Is Koh Yao Yai Worth Visiting? My Honest Experience After Exploring Thailands Hidden Gem

After spending time on the island, I can confidently say that Koh Yao Yai was one of the most relaxing places I visited in Thailand.

If you're looking for beach clubs, nightlife, and endless tourist attractions, Koh Yao Yai probably isn't for you. But if you're searching for peaceful beaches, local villages, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace of life, this hidden island might be exactly what you're looking for.

Is Koh Yao Yai Worth Visiting?

Yes, Koh Yao Yai is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience a quieter side of Thailand.

What I loved most about Koh Yao Yai was how authentic it felt. Unlike Phuket or Ao Nang, there were no crowded streets filled with souvenir shops, loud beach bars, or endless tour groups. Instead, I found sleepy fishing villages, empty beaches, friendly locals, and some of the most beautiful views in southern Thailand.

The island offers something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in Thailand's most popular destinations: peace and space.

Many days, I found myself walking along beaches with only a handful of other people in sight. The roads were quiet, the sunsets were spectacular, and life seemed to move at a much slower pace.

Where Is Koh Yao Yai?

Koh Yao Yai is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi on Thailand's Andaman Coast.

The island is part of the Koh Yao archipelago and is the larger of the two islands, with Koh Yao Noi located just to the north. I never got to visit Koh Yao Noi, but it also looks absolutely amazing so I have it on my radar for my next trip to Thailand.

Despite being only a short boat ride from some of Thailand's busiest tourist destinations, Koh Yao Yai feels worlds away. It's one of those rare places where you can still catch a glimpse of traditional island life while enjoying beautiful beaches and comfortable accommodations.

What Makes Koh Yao Yai Different From Phuket and Krabi?

The biggest difference is the atmosphere.

I think Phuket and Krabi can feel busy, developed, and at times quite overwhelming. Both places are packed with restaurants, tour agencies, and visitors heading off on island-hopping trips every day.

Koh Yao Yai is the complete opposite. There are no shopping malls, no nightlife districts, and very few large developments. Instead, you'll find coconut plantations, rubber tree farms, fishing communities, and long stretches of coastline that remain largely untouched.

The island feels much more local and far less commercialized than many other destinations in southern Thailand.

For me, this was exactly what made it so special. However, if you’re looking for nightlife, party scene or a social backpacker vibe, you'll probably think this is to slow paced.

The Best Things to Do on Koh Yao Yai

This island might not be packed with attractions, but that's the whole point. The appeal lies in slowing down for a while. However, there are some amazing things to do on the island, and I've gathered all my favourites below.

Explore the Island by Scooter

Renting a scooter is one of the best things you can do on Koh Yao Yai.

The roads are relatively quiet, making it an enjoyable place to ride compared to busier destinations like Phuket. As you explore, you'll pass small villages, beaches, rice fields, and viewpoints overlooking Phang Nga Bay.

If you’re not comfortable renting a scooter this is actually the only island I’ve seen so far that offers scooters with sidecars, making it a bit easier to drive for beginners and with room for more people. Very handy!

Relax on Loh Paret Beach

Loh Paret Beach is one of the island's most popular stretches of sand.

The beach is lined with resorts, but it rarely feels crowded. The views across Phang Nga Bay are beautiful, and it's an excellent spot for sunset walks.

Visit Laem Haad Beach

Laem Haad is arguably the most famous beach on Koh Yao Yai.

The stunning sandbar extending into the sea has become one of the island's most photographed locations. Depending on the tide, you can walk along the narrow strip of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear water.

It's one of the most beautiful beaches I visited anywhere in Thailand.

I did see a couple of day trips stopping by here to take pictures of the nice beach, and as the island grows in popularity that might increase as well. It wasn't huge amounts, but it’s worth knowing. However, they usually just stayed for an hours or so and left, so you get most of the day on the beach all to yourself.

Take a Boat Tour Around Phang Nga Bay

Koh Yao Yai makes an excellent base for exploring Phang Nga Bay.

From the island, you can visit limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, small islands, or more famous ones like James Bond or Hong Island. The scenery is spectacular and rivals anything you'll find elsewhere in Thailand.

Where to Stay on Koh Yao Yai

Even though the island is pretty small, you’ll still find various acomodations for all budgets. It’s a bit pricer than the more touristy areas of Thailand, but nothing crazy. And well worth it for what you get on this stunning island.

I recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you're visiting during high season, because most hotels fill up quickly since there aren't as many to choose from as the more popular areas.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

The resort only opened recently and has quickly become one of the island's standout properties.

Koh Yao Yai Village

What I love about this property is that it feels luxurious without being overly polished. It still has that barefoot island feeling that you might come to Koh Yao Yai searching for.

Yao Bada Badoo Boutique Resort

For travelers who prefer smaller boutique properties over large resorts, Yao Bada Badoo is one of the island's hidden gems.

Thiw Son Beach Resort

Budget accommodation on Koh Yao Yai is relatively limited. However, I think Thiw Son Beach Resort is one of the best affordable options on the island.

How Many Days Do You Need on Koh Yao Yai?

I would recommend spending at least three nights on Koh Yao Yai.

This gives you enough time to explore the island, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the slower pace of life.

If you're looking for a true escape, five to seven days is even better.

Unlike destinations where you're constantly rushing from one attraction to another, Koh Yao Yai is somewhere you'll want to slow down and simply enjoy.

How to Get to Koh Yao Yai

Getting to Koh Yao Yai is easier than many people expect.

Speedboats operate from Phuket and Krabi, making the island accessible from both destinations.

From Phuket, boats typically depart from Bang Rong Pier and take around 30 minutes. From Krabi, travel times vary depending on the departure point but are generally between 30 and 60 minutes.

This easy access makes Koh Yao Yai a perfect addition to a Thailand island-hopping itinerary.

Even though most your operators in teh city don't advertise that they sell tours here, everyone I asked did. So if you're planning on staying in one of the bigger cities first, you can usually arrange your transport through an agency there. If you want to have everything booked in advance, I highly recommend booking through 12Go Asia which is what I always use when booking transport in Asia.

Who Should Visit Koh Yao Yai?

Koh Yao Yai is perfect for:

• Couples looking for a romantic escape
• Travelers wanting a quieter alternative to Phuket and Krabi
• Slow travellers
• Families seeking a peaceful beach destination
• Anyone looking to experience a more authentic side of Thailand

The island is particularly appealing if you've already visited Thailand's major destinations and want to discover somewhere less crowded. I think it’s perfect to pare with a trip to a more famous spot so you can mix and match a bit.

Who Might Not Enjoy Koh Yao Yai?

While I loved Koh Yao Yai, it isn't for everyone.

You may want to stay elsewhere if you're looking for nightlife, beach clubs, shopping and large numbers of restaurants.

Final Thoughts: Is Koh Yao Yai Worth Visiting?

For me, Koh Yao Yai was one of the biggest surprises of my time in Thailand.

It doesn't have the famous attractions of Phuket, the nightlife of Koh Phi Phi, or the bustling atmosphere of Ao Nang. What it offers instead is something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down and experience a quieter, more authentic side of Thailand.

If you're dreaming of peaceful beaches, spectacular sunsets, friendly locals, and a break from the crowds, then yes—Koh Yao Yai is absolutely worth visiting.

In a country filled with world-famous destinations, Koh Yao Yai still feels like a hidden gem. And that's exactly why I loved it.

I hope this helps you plan your upcoming adventure to Koh Yao Yai and Thailand. If you have any questions about travel in Thailand, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid