Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi Holidays

While you’re on holiday in Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, you’ll be able to easily explore the blue waters of Phang Nga Bay. Take a speedboat tour to discover the bay’s tiny isles, including the famous ‘James Bond Island’ from The Man with the Golden Gun. You can also sail to the Phi Phi Islands, which shot to fame after featuring in cult classic The Beach.

Keen divers should check out the King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, or Anemone Reef. You can also snorkel in the hidden bays and lagoons around both Koh Yao islands. Hire a kayak and explore in the calm waters, or let a guide take you to serene sea caves and secret coves. Find peace with yoga and meditation, and unwind with a blissful massage. Join a Thai cooking class to make delicious dishes. Or get active by cycling out into the quiet countryside, where national parks and tiny villages are at the heart of these two beautiful, undeveloped islands.

As its name suggests, Koh Yao Noi – which means Little Long Island – is the smaller of these twin islands in Phang Nga Bay. But, of the two, it’s better equipped for tourism.

Alongside luxurious hotels in hidden coves, you can discover chilled-out bars, local restaurants and market stalls in the central Koh Yao Noi Village. See “Big Tree” at Ao Kian Bay, which stands over 100 metres tall. According to local legend, the tree is home to the spirit of a beautiful woman named Nang Da Kian.

Active travellers will love Muay Thai and yoga classes, where you can work up an appetite for the delicious seafood served at tucked-away restaurants. Want to explore? Hire a moped and follow the coastal road to reach the rugged beaches of Klong Jark and Pasai in the south, or venture towards the idyllic uninhabited sands in the north.

Beaches, sunrises, sunsets, and unspoiled beauty are the big attractions of lesser-developed Koh Yao Yai – AKA, Big Long Island. While many of Thailand’s isles have rushed to cater for the country’s many tourists, Koh Yao Yai has maintained a slower, more peaceful way of life.

As a larger island with fewer hotels, this is the perfect choice for those looking to get off the beaten track and discover a simpler side of Thailand. Paved roads and little traffic make the island easy to navigate by scooter or tuk tuk. Whether you’re drawn to the white-sand beaches of Laem Had and Ao Muong, or the secret fishermen’s bays and thick mangrove forests, you’ll find plenty to see here. You can meet friendly locals as you pass through quaint villages, and stop to dine on freshly caught seafood in family-run restaurants. Wrap things up with a chilled beer, as the sun dips into Phang Nga Bay.

The temperature is almost always perfect on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, with averages between 25°C and 30°C throughout the year. But the dry period from December to March is by far the most popular time for holidaymakers. In the sunshine, you can make the most of the tranquil beaches, watersports and sailing excursions.

Between June and November, you can expect rain most days – but it often comes in the form of short, heavy showers and everything soon dries in the heat. So, if you don’t mind packing a waterproof, this could be a great time to grab a bargain break.

Both islands’ beaches are affected by tides so, if you’re planning to swim or snorkel, make sure you’re up to date with tidal times before planning each day's activities.