Koh Yao Noi
เกาะยาวน้อย · Phang Nga Province
Population
5K
Budget / Month
$508
Internet
25 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season); accessible year-round
About Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi sits almost exactly in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi. Despite its proximity to two of Thailand's busiest tourist destinations, the island has remained remarkably untouched. It is a Muslim fishing community where rice paddies, rubber plantations, and mangrove forests dominate the landscape and life moves at the pace of the tides.
The island is roughly 12 km long and 5 km wide — small enough to cycle in a day. The interior is hilly with rice fields and coconut groves, while the coastline alternates between mangrove-lined shores and sandy beaches with jaw-dropping views of Phang Nga Bay's limestone karst islands. On a clear day, the panorama from the east coast is one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
A handful of boutique resorts have opened but the island retains its character. There are no big hotel chains, no traffic jams, no neon signs, and no nightlife. The local community won a tourism award from the Thai government for sustainable development.
Historical Note
Koh Yao Noi is a traditional Muslim fishing community in Phang Nga Bay. The island won a national tourism award for community-based sustainable development and has maintained its character despite nearby Phuket's rapid development.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season); accessible year-round
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะยาวน้อย
Province
Phang Nga
Region
Southern
Population
5,000
Area
45 km²
Elevation
200 m
Postal Code
82160
Airport
HKT
Local Language
Thai, Malay
Cost of Living
budget
/month18,300 THB
~$508 USD
comfortable
/month48,200 THB
~$1,339 USD
luxury
/month99,500 THB
~$2,764 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Local restaurant meal | 80 | 150 |
| Resort restaurant meal | 200 | 500 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 30 | 100 |
| Beer (bottle) | 60 | 100 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 15 | 20 |
| Western restaurant meal | 250 | 450 |
| Cocktail (resort bar) | 180 | 350 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fan bungalow | 500 | 1,000 |
| Mid-range resort | 1,500 | 3,500 |
| Boutique resort | 3,500 | 8,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle rental (day) | 100 | 200 |
| Motorbike rental (day) | 250 | 350 |
| Speedboat to Phuket | 200 | 350 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Phang Nga Bay boat trip | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Cooking class | 800 | 1,500 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
13% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry season. The island is accessible year-round but June to October brings rain. The views of Phang Nga Bay karsts are best on clear dry-season days.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 23 | 25 | 72% |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 15 | 70% |
| Mar | 34 | 24 | 40 | 72% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 120 | 76% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 300 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 260 | 82% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 270 | 82% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 280 | 82% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 340 | 85% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 320 | 85% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 160 | 78% |
| Dec | 31 | 23 | 50 | 74% |
Things to Do
Cycle Around the Island
The best way to experience Koh Yao Noi. Quiet roads through rice paddies, rubber plantations, and fishing villages with limestone karst panoramas. About 25 km for a full loop.
Phang Nga Bay Longtail Boat Trip
Visit dramatic limestone karsts, James Bond Island, hidden lagoons, and sea caves from the water. Koh Yao Noi's location makes it a perfect departure point.
Kayaking Through Mangroves
Guided kayak tours through the island's mangrove forests, spotting wildlife and exploring the ecosystem up close.
Thai Cooking Class
Hands-on cooking classes using local ingredients. Learn to make massaman curry, pad thai, and other Thai classics.
East Coast Beach Hopping
Visit Pasai, Tha Khao, and Lam Sai beaches on the east coast with stunning Phang Nga Bay karst views as a backdrop.
Community-Based Tourism Activities
Batik making, fishing with locals, rubber tapping demonstrations, and village visits that support the local community.
Food & Dining
แกงมัสมั่น
Massaman Curry
Rich, peanut-based curry reflecting the Muslim community's Malay influence. Slow-cooked with tender meat, potatoes, and onions.
80-150
Local restaurants and village food stalls
โรตีแกง
Roti with Curry
Fresh roti at morning markets served with rich curry for dipping. A Muslim-Thai breakfast tradition.
30-50
Village morning market stalls
-
Fresh Seafood
Grilled fish, prawns, and squid from local fishermen. The Muslim-Thai preparation with turmeric and spices is distinctive.
100-300
Beachfront restaurants on the east coast
ข้าวหมกไก่
Khao Mok Gai
Chicken biryani from the Muslim community with aromatic yellow rice, fried shallots, and tangy sauce.
50-80
Village restaurants and morning market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
400 - 700
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,500 - 3,500
THB / night
Luxury
8,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
10,000 - 18,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
15,000 - 30,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
The accommodation range is surprisingly wide — from backpacker bungalows to luxury resorts. Book boutique places ahead in peak season. ATMs are unreliable — bring cash.
Getting There from Bangkok
Phuket International Airport
Airport Code: HKT
Flight to Phuket + speedboat
1.5 hours flight + 20-30 min boat
3,500-5,500 THB
Flight to Krabi + boat
1.5 hours flight + 45-60 min boat
3,000-5,000 THB
Getting Around
Bicycle
WidespreadThe island way. Flat sections are easy; some hills are steep.
100-200/day
Motorbike rental
WidespreadFaster option for the hilly sections.
250-350/day
Neighborhoods
Tha Kai Village (Main Pier)
Authentic fishing villageThe primary village where boats arrive. Shops, restaurants, the mosque, and local life. The island's commercial center.
Best for: Budget travelers and culture seekers
East Coast Beaches
Peaceful with world-class natural sceneryPasai, Tha Khao, and Lam Sai beaches with stunning Phang Nga Bay karst views. Most accommodation is along this stretch.
Best for: Scenic views and beach access
Festivals & Events
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
End of Ramadan celebration with family gatherings, special food, and community festivities in the Muslim villages.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings on the sea with the dramatic Phang Nga Bay karsts as a backdrop.
Practical Info
Hospital
Small health clinic on island; serious cases by speedboat to Phuket or Krabi hospitals (30-60 min)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai with moderate English at resorts. Limited English in the village. Dress modestly when visiting the mosque.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island
Iconic limestone karsts, sea caves, and the famous James Bond Island from 'The Man with the Golden Gun'.
Koh Hong
Stunning enclosed lagoon surrounded by sheer cliff walls with excellent snorkeling in clear water.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Yao Noi boring?
If you need nightlife and constant entertainment, yes. If you appreciate quiet beauty, cycling through rice paddies, and stunning natural scenery without crowds, it is one of Thailand's best islands.
How is it different from Phuket?
Night and day. Koh Yao Noi is what Phuket might have been 40 years ago — quiet, local, undeveloped, and beautiful.
Can I cycle the whole island?
Yes, though some hills are steep. The full loop is about 25 km. E-bikes and motorbikes make hills easier.
Is there an ATM?
One or two but unreliable. Always bring enough cash from Phuket or Krabi.
Is the food good?
Excellent. The Muslim-Thai cuisine is authentic and flavorful. Fresh seafood is outstanding. Resort restaurants range from good to very good.
What is the best activity?
Cycling. Riding through rice paddies with limestone karsts rising from Phang Nga Bay in the background is unforgettable.