Hi, I’m Andy
Traveler and photographer.
I don’t travel just to see places. I travel because I want to know if there’s more than just everyday life. More about me
Koh Yao Noi Beaches – A Peaceful Island Away from Mass Tourism
Are you looking for a quiet island in Thailand away from the crowds? Do you want to experience the authentic side of Thailand? Then Koh Yao Noi definitely deserves a place on your bucket list.
Located just 30–60 minutes from Phuket, Koh Yao Noi has fortunately remained untouched by large-scale tourism. The island is known for its unspoiled nature, lush rice fields, and peaceful beaches that will quickly make you fall in love with this hidden paradise.
Unlike many other Thai islands, Koh Yao Noi has preserved much of its original charm. As you explore the island, you will regularly encounter water buffalo resting in the rice fields, local fishermen proudly presenting their daily catch, and free-roaming chickens crossing the roads during your scooter rides through the countryside.
Koh Yao Noi offers a handful of small beach bars and relaxed restaurants, but you will not find wild party scenes or large nightlife areas here. Instead, the island welcomes visitors with tranquillity, local culture, and authentic island life.
Your visit to Koh Yao Noi can also easily be combined with a trip to the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Yai.
Don’t feel like reading? No problem — take a look at our Koh Yao Noi photo gallery instead.
What to Expect in This Koh Yao Noi Beaches & Attractions Travel Guide:
1. Pasai Beach – A Quiet and Relaxing Beach
Pasai Beach in Koh Yao Noi is a peaceful and rarely crowded beach located on the island’s east coast. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, this area can almost be described as the island’s small tourist centre, if such a thing even exists on Koh Yao Noi. Around the beach, you will find a handful of small cottages, resorts, and local restaurants.
One of the island’s popular meeting spots is the Charlie Bar, where travellers and locals enjoy drinks and games of pool in a relaxed atmosphere. Right by the beach, the Ciao Bella Restaurant is a great place to stop for a snack or refreshing drink while enjoying the sea view.
Perfect for Swimming – But Not During Low Tide
Under the Thai sun, Pasai Beach shines in beautiful golden colours. Even during the high season, you will rarely encounter many other visitors here. The atmosphere remains peaceful and relaxed, making it the perfect place for travellers looking to escape the crowds.
The beach offers calm, shallow, and crystal-clear water. Although there are a few small rocks and the beach becomes rather narrow during high tide, swimming conditions are generally very good. During low tide, however, the sea retreats significantly, and the beach almost doubles in size. At this time, the water becomes so shallow that swimming is barely possible.
Tip: Rice Paddy Restaurant
For dinner, I highly recommend the Rice Paddy Restaurant, located around five minutes from the beach by scooter. The owner originally comes from Germany and creates a very welcoming atmosphere. The food is excellent, the portions are generous, and the restaurant overlooks a small rice field, making it a lovely spot to spend the evening.
Viewpoint Overlooking Pasai Beach
At the northern end of Pasai Beach, you will find a small hill with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the beach and Koh Yao Noi’s east coast. To get there, simply follow the main road north. At the sharp left-hand bend near the end of the beach, turn right and continue uphill along the small road leading to the viewpoint.
Useful Facts About Pasai Beach
2. Klong Jark Beach – The Perfect Place to Relax and Unwind
At Klong Jark Beach on Koh Yao Noi, you will encounter a mix of soft sand, pebbles, and rocky sections. Especially during high tide, parts of the beach become flooded and covered by the sea. This is also when you will find the best swimming conditions. During low tide, however, the water retreats far from the shore, and the rocky seabed makes swimming almost impossible. The best area for swimming is located near the Koyao Island Resort, where there are fewer rocks and stones.
Views of the Limestone Islands Towards Krabi
One of the highlights of the golden Klong Jark Beach is the stunning view of the nearby limestone islands Koh Cha Bang, Koh Han Tu, and Ko Ka Mit. Along the horizon, you can admire additional limestone formations rising from the sea and, on clear days, even enjoy views stretching all the way to the coast of Krabi.
