Yao Island (Ko Yao)

Ko Yao encompasses an area of 137.6 square kilometers consisting of two islands: Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi including numerous adjacent islets. Largely unaffected by modern development in nearby Phuket, Ko Yao retains its traditional Muslim culture. There are a few bungalow operations providing basic but very charming accommodations. Rental vehicles are not available on the island, but it is possible to bring along your mountain bike if you want to explore the island's numerous dirt trails.

A journey to Ko Yao Yai is like traveling in a time machine back to the past. The island offers a laid back atmosphere. While, Ko Yao Noi is the main center of local residents who make their living with fishing, coconuts and a little tourism. Tha Khai is the largest settlement on the island. It is also a sub-district and a source of some supplies. The beaches on the island are reputable and exquisite including:

Hat Pa Sai: This, one of the best beaches on Ko Yao Noi, is situated seven kilometers from the district office of Amphoe Ko Yao. It is a clean white sandy beach pleasantly shaded by a line of trees. Pa Sai Beach is a safe and nice place for swimming. One can see a panorama of some islands of Krabi in the distance.

Hat Tha Khao: The best beach on Ko Yao Noi is situated five kilometers from the district office of Amphoe Ko Yao. It is a rocky beach. Numerous colorful rocks in various sizes both large and small and gravels of different designs intricately outline the beach. A petite island, Ko Nok, lies just offshore from Hat Tha Khao. The island can be accessed on foot during a low tide. With an enjoyable stroll, you can explore the island which has very interesting wild plants and orchids.

Ao Tikut: The shore is surrounded by a line of shady pine trees. This bay encompasses a white sandy beach where one can swim. On the north there is a picturesque rocky cape offering a very beautiful panorama.

Ao Khlong Son: A white sandy beach lies pleasantly on the bay's shore. It is surrounded by shady pine trees and colored sea rocks and small boulders. On the left there are small rocky cliffs. Ao Khlong Son is a safe and nice place for swimming and snorkeling as attractive coral reefs can be observed. During the low tine it is very easy to search for shellfish.

Hat Lopareat: Another shady beach surrounded with coconut trees. The long stretch of the beach with white powdery sands is its main attraction for swimming year round. There is a rocky cape on the north of the bay.

Laem Hat: Laem Hat is one of the most beautiful beaches with the shady coconut groves, pine trees and cashew nuts. One can easily reach the beach by road and by boat. The long white powdery beach is not good for swimming as it has a lot of ray fingerlings. But it is an attractive beach with a shady Khiam forest.

Laem Nok Ok: A beautiful sandy beach with rocky cliffs and colorful boulders lies pleasantly on the cape. The beach is suitable for swimming anytime of the year.

Ao Sai: The beach here on the bay is a perfect spot for swimming at anytime of the year. It has clean white sands abounding with colorful and beautiful sea rocks.

Ao Larn: Ao Larn is a lovely beach. Swimming can be done, but be careful on the northern part of the bay where there is a steep cliff with deep water. To get to Ao Larn using a boat service is easier than overland.

Ao Hin Gong: The beach is shaded with Kiam forest and it is not good for swimming at all as there are a lot of rays and skates.

Commuting by passenger boat, chartered boat or speedboat are recommended to reach Ko Yao from Ao Po Pier, Phuket. Passenger boats leave in the morning and charge 40 baht per person one way. Long-tail boats can be chartered for 600-1,200 baht each way. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Speedboats are offered for the price of 4,000-6,000 baht. Boat Trips are available to take you further toward surrounding islands, which feature birds' nest caves and sea gypsy funeral caves.

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