao Noi Paradise Sea Kayak offers guided walks. They also offer combined kayaking and hiking trips.
Snorkel near Koh Nok Island
It is a 10-minute longtail boat ride from Koh Yao Noi. Koh Nok Island is a hidden gem in the Andaman Sea. It has very clean waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lively marine life. The surrounding reefs are home to parrotfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish. Furthermore, they also host small reef sharks. These are a treat for snorkelers of all levels. You can rent snorkeling gear on Koh Yao Noi from tour operators. Alternatively, book with Koh Yao Noi Paradise Sea Kayak Tours too, their trip includes kayaking and guided snorkeling.
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Explore Ao Sai National Park
Ao Sai National Park represents a dense swamp forest with diverse wildlife and peaceful coastal beauty, all in untouched form. The winding waterways are great for kayaking. They offer views of birds, monkeys, and small marine creatures. Indeed, it’s a natural experience. Guided boat or kayak tours present the best views and ways of understanding the ecosystem so that the visitor gains a sense of it. People can best enjoy kayaking during high tide. Facilities can be limited at times. Therefore, we suggest bringing essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. They will keep you comfortable while you explore.
Visit the Floating Fishing Villages
On Koh Yao Noi, local fishermen have used raised water houses for generations as floating fishing villages. The residents live above the sea in wooden houses. The most famous is the village of Koh Panyi. Specifically, it was founded over 200 years ago by Indonesian fishermen. Now, it has a bustling community of seafood restaurants and a floating mosque.
Visitors can walk along the narrow wooden walkways. They can join the friendly locals and enjoy freshly caught seafood. Additionally, they can learn about the community’s fishing traditions and way of life. Dress modestly and always ask for permission before taking pictures. One of the best ways to support the community is to purchase handmade crafts. In fact, these make unique souvenirs and support their way of life.
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Take a Yoga Class at Six Senses Resort
The Six Senses Yao Noi offers a new take on yoga and wellness. It has stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. Thus, it’s perfect for those wanting to unwind in comfort. Daily, free-flowing yoga and meditation sessions keep one entranced. In open-air pavilions, one can sit and do mindfulness with long breaths, listening to the ocean waves below their balcony. Also, the resort’s spa offers whole wellness packages. They include detox diets and bio-organic gourmet food for a total refresher.
Book your yoga class in advance during the busiest time. For the best wellness experience, sign up for a multi-day resort retreat. Options range from a beginner’s yoga program to a detox retreat. The latter aims to rid your body of toxins through personalized fitness, spa treatments, and mindful practices.
How to Get to Koh Yao Noi
Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
The most common way to reach Koh Yao Noi from Phuket is by speedboat or longtail boat from Bang Rong Pier. It’s about 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport. You can hire taxis and Songthaews for comfortable travel to the pier.
- Speedboats are the fastest means- they take only 30 minutes, while prices begin at 400 THB per person. Departure times start from 07:50 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Long-tailed boats: much more picturesque and 1-hour-journey time with cheaper prices, from 300 THB per person.
After that, all boats arrive at Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi, from where local transport options are available to reach accommodations.
Krabi to Koh Yao Noi
Boats from Krabi leave from either Thalane Pier or Klong Jilad Pier.
- Speedboats: About 1 hr, depending on the operator.
- Longtail boats: take 1 to 1.5 hours, with changes dependent upon local conditions.
Similarly, as with Phuket, boats from Krabi also arrive at Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi. Many resorts offer independent transfers from Phuket or Krabi that will get you there literally at your front door with very easy. Due to the weather, it’s best to get tickets in advance during the busiest time. Furthermore, schedules often change at short notice.
Discover the Island’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism
Photo by Marc Mintel on Unsplash
Discover the Island’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism. Koh Yao Noi is known for its strong commitment to responsible tourism. Locals have worked hard to protect its natural beauty and cultural history. Indeed, most island accommodations focus on sustainability.
Six Senses Yao Noi runs on solar energy. It sources its fresh produce from inside organic gardens. The Hideout – Koh Yao Noi is an off-grid treehouse getaway. They make it from locally sourced materials to help guests digitally detox. Jaiyen Eco Resort focuses on greening its operations. It aims to minimize waste and improve energy efficiency. Therefore, it also offers a peaceful getaway in nature.
Moreover, beyond accommodations, Koh Yao Noi embraces sustainability through community-based tourism and eco-friendly activities. It lets visitors kayak through the island’s mangroves. It’s a conservation effort and a home to rich marine life. The local batik workshops let you work with the island’s craftspeople. They help preserve traditional crafts and promote sustainable tourism. Homestays and traditional farming, like rubber tapping and rice growing, involve visitors in island life. They ensure tourism benefits the local community and the environment.
When to Visit Koh Yao Noi: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi depends on your holiday preferences. The dry months, from November to April, are usually sunny. The sea is calm, and conditions are great for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach activities. Travelers prefer this period, so they can expect accommodations and tours to be on the higher side in terms of cost. The rainy season, from May to October, brings heavy rain. The island remains beautiful and lush, however. This will be the best time for travelers who don’t mind some rain. They’ll avoid tourist crowds and get better prices from tour operators and hotels. In any case, no matter the time of year, Koh Yao Noi promises a peaceful getaway away from the crowds.
For more information on this, read this article about the best time of year to go to Thailand
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