Even though Klong Jark Beach may not be the island’s best beach for swimming, its scenic setting makes it a true hidden gem. The beach is perfect for reading a book, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, admiring the landscape, or simply reconnecting with your inner calm.
Tip: Chaba Café and Gallery: Located directly behind the beach, the Chaba Café and Gallery is a wonderful place to enjoy a refreshing smoothie or homemade ice cream. The café is run by a Swiss woman and her Thai husband, and their warm hospitality creates a very welcoming atmosphere.
Useful Facts About Klong Jark Beach on Koh Yao Noi
3. Six Senses Beach – Experience Luxury Up Close
At Six Senses Beach on Koh Yao Noi, you will get a glimpse into the world of luxury, as the beach is located right next to the island’s most exclusive resort. Accommodation prices at the famous Six Senses Resort start at around €1,500 per night.
During my visit, the resort manager kindly gave me an exclusive tour of the property. I was even able to visit several of the luxury villas, all featuring private pools, sun terraces, elegant interiors, and breathtaking panoramic views. If your budget allows it, this place truly feels like paradise.
A Beach That Only Exists During Low Tide
Six Senses Beach is located in a very peaceful setting surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and tropical vegetation. The beach itself features beautiful golden sand, although there are also several rocky sections along the shore and in the water.
Because the beach slopes very gently into the sea, swimming conditions are rather limited. Another important thing to know is that Six Senses Beach only exists during low tide. At high tide, the entire beach disappears beneath the water.
Impressive Views from Six Senses Beach
Even though Six Senses Beach is not ideal for swimming, it has its own unique charm. Similar to Pasai Beach, you can enjoy spectacular views of Koh Yao Noi’s famous limestone rock formations rising from the sea.
The combination of golden sand, rocky sections, palm trees, and the turquoise ocean creates a truly stunning tropical landscape.
As only very few visitors make their way to Six Senses Beach, the atmosphere remains incredibly peaceful. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the scenery, or capture beautiful holiday photos.
Useful Facts About Six Senses Beach
4. Tha Kao Beach – The Perfect Beach for Long Walks on Koh Yao Noi
Tha Kao Beach offers one of the most spectacular panoramas on Koh Yao Noi and is especially beautiful during low tide. As the sea retreats far from the shore, an incredibly wide beach emerges, making it the perfect place for long and peaceful beach walks.
Although Tha Kao Beach is not suitable for swimming, you can walk several hundred metres across the shallow seabed towards a small offshore island. Along the way, you will spot numerous small crabs digging themselves into the wet sand while enjoying the warmth of the tropical sun.
Throughout your walk, you will constantly be surrounded by breathtaking scenery consisting of soft sand, turquoise sea, dramatic limestone cliffs, and picturesque islands rising from the ocean.
With a little luck, you may even witness stunning sunsets at Tha Kao Beach, as the evening light beautifully illuminates the offshore limestone formations.
Even though Klong Jark Beach and Six Senses Beach also offer incredible views, I personally found the scenery at Tha Kao Beach to be the most impressive on Koh Yao Noi.
Stunning Scenery but Not a Swimming Beach
Despite its unforgettable tropical setting, Tha Kao Beach is far from being an ideal swimming beach. The sea remains extremely shallow, both during high and low tide, making swimming nearly impossible. In most cases, the water will barely reach your knees.
Nevertheless, thanks to its extraordinary landscape, Tha Kao Beach remains one of the absolute highlights and most beautiful attractions on Koh Yao Noi.
Do You Like Yoga?
If the answer is a clear yes, then you should definitely check out Island Yoga. The yoga studio is located close to Tha Kao Beach and is considered one of the best yoga spots on Koh Yao Noi. Island Yoga also offers accommodation and various retreat packages.
Useful Facts About Tha Kao Beach
5. Tha Kao Waterfall – Surrounded by Jungle
Located not far from Tha Kao Beach, you will find the small Tha Kao Waterfall. The waterfall is easy to find, as it is signposted directly from the main road. After only a few minutes of walking along an easy jungle path, you will reach the waterfall.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and dense greenery, the waterfall flows into a small natural pool with pleasantly warm water. Depending on the water level, you can cool off and splash around in the pool, although the ground is rather rocky and uneven.
