by Kristin, Be My Travel Muse
Stepping into the refreshing coolness, the gentle periwinkle waves lapping around me, I drifted into a pristine little cove surrounded by Thailand's iconic limestone karsts that rise sharply, framing the sandy beach beautifully.
Scattered across the horizon are islets of all shapes and sizes, as if a giant had ambled by and dropped island-sized gumdrops along the way.
Before visiting, I'd heard Koh Yao Noi described as the 'no farang' island. While that's not entirely accurate, it remains a slice of paradise that draws far fewer visitors than its bustling neighbors.
That captivating soft blue hue.
Koh Yao Noi (along with neighboring Koh Yao Yai) is a laid-back, eco-conscious island with significantly less tourism compared to the chaos of Phuket or the vibrant party scene of Koh Phi Phi. It attracts a more upscale and active crowd, preserving a tranquil elegance I hadn't encountered elsewhere in Thailand.
Here's a video showcasing both islands, complete with drone footage:
If you're after an island without nonstop reggae, are fine skipping hostels, and simply crave serenity in the jungle, choose Koh Yao Noi (but keep it under wraps, okay?).
Activities to Explore
Climb, practice yoga, swim, unwind, repeat
Most visitors come to Koh Yao Noi to soak up the beach experience. I've already praised it at length, but I couldn't stop marveling at how ideal the water was for swimming—crystal clear and perfectly balanced between warm and cool.
Rock climbing is another draw, though as a climber told me on the longtail boat, it's not beginner-friendly. If you have some experience, the panoramic views while ascending are breathtaking.
Many travelers rent motorbikes to discover the island's waterfalls and numerous beaches, often encountering just a handful of other tourists—if any at all.
To visit neighboring Koh Yao Yai, you can take a longtail boat from the southern tip of Koh Yao Noi for 50 baht. It's a worthwhile afternoon trip if you enjoy sandbar beaches like this one:
Lam Haed Beach
You can also easily book an island-hopping tour or rent a kayak to explore the nearby islets.
Accommodation
That swing on the beach at Paradise Koh Yao was a delight.
Even if resorts aren't your usual style, Koh Yao Noi is the perfect place to indulge. Most resorts are small, eco-friendly, and designed for relaxation. I stayed at Paradise Koh Yao for a couple of days and found it exceptional. It's a secluded, serene, and stunning high-end boutique resort with hillside bungalows in a dreamy setting.
While I'm not a fan of massive resorts, I adore hidden gems like this. It feels like a well-kept secret, tucked away at the edge of a national park, near the uniquely shaped islands, making every sunrise even more spectacular.
The beach is peaceful, free from the noise of speedboat engines or beach vendors.
An ideal spot to settle in for a few days.
The restaurants serve delicious meals with fresh ingredients and a variety of Thai-inspired dishes.
For a romantic getaway, Paradise Koh Yao is ideal, though I visited with a friend and enjoyed it just as much.
Is Koh Yao Noi Suitable for Solo Travelers?
At Paradise Koh Yao
Koh Yao Noi isn't a backpacker hub or party destination, but it does attract rock climbers and yoga enthusiasts. Places centered around a shared passion, like a sport, tend to be great for solo travel because people come for their love of the activity, whether alone or with companions.
There are also cooking classes, a few quirky coffee shops, and a bar or two, offering opportunities to connect with others.
How to Get There
Aerial view of Koh Yao Noi
Reaching Koh Yao Noi is straightforward via longtail or speedboat from Phuket and Krabi, both of which have airports.
From Phuket, boats leave Bangrong Pier almost every hour, costing 200 baht. From Krabi, go to Ta Len Pier and take either a longtail or speedboat. These also depart hourly, with fares between 150 and 200 baht depending on speed. To get to the pier, take a Songthaew from Krabi town to the bus station for 30 baht, then a larger songthaew 'bus' from the station to the pier for 100 baht. Reverse the route to return and fly out or continue to your next destination.
After a week split between Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi—with Yao Noi being my favorite for its superior views—I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and content. There's nothing quite like a quiet, jungle-fringed beach where you can swim for hours without getting chilly, leave your belongings on the sand without much worry, and feel like you've stepped back into a slower pace of Thai time.
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I hope it stays this tranquil, because it's on my list of places to revisit.
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*Thanks to Paradise Koh Yao for hosting part of my stay. My genuine affection for Koh Yao Noi and Paradise is entirely my own.
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