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Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai by Speedboat

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Blue floating plastic pontoon pier with moored longtail boats on calm turquoise water under bright cumulus clouds

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Destination overview

Koh Yao Yai Information

The Big Long island (Koh Yao Yai) is an astonishing island. It is less developed than its sister Koh Yao Noi yet, it is also way bigger than its and has plenty of opportunities for swimmers, divers, and snorkelers to enjoy the emerald water of this fascinating island. From Phuket, the speedboats depart from three piers ( Bang Rong Pier, Laem Hin Pier, and Chianwanich Pier) Bang Rong Pier has the most trips to Koh Yao Yai, while the others have only one or two speedboat trips per day. From Krabi, the speedboats leave from (Talen Pier and Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang) only one trip a day and the boat makes a stop at the sister island Koh Yao Noi before continuing to Koh Yao Yai. In order to explore the island, you will have to rent your own wheels or hire a taxi, since there is no public transportation on the island.


Stilt houses and wooden longtail boats in a calm turquoise bay beside a palm-covered hill under blue sky
Schedules & prices

Departures from Koh Yao Yai

The first 8 of 35 departures leaving Koh Yao Yai today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 35 departures from Koh Yao Yai
Schedules & prices

Arrivals in Koh Yao Yai

The first 8 of 40 services arriving in Koh Yao Yai today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 40 arrivals in Koh Yao Yai
Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Chong Lard Pier

Chong Lard Pier: Where Your Koh Yao Yai Trip Begins! Hey there! Welcome to Chong Lard Pier. This is a great spot to kick...

Klong Hia Pier

Klong Hia Pier: Your Entry to the Tranquility of Koh Yao Yai When you set foot on Klong Hia Pier, you're doing more than...
About Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai Information

About Koh Yao Yai

Halfway between Phuket and Krabi, lies the magical island of Koh Yao Yai. It's known for its fishing villages, the mangroves, the sandy shores, the coconut plantations, and of course the breathtaking underwater life. The surrounding waters of the island are filled with colorful coral reefs and dotted with dive sites like the pinnacles of shark point and the king cruiser wreck.

Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay. It has stayed noticeably quieter than its neighbours, with a mostly Muslim local community, rubber and coconut smallholdings inland, and long stretches of beach that rarely feel crowded. Days here run at a slow pace: longtail boat trips, cycling between villages, and sunsets over the limestone karsts that rise out of the bay.

How to get to Koh Yao Yai

The island is reached by boat, and Koh Yao Yai is well connected across the Andaman coast. Our booking system currently lists 74 routes bookable routes to and from the island, so most travellers can find a direct or single-connection option rather than backtracking to the mainland.

Crossings link Koh Yao Yai with the Phuket and Krabi shores as well as the island chain running south. Some journeys are a short hop across the bay; others are longer island-hopping legs that call at several stops along the way. Because vehicle types, timings and frequencies change by season and operator, check the live results for the exact departure you want.

Operators serving the island

Companies running services here include Bundhaya Speed Boat, Green Planet and Koh Yao Sun Smile, alongside other several operators services shown at the time of searching. Each operator sets its own pier, luggage allowance and check-in time, so read the conditions on your chosen departure before paying.

Popular routes to and from Koh Yao Yai

The island connects to Ao Nang, Koh Jum, Koh Kradan, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, plus six more destinations bookable through the same search.

  • Ao Nang — the handiest gateway for Railay, Krabi Town and onward mainland transport.
  • Koh Lanta — a common next stop for travellers heading south along the coast.
  • Koh Jum — a small, low-key island between Krabi and Lanta.
  • Koh Mook and Koh Kradan — the Trang islands, known for the Emerald Cave and quiet beaches.
  • Koh Lipe — the far southern end of the Andaman route, near the Malaysian border.

Fares vary by operator, season and how far ahead you book. Live prices start from ฿390 on the search results page, where you can compare every available departure side by side.

Piers and arrival points

Koh Yao Yai has piers on both the northern and eastern sides of the island, and the one you use depends on where you are coming from and which operator you travel with. Your ticket and confirmation will name the exact pier — check it before you set off, as the piers are some distance apart and a taxi or motorbike transfer is usually needed to reach accommodation.

On arrival, local transport is informal: motorbike taxis, songthaews and hotel pick-ups meet most boats. If you are arriving late in the day, it is worth arranging a transfer with your accommodation in advance.

Practical travel information

There are no banking facilities on the island so you better withdraw the cash you'll need on the island before going on your trip. Many small guesthouses, restaurants and boat operators are cash-only, so bring more than you think you will need.

A few other things worth knowing:

  • Weather matters. The Andaman monsoon runs roughly from May to October, when seas can be rougher and some sailings are adjusted or cancelled for safety.
  • Arrive early. Piers are small and check-in usually closes well before departure.
  • Respect local customs. The island's community is largely Muslim; modest dress away from the beach is appreciated, and alcohol is not sold everywhere.
  • Pack light. Boats and pier walkways are not built for oversized luggage.

What to see and do

Snorkelling and diving are the main draws, with day trips out to the reefs and pinnacles in the surrounding bay. Beyond the water, the island rewards slow exploring: cycle or ride between the fishing villages, kayak through the mangroves, visit the coconut and rubber plantations inland, and watch the sunset from the west-coast beaches. Longtail trips to nearby Koh Yao Noi and the smaller islets of Phang Nga Bay are easy to arrange locally.

Book your trip to Koh Yao Yai

Compare operators, departure times and prices across all 74 routes routes serving Koh Yao Yai in one place, then book with instant confirmation. Search availability for your travel date to see today's live timetable and fares.

Highlights

Whale shark swimming near the surface in clear blue water as two scuba divers observe from below

Shark Point and King Cruiser Wreck

The waters around Koh Yao Yai are filled with rock formations, coral gardens, and even underwater mountains! There is a variety of marine life including silvertip sharks, groupers, manta rays, and whale sharks. The waters have enough to impress even the most experienced divers. Shark Point is a marine sanctuary with reefs forming three pinnacles. The reef is home to an amazing abundance of colorful corals, and sea fans. The King Cruiser is a well-known site which claims wrecks of a passenger ship which sunk in 1997 after it hit the Anemone reef.
Two leaning coconut palms with a hammock on a white sand beach beside turquoise sea under blue sky

Klong Son Beach

Around only twenty km from Chong Lad Pier, lies the crescent-shaped beach “Klong Son Beach” in Koh Yao Yai. There are plenty of pine trees lining along the beach beautifully. The beach has colorful rocks, small rocky cliffs, and a clean white sand all around the emerald water. During low tide, you can easily pick up beautiful shells and you get to also see the seaweed on the beach. And during the weekends you’ll find small kiosks offering beverages.
Koh Yao Yai Doctor Saad

Doctor Saad

Doctor Saad is a blind healer and therapist, he’s been treating people for more than thirty years. The healing session with this amazing healer is definitely among the best things to do in Koh Yao Yai. He will recommend the mandatory number of sessions according to your case. If you’re searching for an unforgettable massage experience, Doctor Saad is who you’re looking for. You will leave the island feeling different and with way less pain.
Stilt houses and wooden longtail boats along a tropical fishing village shoreline with palm trees and turquoise water

Koh Yao Yai Village

Touring around the village of Koh Yao Yai is an excellent way to connect with the locals and learn how they make a living on the island, and to meet new travelers who have the same passion as you. The locals are very friendly and helpful, they will tell you about all the things you need to see, do, and even where to eat. The beach of the village is known for its endless activities like beach soccer and volleyball. 
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

Koh Samui

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

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You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

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