Useful Facts About Tha Kao Waterfall
6. Tha Kao Pier – Fantastic Views
If you follow Koh Yao Noi’s only main road, you will automatically pass by Tha Kao Pier. At first glance, the pier may not seem particularly special. However, once you reach the end of the pier, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over the small bay where Tha Kao Beach is located.
The panoramic scenery of the offshore limestone cliffs and islands is especially impressive and makes this spot well worth a short stop during your island exploration.
Useful Facts About Tha Kao Pier
7. Long Beach Koh Yao Noi – The Most Untouched Beach on the Island
Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi is located in a rather remote part of the island and therefore offers an incredible sense of peace and isolation. With a bit of luck, you may even have the entire beach to yourself. Due to its secluded location, the beach is surrounded almost entirely by jungle and dense tropical vegetation.
There is a small hut selling fruit and a few drinks, although it is not always open. As there is no other infrastructure nearby, make sure to bring enough water and snacks with you before visiting.
The combination of lush green nature, golden sand, and the dramatic limestone islands offshore creates a truly impressive tropical setting.
Not the Ultimate Swimming Beach Either
As beautiful and untouched as Long Beach may be, it is still not the perfect swimming beach. There are several rocks and stones both on the beach and in the water, which make swimming less enjoyable.
During high tide, swimming is still possible to some extent. At low tide, however, the sea retreats significantly, making swimming rather difficult. Nevertheless, the natural atmosphere and untouched scenery make Long Beach one of my favourite beaches on Koh Yao Noi.
A Challenging Journey to Reach the Beach
After many trips across Asia, I would consider myself an experienced scooter rider, but even for me, reaching Long Beach was not exactly easy. Most of the route leads along a rough gravel road that can become slippery, muddy, and challenging after heavy rain.
The path also crosses larger stones, exposed roots, and uneven terrain, requiring a fair amount of concentration while driving. The route is definitely manageable, but if you do not feel comfortable, you can always park your scooter along the way and continue on foot. The walk to the beach takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Useful Facts About Long Beach Koh Yao Noi
8. Discover Koh Yao Noi’s West Coast – Explore Spectacular Landscapes
Although Koh Yao Noi’s west coast is home to very few beaches, this part of the island impresses with its spectacular natural scenery. A small coastal road runs along the shoreline, mostly surrounded by dense mangroves, while occasionally offering beautiful views of the sea.
Lush rice fields, water buffaloes, palm trees, and vibrant green landscapes framed by forest-covered hills define the atmosphere along the west coast of Koh Yao Noi.
While the island’s east coast is home to most of the resorts and accommodation, the western side of Koh Yao Noi still feels completely untouched and authentic. For me, this unique scenery was one of the most impressive landscapes on the island, especially during sunset, when the sky transformed into a spectacular display of colours.
Useful Facts About the West Coast Route
9. Nam Chuet – A Small Stilt Village on Koh Yao Noi’s West Coast
Die Strecke entlang der Westküste führt an einem kleinen Dorf vorbei, das mehrheitlich auf Stelzen über dem Wasser gebaut wurde. Die kleine Ortschaft beherbergt einige Sea-Food Restaurants, die einfach eingerichtet, aber schnuckelig in der Aufmachung sind. Leider konnte ich die Kochkünste der dortigen Köche nicht selber testen.
Im Dörfchen befindet sich ein etwa 250 Meter langer Pier. Ab dort hast du einen perfekten Ausblick auf das grüne Westküsten-Panorama von Koh Yao Noi. Auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite siehst du das offene Meer und blickst bis auf Phuket.
Useful Facts About the Stilt Village
10. Ao Pao Beach – A Rocky Beach on the West Coast
No, Ao Pao Beach is not really an ideal swimming beach either. The golden beach on Koh Yao Noi’s west coast is quite rocky and coarse, making swimming less enjoyable. As is typical for many beaches on Koh Yao Noi, the sea retreats far during low tide, often leaving the water only ankle-deep.
