Islands · Phang Nga Bay, between Krabi and Phuket
Koh Yao Yai
The larger and less developed of the two Koh Yao islands: long roads, few visitors, and a scooter or your hotel's transport for every trip.
Access
By boat only
Time to allow
Several nights
Best time
Outside the low season: from about May to October, fewer boats run
Why go
Those who prefer it to its neighbour like it for being less developed: longer roads, fewer visitors, places further apart. Choose it for that, and stay long enough to enjoy it.
Not for you on a first visit of two or three nights to the Koh Yao islands: Koh Yao Noi is simpler.
What you will find
Much larger than Koh Yao Noi, and much less equipped. Same province, Phang Nga rather than Krabi, and the same mostly Muslim population, living from fishing, farming and rubber.
Every trip on the island takes a scooter, a tuk-tuk, a bicycle or your hotel's transport. No nightlife.
Getting there
From Ao Nang: speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier. The island has several piers, and some boats may stop here before Koh Yao Noi: ask the operator where yours lands, then tell your hotel.
From Phuket, boats from Bang Rong pier stop here first.
Before you go
Renting a scooter? The mainland rules apply: your home motorcycle licence, an international permit that covers motorcycles, and a helmet for each rider.
From about May to October, boats run less often and a rough sea can cancel a crossing.
Cover up away from the beach.
Common questions
How do I get to Koh Yao Yai from Krabi?
By speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier, west of Ao Nang Beach. Ask which of the island's piers your boat uses, and tell your hotel.
Is Koh Yao Yai part of Krabi?
No. Both Koh Yao islands are in Phang Nga province, in the district of Ko Yao, even though boats run there from Ao Nang.