Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Eat & drink
    • Food culture
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Koh Yao Noi

    Thailand

    Koh Yao Noi

    City

    Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Thailand
    7. Andamanensee-Küste
    9. Koh Yao Noi
    Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island." To its south lies the larger sister island, Koh Yao Yai.The island is predominantly Muslim and thrives on fishing, rubber cultivation, and rice farming. It features villages, a ring road, mosques, and a number of resorts and homestays, but no nightlife. You'll mostly get around by scooter.The beaches on the east coast are very shallow, and the tidal range is significant. At low tide, the sea recedes considerably. The beaches are only suitable for swimming around high tide; plan according to the tide calendar.Nonetheless, the island is an excellent base for kayak and boat tours to the bay's rocky islands. As the population lives conservatively, swimwear is inappropriate outside of beach and pool areas.

    Sights in Koh Yao Noi

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Pasai Beach (Haad Pasai)

    The island's main beach on the east coast, featuring a few local eateries, small shops, and the fishermen's Longtail boats. The tidal range here is considerable: at low tide, the sea recedes far, exposing mud and seagrass, making swimming barely possible. However, at high tide, the bay is calm, and the view extends across the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay. If you want to experience the island's daily life, come early in the morning, when the boats set out.
    Open in Google Maps

    2Klong Jark Viewpoint

    A viewpoint above the northeast coast, offering views over Phang Nga Bay and its offshore limestone islands. The access road is short but steep and partly unpaved; requiring some practice on a scooter, it's tricky when wet. At the top, there's a simple drink stand, whose operation varies seasonally. It's most peaceful in the morning.
    Open in Google Maps

    3Rice fields and local farms

    Experience authentic rural Thailand by embarking on an exploratory tour through the rice fields and small farms in the island's interior. Away from the coast, you'll discover a peaceful landscape, characterized by green rice fields, coconut plantations, and rubber tree plantations. You can observe water buffalo grazing leisurely or farmers tending their fields. A scooter ride through these areas offers deep insights into the daily life of the islanders and conveys a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility that makes Koh Yao Noi so special.
    Open in Google Maps

    4Tha Khao Pier and Mangrove Forests

    Tha Khao Pier is not only the main docking point for ferries and boats, but also a window into the island's local fishing life and fascinating mangrove forests. From here, you can embark on tours into the surrounding mangrove areas, whether by kayak or longtail boat. Glide silently through the dense root systems and discover unique flora and fauna perfectly adapted to the brackish water. A morning stroll along the pier allows you to observe the fishermen at work and soak in the maritime atmosphere.
    Open in Google Maps

    5Manoh Beach (Haad Manoh)

    Beach section in the north of the island, significantly quieter than Pasai and with little development. As everywhere on this coast, the tide dictates what's possible: at high tide you can swim, at low tide a wide mudflat is exposed. Trees on the shore provide shade, supplies are scarce, bring water with you. Without a scooter, the beach is inconvenient to reach from the main town.
    Open in Google Maps

    6Rice fields and local farms

    The island's interior thrives on agriculture, not tourism: rice paddies, coconut and rubber plantations, interspersed with water buffalo and individual farmsteads. The roads are narrow but asphalted and lightly trafficked, making a scooter tour the easiest way to see the island. The rice fields are only submerged during the rainy season and are harvested afterwards. Note that Koh Yao Noi has a Muslim character: outside the beaches, covered shoulders and knees are appropriate.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants & Cafés

    Rice Paddy (Pa Sai Seafood Restaurant)

    Open dining area on the edge of the rice fields in the east of the island, with a Thai menu and seafood. The view is over the fields instead of the sea, which distinguishes it from beachside restaurants. As everywhere on the island, the menu changes with what the boats have brought in.
    Show on Google Maps

    Chaba Cafe and Gallery

    Cafe with an attached small gallery in the north of the island, offering Thai and Western dishes, coffee and pastries. One of the few spots on Koh Yao Noi where you can linger and relax. Opening hours vary by season.
    Show on Google Maps

    Baan Chang Restaurant

    Simple Thai spot in the island's north, off the beachfront. The short menu offers standard Southern Thai dishes. Like most Koh Yao Noi establishments, it's alcohol-free.
    Show on Google Maps

    Cook Kai Restaurant

    Restaurant on Pasai Beach with a Thai menu and seafood, overlooking the longtail boats. It gets busy in the evenings, as there are few alternatives on this beach section. At low tide, you'll look out onto the exposed bay instead of the water.
    Show on Google Maps

    Green Coffee

    Small cafe near Pasai Beach with coffee, smoothies and simple breakfast. One of the few places on the island that reliably opens in the mornings, and thus a meeting point for travelers before their boat trip.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food and Drink

    Cuisine on Koh Yao Noi is predominantly Southern Thai and Muslim-influenced: lots of fish and seafood from the east coast villages, curries with chicken or beef, hardly any pork. Eateries are scattered along the ring road and beaches; there's no town center with a row of restaurants — without a vehicle, you're reliant on what's within walking distance. Many establishments only serve lunch and dinner and close early.Since most of the island's population is Muslim, many local eateries do not serve alcohol; it is available in some accommodations and in establishments catering to guests. During Ramadan, local eateries are often closed during the day.

    Fresh Seafood from the Bay

    Crabs, prawns, squid and fish come from the traps and cages of the fishing villages and are served grilled, steamed or in curry. Payment is often by weight.

