We liked the southern part of Thailand a lot, but were a bit disappointed that, even during ‘off peak’ season, it was still so focused on partying and we often got the feeling we were just put into a boat for the day, following the herd since there is no other option as to visit some islands than during an expensive day tour. We wanted to take matters into our own hands and find the island paradise we had been hoping to find in Southern Thailand.
We got a tip from someone we met in Khao Sok National Park, claiming to have eaten the best chocolate brownie in all of Thailand on a little secluded island called Koh Yao Noi which she visited during a day trip. As the Belgians we are, missing our amazing chocolate for weeks, we had to get there by ourselves and see if her story claimed to be true. And maybe, we would even find our little hidden paradise we were looking for.
Going from Phang Nga Bay to the Koh Yao islands
You can get to Koh Yao Noi from Krabi, Phuket or Phang Nga. This last option is quite a challenge so we thought sharing this information can help other travelers as well. The Tha Dan Pier in Phang Nga Bay is definitely one of the lesser known spots to catch a ferry to the Koh Yao Islands. If you have the feeling you are at the wrong place, seeing no information on boat tours (unlike from if you would travel from other islands such as Krabi or Phuket) you are definitely at the right spot!
Be aware of a big tourist scam here! You will probably see someone coming to you, saying that you should pay 2500 baht/ person to get there.
We stayed at Home Phang Nga Guesthouse, which is runned by the most friendly couple we came across during our backpacking route through Thailand. We asked them to drive us to the Pier in the morning. Our host lady directly spoke to the captain of the longtailboat, ensuring us that we only had to pay 150 baht/ person. That price was even just worth the one and a half hour longtailboat trip across the stunning Phang Nga Bay to us!
You can opt for the more expensive option, the speedboats, which drive multiple times a day or the longtailboats which only go once a day. We chose the cheaper charming longtailboat option as you’ll likely have less chance of getting sea sick and can enjoy a bit more of the scenery.
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How to get started on the island
You have plenty of things to do in Koh Yao Noi, however a scooter is necessary to get around. You can rent a scooter at the Manoh Pier for only 200 baht a day. Since taxis cost a fortune on the island, you’ll quickly realize that renting a scooter is the key to exploring the island’s hidden treasures.
Kindly decline other offers on the Pier as they try to sell you expensive speedboat day trip options. In order to get off the island on a budget-friendly way, you can ask for a longtailboat on the Tha Khao Pier on the eastern part of the island.
Things to do in Koh Yao Noi: island scooter itinerary
Just driving around is perfectly doable since it’s a very small island with decent roads that you can cross in less than an hour, however, here are a few ‘main points’ that you can pinpoint on your map while driving:
1.Hello coconut farm
It’s not necessarily the farm that makes this visit worthwhile, but the mesmerizing scooter journey through the lush landscapes, where the local vibe lingers in the air. This part of the island is further away from the tourist accommodations and the sheer tranquility of this place made us fall even more in love with the island.
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2. Pasai Beach and Klong Jark Beach
Koh Yao Noi is not known for the most beautiful beaches. However, Pasai Beach and Klong Jark Beach offer the perfect place to enjoy the wide view over the Phang Nga Bay, or get a drink at one of the cafes right next to the beach.
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3. The ‘other side’ of the island
Koh Yao Noi is divided into a touristic and local island side. Make sure to visit the local side as well as it is always enriching to experience other people’s way of life.
4. Mini islands
You also have the option to explore multiple mini islands. Be aware that this will be as big as a little piece of sand with one tree, but you’ll have it completely to yourself. You can rent someone to take you there or hire a kayak. An adventure is the 2,5 km paddle from the Pasai Beach to the mini island of Koh Nok. Be aware that the waves can make this a very big challenge!
Tourist traps of Koh Yao Noi in 2024
As the few travel blogs that write about the Koh Yao Islands, we find it our duty to give a post-covid update of the island as some of the things to do in Koh Yao Noi other bloggers have written about, are not accessible anymore.
- other travel blogs write about checking out the ‘Big Tree’ on Koh Yao Noi. However, besides from the very muddy and challenging road to get there, due to Covid, the path is completely overgrown by bushes and we don’t recommend looking for the big tree since it’s not available anymore. There are a lot of wild apes and snakes around here as well and a good medical center is not available on the island. We also like adventures, but do know when to stop since an accident could potentially ruin the rest of your holiday.
2. we thought- mankei beach would be one of the hidden beautiful beaches on the island. It was a very dirty beach with a lot of plastic, definitely not worth the hike up there. However, for bird enthusiasts, this path is a hornbill Walhalla!
Koh Yao Noi restaurants
A tip we got from one of the backpackers we met along the way and will pass on to others is the Anchor Point café. You can eat delicious avocado toasts here and their brownies are an absolute must-try!
For a memorable dinner, head to ‘by the sea’ restaurant, where the chef’s expert recommendations, like trying roti with your curry instead of rice, will elevate your taste buds to new heights. Be prepared to eat the best massaman and beef curry on the island, and, even in southern Thailand.
Taking the ferry from Koh Yao Noi to Krabi
Locals might only mention speedboat options to get off the island but don’t let this fool you, because there is a budget friendly option as well. Walking up to the Tha Khao Pier, we approached a local boatman, asking him if we could catch a longtailboat to Krabi the next day. Since there is only one longtailboat a day (for 150 baht) which leaves at 7am, we had to get up very early.
However, this decision did not only save us some money but also allowed us to experience the genuine local transportation. However, be aware that this boat will not go to the famous Railay Beach but will drive to the Ao Thalane Pier just outside the city centre of Krabi. You will still need to catch a bus or get a taxi to get to the city centre.
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Upon arrival in Krabi, we quickly realized that taking a taxi to the center would be an expensive choice. Instead, we approached fellow travelers from the boat (which were all locals) and discovered the option of joining a local bus (which only costed us 80 baht/person!). This was an adventure itself as we stopped by the gas station where everyone helped getting barrels of fuel in and out the bus.
We asked where the bus would stop into the city center so we didn’t have to walk too far to our accommodation. Instead, they all passed our cellphone to each other, looking at google maps and shouted at the driver where to drop us off… right in front of our hotel without asking anything in return! The Thai friendliness kept amazing us that day. And this is how the Koh Yao Islands will forever stay in our travel memories.