Nevertheless, a visit to Ao Pao Beach is definitely worthwhile, especially because of the scenic coastal road leading there along the island’s west coast. From the beach, you can enjoy impressive views of Koh Yao Noi’s northwestern coastline, the stunning Phang Nga Bay, and the dramatic limestone cliffs and islands rising from the sea.
Apart from the recently established Jaiyen Eco Resort, the area surrounding Ao Pao Beach consists mostly of untouched green nature and peaceful landscapes. In return, you will experience complete tranquillity and silence at this remote beach.
Useful Facts About Ao Pao Beach
11. Boat Trip to Koh Nok Island
The small offshore island of Koh Nok, with its stunning sandbank, is a true tropical highlight and should definitely be part of your Koh Yao Noi itinerary. On Koh Nok, a short climbing trail leads up to a beautiful viewpoint. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking the sandbank below and Koh Yao Noi Island in the distance.
Standing on top of the rocky viewpoint while enjoying the panoramic scenery almost makes you feel like a king overlooking his kingdom. The hike to the viewpoint takes around 15 minutes, although proper footwear is highly recommended.
You can reach Koh Nok by traditional longtail boat within a short boat ride from Koh Yao Noi. The easiest option is to ask your accommodation about available tours or speak with the friendly locals at Pasai Beach, who can usually arrange a fisherman and boat for you.
12. Boat Trips to Various Islands
Southern Thailand is famous for its extraordinary limestone islands rising dramatically from the turquoise sea. From Phuket, countless day trips are offered to these beautiful islands, many of which are often heavily overcrowded.
You can also explore many of these islands from Koh Yao Noi. The big advantage, however, is that boat tours departing from Koh Yao Noi are usually organised in much smaller groups, creating a far more relaxed and authentic experience.
The best option is to ask your accommodation about available island tours and boat trips. Many of these excursions also include a visit to Koh Nok Island.
You can also book various island hopping tours online in advance.*
13. Learn Muay Thai on Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is not only a popular destination for island explorers and yoga enthusiasts, but also for Muay Thai fighters. For many western martial arts enthusiasts, the K.Y.N. Gym on Koh Yao Noi has become a true paradise for Muay Thai training.
From complete beginners to experienced fighters, the gym offers exciting and challenging training sessions for all skill levels. Training takes place twice daily, with each session lasting around two hours. You can decide whether you prefer training in small groups or taking private lessons with a personal trainer.
The K.Y.N. Gym also offers accommodation with a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant, making it easy to fully focus on your training experience.
I personally trained there for three weeks and was genuinely impressed by the dedication of the trainers and the progress I was able to achieve during my stay.
What impressed me the most, however, was the incredible spirit inside the gym. I not only found new training partners there, but also lifelong friends from all around the world.
I can highly recommend the K.Y.N. Gym, whether you are a beginner or already an experienced fighter.
Hotel Recommendations for Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi Beach Resort – A Great Budget-Friendly Option
Located directly at the beautiful Pasai Beach, Koh Yao Noi Beach Resort is a good choice for travellers looking for affordable accommodation on the island. The resort offers simple but well-equipped bungalows at a fair price.
The accommodation also features its own restaurant, while additional restaurants and cafés can easily be reached within just a few minutes on foot.
One small downside is that the resort does not have its own swimming pool, which can actually be a nice advantage on Koh Yao Noi. Although the island’s beaches are incredibly beautiful, many of them are not ideal for swimming. Having access to a pool can therefore be very convenient if you still want to cool off and relax after exploring the island.
Overall, Koh Yao Noi Beach Resort offers a pleasant stay in a great location at a reasonable price.
Sabai Corner Bungalows – Perfect for Budget Travellers
Located close to Klong Jark Beach, Sabai Corner Bungalows offers simple wooden bungalows with either a fan or air conditioning. The accommodation also features a very good restaurant, which is popular not only among hotel guests but also with other visitors on Koh Yao Noi.
The bungalows are surrounded by a lush tropical garden, creating an especially peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Throughout the garden, you will find several cosy seating and relaxation areas inviting you to slow down and unwind.
