Southern Thailand · island
Koh Yao Noi
A low-key island stay with village life and bay scenery; plan how you will get around beyond your base.
The feel of the place
A quiet Andaman island for village life, sea views and a slower pace between Phuket and Krabi.
Koh Yao Noi sits in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. The island is known for a quiet pace, community-based tourism, fishing villages and views across the bay. Choose a base with nearby food and services, or arrange rides for longer island outings; boat connections link the island with Phuket and the Krabi coast. It is a better fit for slow days and local experiences than a busy nightlife or resort-strip holiday.
Keep in mind
The island is quieter and less built up than major resort centres, so transport, evening plans and some services need more advance thought.
Get to know Koh Yao Noi
What is Koh Yao Noi like?
Our editorial assessments · Select a factor to see how we scored this place.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 6/10
The island has sandy and rocky shorelines, but its appeal is broader than a classic white-sand beach holiday.
What we assess
Beach appeal, convenient access and variety during a beach-focused stay, within the destination itself.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 9/10
The island’s green interior and views across Phang Nga Bay are a defining part of the stay.
What we assess
The visual impact of natural surroundings and how central those landscapes are to a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 7/10
Fishing villages and community-based activities make everyday island life part of the visitor experience.
What we assess
The variety, depth and practical access to historic places, temples, architecture, traditions and cultural experiences during a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 7/10
Local seafood and village restaurants offer a satisfying island food experience, with fewer choices than a large resort centre.
What we assess
Food quality, variety, distinctive local cooking and how readily visitors can find good places to eat, regardless of price.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 2/10
Evenings are generally quiet, with dining and relaxed resort settings rather than a developed bar scene.
What we assess
The choice, variety and liveliness of evening venues, their opening hours and how easily you can enjoy a typical night out.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 9/10
A peaceful atmosphere and community-oriented tourism are central to the island’s character.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a peaceful stay, considering traffic, nightlife noise, crowds and practical quieter bases.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 7/10
Boat connections and organized bay excursions make nearby islands accessible, with schedules and conditions to check locally.
What we assess
The variety of worthwhile sea-island trips, convenient departures, journey times and flexibility under normal operating conditions.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 4/10
Walking works around some village and beach bases; longer outings need a planned taxi, transfer, bicycle or tour.
What we assess
Freedom to explore without renting a scooter, using walking, public transport, taxis, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing or boats; transport price is assessed separately.
Why we rate Koh Yao Noi 6/10
Local stays and meals offer accessible choices, while boat transfers and higher-end resorts create a wide cost range.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a typical stay on a modest budget, including simple accommodation, food, realistic transport and characteristic activities.
Scores out of 10 · Higher means more of that characteristicAbout these scores
How to read the scale
Scores describe how strongly a destination offers each characteristic. They are editorial assessments, not visitor ratings.
Higher does not always mean better
A higher nightlife score means a livelier scene. A higher quietness score means a calmer atmosphere. The right balance depends on your trip.
Plan your trip
When to go
See how temperature, rainfall and travel conditions change through the year. Select a month to focus on your travel dates.
| Factor | Koh Yao Noi |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 50 mm |
| Rainy days | 5.6 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 24 mm |
| Rainy days | 3.4 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 81 mm |
| Rainy days | 7.5 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 135 mm |
| Rainy days | 11.7 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 237 mm |
| Rainy days | 18.9 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 249 mm |
| Rainy days | 18.6 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 240 mm |
| Rainy days | 19.1 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 309 mm |
| Rainy days | 19.5 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 350 mm |
| Rainy days | 21.7 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 336 mm |
| Rainy days | 22.7 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 178 mm |
| Rainy days | 15.9 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 82 mm |
| Rainy days | 10.3 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi |
33°C
|
34°C
|
34°C
|
34°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
32°C
|
| Monthly Rainfall | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi |
50 mm
|
24 mm
|
81 mm
|
135 mm
|
237 mm
|
249 mm
|
240 mm
|
309 mm
|
350 mm
|
336 mm
|
178 mm
|
82 mm
|
| Rainy days | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi | 5.6 | 3.4 | 7.5 | 11.7 | 18.9 | 18.6 | 19.1 | 19.5 | 21.7 | 22.7 | 15.9 | 10.3 |
| Crowds | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi | High | High | High | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
| Stay prices | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi | High | High | High | Typical | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Typical | High |
| Sea conditions | ||||||||||||
| Koh Yao Noi | Calm | Calm | Calm | Variable | Rough | Rough | Rough | Rough | Rough | Rough | Variable | Calm |
Temperatures are historical average daytime highs, not the highest temperatures you might experience. Rainfall and rainy days are monthly averages, not a forecast. A rainy day need not mean rain all day.
Stay prices are relative to each destination’s usual rates. Holidays can bring extra crowds and higher prices. Sea conditions vary by beach and day; check local conditions before boat trips.
Koh Yao Noi: Thai Meteorological Department — PHUKET, 1991–2020.
The practical side
Getting to and around Koh Yao Noi
Arriving
Koh Yao Noi requires a boat crossing, with connections from the Phuket and Krabi coasts. Confirm your departure pier, sailing and onward island transfer with the operator or accommodation.
Without a scooter
Walking works around some village and beach bases; longer outings need a planned taxi, transfer, bicycle or tour.
Before you decide
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