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Koh Yao islands review
There are two of Koh Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay – Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, each promising something different to your Thai vacation. If not for anything else, Koh Yao offers a quick entry into Phuket and Krabi and is enough to consider Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi an excellent choice for a holiday location.
Koh Yao Yai is the largest island that marvels with its array of rubber plantations, an abundance of pure nature, deserted beaches, and a relatively busy local culture. Although Koh Yao Yai is not famous for the spotless beaches in Thailand, the water bodies are calm and inviting enough for any traveler. Koh Yao Yai offers proximity to some of the terrific snorkeling and diving locations on nearby islands, including Koh Phi Phi.
In turn, a more luxurious Koh Yao Noi is far enough from Phuket to ensure the crowds do not influence it. Koh Yao Noi brings with it a dash of aesthetic brilliance, impressive serenity, and a relaxed atmosphere to accommodate it all. Overlooking Phang Nga Bay, the western beaches on Koh Yao Noi are some of the most picturesque in the Phuket vicinity.
- AIRPORT Phuket & Krabi
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Nov - May
Snorkeling
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Must Visit
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Boat Tour
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Holiday
Why visit Koh Yao
How to reach Koh Yao
The Koh Yao islands duo sits conveniently between Phuket and Krabi in the Phang Nga Bay of Thailand. Koh Yao Noi (or Small Yao) is partnered by relatively more significant Koh Yao Yai (or Big Yao). Separated by just a tiny detail, Koh Yao islands are within easy reach from Phuket and Krabi, both with international airports. After your arrival, a quick boat transfer would be necessary to reach either of Koh Yao islands. Koh Yao Yai is only 30 minutes by private boat from Phuket and slightly longer from Krabi, depending on your destination. Koh Yao Noi follows suit but with a slightly longer distance from Phuket.
Due to its unique location, Koh Yao enjoys more than 50 islands within easy reach. From the simplest Naka Islands near Phuket island-city to scenic islands across Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island and Koh Panyee. From the east coast of Koh Yao Noi, the magic of the Krabi islands awaits. At the same time, Koh Yao Yai opens the world of Koh Phi Phi islands, as well as pristine and tiny dots in the middle of the sea, such as the Khai islands and Maiton island. The island hopping choice is yours. Chat with the Islander team now to arrange a private boat transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi.
Best time in Koh Yao
The best time to visit Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is anytime between November and May when islands experience the dry season. This period is also the best to take snorkeling tours and dive trips on nearby islands. The sea is usually calm for taking boat tours, and the temperature is just perfect, especially during December-February, and April-May. The waters surrounding top snorkeling destinations within easy reach from Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi typically enjoy the best visibility.
Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi
The two Koh Yao islands are separated by not much in terms of location, activities, beaches, and the kind of life that can be found on them. While Koh Yao Noi is the smaller of the bunch, that doesn’t make for a severe comparison tool at the end of the day. After all, you could spend one day on Koh Yao Yai and the other on Koh Yao Noi, and you would still feel the same relaxed vibe. Beaches are almost identical, too, with nature at its best all round. Thus, personal decision wins the crown here.
Koh Yao or Phuket
Koh Yao islands might be sandwiched between Krabi above and Phuket below. These two extreme locations manage to share more in common with each other than with the Koh Yao islands they are closer to. Phuket is hugely developed, multi-faceted, and home of party seekers who would give anything for a great nightlife. Phuket is also the ideal pick for travelers who are looking to enjoy more prominent beaches. At the same time, the lifestyle in Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai is very relaxed and more suitable for a quiet, romantic getaway.
Koh Yao or Krabi
There could not be a more significant contrast than this. Krabi is a much bigger location than Koh Yao islands combined, and that tells a lot. However, Krabi does not hold a candle to the serenity and calmness enjoyed on Koh Yao islands, making it attractive for people seeking off-the-beaten-path getaways. Finally, Koh Yao Yai’s strategic location allows easier island-hopping to more spectacular islands.
