Ko Yao Yai Island

Address: Ko Yao Yai, Phang Nga Province, Thailand

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public island)

Ko Yao Yai is the larger of the two main islands in the Ko Yao archipelago in Phang Nga Bay, southern Thailand. It is known for a rural landscape of small villages, rubber and rice farming, and stretches of shoreline with mangroves and beaches.

The island attracts visitors seeking a quieter experience than Phuket or Krabi - activities focus on beach walking, kayaking through mangroves, cycling between villages, and community-based tourism. There are small resorts and guesthouses rather than large-scale hotels, and local seafood and village markets are common attractions.

Local communities on Ko Yao Yai have long relied on fishing and agriculture; tourism development has been gradual and community-oriented. The island offers a low-density alternative for visitors to the Andaman coast who prefer less commercialized settings.

Geographically, Ko Yao Yai sits in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga Province and is reachable by short ferry or longtail-boat services from both provinces.

• Access: Most visitors travel by regular longtail boat or scheduled ferry from Phuket, Krabi or the nearby mainland piers in Phang Nga province.
• Character: The island is quieter than nearby Phuket and Krabi, making it suitable for low‑impact tourism such as kayaking, cycling and village homestays.

Ko Yao Yai (Phang Nga/Phuket area) is served by regular ferries and longtail boats from Phuket and Krabi. Common departure points on the Phuket side include Bang Rong or Ao Po piers; from Krabi departures are available from Ao Nang/nearby piers. Reach the chosen pier by taxi or local transfer from Phuket Town or Phuket International Airport, then take the scheduled ferry/longtail to Ko Yao Yai - landings are at small jetties with only a short walk to accommodations.

• Take a scheduled ferry from Phuket's Bang Rong or from the Phang Nga side early in the morning to secure scooter or bike rentals before they sell out and to avoid the late afternoon return rush.
• Head inland to the island's small markets and coastal villages rather than staying only on the main resort strip - travelers often miss the local markets selling fresh seafood and the panoramic views from the east coast.
• If you want quieter beaches, stay on the north or eastern shores overnight; most day trips concentrate on the western side, so an overnight gives you long stretches of beach largely to yourself.