{"id":1990,"date":"2024-01-29T13:52:04","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T12:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2troubletravelers.com\/?p=1990"},"modified":"2026-02-09T18:56:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T17:56:08","slug":"koh-yao-yai-a-hidden-paradise-just-minutes-from-phuket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2troubletravelers.com\/en\/koh-yao-yai-a-hidden-paradise-just-minutes-from-phuket\/","title":{"rendered":"Koh Yao Yai – a hidden paradise just minutes from Phuket!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Laem Haad<\/div><\/div><\/div>

We spent four wonderful weeks in Thailand. Our adventurous journey through this country began in Phuket. Phuket offers its visitors a number of beautiful beaches, sights, activities, as well as night markets that are definitely worth a visit. Among other things, there is the famous “Patong Beach”, which is one of the most visited party places in Thailand. And it’s really crazy out there! \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n

However, there are also people who visit Phuket, but do not look for crowded places and more enjoy local islands<\/strong>, where there is authentic Thai life<\/strong>, nice beaches<\/strong> and peace and quiet to relax<\/strong>. We have found such a place! And it is located just 30 minutes<\/strong> from the famous Phuket. Have you heard about Koh Yao Yai?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Koh Yao Yai island<\/h2>\n

Approximately 25 km from Phuket<\/strong>, in the middle of Phang Nga Bay is located Koh Yao archipelago, which consists of two islands – Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Yai translates to Big Long Island, which makes it clear to you that it is the larger of the two islands. Even though there are several hotels and resorts on the island, it’s still a relatively quiet place that seems like a good alternative for people who want to escape the crowds on Phuket.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

How to get to Koh Yao Yai<\/a><\/h2>\n

This island can be reached by boat from several places on Phuket. The most famous are Thiensin Pier<\/strong>, Rassada Pier<\/strong> or Bang Rong Pier<\/strong>. We travelled to the island from Bang Rong Pier and we paid 9\u20ac<\/strong> for one ticket. The journey took about 30 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Even though boats run regularly between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai, we recommend buying tickets online in advance to save yourself an unnecessary wait at the port. You can buy tickets at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What to do on Koh Yao Yai<\/h2>\n

The island offers many beautiful beaches, a few local shops, but also activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, or day boat trips to nearby islands. Here’s a list of our tips:<\/p>\n

1. Walk along Laem Haad Bech<\/strong> – definitely the most beautiful beach on the whole island. It’s a long sandbank that is truly magical at high tide.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Sandbank Laem Haad<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Tip: Always check the tide times beforehand, because if you visit the beach at low tide you may be very disappointed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

2. Renting a scooter and exploring the island – our favourite activity in Thailand. A scooter ride, during which we always discover beautiful places. Renting a scooter on the island cost us about 7\u20ac<\/strong> per day. Since the island is quite large, you will definitely need a scooter to explore it. As it is a local island, don’t expect any regular public transport or tuk-tuks.<\/p>\n

3. Sunset at Loh Had Beach<\/strong> \u2013 definitely the most beautiful spot on the island to watch the sunset. There is also a marina and a few small shops.<\/p>\n

4. Lunch or dinner at Laem Laan<\/strong> Restaurant – this restaurant offers great food and spectacular views. What more could you ask for?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Laem Laan Restaurant<\/div><\/div><\/div>

5. Hire a private boat and explore the surrounding area – definitely the best and cheapest way to visit the surrounding islands, which most people visit from Krabi or Phuket. On Koh Yao Yai you will find several companies that offer group tours or rent private boats. We definitely recommend this one.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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The sweetest owner we have met in the whole of Thailand.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our tip: Hire a private boat and visit the famous islands of Krabi without the crowds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Private boat<\/h4>\n

A private boat for 6 hours with a driver and lunch cost us a whopping 60\u20ac<\/strong>. In Krabi or Phuket we would pay at least double for it. Koh Yao Yai has a great location and gets you to famous places in the Krabi region in minutes. We visited Hong Island, Koh Lao Lading and Monkey Beach<\/strong> and since we left early in the morning we were almost alone!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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All alone in Hong Lagoon.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

To find out about other places to visit, read more about them in our article Island Hopping in Krabi, Thailand – top destinations, handy tips and hidden beaches!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

E-Book Thailand<\/h2>\n

You can read about what to see, where to stay and where the best restaurants are not only on Koh Yao Yai, but also other parts of Thailand such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Rai, or lesser-known islands such as Koh Chang or Koh Kood in our e-book Thailand: the complete guide to paradise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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In our e-book you will find everything in one place:<\/strong><\/p>\n