Koh Yao Yai
เกาะยาวใหญ่ · Phang Nga Province
Population
8K
Budget / Month
$445
Internet
20 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season)
About Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai ("Big Long Island") is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay, roughly 25 km long and 5 km wide. It is substantially bigger than Koh Yao Noi but has even less tourism development. About 8,000 people live here, mostly Muslim fishing and rubber farming families in small coastal villages.
Long, empty beaches line the eastern shore with views across Phang Nga Bay to the mainland karst formations. The interior is covered in rubber plantations and coconut groves, crossed by quiet roads perfect for motorbike exploration. The western coast is more mangrove-lined and less accessible.
Where Koh Yao Noi has cultivated a boutique resort scene, Koh Yao Yai remains firmly undiscovered. There are some mid-range resorts, a few bungalow operations, and a smattering of local restaurants, but large stretches of the island have nothing at all. Internet is inconsistent, ATMs unreliable, and amenities minimal. This is the island for travelers who think Koh Yao Noi is getting too popular — come here to disconnect, not to work.
Historical Note
Koh Yao Yai has been home to Muslim fishing and farming communities for generations. The island remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, with its economy centered on rubber, coconut, and small-scale fishing.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะยาวใหญ่
Province
Phang Nga
Region
Southern
Population
8,000
Area
137 km²
Elevation
30 m
Postal Code
82160
Local Language
Thai, Southern Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month16,000 THB
~$445 USD
comfortable
/month33,000 THB
~$917 USD
luxury
/month70,000 THB
~$1,945 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Local restaurant meal | 70 | 130 |
| Resort restaurant meal | 180 | 450 |
| Coffee (local) | 25 | 45 |
| Beer (bottle) | 60 | 100 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 15 | 20 |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | 30 | 50 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic bungalow | 500 | 1,000 |
| Mid-range resort | 1,500 | 3,500 |
| Boutique resort | 3,500 | 10,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (day) | 250 | 350 |
| Speedboat to Phuket | 200 | 350 |
| Longtail boat trip (half day) | 1,500 | 2,500 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Kayak rental (hour) | 150 | 300 |
| Massage (1 hour) | 250 | 450 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry (per kg) | 40 | 60 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
10% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry weather and calm seas. The island is accessible year-round but June to October brings rain and rougher boat crossings.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 23 | 30 | 72% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 20 | 70% |
| Mar | 34 | 24 | 40 | 72% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 100 | 76% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 250 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 220 | 82% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 250 | 82% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 260 | 83% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 330 | 85% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 300 | 85% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 180 | 80% |
| Dec | 31 | 23 | 60 | 75% |
Things to Do
Explore Beaches by Motorbike
Ride quiet roads to discover empty beaches along the east coast — Loh Jark, Loh Pared, and Klong Son — with Phang Nga Bay karst views.
Phang Nga Bay Kayaking
Guided kayak trips through the bay's limestone formations and mangrove channels.
Snorkeling at Koh Nok
Small island off the north tip with coral reefs suitable for snorkeling by longtail boat.
Fishing Village Visits
Several small coastal villages where fishermen repair nets and sort catches offer a glimpse of traditional island life.
Beach Solitude
Find a beach with nobody on it. On Koh Yao Yai, this is genuinely easy most days.
Longtail Boat Trips
Hire a longtail boat for island hopping to nearby islets and snorkeling spots in Phang Nga Bay.
Food & Dining
อาหารทะเลย่าง
Fresh Grilled Seafood
Locally caught fish, squid, and prawns grilled and served with spicy dipping sauce and rice.
80-200
Resort restaurants and village eateries
แกงมัสมั่น
Massaman Curry
Rich, mild Muslim-Thai curry with potatoes and peanuts, reflecting the island's Muslim community.
60-120
Local restaurants in the villages
โรตี
Roti with Curry
Morning flatbread served with curry dipping sauce at village food stalls — a southern Muslim breakfast staple.
20-40
Village morning stalls near Chong Lard Pier
แกงกะทิ
Coconut-based Curries
Southern Thai curries made with fresh coconut milk from the island's abundant groves.
60-120
Local restaurants throughout the island
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,500 - 3,500
THB / night
Luxury
3,500 - 25,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
8,000 - 15,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
12,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Fewer options than Koh Yao Noi. Resorts are spread out. Book ahead for peak season (December-February). Bring plenty of cash — ATMs are unreliable.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Phuket + speedboat
1.5 hours + 40 minutes
2,500-5,000 THB
Flight to Krabi + longtail
1.5 hours + 1 hour
2,500-5,000 THB
Getting Around
Motorbike rental
LimitedEssential for exploring the island. Too large and hilly for comfortable cycling.
250-350/day
Bicycle
LimitedPossible for fit riders but hilly terrain makes it challenging.
100-200/day
Neighborhoods
Chong Lard Pier Area (North)
Small village hubMain arrival pier with some accommodation and restaurants. Closest to Koh Yao Noi for day trips.
Best for: Arrivals and dining
Loh Jark Beach (Northeast)
Peaceful resort coastPopular beach area with several resorts and stunning views of Phang Nga Bay karst formations.
Best for: Beach stays and scenery
Festivals & Events
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
End of Ramadan festivities in the Muslim community with feasting and celebrations.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings on the sea and rivers with a quiet, intimate island atmosphere.
Practical Info
Hospital
Basic health clinic on island; serious cases require evacuation to Phuket
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only. Less English spoken than on Koh Yao Noi. Resort staff speak some English.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only. Bring supplies — shops carry basics only.
Tipping Culture
Not expected at local restaurants
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191. Evacuation to Phuket 30-40 min by speedboat.
Day Trips
Koh Yao Noi
The more developed sibling island with cycling, boutique resorts, and more dining options.
Phang Nga Bay
Longtail boat trip to James Bond Island, Koh Hong, and limestone sea caves.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Koh Yao Yai different from Koh Yao Noi?
Bigger, quieter, less developed, fewer tourists and restaurants. If Koh Yao Noi is peaceful, Koh Yao Yai is nearly deserted. The trade-off is fewer amenities.
Do I need a motorbike?
Strongly recommended. The island is too large and hilly to explore on foot. There are no taxis or ride-sharing services.
Is there an ATM?
One or two, but unreliable. Always bring enough cash from Phuket or Krabi for your entire stay.
Is the internet reliable?
No. Expect inconsistent WiFi and patchy mobile signal. Come here to disconnect, not to work remotely.
How do I get there from Phuket?
Speedboat from Bang Rong Pier in northeast Phuket, about 30-40 minutes. Boats run several times daily in high season.
How long should I stay?
Two to four nights. The island rewards slow exploration — a new beach each day by motorbike, a boat trip, and long afternoons of doing nothing.