Koyao Overview

Ko Yao (เกาะยาว) covers an area of approximately 137.6 square kilometres. Most of its dwellers are Thai Muslim. Ko Yao comprises 2 main islands; namely, Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, surrounded by small islets. Interesting beaches and bays include:

Hat Pa Sai (หาดป่าทราย) is about 7 kilometres from the Ko Yao District Office which is located on Ko Yao Noi. It features a white sandy beach with shady trees, suitable for swimming. A scenic view of various islands of Krabi province can be seen.

Hat Tha Khao (หาดท่าเขา) is about 5 kilometres from the Ko Yao Noi District Office. The beach is dotted with pebbles of various patterns. Slightly off the shore, there are small islets that are accessible at low tide. These islets house forest trees and orchids.

Ao Ti Kut (อ่าวตีกุด) is on Ko Yao Yai and features a clean white beach. To the north, there is a cape with beautiful scenery. The shore is shady with pine trees.

Ao Khlong Son (อ่าวคลองสน) is on Ko Yao Yai and offers a clean white shady beach with pine trees. To the left, there are rocks and pebbles of beautiful colours. The inlet is suitable for swimming and diving to admire the coral reefs.

Ao Hin Kong (อ่าวหินกอง) is on Ko Yao Yai and features a shady beach where Khiam trees - Cotylelobium lanceolatum – are grown. It is a habitat of baby stingrays, not suitable for swimming. There are Muslim fishermen living here.

Ao Lan (อ่าวล้าน) is on Ko Yao Yai and offers a scenic beach suitable for swimming. To the north, there is a steep cliff. It is most conveniently accessible by boat.

Ao Sai (อ่าวทราย) is on Ko Yao Yai and offers a white powdery beach, suitable for swimming.

Ao Lo Pa Raet (อ่าวโละปาแรด) is on Ko Yao Yai and features a shady beach with coconut groves. The white powdery beach stretches for a long distance. To the north, there is a cape of beautiful rocks suitable for swimming.

Laem Nok Ok (แหลมนกออก) is on Ko Yao Yai and features a rocky beach with colourful pebbles, suitable for swimming.

In addition, homestay accommodation is available both on Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi. Visitors can enjoy while learning the folk way of living and daily activities such as fishing, clam catching, and biking along a nature trail. For more information, please contact the Ko Yao Noi Ecotourism Club, Bang Rong Pier, Tel. 0 7659 7244, or Khun Samroeng Rakhet, Tel. 08 1968 0877, or Ko Yao Noi Subdistrict Administration Organization, Tel. 0 7659 7122, or visit www.homestaykohyaonoi.com. Private run accommodation is also available.

To get there: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai are accessible from Phuket, Phang-nga, and Krabi provinces. However, it is most convenient to get there from Phuket.

To Get to Ko Yao Noi

From Phuket: Boats leave Bang Rong Pier, Tambon Pa Khlok, Amphoe Thalang, to Ko Yao Noi Sanitary District Pier 7 times daily at 8.30 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 11.00 a.m., 12.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m., 4.00 p.m., and 5.00 p.m. Boats depart Ko Yao Noi for Bang Rong Pier 6 times daily at 7.00 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 10.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3.00 p.m., and 4.00 p.m. The fare is 100 Baht / person / trip.

The trip takes approximately 50 minutes. A charter long-tail boat is also available at 1,500 – 3,000 Baht. Speed boats of various sizes are available to be chartered at 6,000 – 8,000 Baht / trip.

From Krabi: Boats leave Tha Len Pier in Amphoe Mueang Krabi twice daily at 11.00 a.m. (to Mano Pier), and 1.00 p.m. (to Tha Khao Pier). Two boats leave Ko Yao Noi to Tha Len Pier daily at 7.30 a.m. (one from Tha Khao Pier and the other from Mano Pier). The trip takes 40 minutes and the fare is 100 Baht / trip. From Tha Len Pier, visitors may take a Song Thaeo to catch the bus at the Krabi Bus Terminal. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 40 Baht each.

From Phang-nga: A boat leaves the Customs Office Pier to Ko Yao Noi (Mano Pier or Sanitary District Pier – depending on the tide) once a day at 1.00 p.m. A boat departs Ko Yao Noi to the Customs Office Pier at 7.30 a.m. The trip takes approximately 1½ hours and the fare is 150 Baht. A charter boat for 10- 12 persons is available at approximately 5,000 Baht at the Customs Office Pier.


To Get to Ko Yao Yai

From Phuket: Two boats leave Thian Sin Pier on Si Suthat Road, Phuket, to Ko Yao Yai (Lo Chak Pier) at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m., taking 1 hour. Another two boats leave Lo Chak Pier to Thian Sin Pier at 8.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. The fare is 100 Baht / trip.

From Ko Yao Noi: Board the boat at Mano Pier to Ban Chong Lat Pier or Khlong Hia Pier on Ko Yao Yai. The boats leave during 6.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m., taking 10 minutes. The fare is 20 Baht each.