In case you’re on the lookout for the perfect issues to do on Koh Yao Noi, the place to remain, the place to eat and why it’s essential to go to this attractive island in southern Thailand, then our final journey information to visiting Koh Yao Noi will provide help to profit from your journey!
With 1430 islands scattered round Thailand, you would simply spend a lifetime travelling round making an attempt to see all of them as a part of an final island-hopping journey.
Properly we’ve got yet one more so as to add to your endless checklist of locations to go to in Thailand…
Koh Yao Noi is a palm-speckled oasis within the Phang Nga Bay, only a 45-minute speedboat trip away from Phuket.
The quieter model of its larger sister Koh Yao Yai to the south and a world away from its bustling neighbour Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi is the place to be when you love enjoyable in native communities with beautiful ocean backdrops and greater than a handful of unbelievable eating places and bars to whereas away the hours.
Having spent numerous months exploring the islands of Southern Thailand, we’ve got grown to like the extra chilled spots that also keep that genuine ambiance.
On our most up-to-date journey to Thailand we headed straight from Phuket Worldwide Airport to Koh Yaoi Noi for a number of nights of seaside bliss, and it shortly changed into considered one of our favorite Thai locations.
On this journey information we’re going to dive into every little thing it’s essential to learn about visiting Koh Yao Noi, from what to do, the place to remain, get right here, and extra.
Prepared to go to Koh Yao Noi? Let’s get into it…
High 12 Issues To Do On Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Each of the Koh Yao Islands are unbelievable. Koh Yao Yai is way busier and thrilling, however we love the enjoyable and genuine vibe that you simply get once you go to Koh Yao Noi.
For such a laidback island, there are a variety of unbelievable issues to do on Koh Yao Noi.
Whether or not you’re keen on diving or beach-hopping, connecting with locals or just kicking again by the pool with a cocktail in hand, you’re certain to search out loads of actions to maintain you busy.
Listed here are a few of our favorite issues to do in Koh Yao Noi.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our full information to travelling in Thailand!
1) Go on a Boat Tour Out to the Surrounding Islands
The Phang Nga Bay is house to a spectacular archipelago of limestone islands, so e book in for an island-hopping tour and head on out to see them up shut.
You’ll discover quite a few tour operators organising day journeys out to Kong Hong, Koh Lao Lading and Koh Pakbia, three of essentially the most beautiful close by islands.
Leaping on a ship tour is an effective way to see the Koh Yao Islands and get a correct understanding of simply what makes Phang Nga Bay so stunning.
The primary cease is Koh Hong, or Hong Island, house to a sensational crescent-shaped seashore and a 360-degree viewpoint which supplies you nice views.
You do must climb up quite a few steep steps to get to the highest, however belief us – it’s well worth the effort!
Subsequent is the lagoon of Koh Hong. This lagoon is hidden behind the limestone cliffs and may solely be entered by way of a slim entrance within the rock at excessive tide.
It’s busy in there however is gorgeous to see.
Subsequent you’ll pull up at Koh Lao Lading for a picnic lunch proper on the seashore, and when you’re fortunate like us, you’ll have all the place to your self.
The final cease is Koh Pakbia, a peaceable island with a stunning seashore to swim at.
Do pay attention to your belongings although as there are cheeky monkeys on the island that like to assist themselves to no matter snacks or gadgets vacationers might have laying round unattended.
Each boat tour is completely different. Some might embody a go to to Koh Lanta, Koh Chang, or Koh Nok. All are well-liked close by islands, so focus on along with your tour operator which islands you’d like to go to in your tour and so they’ll provide help to e book the fitting one.
You possibly can e book a Koh Yao Noi island-hopping tour, both becoming a member of a gaggle or as a personal journey, by way of your lodging or at any of the little tour businesses within the villages.
2) Get Up for Dawn
Among the best methods to begin your day once you go to Koh Yao Noi is to get up early and watch the dawn.
Head over to the east aspect of the island, seize your self a espresso, and be mesmerised on the limestone cliffs illuminating within the distance as a brand new day begins.
3) Trip Round Koh Yao Noi
One of the simplest ways to discover Koh Yao Noi is by hiring a scooter and cruising round by yourself time.
There’s a ring highway that circles the island with a number of little aspect roads you may take and do extra exploring.
You possibly can hire a scooter beginning at 200 Thai Baht for the day. You possibly can decide up a map out of your lodge for some highlights of locations to see alongside the best way, or just decide a course and begin driving.
Alongside the best way you will notice rows of farms, little fishing villages, some buffalo, a lot of nice seashores, native townships and it’s possible you’ll even meet some pleasant locals.
In case you do hire a scooter, be sure to seize a helmet too, and double-check that your journey insurance coverage covers bike driving.
We suggest World Nomads journey insurance coverage.
