Koh Yao Yai – Even Quieter than Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Yai (meaning “Big Long Island”) is the larger sister island of Koh Yao Noi. It lies immediately to the south, separated by a narrow channel. While Koh Yao Noi has become moderately popular with tourists, Koh Yao Yai remains much quieter and less developed. It is flat, covered in rubber plantations, with long, empty white sand beaches and a handful of small resorts and bungalows. The views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts are spectacular, especially from the east coast. This page tells you how to get there, where to stay, and how to take a James Bond Island tour from the island.

Geography and Atmosphere

Koh Yao Yai is about 20 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide – roughly twice the size of Koh Yao Noi. Its highest point is only 50 metres above sea level. Most of the island is rural: rubber plantations, coconut palms, and small villages. The population is about 8,000, mostly Muslim fishermen and rubber farmers. There is no nightlife – the only entertainment is the sound of waves and crickets. The east coast faces Phang Nga Bay, offering views of the limestone karsts. The west coast has long, sandy beaches (Laem Had, Pasai) but faces the open sea. The island has only one small 7‑Eleven and a few local shops. Bring cash – ATMs are scarce (one at the pier, sometimes empty).

How to Get to Koh Yao Yai

• From Phuket: Speedboats depart from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Yai (40 minutes, 500‑800 THB). Departures at 9 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM.
• From Koh Yao Noi: Longtail boats cross the channel regularly (10‑15 minutes, 200 THB). Go to the pier near the 7‑Eleven.
• From Krabi: Speedboats from Ao Nang (45 minutes, 600‑900 THB).

Many resorts offer pier pickup – ask when booking.

Where to Stay – Accommodation Options

• Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa – The most luxurious option. Large villas on a hill, stunning infinity pool, private beach. From 8,000‑12,000 THB per night.
• Koh Yao Yai Hilltop Resort – Simple but clean bungalows with sea views (east coast). Fan or AC, private bathroom. 1,500‑2,000 THB.
• Phang Nga Bay Seaview Resort – Mid‑range resort on the east coast. Bungalows with private balcony, sea view. 2,500‑3,500 THB.
• JJ Bungalow – Very basic fan bungalows near the pier. 600‑800 THB. Shared bathroom. No frills.

Unlike Koh Yao Noi, there are no ultra‑luxury options (like Six Senses) yet. Santhiya is the top end.

Things to Do on Koh Yao Yai

• Long beach walks – West coast beaches (Laem Had, Pasai) stretch for kilometres and are almost empty.
• Rent a scooter – Explore the rubber plantations and climb to the small viewpoint on the north coast.
• Kayak in the mangroves – The east coast has mangroves where you can see kingfishers and monitor lizards.
• Visit Koh Yao Noi – Take a 15‑minute longtail to the more developed island for more restaurants and shops.
• Sunset watching – The west coast beaches offer great sunset views.

James Bond Island Tour from Koh Yao Yai

Most resorts on Koh Yao Yai can arrange a longtail boat tour to James Bond Island. The journey is slightly longer than from Koh Yao Noi – about 30‑40 minutes to the bay. A typical private tour includes:

• 9:00 AM – Pickup from your resort by minivan to the pier.
• 9:30 AM – Depart on a private longtail boat (can also be shared with other resort guests).
• 10:00 AM – Panak Island – kayak into the “Ice Cream Cave”.
• 11:00 AM – James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) – 1 hour.
• 12:00 PM – Koh Panyee – lunch (included).
• 1:30 PM – Hong Island – swim and snorkel.
• 3:00 PM – Return to Koh Yao Yai pier, transfer back to resort.

Cost: Private longtail (up to 6 people) around 4,000‑5,000 THB total. Shared tour with other guests (minimum 4 people) 1,800‑2,200 THB per person. Includes lunch, water, kayak, national park fees, and transfers. The resort can also arrange a speedboat tour (more expensive, 6,000‑8,000 THB private).

Practical Information

• Best time to visit: November to February (dry, calm). May to October can be rainy and rough for boat tours.
• Cash: There is one ATM at the pier (Bank of Ayudhya), but it often runs out. Bring enough cash from Phuket or Krabi.
• Getting around: Rent a scooter (200‑250 THB per day) from the pier or your resort. Roads are paved but not always lit at night.
• Food: Most resorts have restaurants. There are also a few local eateries near the pier serving Thai food (50‑100 THB).
• Connectivity: 4G signal is good on most of the island (AIS, TrueMove). Most resorts have Wi‑Fi, but it may be slow.

Differences Between Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

Many travellers choose Koh Yao Noi because it has more restaurants, better infrastructure, and slightly more activities. Koh Yao Yai is for those who want even deeper peace. On Koh Yao Yai, you might walk for an hour on the beach without seeing another person. The resorts are more spread out. There are no walking streets or night markets. If you need to relax completely, choose Koh Yao Yai. If you want a balance of quiet and convenience, choose Koh Yao Noi. Both are excellent bases for a James Bond Island tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Koh Yao Yai suitable for families with young children?
A: Yes, especially the resorts with pools and calm beaches. However, there are no children’s clubs or entertainment – you must bring your own activities.

Q: Are there any restaurants on the west coast beaches?
A: Very few. Most accommodation on the west coast has its own restaurant. For variety, drive to the pier area (15 minutes by scooter).

Q: Can I see the limestone karsts from Koh Yao Yai?
A: Yes, from the east coast (Koh Yao Yai Hilltop Resort, Phang Nga Bay Seaview Resort). The west coast faces the open sea, no karsts.

Q: Is it safe to swim on the west coast?
A: Yes, but watch for currents. The beaches are sandy and gradually sloping. However, there are no lifeguards.

Q: Can I do a James Bond Island tour on a budget?
A: Ask your resort to group you with other guests. Shared tours cost 1,800‑2,200 THB per person – still a good deal.

Final Word From Local Experts

Koh Yao Yai is not for everyone. If you need nightlife, shopping, or constant entertainment, go to Phuket. But if you crave silence, long walks on empty beaches, and the feeling of being far from the modern world, this island is heaven. The limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay provide a stunning backdrop, and a day trip to James Bond Island is easy to arrange. Stay for at least three nights – one day for the tour, one day to explore the island, and one day to do nothing at all. You will return to your home country feeling truly rested.

Remember the local saying: “Mueang ngiap” – quiet town. Embrace the quiet.

— Written by the team at VisitJamesBondIsland.com