One small disadvantage is the lack of a swimming pool. On the other hand, Sabai Corner benefits from a very good location and offers excellent value for money.
Popular restaurants such as Rice Paddy, which I consider one of the best restaurants on Koh Yao Noi, are located within walking distance.
Cape Kudu Hotel – A Great Mid-Range Choice
Located near Klong Jark Beach, Cape Kudu Hotel is a stylish accommodation option in the mid-range to upper-mid-range category. The hotel offers modern rooms with a high-quality interior and comfortable facilities.
Guests can also choose from spacious villas featuring private pools and around 62 square metres of living space, making them perfect for travellers seeking extra comfort and privacy.
In addition, the hotel features its own restaurant as well as a large communal swimming pool. Booking accommodation with a pool is a major advantage on Koh Yao Noi, as many of the island’s beaches are not always ideal for swimming.
With a pool at your hotel, you can still enjoy relaxing swims and cool off after exploring the island, even during low tide.
Cape Kudu Hotel is an excellent choice if you are looking for a more upscale atmosphere while still wanting reasonably priced accommodation on Koh Yao Noi.
Koyao Island Resort – One of the Best Hotels on Koh Yao Noi
Koyao Island Resort is located at the northern end of Klong Jark Beach, where you will find some of the best swimming conditions on Koh Yao Noi during high tide. From the beach, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the offshore limestone cliffs and tropical islands. The location is simply outstanding.
Directly behind the resort, you will find the charming Chaba Café and Gallery, run by a Swiss woman and her Thai husband. The café serves delicious smoothies, homemade ice cream, and also features a small wine bar.
Within walking distance, the relaxed Parabar offers a cosy atmosphere to end the day with a drink while enjoying the peaceful island vibes.
The resort itself features a beautiful infinity pool located directly next to the beach, offering incredible views across the bay.
Koyao Island Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from beachfront villas and elegant suites to luxurious tent villas with private pools.
The resort combines nature, tranquillity, and upscale comfort in a truly beautiful way. Although the accommodation belongs to the higher price category, it is absolutely worth it if your budget allows it. In my opinion, this is truly “the place to be” on Koh Yao Noi.
Laguna Villas Boutique Hotel – Top Preis/Leistung
Die Laguna Villas liegen in der Nähe des Klong Jark Beaches. Die Villen verfügen mit 90 Quadratmeter über ein grosses Platzangebot und sind im modernen Stile gehalten. Die Villen sind um einen grossen Pool angelegt, der Erfrischung bei den hohen Temperaturen in Thailand gewährleistet. Für das gebotene erhältst du im Lagua Villa Boutique Hotel einen absoluten fairen Preis. Das Hotel zält ausserdem auf booking.com zu den best bewertesten Unterkünften auf Koh Yao Noi. Wenn du auf der Suche nach einer gute Lage bist, dir einen Pool wünschst du einen fairen Preis bezahlen willst, dann ist dies die passende Unterkunft für dich!
Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow
Koh Yao Seaview Hotel is located directly at the stunning Tha Kao Beach. Although the beach is not ideal for swimming, it impresses with a breathtaking panorama overlooking the offshore limestone cliffs and tropical islands.
Tha Kao Beach is also perfect for long beach walks, and during low tide, you can even walk across the sandbank towards the small Koh Nok Island located in the bay.
If you are into yoga, you will love the location, as one of Koh Yao Noi’s best yoga studios, Island Yoga, is situated right next to the hotel.
The hotel offers different bungalow categories in various price ranges, as well as a swimming pool and scooter rental service.
In my opinion, this accommodation offers excellent value for money in a truly paradisiacal beachfront setting with spectacular panoramic views.
Six Senses Yao Noi – Pure Luxury on Koh Yao Noi
If you are lucky enough that budget is not a concern, then you absolutely have to take a closer look at Six Senses Yao Noi. Perched on a hillside overlooking the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay, this resort belongs to the most exclusive luxury accommodations on Koh Yao Noi and even in all of Thailand.
