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Where to Stay in Koh Yao Yai: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

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One of the things I quickly realised when planning my trip to Koh Yao Yai is that where you stay matters far more than it does on many other Thai islands. And that since there aren't that many hotels on the island, you need to book way earlier than most of the bigger islands, especially around Christmas which was when I was there.

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 travellers 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. If you're also looking for the best things to do and more practical info about the island, check out my Travel Guide to Koh Yao Yai.

woman walking on the beach on koh yao yai in thailand
people walking to the beach on Koh Yao Yai, thailand
Koh Yao Yai

Quick Answer: What Are The Best Areas to Stay in Koh Yao Yai?

If you don’t have time to read the full article here is a quick guide. Choosing where to stay in Koh Yao Yai comes down to what kind of experience you're looking for. The island is relatively spread out, and although you can explore different parts during your visit, having a good base makes it easier to enjoy the beaches, restaurants and scenery without spending too much time getting around.

Loh Paret Beach: Best for first-time visitors who want a convenient base with a selection of resorts, nearby restaurants and access to the beach. It's a good choice if you want to combine exploring the island with relaxing by the sea, without staying somewhere too remote.

Chong Lad and the northeast coast: Best for travellers who prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere and beautiful views across Phang Nga Bay. This area is a good fit if you're planning to rent a scooter and explore independently, although swimming conditions vary along the eastern coastline depending on the tides.

Southern Koh Yao Yai: Best for couples, nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful island escape away from busier tourist areas. Accommodation is more spread out, so you'll want to consider transport and nearby dining options, but it's a lovely area to look at if your idea of a holiday involves quiet beaches, tropical surroundings and plenty of time to unwind.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but practical stay in Koh Yao Yai.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

If you're looking for a luxury resort where you can comfortably spend several days without feeling the need to go anywhere else, this is worth considering. The property has spacious suites and villas, swimming pools, wellness facilities and a beachfront setting overlooking Phang Nga Bay.

Check prices and availability

Koh Yao Yai Village
Koh Yao Yai Village

This is a property to consider if you're looking for a resort surrounded by tropical greenery. The villas, wooden walkways and infinity pool create a relaxed atmosphere that feels well suited to the island. You’ll get a comfortable stay without the more extravagant feel of an ultra-luxury resort.

Check prices and availability

Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai - SHA Plus
Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai - SHA Plus

This hotel is located in a more secluded part of the island, and it 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.

Check prices and availability

Map of the Best Hotels in Koh Yao Yai

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Koh Yao Yai to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

the beach on Koh Yao Yai, thailand
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 a good place to start your search. This part of the island has several well-known resorts and offers a comfortable balance between enjoying the beach and having some restaurants and services within reach.

One of the advantages of staying around Loh Paret is that you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere Koh Yao Yai is known for without feeling completely cut off. You can spend the day at the beach, head out to explore other parts of the island or simply stay close to your accommodation when you feel like doing very little.

This area is particularly worth considering if you're planning a more resort-focused holiday. Koh Yao Yai has some beautiful properties, from traditional Thai-style resorts to contemporary luxury hotels, and staying in this part of the island can make it easier to enjoy those facilities while still having the option to explore.

Keep in mind that the sea conditions change with the tides, so the beach may look quite different throughout the day. If swimming is important to you, check recent reviews and information about the beach at your chosen hotel before booking.

woman walking on the beach in Koh Yao Yai, thailand
the beach on Koh Yao Yai, thailand
Koh Yao Yai

Best Hotels Around Loh Paret Beach

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

If you're looking for a luxury resort where you can comfortably spend several days without feeling the need to go anywhere else, this is worth considering. The property has spacious suites and villas, swimming pools, wellness facilities and a beachfront setting overlooking Phang Nga Bay.

Check prices and availability

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa

This is probably one of the most recognisable resorts on Koh Yao Yai, thanks to its traditional Thai architecture, intricate wooden carvings and swimming pools overlooking the sea. It's a good choice if you want somewhere with plenty of character rather than a more contemporary hotel design.

Check prices and availability

Koh Yao Yai Village
Koh Yao Yai Village

This is a property to consider if you're looking for a resort surrounded by tropical greenery. The villas, wooden walkways and infinity pool create a relaxed atmosphere that feels well suited to the island. You’ll get a comfortable stay without the more extravagant feel of an ultra-luxury resort.

