Koh Yao Yai isn't packed with towns, restaurants, and tourist areas like Phuket or Krabi. In fact, much of the island still feels wonderfully undeveloped. You'll find fishing villages, quiet beaches, and long stretches of coastline where there are barely any buildings at all. If you want a slow and peaceful atmosphere, this is the island to head to.
The island is also fairly spread out, meaning that your hotel often becomes a big part of the overall experience. Some resorts are designed for travelers who barely want to leave the property, while others are better suited for people who want to explore the island by scooter and spend time discovering local beaches and villages.
After exploring the island extensively and spending time there myself, these are the best areas and hotels to consider when deciding where to stay in Koh Yao Yai.
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Yao Yai
Loh Paret Beach: Best for First-Time Visitors
If it's your first time visiting Koh Yao Yai, Loh Paret Beach is probably the easiest and most convenient area to stay.
This long stretch of beach on the island's western side is home to several of Koh Yao Yai's most famous resorts, beautiful sunset views, and one of the nicest beaches on the island. The atmosphere remains peaceful, but you'll still find a few restaurants and services nearby.
What I liked most about this area is that it feels remote without feeling isolated. You get the beautiful beach scenery Koh Yao Yai is known for while still having enough nearby facilities to make your stay comfortable.
Many of the island's most luxurious resorts are located here, making it one of the best areas for couples and honeymooners.
Chong Lad and the Northeast Coast: Best for Views and Local Atmosphere
The northeastern coastline feels very different from Loh Paret.
Here you'll find incredible sunrise views across Phang Nga Bay, dramatic limestone islands rising from the sea, and a quieter atmosphere that feels more connected to local island life.
This area is ideal if you're looking for something more relaxed and less resort-focused. However, the beaches here aren't always the best for swimming because of tides and shallow water, but the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Southern Koh Yao Yai: Best for Seclusion
The southern part of the island is where you'll find some of Koh Yao Yai's most secluded resorts.
This area feels wonderfully remote, with quiet beaches, very little development, and a strong sense of escape from the outside world.
If your dream holiday involves reading books by the sea, swimming, kayaking, and hearing almost nothing except the sound of nature, you'll probably love staying in the south.
Best Luxury Hotels in Koh Yao Yai
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
Among all the luxury hotels on Koh Yao Yai, Anantara is probably the one that impressed me most.
The resort only opened recently and has quickly become one of the island's standout properties. Set along a long stretch of golden sand in Phang Nga Bay, the entire resort feels incredibly polished while still embracing the relaxed atmosphere of the island. The property features 148 suites, villas, wellness accommodations, and family-focused facilities spread across a large beachfront setting.
The rooms are enormous, the pools are beautiful, and the views across the bay are stunning. I would especially recommend Anantara for honeymooners, couples celebrating something special, families wanting a luxury resort experience, and travellers who plan to spend a significant amount of time enjoying the hotel itself rather than constantly exploring.
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
If you've ever searched for Koh Yao Yai on Instagram, chances are you've already seen Santhiya.
This is probably the island's most iconic resort, famous for its elaborate traditional Thai architecture, carved teakwood villas, dramatic ocean views, and enormous swimming pools. It almost feels like staying inside a giant piece of traditional Thai art.
The resort sits in a relatively isolated location, which can be both a positive and a negative. If you want something removed from everything else, then you'll love staying here. However, transportation around the island can feel inconvenient if you plan to leave the resort frequently.
For couples, honeymooners, and travellers wanting a resort-focused holiday, Santhiya is easily one of the best places to stay on Koh Yao Yai.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai Village
If there is one hotel that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Koh Yao Yai, it might be Koh Yao Yai Village.
Nestled between rainforest and beach, the resort feels beautifully integrated into its surroundings. Instead of sleek modern buildings, you'll find spacious villas surrounded by tropical greenery, outdoor showers, wooden walkways, and incredible views across Phang Nga Bay. The resort is particularly known for its private beach, infinity pool, nature-inspired villas, and peaceful setting.
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.
I think it's especially well suited to couples, nature lovers, and travellers who want a beautiful resort experience without paying the ultra-luxury price.
Elixir Koh Yao Yai
Located in a more secluded part of the island, Elixir feels like a true tropical escape.
The villas are spread throughout lush gardens and along a beautiful stretch of coastline, creating a sense of privacy that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
What stands out most about Elixir is how quiet it feels. This isn't a resort built around endless activities and entertainment. Instead, it's designed for travelers who simply want to slow down and enjoy island life.
I would particularly recommend Elixir for couples looking for a romantic getaway or anyone hoping to disconnect for a few days.
Best Boutique Hotels in Koh Yao Yai
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.
It has spacious rooms, thoughtful design, comfortable beds, and highly personal service. It might be one of the most charming places to stay on the island.
This is the type of property that works well for travellers who care more about character and hospitality than massive swimming pools or resort facilities.
Better View Resort
Located along the beautiful northeastern coastline, Better View Resort is one of the best options for travelers wanting incredible scenery without luxury resort prices.
The views across Phang Nga Bay are spectacular, particularly at sunrise. The property is peaceful, welcoming, and exceptionally relaxing.
The atmosphere feels much more intimate than the island's larger resorts, making it a great choice for travellers looking for a quieter experience.
Best Budget Hotels in Koh Yao Yai
Thiw Son Beach Resort
Budget accommodation on Koh Yao Yai is relatively limited compared to bigger and more developed islands in Thailand.
That's one reason many visitors end up spending slightly more here than they initially expected. However, I think Thiw Son Beach Resort is one of the best affordable options on the island.
Located on the northeastern coast, the resort offers simple beachfront bungalows, beautiful views, and easy access to one of the island's most scenic stretches of coastline.
It's not ultra-luxurious, but that's part of the charm.
Koh Yao Modern Inn
For travelers primarily looking for a comfortable base to explore the island, Koh Yao Modern Inn is one of the strongest budget-friendly choices.
The owners are helpful, it has a convenient location, scooter rentals, and excellent value for money.
This isn't the place to stay if you're dreaming of beachfront luxury, but it's perfect for independent travellers who plan to spend their days exploring Koh Yao Yai rather than lounging at a resort.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Koh Yao Yai
Unlike many destinations in Thailand where choosing the right hotel can feel overwhelming, Koh Yao Yai remains refreshingly simple.
The island is small, peaceful, and largely untouched by mass tourism. Whether you choose a luxury villa at Anantara, a traditional Thai-style retreat at Santhiya, a rainforest hideaway at Koh Yao Yai Village, or a simple beachfront bungalow at Thiw Son, you'll still wake up surrounded by the same spectacular scenery that makes Koh Yao Yai so memorable.
The biggest decision isn't really which hotel to choose.
It's deciding how much of your trip you want to spend exploring the island—and how much you want to spend doing absolutely nothing at all. That's where Koh Yao Yai truly shines.
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