Day Trips from Phuket to Koh Yao Islands

What Are the Koh Yao Islands?

Koh Yao Noi (small) and Koh Yao Yai (big) are two islands in Phang Nga Bay, roughly midway between Phuket and Krabi. They are known for their rural, traditional Thai atmosphere, rice paddies, rubber plantations, and quiet beaches. These islands offer a complete contrast to the tourist areas of Phuket.

How to Get There from Phuket

Speedboat from Bang Rong Pier

The most common route. Bang Rong Pier is on the northeast coast of Phuket.

To Koh Yao Noi: About 20 to 30 minutes by speedboat
To Koh Yao Yai: About 30 to 40 minutes
Price: 200 to 400 THB per person one-way
Schedule: Multiple departures daily, roughly every 1 to 2 hours

Longtail Boat

Available from various piers. Slower (40 to 60 minutes) but cheaper (150 to 250 THB).

Private Speedboat

A private charter can include Koh Yao in a multi-island itinerary, perhaps combining it with Phang Nga Bay sightseeing.

What to Do on Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is the more popular of the two for tourists. Read our detailed Koh Yao Noi guide. Highlights:

Cycling: The island is flat enough for cycling. Rent a bicycle (50 to 150 THB per day) and explore the villages, rice paddies, and coastal roads.
Kayaking: Paddle around mangroves and to small nearby islands.
Beaches: Pasai Beach and Tha Khao Bay are the main beaches. Quiet, natural, and uncrowded.
Local food: Small restaurants serving fresh seafood and Thai dishes at local prices.
Viewpoints: Several hilltop viewpoints offer panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay's limestone formations.

What to Do on Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is larger and even quieter. It has fewer tourist facilities but offers:

Long, empty beaches
Mangrove forests
Rubber plantations you can walk through
Complete tranquility

Day Trip vs Overnight Stay

Day Trip

A day trip from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi is feasible. Take a morning boat (9:00 or 10:00 AM), explore by bicycle, have lunch, enjoy the beach, and catch an afternoon boat back (3:00 or 4:00 PM). You get a taste of the island's peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight

To truly appreciate Koh Yao's charm, staying at least one night is recommended. The island comes alive at sunset when day trippers leave. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses (500 to 1,000 THB) to luxury resorts (5,000+ THB).

Getting Around the Islands

Motorbike rental: 200 to 300 THB per day on Koh Yao Noi
Bicycle rental: 50 to 150 THB per day
Sidecar taxis: Available for short trips

Tips

Bring cash. ATMs are limited on the islands. Some exist on Koh Yao Noi but may run out.
The islands are Muslim-majority. Dress modestly when visiting villages. Alcohol is available at tourist-oriented establishments but not everywhere.
No big supermarkets. Bring anything specific you need.
Mosquito repellent is a good idea, especially near mangroves.

Koh Yao offers the authentic Thai island experience that Phuket had decades ago. Browse our tours or contact us to include Koh Yao in your itinerary.