Explore the Beauty of Yao Noi Island

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Koh Yao Islands, Travel Tips

Exploring Yao Noi Island: A Complete Traveler’s Guide

BY Paul ChappellAugust 28, 2024

Do you want to visit an off-beat destination during your Phuket trip? Yao Noi Island is the perfect choice if you want to swap crowded tourist attractions for a peaceful and tranquil destination. You can lounge around and soak up the Southeast Asian sun while immersing yourself in the breathtaking views without feeling overwhelmed by too much of a crowd. Let’s discuss this less-explored destination more and how you can plan a Yao Noi Island trip with Phuket boat tours.

Getting to Yao Noi Island

You can embark on a boat trip from Phuket to Yao Noi Island. Most boats leave for Yao Noi from Bang Rong Pier. You can opt for a private boat charter from Phuket to Yao Noi to enjoy your day in peace and privacy. Simba Sea Trips is a reliable tour operator offering on-demand private boat tours Phuket. You can customize your private boat trips with friendly and knowledgeable guides, refreshments, and hotel pick-up/drop service. The Simba Sea Trips Phang Nga & Beyond tour includes visiting a small village in Koh Yao Noi for lunch at a restaurant. Private Phuket yacht charters are the best choice if you want to spend quality time with your family. You can create a personalized itinerary and conveniently manage your time without a rush. A private boat tour allows you to relax and explore the island independently.

Accommodations on Yao Noi Island

Koh Yao Noi has various accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays. You can choose the right stay depending on your travel style and the group size. If you are a solo traveler, budget-friendly hostels and homestays are smart choices. On the other hand, luxury resorts will seal the deal if you are looking forward to a relaxing vacation. While staying at Yao Noi, you can take private Phuket boat tours to Phi Phi, James Bond, Khai, and Hong Krabi islands. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations at Yao Noi Island -

Luxury Resorts

Six Senses Yao Noi
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resorts & Spa
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas
Treehouse Villas Koh Yao Noi

Budget Stays

Bangmee Homestay
Baan Tha Khao Bangalow
Connexion Hostel
Thiwson Beach Resort

Activities and Attractions

Here are some must-do activities and spots to visit in Koh Yao Noi - Rock climbing, with over 150 climbing sites, offers the adventure with different levels of expertise. Scuba diving on Yao Noi Island, with a few coral reefs nearby and their colorful marine life. Snorkeling in the shallow waters around the island. A crash course on Muay Thai, a developed style of martial arts. Exploring the Koh Yao Noi village, located off the coast of Phuket and Krabi. The village offers dreamy views of the island, the surrounding forests, and turquoise bay waters. Canoeing and kayaking across the coast of the island. Joining Yoga and meditation retreats for peace and tranquility while absorbing the natural beauty.

Exploring by Boat

You can explore Koh Yao Noi and its surrounding islands by boat. Private Phuket boat tours to Yao Noi can be spent bouncing between islands, climbing viewpoints, snorkeling, and lounging on beaches. You can easily explore spots like Koh Roi caves and Koh Kudu Yai’s Bay with a boat ride. A private boat trip from Phuket starts with hotel pick-up and then takes you to various spots per your itinerary. You can make various stops along scenic routes or at restaurants to indulge in local cuisine.

Dining and Local Cuisine

Koh Yao Noi doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food. Here are our top cafe/restaurant recommendations at Yao Noi Island - Rice Paddy is a Thai restaurant in the middle of a paddy field with delicious food and seaside seating. La Luna Pizzeria is a cute little cafe that serves authentic Italian food, like wood-fired pizza. Sea Gypsy is a family-run operation offering a mix of Thai and other Asian cuisines along with a liquor menu. Kaya offers Asian and Thai food, along with vegan and gluten-free options.

Travel Tips

While traveling to Yao Noi, carry all the essentials, such as a swimsuit, sunscreen, waterproof backpack, and extra clothes. Your health and safety are your priorities, so carry medicines and safety gear and stay hydrated. Book your boat tour with a reliable and licensed operator. If you have certain health concerns, are pregnant, or are traveling with toddlers, a speedboat might not be a good choice. Prefer a private boat tour and take precautions for seasickness. The best time to visit Yao Noi Island is from November to April during the dry season. Thus, Koh Yao Noi is the perfect destination for your Phuket trip. The island is still undiscovered by overzealous tourists, offering a tranquil beach escape. Don’t forget to book a private boat or yacht tour in advance for the best experience.

About Paul Chappell

Paul Chappell is the owner and operator of Simba Sea Trips, one of Phuket's most established boat tour companies, founded in 2005. With over 23 years as a professional airline pilot and more than 11 years in Phuket's tourism industry, Paul brings a unique blend of aviation-grade safety standards and hands-on marine expertise to every tour. He has been on the water since childhood — from waterskiing and houseboats to operating luxury charter boats across the Andaman Sea. Today, Paul oversees the Simba Group's four brands: Simba Sea Trips, Two Sea Tour, Soho Pool Club, and Simpro Academy.