Koh Yao Yai is a large island in Phang Nga Bay, in southern Thailand. Much quieter than its neighbor, the island would almost look like a deserted isle if a few hotels hadn’t taken advantage of its exceptional setting to set up shop here. You’ll find a very calm, even wild atmosphere. So it’s essential to have all the information you need to choose where to stay on Koh Yao Yai.
If you want to relax and get that end-of-the-world feeling, then this is the ideal destination for you.
In this article, you’ll find different accommodation options, with different experiences depending on what you’re looking for, as well as our recommendations for each area.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Koh Yao Yai, here are some key things you need to know about the island.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Koh Yao Yai. These two establishments are located near Laem Had beach. Both have their own private beach:
Map of different areas to stay in Koh Yao Yai
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Koh Yao Yai
Here is some information to help you choose the right accommodation on Koh Yao Yai:
Areas where to stay in Koh Yao Yai
Here are the different places you can choose to stay on Koh Yao Yai.
To stay in the north of Koh Yao Yai, near the pier
The north of Koh Yao Yai, like the rest of the island, is still very wild and unspoilt. You'll enjoy staying in this very quiet and peaceful area. There are plenty of beaches to relax on.
Most of the accommodation is to be found in the north-east, close to Laem Had beach. Most are rather expensive, although there are a few more affordable alternatives.
If you're staying in this area, you'll have easy access to your accommodation from the island'smain pier. Indeed, it's from the Chong Lad Pier that you'll arrive in the northern part. This is one of the island's main piers, and you can arrive directly from neighboring Noi. So you'll have no trouble getting from the boat to your accommodation.
In the north of the island, you'll find one beach in particular: Laem Had. It's ideal if you want to relax in an exceptional, uncrowded setting.
If you want to visit the island and discover other beaches, the best thing to do is rent a scooter or car, and explore Koh Yao Yai's deserted landscape on your own.
The north of the island is an ideal place to get away from it all and stay sound asleep, away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of Phuket.
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This resort is undoubtedly one of the most popular on the island, and for good reason: its rooms and villas, decorated in a resolutely Thai style, are extremely comfortable, and you'll love exploring the estate, its restaurants and its swimming pools.
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You'll be delighted to find yourself in one of these sumptuous villas with an exceptional view of the Andaman Sea. With the feeling of being at home, you can fully relax and enjoy the island and its scenery.
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This prestigious hotel offers you an unforgettable stay in a dream setting. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and you'll appreciate the multitude of services on offer. Swimming pool, spa, private beach... Everything is designed to pamper you and leave you with nothing to think about during your vacation.
Staying in the south, a more remote area
The south of Koh Yao Yai is as quiet and unspoilt as the north. You'll find little in the way of infrastructure, apart from a few hotels and a small shopping street with boutiques and restaurants.
To get there, there are several piers, including Loh Jak Pier and Laem Yai Pier.
To the south, you'll find a second village in the heart of the island. Shops, including a Seven Eleven, can be found along the roadside. This is ideal if you want to buy a few supplies during your trip to Koh Yao Yai.
Accommodation is a little cheaper than in the north of the island and is easily accessible from anywhere on Koh Yao.
As in the north, if you wish to visit the surrounding area, it's best to rent a car and follow the coastal path to enjoy the island's many panoramic views.
There are several beaches on this part of the island, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the sea. There's the hidden Ao Sai Beach to the south, ideal for snorkelling, Loh Jak Beach with its jetty, and the splendid Loh Pared Beach, lined with luxury hotels and surprisingly calm.
You'll love the feeling of being alone in the world on a virtually deserted island in Phang Nga Bay.
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This pretty hotel offers comfortable, original rooms and villas, just a stone's throw from Loh Paret beach. You'll appreciate the friendliness of the staff and the calm of the place, which will enable you to stay serenely on the island of Koh Yao.
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These charming little seaside villas are sure to win you over with their traditional decor and facilities. With a private swimming pool, seaside restaurant and spa, everything is designed to ensure you have an exceptional stay at Elixir Resort.
Summary
As you can see, this is a very peaceful island, and you’ll easily find a place to stay on Koh Yao Yai.
The north of the island is populated by slightly more upscale accommodation, and you’ll find few places to visit outside your hotel, but almost all accommodations have their own private beach. So you can relax in the peace and quiet of your hotel.
As for the south, it’s more affordable and slightly more lively than the north, thanks to the small bars and restaurants that can be found everywhere. In any case, you can take a scooter or motorcycle around Koh Yao Yai to enjoy the beaches and panoramic views.
Whether you choose to stay in a sumptuous hotel in the north of the island or a seaside villa in the south, you’re bound to find an establishment that will thrill you and meet your needs. Your experience is sure to be unique and memorable!