Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai — “little long island” and “big long island” — lie in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Half an hour by boat from Phuket’s east coast, they feel decades away: rubber plantations, rice fields, buffalo, wooden fishing piers and a handful of villages.
The islanders are mostly Muslim and live from fishing, farming and a careful amount of tourism. Come for a day of cycling and quiet beaches, or stay a few nights at one of the resorts facing the bay’s limestone skyline.
Top things to do: Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
Circle Koh Yao Noi
A ring road of about 20 km loops the island past paddies, mangroves and east-coast beaches. Rent a bicycle or scooter at the pier and take it slowly.
Island-hop the bay
Longtails can be chartered for half-day trips to the nearby karst islands and lagoons — the same scenery as the Phuket day trips, from the other side and with fewer boats.
Koh Yao Yai’s beaches
The larger island is even quieter, with long empty beaches such as Laem Haad, a sandbar at its northern tip.
Village life
Homestays and local guides offer rubber-tapping, batik and fishing demonstrations — simple, and a real contrast with the resort coast.
How to get to Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
- From Phuket: speedboats and longtail ferries leave Bang Rong Pier on the north-east coast through the day; the speedboat takes about 30 minutes.
- From the airport: Bang Rong is around 30 minutes by taxi.
- Onwards: boats continue from Koh Yao Noi to the Krabi side, so the islands also work as a stepping stone to Ao Nang.
Insider tips
- Dress modestly away from the beach and resorts, and note that alcohol is not sold in many village shops.
- East-coast beaches are very tidal — the sea retreats a long way at low tide.
- There are ATMs on both islands, but carry cash.
Best tours & tickets for Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai:
Speedboat tour with canoeing from €60 Phuket: 7 Wonders of Phang Nga Bay 6-Islands Tour
A full sweep of Phang Nga Bay in one day by speedboat: the limestone needle made famous by a Bond film, paddled canoes into hidden lagoons and a swim stop on Koh Yao Yai. Rated 4.8 by well over two thousand travellers.
- James Bond Island and Koh Panak
- Sea-cave canoeing at Koh Hong
- Beach time on Koh Yao Yai
Big-boat cruise with sea canoeing from €42 From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat
A slower, steadier way to see Phang Nga Bay: a two-storey boat with shade and space, guides who paddle you into the hidden lagoons, a stop at James Bond Island and lunch on board. More than four thousand reviews.
- James Bond Island
- Guided canoeing into sea caves and lagoons
- Lunch and drinks on a two-deck boat
One-way boat transfer from €29 Phuket: Direct Speedboat to Krabi, Railay or Ao Nang
The scenic way to move on to Krabi. The speedboat crosses the bay in under two hours, with views of its limestone islands on the way.
- Direct crossing of Phang Nga Bay
- Drop-off at Railay or Ao Nang
- Quicker than going by road
