Just a short boat ride from the bustling tourist hub of Phuket, Koh Yao lies in stark contrast. The pair of islands — Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi — are home to sleepy fishing villages, and endless unspoiled beaches.

While there are no chain restaurants or nightclubs around the islands, there are plenty of reasons to take a day trip to Koh Yao from Phuket.

Whether you’re looking to find the clearest waters for snorkeling or seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, be sure to add Koh Yao to your travel plans.

You will find below all you need to know about visiting the Koh Yao archipelago, two of the most delightful islands for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to Koh Yao from Phuket?

The Koh Yao Islands are located within Phang Nga Bay, which is a national park in the south of Thailand. It is approximately 25 kilometers between Phuket and Koh Yao.

From Phuket to Koh Yao by boat

You can make the journey to Koh Yao via a public speedboat, used to ferry locals between the two destinations. These leave regularly from Bang Rong Pier in the northeast of Phuket and take around 40 minutes to reach the islands.

Guided tour to Koh Yao from Phuket

Alternatively, you can organize a guided day tour, which transports you to Koh Yao, as well as several other islands within the area. These excursions usually last between 9 and 10 hours, and include a hotel pickup service.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Koh Yao from Phuket?

Koh Yao day tours all differ. Some only visit one of the two islands, while others take you to various additional destinations around the south of Thailand.

To simplify your experience, your tour operator will pick you up from your accommodation in Phuket and transport you the starting point of your boat tour. You may make the jaunt to Koh Yao by speedboat or catamaran depending on which excursion appeals to you the most.

The islands that form Koh Yao are usually the first stop you’ll make, and you’ll jump onto either island’s sandy shores to enjoy the dazzling waters.

On some tours, you’ll have the opportunity to relax or dip your toes into the ocean, while on others you’ll enjoy a bike tour around Koh Yao Noi. Either way, you’ll be able to experience the quiet charms and traditions of each island, before moving on to other locations.

The most popular spots for sightseeing are the nearby Khai Islands, Maya Bay and Ko Phi Phi Don. Regardless of which of these locations you visit, you’ll enjoy a traditional Thai lunch overlooking the islands within the Phang Nga Bay National Park.

After several hours, you’ll return to Phuket where your Koh Yao day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Koh Yao?

You can participate in a multitude of Koh Yao day trips, that incorporate a variety of destinations and activities.

Guided cycling tour to Koh Yao from Phuket

This relaxing tour lazily weaves its way through the rice paddies of Koh Yao Noi on a bicycle. You'll be part of a small group, which enables you to have a more personalized experience and create lasting connections with like-minded people.

You'll visit a sustainable farm, as well as a traditional Thai village that sits upon the water. Alongside ample exploration time, you'll also enjoy some free time to soak up the rays from the silky shores of Koh Yao.

Day trip to Koh Yao plus Khai Islands from Phuket

This Koh Yao day trip sees you whizzing through the crystal-clear Thai waters on the back of a speedboat. You'll witness the slow pace of life on Koh Yao Yai and devour a flavorful traditional lunch overlooking the beach.

Once you're fed and watered, you'll continue on to the three Khai Islands for an afternoon of snorkeling, swimming, and canoeing.

Day tour to Koh Yao plus Phi Phi Islands from Phuket

You'll see multiple sights between Phuket and Koh Yao on this combined trip. Firstly, you'll stop off at the Khai Islands for a dip in the sparkling blue waters that are teeming with marine life.

Continuing on your laid-back excursion, you'll unwind on Koh Yao Yai and Bamboo Island before visiting the Phi Phi Islands. You'll admire several of the archipelago's most striking sights including Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.

How much does a tour to Koh Yao from Phuket cost?

If you wish to visit the Khai Islands on your Koh Yao excursion, you'll pay between US$70 and US$80. Tours visit all three islands alongside Koh Yao.

You'll pay approximately US$90 for a cycling day tour around Koh Yao. This includes all equipment hire and lunch.

Alternatively, Koh Yao day trips that include the Phi Phi Islands cost around US$110 and include equipment, lunch, and refreshments.

What will you see and do on a Koh Yao day trip from Phuket?

Koh Yao is a small archipelago made up of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, translating to "big long island," and "small long island." One legend behind the pair of islands is that they were once connected, and were separated by battling sea serpents.

However, another local tale contradicts this and tells the story of a sea dragon breaking through the island, and splitting it into two. It supposedly did this after learning of its fiancée's intention to marry someone else.

Koh Yao Yai lives up to its name as a long island that measures over 30 kilometers in length. Compared to other islands surrounding the mainland of Thailand, it is among the largest. Although the isle lies off the most popular tourist trail, Koh Yao Yai has several restaurants, hotels and activities dotted along its shores.

The less developed island of Koh Yao Noi aims to attract high-end clientele with its sophisticated luxury hotels and peaceful tranquility. Between the pair of islands, they are home to around 18,000 residents, most of whom are devout Muslims.

However, despite their growing popularity, both islands have managed to retain their definitive charm. Koh Yao offers the perfect combination of tradition and amenities, filled with gently swaying hammocks, Thai fishermen, and rubber plantations.

Close to Koh Yao, there resides a group of Chao Lay people — commonly referred to as sea gypsies — who spend their days living on the water.

When is the best time to visit Koh Yao?

You should consider planning your Koh Yao day trip between November and March to coincide with the dry season.

Additionally, you should travel to the islands during the morning if possible when the tide is high. During the afternoon, the tide lowers, making swimming and snorkeling on Koh Yao less enjoyable.

Are there any tours to Koh Yao from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Thailand:

Travel tips

If you are interested in seeing more of the islands than their beaches, take a cycling day tour of Koh Yao.
If you want to experience the serenity of Koh Yao away from other tourists, head to Tha Khao Bay on the east coast of Koh Yao Noi.
All Koh Yao day tours include lunch. If you have any special requests, including allergies and dietary requirements, let your operator know upon booking.

Koh Yao: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket