Discover Koh Yao Islands: Luxury for Less

Last updated: May 2025

Phuket and Krabi draw the crowds with their well-developed tourism scenes. However, a pair of islands between them offers something increasingly rare in Thailand. These islands provide authentic luxury experiences without the premium price tag. The Koh Yao islands consist of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. They are located in the middle of spectacular Phang Nga Bay. They are surrounded by breathtaking limestone karsts and crystal waters. These features attract visitors to their more famous neighbors. However, Koh Yao islands have only a fraction of the development and crowds.

I’ve explored these hidden gems. I discovered that the Koh Yao islands offer some of Thailand’s best value for upscale experiences. These islands feature affordable beachfront resorts. Private boat tours cost half of what you’d pay in Phuket. They deliver the perfect balance of comfort and authenticity that many travelers are seeking.

Getting There: Part of the Adventure

Reaching the Koh Yao islands requires a bit more effort than Thailand’s mainstream destinations, which helps preserve their undiscovered feel (we booked our tickets from a travel agency on the main street in Ao Nang, but there were plenty of options on 12Go as well.

From Phuket:

• Head to Bang Rong Pier on the northeast coast (30-45 minutes from most beach areas)
• Speedboats (20 minutes, ฿350) and longtail boats (40 minutes, ฿200) depart regularly throughout the day
• Last boat typically leaves around 5:00 PM

From Krabi:

• Depart from Ao Nang or Krabi Town via Nopparat Thara Pier or Chao Fah Pier
• Speedboats (30 minutes, ฿450) and longtail boats (1 hour, ฿300)
• Service less frequent than from Phuket—check schedules in advance

Between Islands:

• Regular longtail boat service connects Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi (15 minutes, ฿50)
• The boat pier on Koh Yao Noi is close to the main village, while Koh Yao Yai has boats departing from multiple piers

Pro Tip: Coordinate your arrival on the islands with your accommodation’s schedule. Many resorts offer free pier pickups at specific times.

Koh Yao Yai: The Larger, More Laid-Back Island

Koh Yao Yai (“Big Long Island”) is the larger but less developed of the pair. Its western coastline faces Phuket across the bay, offering spectacular sunset views over the limestone karsts.

Luxury Accommodations on Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai Village

This was our home during our stay, and it exemplifies the island’s “luxury for less” appeal. Set on a pristine west-facing beach with dramatic sunset views, this resort offers upscale comfort without breaking the bank.

What Makes It Special:

• Multiple swimming pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the bay
• Complimentary water sports equipment (kayaks, SUPs, snorkeling gear)
• Spacious bungalows set in tropical gardens
• Quality restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine alongside Western options
• Attentive service with a laid-back island vibe

Value Factor: Private beachfront bungalows start around ฿3,500-4,500 ($100-130) per night in high season. Similar accommodations in Phuket or Koh Samui would easily command double that price.

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa

Santhiya offers stunning pool villas carved from teak wood. This is perfect for those seeking a more luxurious experience. It still benefits from the island’s value proposition.

What Makes It Special:

• Dramatic architecture inspired by traditional Thai designs
• Private pools with panoramic ocean views
• Free shuttle services around the island
• Spectacular multi-tiered main pool cascading down the hillside

Value Factor: Pool villas start around ฿7,000-9,000 ($200-260) in high season. In contrast, similar properties on more developed islands cost ฿15,000 or more.

Dining on Koh Yao Yai

Chaba Restaurant at Koh Yao Yai Village

The resort’s main restaurant delivers excellent Thai cuisine with occasional international options in a beautiful waterfront setting. Main dishes range from ฿180-350, with fresh seafood selections at market prices that are still considerably lower than Phuket.

Don’t Miss: Their Tom Yum Talay (seafood spicy soup) is a must-try. The whole fish in lime and chilli sauce also showcases the region’s fresh seafood at its best.

Kaya Restaurant

A local favorite serving authentic southern Thai cuisine in an unpretentious setting. Most dishes range from ฿100-250, with seafood specialties reflecting current market prices.

