Koh Yao Noi is known as one of the quieter islands in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. While many travelers come here mainly for the spectacular limestone karst scenery, the island is also home to several beautiful, natural beaches. Many of the beaches feel far more peaceful and untouched than those on the larger neighboring islands. Some are easy to reach by scooter, while others require a short off-road ride – or even access by kayak or boat.

The Best Beaches on Koh Yao Noi at a Glance

Here are five beaches around Koh Yao Noi that stood out to us – with honest impressions, tips on how to get there, and advice on when a visit is most worthwhile.

1. Mankei Bay

• Special feature: Hidden, paradise-like bay with very few visitors
• Best for: Quiet beach time, kayaking trips, and small adventures

Mankei Bay is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful – and quietest – bays around Koh Yao Noi. The small cove feels almost untouched and is often completely empty, making it perfect if you’re looking for a true island paradise. A visit is especially rewarding at low tide, as the beach itself is quite narrow and much more sand appears when the water recedes.

Getting there by kayak: One of the best ways to reach the bay is by kayak from Long Beach. Many people start at Three Ladies & Freebird Long Beach Restaurant, from where the paddle along the coastline takes around 20–30 minutes.

Getting there by scooter: Alternatively, you can ride a scooter along a small dirt road that leads close to the bay. It’s best to attempt this only in dry conditions. Shortly before the hotel complex, a small road branches off to the left – follow it until the path ends. The final stretch requires a short walk down a small trail to the beach.

2. Tha Khao Beach

• Special feature: Sandbank leading to a small island
• Best for: Walking through shallow water and relaxed beach stops

Tha Khao Beach is a relaxed village beach on the east coast of Koh Yao Noi. One of its most interesting features is the small sandbank that appears at low tide, allowing you to walk through shallow water to a tiny island just offshore. The beach itself feels calm and natural, although there are some sharp rocks in the water. Water shoes are highly recommended here. Since the small island offers very little shade, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon during low tide is the most comfortable option.

3. Klong Jark Beach

• Special feature: Long, narrow beach with views of the karst islands
• Best for: Beach walks and relaxed seaside breaks

Klong Jark Beach is one of the better-known beaches on Koh Yao Noi and is popular with both visitors and locals. The beach stretches for quite a distance, yet it rarely feels crowded.

During low tide, many rocks and coral patches become visible, so water shoes can also be helpful here. The beach is particularly nice for long walks while enjoying views of the dramatic limestone formations rising from the waters of Phang Nga Bay.

4. Little Long Beach

• Special feature: Paradise-like beach sections with a spectacular island backdrop
• Best for: Quiet beach days and beautiful photo spots

Little Long Beach is one of the most popular beaches among locals – and for good reason. Parts of the beach feel truly idyllic, with fine, slightly golden sand and a stunning backdrop of limestone islands. The access road includes a short off-road sandy section. If you’re traveling by scooter, you can easily walk the final stretch if the sand feels too soft. From the parking area, it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the beach.

One of the most impressive features here is the panoramic view of the dramatic islands just offshore, which gives the beach a very special atmosphere.

5. Koh Roi

• Special feature: Hidden lagoon inside a karst island
• Best for: Kayaking adventures and unique nature experiences

Koh Roi is technically not a beach on Koh Yao Noi itself, but a small island located northeast of Koh Yao Noi – and it’s one of the most impressive beach destinations in the entire region. The island has two small beaches that are often completely empty. However, the real highlight is the hidden lagoon inside the island. Through a small cave entrance, you can enter a mangrove-filled lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs – an extraordinary and unforgettable place.

Getting there by boat or kayak: Access is only possible by boat or kayak. From the northern part of Koh Yao Noi, the kayak journey takes about 30 minutes each way (roughly 1 hour of paddling in total). The trip can be a bit challenging, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Beach Map – All Koh Yao Noi Beaches at a Glance

To make planning your route around Koh Yao Noi easier, I’ve marked all the beaches from this guide in a Google My Map. This allows you to quickly see which spots are best suited for kayaking trips, where the most beautiful beaches are located, and which places can easily be combined in one day:

Beach Tips for Koh Yao Noi

To make your beach day as relaxed as possible, it’s helpful to keep a few practical things in mind:

• Water shoes: Especially useful at beaches with coral or rocky areas.
• Check the tides: Many beaches change significantly during low tide. (You can find the current tide times for Koh Yao Yai here.)
• Beach towel or hammock: Many spots offer palm trees for shade, but rarely sunbeds.

For even better preparation, I’ve also put together my personal Beach Day Essentials – everything I always bring for beach days while traveling.

Our conclusion: Even though Koh Yao Noi isn’t typically known as a classic beach island, you’ll find some truly special coastal spots here – from peaceful coves and long natural beaches to spectacular kayaking destinations like Koh Roi. The combination of untouched nature, relatively few visitors, and the dramatic karst scenery makes the beaches around Koh Yao Noi a genuine hidden gem in Southern Thailand.

Which beach on Koh Yao Noi would be your favorite?
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