3 day itinerary Koh Yao Yai: Phuket’s secret neighbor

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If you’ve been reading along, you’ll know we recently spent a month in Phuket. And while it had its moments, we kept finding ourselves daydreaming about something quieter. Something that felt more like the Thailand we love so much. We had skipped on Koh Yao Yai in previous years as it didn’t quite fit our plans, but this time the stars aligned!

We always say that a trip to Thailand is incomplete without traveling on a speedboat with 4 roaring diesel engines and fumes, and so off we went. 30 minutes later, we were in a completely different world. The beaches are quiet, there are no clubs, and the vibes are relaxed.

We felt that 3 days was the sweet spot, so here’s our 3 day itinerary Koh Yao Yai!

3 day itinerary Koh Yao Yai

How to get there

The most convenient option from Phuket is from Bang Rong Pier. There are a couple of boats a day, and the ride will take around 30 minutes. You’ll be dropped at Klong Hia Pier, from where songthaew taxi’s will be waiting. Check ferry times here.

Day 1: arrival & beaches

Arriving on Koh Yao Yai will tell you immediately how different it is from Phuket or Krabi. We loved our little taxi ride down the 1 main road and seeing rural life around us.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel (likely around the Loh Pared Beach area) rent a scooter, you will need it. Taxi’s are quite pricey on the island, and it’s too hot for a regular bicycle.

Loh Pared Beach itself is a beautiful beach. Not too busy, plenty of little cafe’s (we loved the pirate bar all the way down at the end) and if you’re lucky; a beautiful sunset.

If you’re looking for an even quieter beach; Ao Muong beach has only one little bar (only open during the day), some beach chairs and nothing else. It’s a really great place to hang out for a few hours.

Day 2: kayaking & scootering

Is that a word? One of the things we love best about islands like Koh Yao Yai is to just get the scooter and start driving to see where we’ll end up.

We drove down the east coast to Ao Sai Beach and had a morning juice at the beach bar. It’s a small quiet beach with proper waves.

Then, we made our way up to Koh Yao Yai Kayaking, and did a trip with the fabulous Mr. Bath. He took us around the mangroves for a few hours, looking for animals. If you go, make sure to ask about the tide beforehand, and bring plenty of sunscreen. Don’t book this on a third party website, just go see Mr. Baht and his family.

Don’t forget a Thai massage after all that hard work and get yourself a nice sunset spot.

Day 3: explore the north

On the last day, head on up to Laem Haad Beach. During low tide, a long stretch on sandbank appears, making for beautiful pictures. Do check the time, and come at around 2 hours after the lowest point. We were there at the lowest tide, and you can see by the picture below it needed a bit more water. Still a great spot to hang out for a while!

After, head to Laleuca cafe & eatery for a snack and some good coffee, or continue down to Donya Cafe.

Next, we stepped at Son Bay beach, another (you guessed it) beautiful stretch of white sand.

For a proper deserted island feel, you could make your way to Aeden Beach. This is down a sand path, and should only be done if you’re a confident scooter driver, but it is definitely doable. There is absolutely no on here, and it is just gorgeous.

What else is there to do?

As you can see, there is not a whole lot to do, which is why this island is ideal to catch your breath for a while. But, if you are pressed, here are some more options|:

• Take a longtail boat to Koh Yao Noi and explore Yao Yai’s sister island
• Several families offer batik (traditional dyeing of fabric) classes. Inquire with your accommodation.
• Take a snorkel trip to the Hong Islands. We’ve done this tour off another island, and the Hong islands are beautiful snorkelling spots.

Is Phuket worth visiting? Koh Yao Yai’s big neighbor island.

3 day itinerary Koh Yao Yai: practical tips

Cash

There are ATM’s on the island (by the two 7-11’s they now have) but it’s always good to have cash. Thailand is largely a cash country.

Renting a scooter?

Wear your helmet. Yes, even on a quiet island. There are only 3 gas stations on the island, so fill up when you can.

Culture

Koh Yao Yai is predominantly muslim. Don’t wear only beachwear if you’re not on the beach.

Who is Koh Yao Yai best for?

Slow travelers, couples, people escaping Phuket, anyone who loved Thailand 10 years ago and wants a taste of that again.

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