KOH YAO YAI/NOI
Koh Yao Yai | Koh Yao Noi: Quiet Island Escapes Between Phuket and Krabi
We go here every year as part of our Thailand trip, usually staying at Santhiya Resort on Koh Yao Yai. These somewhat lesser-known yet fairly large islands are located between Phuket and Krabi, just south of Phang Nga Bay. They remain sparsely populated with minimal tourism and development, which is exactly what makes them special.
Koh Yao Yai (“big long island”) and Koh Yao Noi (“small long island”) are home to a handful of upmarket boutique resorts and some simpler beach bungalow hotels. If you’re after nightlife, markets, or shopping, this isn’t the place for you. But if you want peace, quiet, and time to enjoy your resort and the natural beauty around you, these islands are perfect.
Where to Stay
Our favourite has always been Santhiya Koh Yao Yai, a stunning resort where Thai-style timber pool villas and apartments look out over the ocean. The property offers four excellent restaurants, infinity pools, and a list of activities but the real highlight is the breathtaking outlook across the bay. We’ve been coming back here for years, always booking a pool view.
Other options on Koh Yao Yai include Glow Elixir, a smaller beach bungalow-style resort on a quiet private stretch of sand, and the newly opened Anantara, which looks fantastic.
Over on Koh Yao Noi, you’ll find Six Senses, with ultra-luxurious pool villas, the adults-only Treehouse Villas, and The Paradise, where we stayed once. Paradise has a beautiful isolated feel with views of rocky outcrops rising from the sea. The only downside is that the tide goes out far, leaving the beach unswimmable at certain times though the hotel offers a free shuttle boat to a nearby uninhabited island for swimming during low tide.
What to Do
These islands are largely undeveloped, so aside from your resort, there’s not a whole lot to “do” in the traditional sense. We’ve hired bikes before and ridden through the small villages, local homes, and green vegetation that cover most of the land. It’s a simple but refreshing experience if you want to see local island life.
That said, the best activities here are usually on the water. Both islands are a fantastic base for island hopping. From here, you can reach Koh Hong, James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, or Koh Phi Phi. Most hotels can organise tours for you, or you can book online in advance. There are also small travel stands near the beach strips where you can arrange boat trips usually at cheaper rates.
Some resorts offer activities like canoeing, yoga, Thai cooking classes, or even volleyball, but honestly, most of the time here is about slowing down, enjoying the pools, and watching the sunsets.
Eating Out
While most people dine at their hotels, there are a few local restaurants worth trying if you’re craving a change. Near Santhiya, there’s a little strip with a 7-Eleven, massage shops, and a handful of simple souvenir stalls selling woven dresses, singlets, and small jewellery pieces. We’ve noticed these souvenirs are often cheaper here than in Phuket or Bangkok. For pearl jewellery though, I’d say Phuket Town or Koh Phi Phi have better bargains.
One of our long-time favourites is Together Restaurant, a small family-run place we’ve been going to for years. The food is fresh and very reasonably priced, with both Thai and Western options. It’s modest, but that’s what makes it feel genuinely local. The staff are warm, and it’s a nice alternative to resort dining.
Sunset and Atmosphere
Both Koh Yao Yai and Noi are calm, non-touristy islands where time feels slow. Sunsets here are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen in Thailand — no crowds, no loud bars, just the sound of the waves and the glowing horizon.
If you’re after buzzing nightlife or busy beach clubs, these islands probably aren’t for you. But if you want to take quiet walks on the beach, relax in your villa, and immerse yourself in natural beauty, they’re ideal.
How to Get There
If you’re staying at one of the more upmarket resorts, transfers are usually arranged directly from Phuket airport or pier. This typically involves a private car and hotel speedboat, which we’ve found to be the easiest and smoothest way. Otherwise, you can make your own way to Bangrong Pier in Phuket, where local boats head across to both islands.
The crossing takes about 20 minutes by speedboat or around 40 minutes by public boat. Once you arrive, transport is limited — usually private cars or songthaews waiting at the pier. Having tried both, I recommend paying the extra for the hotel’s organised transfer. It’s far less hassle, and you can start your holiday the moment you land.
Final Thoughts
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are worlds apart from the busier Thai islands. They’re not about nightlife or endless activities they’re about stillness, space, and appreciating natural beauty. For us, they’ve become a tradition on every Thailand trip, and while we’ve explored elsewhere, we always come back for the tranquility of Santhiya and the slow island rhythm that never fails to reset us.
