Koh Yao Noi is a small island in Phang Nga Bay. Still very much unspoilt, you’ll love going there to enjoy the peace and quiet of the islands of southern Thailand. There are no crowds, lights or major tourist attractions here, but the question of where to stay on Koh Yao Noi is nonetheless crucial to your plans.
So, if you want to enjoy a more authentic and singular atmosphere while taking advantage of unspoilt natural landscapes, it’s an ideal destination.
In this article, you’ll find different accommodation options. They offer different experiences, depending on what you’re looking for.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Koh Yao Noi, here are some key things you need to know.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Koh Yao Noi:
- $$ these bungalows in the east of Koh Yao Noi
- $$ this beautiful hotel, with infinity pool, in the north of the island
- $$$ this upscale establishment, also in the north
Map of different areas to stay in Koh Yao Noi
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 Noi
Areas where to stay in Koh Yao Noi
Here are the different places you can choose to stay on Koh Yao Noi.
To stay on the east coast
Due to its geography and the location of its beaches, most of Koh Yao Noi's accommodation is on the island's east coast. They are all close to the beaches of Pasai Beach, Klong Jark Beach, Six Sense Beach and Tha Khao Beach.
Pasai Beach is one of the most popular spots on Koh Yao Noi. From restaurants and hotels to a boxing stadium, you'll love coming to this pretty, sunny bay to stay a few nights close to some sublime beaches.
Klong Jark Beach is a magnificent vantage point if you want to watch the sunrise from the beach. However, it's not necessarily recommended if you want to swim, as it's quite rocky and the water is shallow.
Six Sense Beach is a small, hidden, tree-lined beach, mainly used by guests of the nearby accommodations. Very quiet, you'll love going there to enjoy the sand and waves.
Tha Khao Beach is an ideal bay for a stay on the island. You'll find plenty of restaurants, bars and places of interest to enjoy your trip to Koh Yao Noi. From this beach, you can see the small island of Koh Nok. You can get there from the beach via a small sandy path. To the north of the beach, you can reach the Hornbill Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a lovely view of the Hong Islands, Pakbia and Krabi town.
From all these beaches, the panorama is very pleasant and you'll appreciate the feeling of being alone in the world.
€
These charming, fully-equipped bungalows offer all the comforts you need for a quality stay on the island of Koh Yao Noi. With direct access to Klong Jark beach, you'll appreciate these affordable accommodations.
€€
In these pretty bungalows, you'll enjoy the setting, lost in the Thai jungle, to recharge your batteries on the pretty island of Koh Yao Noi. The exteriors are very pleasant and you'll appreciate the activities on offer.
€€€
This luxury hotel offers premium services that will make your trip a moment out of time! Swimming pool, spa, restaurant... With a breathtaking view of Phang Nga Bay, you're sure to love the rooms and their comfortable, modern decor.
To stay in the north of Koh Yao Noi
The north of Koh Yao Noi is still very wild and unspoilt. You'll enjoy staying in this very quiet area, which seems out of time.
Peaceful, the beaches are few and far between, and you'll need to take a boat to get to points of interest and amenities.
The northern part of Koh Yao Noi is reached from theUnpao Pier. Indeed, from the main pier, you'll need to take a bus cab, which will take you directly to your hotel.
If you likerock climbing, the best spots are to be found in the north of the island. You're bound to find places offering to accompany you as you discover the joys of this sport in idyllic landscapes.
In the north, you'll find two small beaches in particular: Yao Beach and Kian Bay. They're ideal if you want to relax in a jewel of greenery. With few visitors, you'll enjoy discovering these white sandy settings.
Near Kian Bay, you can observe one of the tallest trees in the world: a Tetrameles nudiflora (also known as a false cheese tree), 65 meters high! It's considered the biggest tree in Thailand.
Alternatively, take a boat to Koh Kudu Yai. This small island can be visited in half a day, during which you can stroll, go to the beach, picnic and discover the island landscapes that southern Thailand has to offer.
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 the mainland.
€€
This establishment offers completely atypical accommodation: round wooden cabins with incredible views of the Andaman Sea! You'll enjoy all the comforts of a top-of-the-range hotel, with premium amenities such as a large infinity pool, a spa and a tasty Thai restaurant.
€€
This premium hotel offers comfortable rooms with direct, private access to the beach opposite. Here, everything is done to ensure your peace of mind and the best services: spa, swimming pool, restaurant, you'll love coming here.
€€€
In this luxury hotel, you'll enjoy the pleasure of being pampered in exceptional cabins offering all the comforts you need. Whether it's a private swimming pool, spa or top-of-the-range restaurant, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable stay.
To stay on the west coast of Koh Yao Noi
Along with the eastern coast and its beaches, the west coast is one of the liveliest areas of Koh Yao Noi.
Here you'll find a small “town center”, where you'll have access to many amenities. This is particularly useful if you're planning a trip to a less touristy area.
Known as Kalankul Road, stores, restaurants, cafés and bed & breakfasts all welcome tourists eager to discover a more authentic, rural part of Thailand.
You'll find plenty of small local dwellings. The locals are more than willing to help and chat with tourists.
In the south, this is also where you'll disembark when you arrive on Koh Yao Noi. In fact, there are many routes between Manoh Pier and other landing stages such as those in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Yao Yai.
So this area is ideal if you're on a tighter budget and want to discover the local life and landscapes. In particular, the rice paddies, which are rather rare in the tourist areas around the Andaman Sea.
€
In these small bungalows, you'll enjoy the comfort of modern rooms at reduced prices! Conveniently located for the town center and all amenities, you'll love coming here to enjoy the peace and quiet of Koh Yao Noi and the surrounding area.
€
If you're a backpacker looking for a warm, relaxed atmosphere, these B&Bs are the place for you! With breakfast, comfortable bedding and friendly hosts, you'll love staying here.
€€
This charming little vacation village is set around a lake, and you'll enjoy strolling around the grounds and taking in the peace and quiet. From the bedroom to the villa, you're invited to relax and enjoy your trip.
Summary
As you can see, even if the choice isn’t infinite, you’re bound to find a place to stay on Koh Yao Noi that’s just right for you.
Between staying in a luxury hotel in the north, meeting travelers in a guesthouse in the west, or staying in a more classic hotel with sea views in the east, the experience won’t be the same.
The south is more affordable and dynamic. So you’ll want to go there if you want to stroll the streets and enjoy the lifestyle and more authentic corners.
Alternatively, you can head north to stay in luxury hotels.
You may find it more difficult to get to the island’s other points of interest, but the quality of service is such that you’ll appreciate the feeling of being alone in the world in a most exceptional setting.