    Kaeng Tai Pla and Gaeng Som

    Southern Thailand's two defining curries: the very spicy, dark Kaeng Tai Pla from fermented fish innards, and the sour, tamarind-based Gaeng Som with fish and vegetables. Both are eaten with rice.

    Roti and sweet tea

    In the island’s Muslim kitchens, Roti is baked in the morning, savoury with curry dip or sweet with condensed milk, served with Cha Ron or Cha Yen. A typical breakfast on the Ring Road.

    Massaman Curry

    Mild curry with cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and peanut, which came to the South through trade with Malay-Muslim regions. Usually with chicken or beef and potatoes.

    Khao Yam

    Rice salad with coconut flakes, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, sprouts and fermented fish sauce, served cold. Eaten in the mornings and typical for the Andaman provinces.

    Fruits from the gardens of the island

    Between rubber plantations and rice fields grow bananas, coconuts, cashews, rambutan, and mangosteen. At small roadside stalls, what's in season is sold.

    Culture & Everyday

    Around 90 percent of the people in Koh Yao district are Muslim, with mosques shaping the villages. Outside the beaches, dress with covered shoulders and knees.The island thrives on fishing, rubber, and agriculture. Residents established their own homestay programs early on to earn from tourism without fundamentally changing the island. For this, Koh Yao Noi received in 2002 the World Legacy Award from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler. In homestays, you can watch rubber tapping or fishing.

    Arrival & Getting Around

    From Phuket: Speedboats and longtail boats depart from Bang Rong Pier in northeast Phuket to Manoh Pier in southwest Koh Yao Noi, taking approximately 30 to 60 minutes.From Krabi: Boats from Ao Thalane (Tha Len) Pier arrive at Tha Khao Pier on the east side. Some speedboats from Ao Nang also stop at Manoh Pier.To Koh Yao Yai: Longtails make the crossing from Manoh Pier in about 10 minutes.On the island, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle. Shared taxis and accommodation drivers wait at the pier; agree on the price beforehand. For tours to the bay's rocky islands, you can hire a longtail boat.Current information on safety and health, including transport, can be found at the Federal Foreign Office.

    Accommodations in Koh Yao Noi

    Find perfect stay in Koh Yao Noi

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Plan your trip to Koh Yao Noi

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Koh Yao Noi

      Live
      • 1Pasai Beach (Haad Pasai)3 days
      • 2Klong Jark Viewpoint4 days
      • 3Rice fields and local farms5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Koh Yao Noi
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Andamanensee-Küste

    Andamanensee-Küste

    The Andaman Coast forms the western side of the Thai peninsula. It is characterized by limestone karsts that rise from the sea and the plains, often dropping vertically, and are particularly dense in Phang Nga Bay.Off the coast lie the well-known island groups, from Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands to Koh Lanta and the far-flung Similan Islands. Several coastal sections and island groups are protected as national parks, home to some of the country's most renowned diving areas.The season is clearly defined: From approximately November to April is the dry season with calmer seas, while from May to October, the southwest monsoon brings waves and rain. During the monsoon months, many island businesses and some marine national parks close, and dangerous currents can form on some beaches. Pay attention to red flags and do not enter the water then. Current safety advice can be found at the German Federal Foreign Office.
    Phuket

    Phuket

    Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is more than its famed beaches. Phuket Town's Old Town, with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and old cafes, recounts its tin mining past. In the south stand the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill and *Wat Chalong* temple; the west coast has bays from lively Patong to quieter Kata Noi and Nai Harn. Hokkien noodles, Moo Hong, seafood define the island's cuisine. Best travel time: November to February.
    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang is the main beach resort in Krabi province and a departure point for boat tours into the Andaman Sea. From its long sandy beach, you can gaze at offshore limestone islands, while longtail boats take you to Railay and Phra Nang beaches, which are only accessible by water. Popular options include the Four Islands Tour, featuring Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup, and Poda, as well as excursions to the Hong Islands. Boat tours are most reliable from November to April.
    Railay Beach

    Railay Beach

    Railay is a peninsula in Krabi Province, between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, with steep limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland. No road leads here: you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang (around 15 minutes) or from the Krabi coast; departures depend on wind and sea conditions.The peninsula has several sides: Railay West (wide sandy beach, promenade, boat pier), Railay East (mangrove bay, not for swimming, but cheaper accommodation), and Phra Nang Beach (south, under overhanging rocks, famous cave shrine). North of this is Tonsai, the climbers' and backpackers' quarter.Railay is one of Asia's most renowned sport climbing areas, boasting over 700 bolted routes. Local schools rent equipment and offer courses for beginners.A steep, rope-secured path leads to the viewpoint and the Sa Phra Nang lagoon; it's slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are required. Macaques live on the beaches, deliberately grabbing bags and edibles.
    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Limestone cliffs drop almost vertically into the sea here, with narrow sandy coves nestled between them.All ferries reach Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. The village, situated on a flat land bridge between two bays, is car-free; you travel on foot or by longtail boat. From the village, steps lead to viewpoints above the double bay; quieter beaches like Long Beach are located further southeast.On Phi Phi Leh lies Maya Bay, which was closed for years due to overuse and is now accessible with restrictions: swimming in the bay is prohibited, and it remains closed every year from August to September. In the evenings, nightlife centers on Loh Dalum Bay, featuring beach bars and fire shows. High season runs from November to April.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI