When you’re ready to pack your bags and take a trip, Thailand must be at the top of your bucket list. Thailand is a southeast Asian country famous for its food, beaches, temples, and Muay Thai kickboxing. But nowadays, has only a few places where you can find a remote paradise island like you once could. One such place is called Koh Yao Noi Island. It draws only a trickle of travelers because it only has some basic beach huts, a few cafes and bars, and the occasional resort.
Most of the islands sit in southern Thailand, a region famous for tourists. With many places in Thailand, the pristine waters and interesting local wildlife have been ground away by flash resorts, nightlife, and water sports. If you want to find a place to truly call your own, you have to look a little deeper and venture further from the tourist trail. Koh Yao Noi is the perfect place to look for that remote paradise.
Getting There
Information about Koh Yao Noi can be hard to find, and in general, websites about the place can be outdated. Even figuring out how to travel to a Koh Yao Noi resort can be tricky. However, the easiest way is to hop on the ferry to get to the island after flying into Phuket.
Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi has a population of 3,500, and believe it or not, you can stay busy while vacationing on the island. Some of the most common activities in Koh Yao Noi are outdoor types of activities. You can, for example, go scuba diving or snorkeling to get a close look at the coral reefs and diverse marine wildlife.
These islands have a more relaxed vibe than what you get in Phuket. A great activity is trying out some of the traditional island foods. When you eat here, you will often have beautiful scenery right in front of you like the Andaman Sea and white sand beaches.
Krachang Bar is one of the famous restaurants on the island. They serve gourmet meals and a wide selection of drinks. If you’re not wild about the spice found in Thai food, you could head down to Kayee Restaurant, which serves both Western and Thai dishes. For example, you can get burgers, pad Thai, and pasta.
Don’t forget to visit the vibrant markets. In particular, the market in the island has achieved fame for its handcrafted Thai ornaments. You might want to try night market bartering, a one-of-a-kind experience that you’re not likely to get in other countries.
Transportation
If you want a “first-time-doing-this” experience, you can reserve a spot on the ferry to get a ride on what’s known as a songthaew pick-up truck. They sit on the pier, and they only cost 100 baht per person or the equivalent of about $3.
Unfortunately, this island lacks much for options in public transportation, but you can rent your own car or hire a taxi to get around during your trip. You can also find taxi or tour services to take you around for the day.
Additionally, a motorbike rental will cost between 250 to 350 baht per day or the equivalent of $10 at the most.
You will also find the hospital close to the police station and Koh Yao Noi Village.
ATMs
Even though it’s one of the remote islands, at Koh Yao Noi ATMs and banks are scattered throughout. Nevertheless, you should still have some cash on you because the ATMs will sometimes go out of order. You can find an ATM at:
- Near the Government Savings Bank in Koh Yao Noi Village
- At the 7-11 in Koh Yao Noi Village
- At Western Union outside Koh Yao Noi Village and close to Pasai Beach
- Opposite to the Six Senses Koh Yao Noi Resort
Where to Stay in Koh Yao Noi?
You have a variety of Ko Yao Noi island resort options, but at the Coastal Escape you have the option of both budget and luxurious accommodation depending on your personal interest.
This is one of the best islands to go on a romantic getaway because it’s so remote, and you feel like it’s only the two of you on the island. If you want to retreat and have some alone time, it’s also a good idea in this island paradise.
What makes Koh Yao Noi a worthwhile destination?
One of the coolest things about this island is how everyone seems to care about each other. They are some of the friendliest people, and that’s saying a lot considering how Thailand has been called “The Land of Smiles.” In addition, the natural beauty sweeps you off your feet.
Like much of the other areas in Thailand, Koh Yao Noi has a magical feel to it. Many of the restaurants here also have a lively bar scene. In addition, because it’s a smaller and lesser-known area, you feel relatively safe while walking here.
A New Life Wandering 