The resort features a private beach as well as spacious luxury villas with private pools, large terraces, and stunning panoramic views. Depending on the category, the villas range from around 150 to 300 square metres and offer an exceptionally luxurious standard.
During the high season, the most affordable villas usually start at around €800 per night, while the more exclusive options can cost significantly more.
If your budget allows it, Six Senses Yao Noi will almost certainly leave you speechless. The combination of privacy, luxury, nature, and spectacular scenery creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting Around Koh Yao Noi
The best way to explore Koh Yao Noi is by renting a scooter. Rental prices are usually around 200 Baht per day, and scooters can typically be arranged directly through your accommodation.
Most roads on Koh Yao Noi are well maintained and easy to drive. Only the road leading to Long Beach feels more like a hiking trail than an actual road, but it is still manageable for experienced scooter riders.
Alternatively, you can organise a pickup taxi through your hotel or accommodation to explore the island. However, I unfortunately do not know the current prices for these transfers.
How to Get to Koh Yao Noi – Your Complete Travel Guide
From Bangkok to Koh Yao Noi
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Koh Yao Noi from Bangkok is via Phuket. However, travelling to the island from Krabi is also possible. You can find more detailed information about both routes below.
From Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
From Phuket, you can reach Koh Yao Noi by speedboat every hour between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM. The boats depart from Bang Rong Pier, located on Phuket’s northeastern coast.
The speedboat crossing takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately 300 Baht per person.
Alternatively, you can also travel by traditional longtail boat. This option is slightly cheaper at around 150 Baht, although the journey takes approximately one hour.
Bang Rong Pier can be reached from Phuket International Airport by taxi in around 25 minutes, with prices starting at roughly 800 Baht.
If you are staying in Patong, the taxi ride to the pier takes around 45 minutes and usually costs about 1,200 Baht.
Alternatively, you can also book tickets online in advance.*
From Krabi to Koh Yao Noi
You can also reach Koh Yao Noi from Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. The boats depart from Nopparat Thara Pier and operate between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM. By speedboat, you can reach Koh Yao Noi in approximately 20 minutes, with tickets costing around 300 Baht per person.
The cheaper longtail boat option takes about 40 minutes and usually costs around 150 Baht.
There is also a ferry connection from Railay Beach to Koh Yao Noi. Boats depart from the Railay East Floating Pier.
Tickets for both routes can also be booked online in advance.*.
Hinweis
Ferry and boat schedules in Thailand can change several times throughout the year. Therefore, I highly recommend checking the current departure times locally before travelling.
Personally, I usually check updated ferry schedules via 12Go Asia* during my travels. The platform is regularly updated and also allows you to conveniently book your tickets online in advance if needed.
Recommended Length of Stay for Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is not a particularly large island, and after a few days, you will have explored most of its highlights. In my opinion, three to four days are usually enough to experience the island properly.
If you are planning to join one or several boat trips, you may want to extend your stay by another day or two.
Koh Yao Noi is also perfect as part of an island hopping adventure in southern Thailand, as destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, and Phi Phi Island can all be reached quickly and easily from the island.
Conclusion About Koh Yao Noi’s Beaches & Attractions
On Koh Yao Noi, you will mostly encounter quiet and almost empty beaches. However, if you are searching for the perfect swimming paradise, this island may not fully meet your expectations. Many beaches on Koh Yao Noi are rather rocky and stony, and during low tide, the sea retreats so far that swimming often becomes difficult.
Scenically, however, Koh Yao Noi is absolutely stunning. The breathtaking views of the offshore limestone cliffs and islands, the lush green west coast with its rice fields, and the island’s untouched nature are definitely worth experiencing.
Especially if you are looking for authentic Thailand combined with peace, relaxation, and beautiful natural landscapes, Koh Yao Noi will most likely win you over.
Do you have any questions about Koh Yao Noi’s beaches and attractions?
Have you already visited Koh Yao Noi and discovered any additional hidden gems or useful tips? Or are you planning a trip to the island yourself and still have some questions?
Feel free to leave a comment — I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
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