If you’re heading to Thailand, you know it’s all about island-hopping! No one really stays put—there’s just too much to see. So, when we were moving from Phuket to Railay Beach, we decided to break up the trip with a quick two-night stay on Koh Yao Yai. And let me tell you, this little detour was the perfect mini escape!

We booked our tickets easily through 12go.com, hopped on a speedboat, and we were off. Less than an hour later, we pulled up to Koh Yao Yai, ready to explore. First order of business? Renting a motorcycle with a sidecar so our toddler could join the adventure. The island’s slow pace of life translated into light traffic, making us feel secure even with our little one along for the ride.

From Phuket or Krabi: The fastest route is to take a speedboat from Bang Rong Pier (Phuket) or Ao Nang Pier (Krabi), which takes about 30–45 minutes.

Alternative by Ferry: Budget travelers can opt for a ferry, which costs less but takes around an hour. This slower option offers lovely views of the Andaman Sea and is perfect for those who want a more scenic journey.

Getting Around: Once on the island, rent a scooter or bicycle to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, local taxis are available for a more comfortable option.

What to Do on Koh Yao Yai

Beaches and Swimming

• Loh Paret Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Loh Paret offers crystal-clear waters and soft sands perfect for sunbathing or snorkeling.
• Pasai Beach: This quieter, more local beach is ideal for a peaceful day by the water.
• Laem Haad Beach: This pristine, sandy beach stretches into the horizon, flanked by mangroves on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other. The beach’s thin strip of land almost feels like a private paradise, perfect for an afternoon of lounging or swimming with family.

Island Hopping

• Take a day trip to nearby Koh Yao Noi, Koh Hong, or Phi Phi Islands. Many local companies offer tours, often including snorkeling, kayaking, and sightseeing at secret lagoons and untouched beaches.

Snorkeling and Diving

• Koh Yao Yai’s waters are teeming with marine life. Join a snorkeling or diving tour to explore coral reefs and see colorful fish up close. You might even encounter sea turtles or rays!

Mangrove Kayaking and Cave Exploration

• For nature lovers, kayaking through the mangroves is an incredible way to explore the island’s diverse ecosystem. You can also explore hidden caves like Klong Hia, which requires some hiking but offers breathtaking views.

Thai Cooking Classes

• Sign up for a Thai cooking class at your hotel or a local cooking school. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pad thai, som tam, and mango sticky rice.

Visit a Rubber Plantation

• The rubber plantations on the island offer an interesting look into local agriculture. Guided tours will teach you about the rubber tapping process, a major livelihood for the locals.

Koh Yao Yai has a range of accommodations from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Here are some of the top options:

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa: For a luxurious experience, stay at this eco-friendly, Thai-style resort with stunning sea views, infinity pools, and a private beach. It’s ideal for travelers looking for privacy and elegance.

Elixir Koh Yao Yai: This mid-range resort offers beachfront bungalows, a beautiful pool, and a more laid-back vibe. It’s a great balance between luxury and affordability.

Better View Bed Breakfast & Bungalow: For budget travelers, this charming spot provides comfortable, rustic accommodation with beautiful sunset views. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a cozy place without the frills.

Loft Garden Villa at Koh Yao Yai Village: Located in the lush countryside, this eco-resort features private villas surrounded by greenery, offering a peaceful, authentic experience.

Where We Stayed

Thiwson Beach Resort

For our stay, we chose Thiwson Beach Resort, which was perfect! The bungalows were spacious, and the pool overlooking the ocean had an amazing, laid-back vibe. The only downside? No sandy beach—just rocky shoreline.

Vegan Dining 

Eating vegan on Koh Yao Yai is absolutely doable! While the island is mostly known for its fresh seafood, you’ll find plenty of options for plant-based meals if you know where to look. Here’s a quick guide to finding vegan eats on Koh Yao Yai:

Chada Café

• This cozy spot is perfect for vegan-friendly meals like smoothie bowls, fresh salads, and Thai classics that can be made vegan. They offer coconut milk curries and stir-fried veggies that pack all the flavors of traditional Thai cuisine.

Sabai Corner Restaurant

• Known for its local flavors and beautiful views, Sabai Corner offers customizable dishes. Order veggie-based meals like stir-fried tofu and vegetables, green or red curry with coconut milk (just ask them to skip the fish sauce), and pineapple fried rice without egg.

The Island Café

• A small but welcoming café with a few vegan-friendly options, such as papaya salad (ask for no fish sauce), vegetable pad thai, and spring rolls. They also have fresh fruit juices and smoothies to keep you refreshed.

Local Thai Restaurants

• Most local places are happy to make simple, flavorful vegan options upon request. Try saying “jay,” which means vegan in Thai, and let them know your dietary needs (no fish sauce, oyster sauce, or meat). Dishes like mango sticky rice, papaya salad, and veggie stir-fries can easily be adapted.

Markets & Fruit Stalls

• Koh Yao Yai’s small markets and fruit stalls are great for picking up tropical fruits, roasted nuts, and fresh veggies. It’s an easy way to keep some snacks on hand or enjoy simple, plant-based meals on the go.

With these options, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of vegan meals while soaking in the island’s relaxed vibes!

Practical Tips

• Respect Local Culture: Koh Yao Yai is a predominantly Muslim community, so dress modestly when outside of beach areas and be mindful of local customs.
• Pack Mosquito Repellent: Mosquitoes can be abundant, especially in the rainy season, so bring a good repellent and apply it regularly.
• Bring Cash: ATMs are sparse on the island, so it’s best to bring cash for daily expenses.

Island Movie Connection

Mechanic: Resurrection: Fans of Mechanic: Resurrection might recognize Koh Yao Yai as the stunning backdrop where Jason Statham and Jessica Alba share a memorable scene. Though commonly mistaken for Koh Lipe, the movie’s beach scenes were actually filmed on Koh Yao Yai. It’s a fun spot for film buffs to visit and picture themselves in an action-packed setting!

Final Thoughts

If you’re making your way from Phuket to Railay Beach (or vice versa), Koh Yao Yai is a great way to break up the journey and recharge. It’s peaceful, the beaches are pristine, and there’s just enough to do to keep you entertained without stressing about “missing out.” For us, it was two days of pure relaxation—before hitting the hustle of the next island adventure!

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