Koh Yao Noi is, for me, one of the most beautiful and at the same time most relaxed islands in Southern Thailand. Located between Phuket and Krabi, it offers a unique mix of dramatic limestone karst scenery, quiet beaches, small restaurants set among rice fields and mangroves, and an authentic island atmosphere. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, along with our personal recommendations and tips for planning your trip to Koh Yao Noi:

• 1. Why Koh Yao Noi is Worth Visiting
• 2. Koh Yao Noi Highlights: Beaches, Viewpoints & Restaurants
• 3. Koh Yao Noi Tips: Duration, Getting There, Transportation & Best Time to Visit
• 4. Our Hotel Recommendation on Koh Yao Noi
• 5. Google My Map for Koh Yao Noi
• 6. Who Koh Yao Noi is Perfect For

1. Why Koh Yao Noi is Worth Visiting

Koh Yao Noi is located in the stunning Phang Nga Bay and is significantly quieter than well-known islands like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. This contrast makes it especially appealing – you can reach it quickly, yet step into a completely different world with less tourism, more nature, and a far more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Koh Yao Noi Highlights: Beaches, Viewpoints & Restaurants

Koh Yao Noi stands out for its unique combination of beaches, scenic viewpoints, and local food spots. Here are some of the island’s highlights:

Beautiful Beaches

While Koh Yao Noi isn’t primarily known as a beach destination, you’ll still find some truly stunning spots. Our favorites include:

• Mankei Bay – hidden, peaceful, and truly paradise-like
• Tha Khao Beach – with a sandbank leading to a small island
• Klong Jark Beach – long, natural, and ideal for walks
• Little Long Beach – beautiful sections with island views
• Koh Roi – a spectacular kayaking destination

You’ll find detailed reviews, tips, and honest insights in my separate guide: The Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Yao Noi – Highlights, Tips & Honest Recommendations.

Viewpoints & Nature

One of the biggest highlights on Koh Yao Noi is the incredible view of the surrounding karst islands – especially from:

• Hornbill Viewpoint: Located on the east side of the island, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the offshore limestone formations. In the early morning, you may even spot hornbills.
• When we visited in the afternoon, we didn’t see any hornbills, but we did encounter several long-tailed macaques, which are quite common on the island.

Beyond the viewpoints, the island’s landscape itself is a highlight:

• small roads winding through palm groves
• dense jungle in the north
• rice fields in the south

Sunsets

The west coast of Koh Yao Noi is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset. There are many small restaurants located by the sea, providing an ideal setting in which to relax and enjoy the scenery at the end of the day.

Great Food

Koh Yao Noi also surprised us with its food scene. Many restaurants feel authentic, laid-back, and far less touristy than on other islands:

• บ้านเค้ก ฮาลาน เกาะยาวน้อย – great rice field views and excellent value for money
• Sawasdee Koh Yao Restaurant – a huge seafood selection set in the mangroves
• Stella Restaurant – centrally located with sea views and great drinks
• Pradu Seafood – unique stilt-house setting with fresh seafood

Kayaking & Island Adventures

One of the best experiences on Koh Yao Noi is kayaking along the coastline or to nearby islands like Koh Roi. Both the east and west coasts offer great kayaking spots. You can find more details in my Koh Yao Noi beach guide.

4. Our Hotel Recommendation on Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi offers many small accommodations and a few unique resorts that perfectly match the island’s relaxed character. If you’re looking for something stylish, peaceful, and special, this is a great choice:

Purana Resort Koh Yao Noi

Purana Resort is one of the most beautiful boutique stays on Koh Yao Noi – especially if you value privacy, tranquility, and stunning views.

The villas are slightly elevated on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding karst islands. Some even feature private terraces and pools.

Good to know: Perfect for views and relaxation, less ideal for a classic beach holiday. The property is built on a hillside – expect stairs and walking paths. The beach area is more natural and partly rocky.

5. Google My Map for Koh Yao Noi

To make planning your route easier, I’ve marked all key locations from this guide in a Google My Map – including beaches, hotels, restaurants, cafés, piers, and other useful stops. This helps you quickly see which places are close to each other and how to best organize your days on the island:

Our conclusion: Koh Yao Noi isn’t a classic beach island – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The combination of nature, tranquility, scenic views, and small adventures makes it the perfect addition to a trip to Phuket or Krabi. If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic island that still feels untouched, you’ll absolutely love Koh Yao Noi.

Would Koh Yao Noi be more of a short stop for you – or a place to slow down for a few days?
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