Check prices and availability

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Chong Lad and the Northeast Coast – Best for Views and A Local Atmosphere

If you'd rather stay somewhere quieter and spend your days exploring the island, the northeastern coast is worth considering. Around Chong Lad and the surrounding coastline, you'll find a more local atmosphere, small villages and beautiful views across Phang Nga Bay, with its beautiful limestone islands dotted along the water.

This part of Koh Yao Yai feels different from the larger resort areas. Instead of planning your days around hotel facilities, you can use your accommodation as a base for exploring villages, discovering quieter stretches of coastline and stopping at viewpoints along the way.

One thing to keep in mind is that the eastern coastline isn't always the best choice if you want to swim directly in front of your hotel throughout the day. The sea can be shallow at low tide, and conditions vary from beach to beach. If swimming is a priority, look carefully at the specific beach rather than assuming every coastal property has the same conditions.

I'd particularly consider this area if you're comfortable renting a scooter and want a more independent experience. There are fewer services concentrated in one place, so you'll want to check how far your accommodation is from restaurants and shops before booking.

a bar with coconuts on Koh Yao Yai, thailand
a colourful hotel in Koh Yao Yai, thailand
Koh Yao Yai

Best Hotels around Chong Lad and the northeast coast

Better View Koh Yao Yai
Better View Koh Yao Yai

This is great if you want a quieter stay with views across the surrounding coastline. It offers an alternative to the island's larger luxury resorts and may suit those who would rather spend their money exploring Koh Yao Yai than paying for extensive hotel facilities.

Check prices and availability

Thiw Son Beach Resort
Thiw Son Beach Resort

If you prefer simple accommodation with a relaxed island atmosphere, this is a great option. It's a good alternative to the more elaborate resorts if you want to enjoy the scenery without paying for luxury facilities you might not use.

Check prices and availability

Yao Bada Badoo Boutique Resort
Yao Bada Badoo Boutique Resort

For those who prefer smaller properties to large resort complexes, this might be perfect. It’s a charming boutique-style stay with good value for money and a more intimate atmosphere than what you might find at some of the more luxurious resorts.

Check prices and availability

Sim Card
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I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

Southern Koh Yao Yai – Best for a Peaceful Escape

The southern part of Koh Yao Yai is worth considering if your main reason for visiting is to slow down and get away from busy tourist destinations. This is the kind of place I'd look at if I wanted a few quiet days surrounded by nature, with time for beach walks, reading and exploring without having to follow a packed itinerary.

Compared with more developed parts of Thailand, Koh Yao Yai is already relatively peaceful, but choosing a more secluded property can make the experience feel even more removed from everyday life. This can be particularly appealing for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing break after spending time in a busier city or island destination.

The main thing to consider is convenience. Accommodation can be spread out, and you shouldn't assume that restaurants, shops and other services will be within walking distance. If you're planning to explore different parts of the island, ask your hotel about scooter rentals or other transport options before arriving.

I'd also compare the beach itself rather than focusing only on the accommodation. Some properties are better suited to enjoying the scenery and resort facilities, while others may be more convenient if you want to spend a lot of time swimming.

palm trees on the beach in Koh Yao Yai, thailand
Koh Yao Yai

Best Hotel On The Southern Coast

Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai - SHA Plus
Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai - SHA Plus

This hotel is located in a more secluded part of the island, and it 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.

Check prices and availability

Activities
Want to make the most of your trip to Koh Yao Yai?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is a lovely destination if you're looking for a quieter side of Thailand, but it's worth choosing your accommodation carefully. The island doesn't have one main tourist centre where everything is within walking distance, so the right base depends on whether you want a comfortable resort stay, beautiful coastal views or somewhere peaceful to escape for a few days.

For a first visit, I'd start by comparing the resorts around Loh Paret Beach, especially if you want a good balance between beach time and convenience. If you'd rather explore independently and enjoy a quieter, more local atmosphere, look towards the northeastern coast. And if your main priority is switching off and enjoying a slower pace, a more secluded resort may be exactly what you're looking for.

Whatever you choose, I'd recommend booking ahead during the high season and checking the hotel's location carefully before making a reservation. With a little planning, Koh Yao Yai is a great place to take a break from Thailand's busier destinations and enjoy a few days at a much slower pace.

If you're planning a trip, take a look at my Koh Yao Yai travel guide for more information about what to do on the island, how to get there and whether it's the right destination for your itinerary.

Plan Your Trip to Koh Yao Yai

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Koh Yao Yai. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
Hotels
Flights
Currency
Activities
Activities
Sim Card
Insurance

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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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

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