10 Must-Visit Spots in Koh Yao

These 10 spots are unmissable when visiting Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Each island has its own unique charm and atmosphere depending on where you come from, where you stay, and what kind of ambiance you prefer.

Koh Yao Noi is smaller, ideal for exploring by riding a motorbike around the island, or hiring a local truck from the pier for a tour, which takes about 3–4 hours. The focus is on scenic views, community life, cafes, and beautiful beaches more than swimming all day. Renting a local truck costs about 800 baht per trip.

On the other hand, Koh Yao Yai is best explored by driving yourself. If you bring a car on the ferry from Phuket or Krabi, it’s very convenient. The ferry docks at Ban Laem Yai Pier on the west side of the island. The roads are easy to drive, mostly cemented and not too steep, suitable for both cars and motorbikes.

If you don’t have a car, it’s recommended to visit Koh Yao Noi and stay on the east coast, such as around Tha Khao Beach, Koh Nok, Khlong Chak Beach, or Pa Sai Beach, which offer beautiful seas, island views, and a tranquil atmosphere.

But if you wish to explore Koh Yao Yai without a car, staying around Lohpahred Beach is advisable, as it’s near Ban Laem Yai Pier, making it convenient for returning to Phuket, especially for afternoon ferry rides. Adventure enthusiasts can rent a motorbike to tour the island at ease, or bring a motorbike on the ferry between Manor Pier and Chong Lard Pier.

Note: These 10 spots are not ranked by popularity, but each one is a must-see check-in point in Koh Yao.

• Koh Khai Nai
  A small island with clear waters, white sand beaches, and colorful fish, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the Andaman Sea.
• Koh Khai Nok
  A popular snorkeling spot with shallow coral reefs and vibrant sea life near the shore, complemented by breathtaking cerulean sea views.
• Laem Had
  A crescent-shaped sandbar in the Andaman Sea, offering some of the most picturesque photography and drone shots on Koh Yao.
• Tha Khao Beach, Koh Nok
  Enjoy a scenic beach walk when the tide is low, with beautiful rock formations and limestone mountains in Phang Nga Bay.
• Pa Sai Beach
  A popular sunrise spot with a serene atmosphere, perfect for strolling along the beach.
• Nam Na Ton
  A wooden bridge across rice fields, offering views of the true southern Thai community lifestyle, a popular photography spot in Koh Yao Noi.
• Lohpahred Beach
  A wide, white sandy beach with calm clear waters, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the sea view.
• Lo Chak Beach
  Located on the west coast of Koh Yao Yai, known for its stunning sunset views and tranquil island life.
• Ao Muang
  A quiet coastal community with views of islands in Phang Nga Bay, showcasing traditional seaside living.
• Sea Gypsy Village, Laem Lan View
  A small fishing community pier surrounded by sea and island views, ideal for watching the evening light and experiencing the local charm of Koh Yao.

1

Khai Nai Island

Khai Nai Island is one of the hidden gems of Phang Nga that attracts travelers from around the world. Despite its small size—small enough to walk around in a short time—the island offers breathtaking natural beauty. Its most distinctive feature is the powdery white sand beach, soft and clean, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue sea. What makes Khai Nai Island truly special is th...

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2

Koh Khai Nok

Koh Khai Nok is a well-loved destination among both Thai and international travelers. This small island in the Andaman Sea is known for its unique rock formations and nearly continuous stretch of clean white sandy beaches. Its most captivating feature is the crystal-clear water, where you can easily see fine sand beneath your feet and schools of striped fish swimming close to shore. The island off...

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3

Laem Had

Laem Had is a true gem and one of the most iconic landmarks of Koh Yao Yai and Phang Nga. What draws travelers from around the world is its fine white sandbar extending hundreds of meters into the sea. During low tide, the sandbar gradually reveals itself as a naturally curved pathway, surrounded by emerald-clear waters on both sides, creating the surreal feeling of walking across the sea toward t...

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4

Haad Tha Khao Koh Nok

Haad Tha Khao and Koh Nok are must-visit spots on Koh Yao Noi for both geological beauty and breathtaking scenery. Unlike other beaches with smooth white sand, Haad Tha Khao stands out with small colorful pebbles and stones shaped and polished by the sea, creating a unique charm. The highlight is during low tide, when a sandbar emerges connecting Haad Tha Khao to Koh Nok, a small nearby island. Wa...

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5

Pa Sai Beach

Pa Sai Beach is a hidden gem of Koh Yao Noi, sought after by travelers from around the world. Its uniqueness lies not only in its fine, soft sand but also in the breathtaking scenery known as the archipelago, where clusters of limestone islands of various sizes rise dramatically across Phang Nga Bay and Krabi’s waters like a living painting. One of the must-do experiences here is watching th...

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6

Num Na Thon

Num Na Thon, situated in Ban Na Thon on Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, represents the heart of the last remaining rice paddies in the middle of the Andaman Sea. The word "Num" is a local Southern Thai dialect for "Khanam," referring to a small hut built for resting and guarding crops in the fields. This location is far more than a mere tourist checkpoint; it is a profound symbol of the preservation of tr...

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7

Loh Pared Beach

Loh Pared Beach perfectly captures the charm of Koh Yao Yai. The beach forms a wide bay, offering an open panoramic view and a refreshing sea breeze. Its highlight is the cleanliness of the shoreline and the beautiful turquoise water. During high tide, the beach looks especially smooth and inviting, making it ideal for swimming. Located on the western side of the island, Loh Pared Beach becomes th...

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8

Loh Jak Beach

Loh Jak Beach is one of the most important entry points and gathering spots on Koh Yao Yai. As the location of the main pier for speedboats and ferries arriving from Phuket, it is often the first place where visitors begin their island experience. Despite being a transportation hub, the beach retains its natural beauty with fine sand and clear seawater that is suitable for swimming. The charm of L...

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9

Ao Muang

Ao Muang, also known by locals as Ao Mamuang, is one of the clearest reflections of the traditional spirit of Koh Yao Yai. While other parts of the island are gradually changing with tourism development, this bay still preserves its peaceful atmosphere and strong fishing-community identity. The charm of Ao Muang lies in its wide open bay surrounded by lush forests and coconut plantations, offering...

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