Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is the smaller of the two Yao islands, sitting in Phang Nga Bay roughly halfway between Phuket and the Krabi coast. It belongs to Phang Nga province, and its larger neighbour, Koh Yao Yai, lies just across a narrow channel to the south. The island has no big resorts strip and no nightlife to speak of: most of its few thousand residents are Muslim families who fish, farm and tap rubber, and the pace of life follows the tides and the call to prayer.

What draws visitors is the view. The east coast looks straight out across the bay to a skyline of limestone islands, and from there kayaking trips, longtail tours and climbing outings head out into some of the most dramatic scenery in southern Thailand. Inland, a ring road loops past rice paddies, rubber plantations and small villages, which makes the island a favourite with cyclists and scooter riders.

The places listed here are mostly small and family-run: bungalows, homestays, garden hotels and a few villas. Filter them by area and type below, or read the area guide first.

Getting there
Boats from Bang Rong pier on Phuket and from the Tha Len area near Krabi
Main piers
Manoh in the south-west (Phuket boats) and Tha Khao in the north-east (Krabi boats)
Getting around
Scooters, bicycles and local tuk-tuk taxis; there is no bus
Nearest airports
Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV), both via the mainland piers
Wettest months
Usually May to October

Places to stay in Koh Yao Noi

10 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi, area by area

Most places to stay are on or just behind the east coast, where a string of beaches runs from Pasai in the south-east up to Tha Khao in the north-east. The island's main village and Manoh Pier are in the south, and the west and centre are mostly farmland and mangroves.

Pasai, Klong Jark & Laem Sai

Best for beach walks and sea views

The south-east coast has the island's longest stretches of sand and the most choice of bungalows, cafés and small restaurants, all strung along the coast road. Pasai is the busiest beach, which on Koh Yao Noi still means quiet, and Klong Jark lies a few minutes further north. Ban Laem Sai sits on the headland at the south-eastern corner.

The water here is very shallow at low tide, so swimming is best around high water. In return, the sunrise over the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay is the island's signature view, and kayaks and tours are easy to arrange.

Tha Khao & the north-east

Best for boats to Krabi and a slower pace

At the northern end of the east-coast road, the fishing village of Tha Khao has a small beach and the pier used by boats to and from the Krabi side of the bay. It's sleepier than Pasai, with a handful of guesthouses and local restaurants.

Beyond Tha Khao the roads turn to dirt tracks, and the island's northern tip has a few secluded bays that are reached by boat or on foot. Staying up here makes sense if you're arriving from Krabi or want real quiet.

The village & Manoh Pier

Best for local life and arriving from Phuket

The island's main settlement spreads across the south, between the beaches and Manoh Pier, where boats from Phuket's Bang Rong pier tie up. This is where you'll find the market, convenience stores, cash machines, mosques and the island's day-to-day bustle.

Homestays and guesthouses here put you among local families rather than other visitors. You'll need a scooter or a tuk-tuk to reach the beaches, but nothing on the island is far.

Inland & the west coast

Best for cyclists and countryside stays

Away from the east coast, the island is a patchwork of rice paddies, rubber plantations, buffalo pasture and mangrove-lined shore. A few villas and garden stays are tucked away out here, often with views across the fields to the hills.

It's the most rural option. Roads are unlit after dark, so bring a torch and take it slowly on a scooter.

Questions about staying in Koh Yao Noi

How do I get to Koh Yao Noi?

From Phuket, speedboats and slower longtail-style boats run from Bang Rong pier in north-east Phuket to Manoh Pier. From Krabi, boats leave from the Tha Len area and arrive at Tha Khao in the north-east. There's no bridge or car ferry for visitors, and timetables change with the season, so check the latest departures before you travel.

Which part of Koh Yao Noi is best for the beach?

The east coast, around Pasai and Klong Jark. These beaches have the most places to stay and eat and the best views of the limestone islands. Bear in mind that they become very shallow at low tide, so check the tide times if you want to swim.

Do I need a scooter on Koh Yao Noi?

It helps. There's no public transport, but scooters and bicycles are easy to rent and a ring road circles most of the island. Local tuk-tuk taxis meet the boats at the piers, and many places to stay can arrange a pick-up.

Is Koh Yao Noi good for families?

It suits families who want a quiet beach holiday with kayaking, cycling and boat trips rather than resort entertainment. Evenings are very low-key, and alcohol is mainly served at resorts and tourist restaurants out of respect for the island's Muslim community.

When is the best time to visit Koh Yao Noi?

The dry season, roughly November to April, has the calmest seas and the most boat services. From about May to October the south-west monsoon brings more rain, and some crossings run less often, although the island is greener and quieter.

Are there cash machines on Koh Yao Noi?

There are a few in the main village, but they can run out, and many small cafés, guesthouses and tuk-tuk drivers take cash only. It's sensible to bring enough baht with you from Phuket or Krabi.

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