Local Tip: Their Gaeng Som (sour curry) with fresh fish is prepared in the traditional southern style. It is spicier and more intensely flavored than versions you’ll find in tourist areas.

Experiences on Koh Yao Yai

Private Boat Tours

The western beaches of Koh Yao Yai offer excellent departure points for exploring Phang Nga Bay. You can charter an entire longtail boat for around ฿3,000-4,000 for a half-day tour. This is less than the per-person cost of group tours from Phuket.

Recommended Experience: Ask to visit Kudu Island. Also, visit Pak Bia Island. They offer spectacular beaches and snorkeling. These places have far fewer visitors than the popular James Bond Island tours.

Beach Picnics

Several resorts on Koh Yao Yai can arrange private beach picnics on nearby uninhabited islands for a special occasion.

Value Experience: Koh Yao Yai Village offers a “Castaway Picnic” experience. They transport you to a secluded beach with a prepared picnic basket for around ฿1,800 for two people. Similar experiences in Koh Samui or Phuket would start at ฿5,000+.

Photogenic Spots on Koh Yao Yai

Laem Haad Beach

This northern tip of Koh Yao Yai features a dramatic sandbar. It emerges during low tide. This creates a stunning natural walkway into the sea with limestone karsts as a backdrop.

Best Time: Two hours before low tide as the sandbar gradually appears.

Sunset at Loh Paret Beach

The mid-island western beach offers unobstructed sunset views with dramatic silhouettes of the limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay.

Photography Tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset. This helps you secure a prime spot. You can watch the changing light on the water.

Koh Yao Noi: The Smaller, More Developed Island

Koh Yao Noi (“Small Long Island”) is the more developed of the pair. It remains remarkably untouched compared to nearby destinations. It has a greater selection of restaurants and accommodations, making it slightly more convenient for first-time visitors.

Luxury Accommodations on Koh Yao Noi

Holiday Resort Koh Yao Noi

For budget-conscious travelers still seeking that touch of luxury, this smaller resort offers beachfront bungalows with modern amenities.

What Makes It Special:

• Direct beach access with complimentary kayaks
• Swimming pool with sea views
• Clean, comfortable rooms with air conditioning
• Friendly family-run atmosphere

Value Factor: Beachfront bungalows from ฿1,800-2,500 ($50-70) per night, offering excellent value for beachfront accommodation.

Cape Kudu Hotel

This boutique luxury property offers a more contemporary design aesthetic. This is in contrast to the traditional Thai style found at many island resorts.

What Makes It Special:

• Infinity pool with panoramic bay views
• Elegant minimalist design
• Excellent on-site restaurant
• Thoughtful touches like complimentary afternoon tea

Value Factor: Luxury rooms start from ฿5,000-7,000 ($140-200) in high season, offering similar amenities to properties costing ฿12,000+ in Phuket.

Dining on Koh Yao Noi

Grasshopper Bar & Restaurant

This casual beachfront establishment offers fantastic sunset views with reasonably priced cocktails (฿120-180) and fresh seafood dishes (฿200-400).

Signature Experience: Their seafood barbecue costs ฿450 per person. It features a generous selection of the day’s catch. The seafood is grilled to perfection right on the beach.

Rice Paddy

Set amidst the island’s interior rice fields, this restaurant serves excellent Thai cuisine in a serene setting. Their organic vegetables come from their own garden, and dishes range from ฿150-300.

Must-Try: Their banana flower salad and pumpkin curry showcase local ingredients with authentic northern Thai flavors.

Experiences on Koh Yao Noi

Rock Climbing

Koh Yao Noi has emerged as a less crowded alternative to Krabi for rock climbing enthusiasts. It offers over 40 bolted routes on its eastern limestone walls.

Value Experience: Half-day guided climbing trips start around ฿2,000 per person. This price includes all equipment. It is significantly less than similar experiences in Railay or Tonsai.

Personalized Snorkeling Trips

With less competition for boats and guides, personalized snorkeling experiences are much more accessible from Koh Yao Noi.