4) Kayaking & Sightseeing at James Bond Island
Probably the most iconic spot in all of Phang Nga Bay is the awe-inspiring James Bond Island.
This rock gained worldwide fame within the James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun“, and film aficionados and island lovers have been flocking right here ever since.
To the locals the island is named Khao Phing Kan, which suggests Nail Island within the Thai language, and as quickly as you see it you’ll perceive why.
Rising impossibly out of the ocean like a 40m-high pinnacle, James Bond Island is a geological marvel, and effectively price seeing when you’re staying on Koh Yao Noi.
You possibly can e book a full-day tour out to Khao Phing Kan by way of any of the lodging or tour businesses on the Koh Yao Islands.
Becoming a member of considered one of these excursions lets you go kayaking out and round James Bond Island, in addition to stopping off and discover caves, stunning lagoons and surreal remoted seashores and bays.
The ocean waters are beautiful with their glistening, turquoise colors. You may also go to the ocean gypsies village of Koh Panji.
5) Go to the Sea Gypsies
When you’re out exploring the waters of Phang Nga Bay, make a visit to see the Moken individuals, or Sea Gypsies, of Koh Panji.
These are native individuals who dwell in floating homes out on the water, surviving off what the ocean provides them, with little altering for his or her inhabitants in a long time.
Males are out fishing on their boats, girls are sitting round shucking clams and kids are enjoying amongst themselves.
Visiting the Moken is an attention-grabbing expertise, however it will possibly really feel a bit touristy. Nonetheless it’s an enchanting perception into a conventional way of life that most individuals are unaware exists.
6) Try the Fishing Villages in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi doesn’t have any large cities or CBDs. As a substitute, you’ll discover quite a few fishing villages scattered across the island.
The those who dwell on Koh Yao Noi make a residing from fishing, farming, and rising rubber bushes, so it’s a really genuine and conventional life-style, which displays of their houses.
READ MORE: Need to know one other considered one of our favorite Thai islands? Try our full journey information to Koh Mook!
In case you are occupied with seeing the fishing villages at their most lively, you may go to them early within the mornings when the locals are on the point of begin their day.
7) Loosen up on the Seashore on Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi has some attractive seashores, so be sure to put aside a day (or perhaps a few days) to throw down a towel and relax on the sand.
As Koh Yao Noi is pretty quiet it’s not onerous to discover a stretch of seashore all to your self.
We stopped by fairly a number of throughout our journey, and considered one of our favorite issues to do on Koh Yao Noi was to seize a coconut from one of many native stalls close to the seashore and spend an hour swimming and hanging out.
8) Do a Yoga Class or Be a part of a Retreat on Koh Yao Noi
There are a selection of yoga studios on Koh Yao Noi which can be open to drop-ins.
What higher strategy to begin the day (aside from watching the dawn) is to stretch the physique with some yoga strikes?
Island Yoga is the preferred studio on the island, and presents yoga courses, meditation and even prolonged retreat stays.
9) Join a Muay Thai Faculty on Koh Yao Noi
If you wish to work in your health, becoming a member of a Muay Thai class or retreat will get the energy burning, sweat pouring, and cardio ranges hovering.
As among the finest self-defence martial arts, Muay Thai is just not solely an effective way to discover ways to shield your self but in addition to shred kilos shortly because of the intense coaching regime.
Try KYN Phoenix Muay Thai for all of your Thai kickboxing wants.
10) Drop into Cafe Kantary for Espresso and a Deal with
When a spot claims to have the perfect espresso on the island, you already know you higher put them to the take a look at.
Fortunately Cafe Kantary ship on the products, and so they serve up a scrumptious brew that may get caffeine-addicted travellers buzzing for extra.
Situated proper subsequent to Cape Kudu Lodge, Cafe Kantary additionally serves up unbelievable sweets, together with pastries, desserts and ice lotions.
11) See What’s Occurring Over on Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Noi’s larger sister, Koh Yao Yai, is only a quick boat trip away to the south and is effectively price exploring for a day.
The seashores on Koh Yao Yai are the island’s most important attraction, particularly within the north at Laem Had Seashore, so be sure to’ve packed your swimmers.
When you’re over there seize your self a kayak for some paddling, a snorkel set to see what yow will discover underwater or simply wander across the coastal villages and inside plantations.
There are common ferries to Koh Yao Yai from Koh Yao Noi. Cease by Manoh Pier to see when the following one goes.
12) Go Scuba Diving in Phang Nga
In case you love scuba diving and also you occur to be in Koh Yao Noi from November to Could, do your self a favour and e book in for a number of enjoyable dives at among the unbelievable websites round Phang Nga Bay.
Firms like Similan Scuba KYN run nice journeys for learners and skilled divers to Shark Level, King Cruiser Wreck and quite a few different places.
Not certified? No drawback! Join an open-water course or introduction to scuba whilst you’re on the island.
Our Epic Journey Information to Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga
Now that you already know what to do on Koh Yao Noi, we’re going to share all the overall journey data you’ll must make your go to right here easy and pleasing.
READ MORE: Try our high suggestions for the greatest issues to do in Thailand!
In regards to the Koh Yao Islands – Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
There are two islands close to one another, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. The final phrase on the identify is the dimensions of the island; in Thai, Yai means giant and noi means small.
Koh Yao Yai is extra developed, with Koh Yao Noi being a bit extra relaxed. Go to Koh Yao Yai for extra facilities and leisure choices.
However why not go to each Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi in case you have the time?
The place is Koh Yao Noi?
Koh Yao Noi is positioned within the Phang Nga Bay of southern Thailand, a part of the Andaman Sea and 45 minutes east of Phuket by speedboat.
Methods to Get to Koh Yao Noi
Attending to Koh Yao Noi may be very simple. There’s a velocity boat ferry that leaves from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket and heads over to Tha Manok Peir on Koh Yao Noi.
From there you may rent an area songthaew (passenger car) to get to your lodge or prepare a decide up along with your lodging.
From Krabi, head to the Nopparat Thara Ferry Pier or the Ta Len Pier the place you may catch both a public velocity boat ferry or a longtail to Bangrong Pier.
The velocity boats go roughly each hour and value 300 Thai Baht per particular person.
Is Koh Yao Noi Price Visiting?
Completely! We expect this Thai island paradise within the Andaman Sea is one which guests mustn’t miss.
The vibe on this island is relaxed and surreal. It’s simple to entry and offers a really completely different expertise to busier Phuket.
There’s lots to see and do right here, and when you’re on the lookout for an ideal Thai island getaway, then positively take into account a visit over to Koh Yao Noi.
We suggest exploring the island by yourself for a number of days, however when you’re quick on time you may e book a guided tour from Krabi.
This tour on Klook visits Koh Yao Noi, Hong Island, and the James Bond Island as a day journey from Krabi.
The place to Eat in Koh Yao Noi
For such a small island there’s a stunning quantity of nice eating places to attempt, particularly when you love Thai meals!
Most of them will be discovered on the southern peninsula between Manoh Pier and Kong Jark Seashore.
Try Kaya Restaurant, Koh Yao Bistro by Chef Aon, Backyard Cafe, Faye’s Kitchen, and Sawasdee Restaurant.
One other superb place to eat is the Hornbill Restaurant, discovered contained in the Cape Kudu Lodge.
Their meals is divine and so they supply a different, contemporary mixture of Thai and Western specialties.
The place to Keep in Koh Yao Noi
Whether or not you’re travelling on a price range or seeking to splurge, you’ll discover some fantastic lodging on Koh Yao Noi.
For an inexpensive place to remain on Koh Yao Noi e book into Tha Khao Bay View.
Choose a mid-range lodge? Paradise KohYao is the highest decide for right here. Lodge costs enhance throughout peak season, however costs in Ko Yao Noi are nonetheless cheap.
However if you wish to expertise not simply the perfect lodge on Koh Yao Noi, but in addition arguably among the finest in Phang Nga, you then can’t miss Cape Kudu Lodge!
The Finest Luxurious Lodge on Koh Yao Noi – Cape Kudu Lodge
Located on the east coast and only a quick trip away from Manoh Pier, Cape Kudu Lodge is redefining boutique luxurious on the Thai islands.
A part of the outstanding Cape & Kantary Lodges model, Cape Kudu presents company a spread of spacious villas, lots of which embody their very own personal plunge swimming pools.
The Lengthy Island Bar serves up scrumptious cocktails proper by the pool, and their Hornbill Restaurant dishes up meals which can be arguably the perfect on Koh Yao Noi.
We personally stayed right here on our most up-to-date go to and completely liked our time right here.
If you wish to know extra about this lodging, take a look at our intensive Cape Kudu Lodge overview.
Koh Yao Noi Journey Ideas
- There may be an ATM on the island so don’t fear if it’s essential to get money out.
- When renting a scooter by no means depart your passport with the rental firm. Ask your lodge to photocopy your passport and take that with you. You have to to go away a deposit although so be sure to have that in money.
- You possibly can e book island-hopping excursions at your lodging or at one of many little tour businesses discovered throughout Koh Yao Noi.
- The greatest time to go to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is between December and April when the climate is milder and there’s much less rain. It is usually the busiest time of 12 months although so be sure to e book forward.
DISCLAIMER: Our go to to Koh Yao Noi was made in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. All ideas, opinions and hours spent enjoyable on the seashores are, as at all times, our personal.