Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi Excursion

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are a pair of islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, lying roughly halfway between Phuket and Krabi. They are among the calmest places you can reach from Phuket in a day: no high-rise resorts and no crowded beach clubs, just rice fields, rubber plantations, mangroves and long stretches of quiet coastline.

About Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

• Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two islands, roughly 30 km long.
• Koh Yao Noi is the smaller island and lies to the north of its bigger neighbour.
• Both islands sit in Phang Nga Bay, in Phang Nga Province, between Phuket and Krabi.
• Along the coastline you will find small bars and restaurants, with a village near the pier.
• Motorbikes and tuk-tuks can be rented locally for exploring inland.

The islands remain a genuinely local place. You will pass wooden houses among the trees, buffalo grazing on the rice fields, rubber plantations and thick mangrove channels — the kind of everyday island life that has disappeared from the busier parts of the Andaman coast.

Local life and island etiquette

Residents of Koh Yao take care to preserve their traditions, and visitors are expected to do the same. Away from the beach it is normal to dress modestly, and to refrain from drinking alcohol in public places. Guests who respect this are made very welcome — the unhurried evening gatherings in the villages are one of the most memorable parts of a visit.

Beaches and things to do

The beaches here are strikingly beautiful, though not all of them are equally suited to swimming. The cleanest stretches are on the east side of the islands, and swimming is best around low tide, which falls at a different time each day. One of the best known spots on the east coast is Haad Pasa beach, which also appears on maps as Sor Ngam beach or Haad Khlong Jaak.

• Kayaking along the mangrove channels and limestone shoreline
• Snorkelling and swimming on the eastern beaches
• Hiking and walking inland through plantations and rice fields
• Scooter rides around the island roads
• Simply meeting local people and seeing traditional island life

Distance and travel time from Chalong Pier

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi lie in Phang Nga Bay. In a straight line it is about 31 km (17 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to the islands. This is an approximate straight-line figure for the islands’ position relative to Phuket, not an exact navigational distance from a specific pier.

The real crossing time depends on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea, and the departure marina is chosen to suit the route and the vessel — Chalong Pier is one option, but not always the fastest one for Phang Nga Bay. We confirm the exact departure point, distance and timing with you when we plan the trip.

Day on a private yacht: Phuket – Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi and back

A private charter is the most comfortable way to see both islands in one day. You travel at your own pace, stop where the water looks best, and skip the ferry timetables entirely. If you would like to combine the trip with other spots in the same bay, Hong Island in Phang Nga and Koh Pak Bia sit close by, while Phi Phi and Bamboo Island make a natural alternative for a longer day out.

Why choose Horizon Cruises Phuket:

• We plan the route around your group rather than a fixed schedule.
• Spacious cabins, clean modern interiors and an attentive crew.
• Experienced captains who know Phang Nga Bay and its tides.
• Clear pricing agreed before departure.

Ready to plan your day around Koh Yao? Contact Horizon Cruises Phuket and we will put the route together with you.

Recommended Yachts for Your Koh Yao Tour

Horizon Cruises Phuket offers a private yacht charter to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi tailored to your group. Two of our own vessels are especially well suited for this trip:

• Technema 89 “Say Yes” — a spacious motor yacht ideal for families and groups seeking comfort on the way to Koh Yao.
• Beluga 88 — a stylish yacht offering a relaxed, private atmosphere for couples or smaller parties.

See our full yacht fleet or contact us to plan your Koh Yao day trip.