Recommendation: Local fishermen often moonlight as snorkeling guides, offering authentic experiences with their deep knowledge of the area. Expect to pay around ฿1,500-2,000 for a private half-day trip.

Photogenic Spots on Koh Yao Noi

Tha Khao Bay

This east-facing beach offers spectacular sunrise views with the dramatic silhouette of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone formations.

Photography Tip: Visit around sunrise. At this time, the fishermen are heading out for the day. This timing adds authentic cultural elements to your landscape shots.

Rice Paddy Views

The inland areas of Koh Yao Noi feature lush rice fields backdropped by jungle-covered hills.

Best Location: The road between Tha Khao village and Pasai Beach offers several excellent vantage points. These spots are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.

Seasonal Value: When to Visit the Koh Yao Islands

The Koh Yao islands follow the same weather patterns as Phuket and Krabi but offer significantly better shoulder season value.

High Season (December-March)

Peak pricing but still 30-40% below equivalent accommodations on neighboring islands. Expect perfect weather with minimal rain.

Shoulder Season (April-May, November)

My recommended time to visit. The weather remains mostly favorable with occasional short showers, but accommodation prices drop by 20-30% from high season rates.

Low Season (June-October)

The best value period, with luxury accommodations often available at 50% off high season rates. Expect periodic heavy rainfall, but rarely all-day downpours. The islands’ west-facing beaches can experience rougher seas during this period.

Insider Tip: Late September to early October often offers excellent weather conditions. During this time, you can also find low season rates. This happens before the high season pricing kicks in.

Sustainability and Local Life on the Koh Yao Islands

The Koh Yao islands’ less-developed status isn’t just about offering better value—it provides a more authentic and sustainable luxury experience.

Community-Based Tourism

Many activities directly benefit local communities rather than international corporations. Several accommodations, including the mid-range Holiday Resort on Koh Yao Noi, are locally owned and operated.

Environmental Initiatives

Most resorts on the islands have implemented sustainability measures:

• Koh Yao Yai Village runs a coral propagation program you can participate in
• Santhiya operates with reduced plastic and extensive water recycling systems
• Many smaller properties use solar power for water heating

Engagement Opportunity: Both islands offer “local life” tours. You can learn traditional fishing techniques or rubber tapping. Local guides will assist you (฿800-1,200 per person).

Muslim Community

Unlike many Thai tourist destinations, the Koh Yao islands have predominantly Muslim populations. This influences local culture in several ways:

• Few bars serving alcohol outside of resorts
• More modest dress expected in villages (shoulders and knees covered)
• No pork on local restaurant menus (though resorts typically offer it)

This cultural element adds another layer of authenticity to your experience. It offers insights into a side of Thailand often missed on the more developed islands.

Final Thoughts

The Koh Yao islands represent that increasingly rare sweet spot in Thai tourism. They are developed enough to offer genuine comfort and quality experiences. They are not so commercialized that they’ve lost their soul or inflated their prices. They’re ideal for 30-something travelers. These travelers have moved on from backpacker-style accommodations. However, they aren’t looking to spend extravagantly on unnecessary frills.

These islands are special not just because of the price point. Staying slightly off the beaten path offers authenticity. Your beach massage isn’t interrupted by jet skis or beach vendors. Your restaurant table doesn’t require booking days in advance. And your sunset views aren’t shared with hundreds of other tourists jostling for the perfect shot.

Choose the laid-back atmosphere of Koh Yao Yai. Alternatively, opt for the slightly more developed Koh Yao Noi. Both islands offer a unique combination of comfort, value, and authentic Thai experiences. They stand as testament to the fact that luxury isn’t about marble bathrooms and butler service. It’s about having space to breathe. It’s also about taking time to appreciate your surroundings. Finally, it’s about the freedom to experience a destination on your own terms.

In an era where social media has exposed even the most “secret” destinations, the Koh Yao islands remain unappreciated gems. They are genuinely special. This is not because they lack appeal. It is because they lack the mass tourism infrastructure that would ultimately diminish what makes them special.

Have you visited the Koh Yao islands? Which island captured your heart? Share your experiences in the comments below!