Koh Yao Hotel

Things To Do On Koh Yao

Much of the appeal of Koh Yao is to do very little. The two islands’ natural scenic beauty and beach locations are very conducive to sitting by the pool or swinging in a hammock all day.

For the more active, there are several things to do on Koh Yao:

Motorbiking
There’s essentially one circular road on Koh Yao, mainly concrete but sometimes dirt road. There’s very little other traffic on Koh Yao, occasional other motorbikes and that’s pretty much it. Therefore Koh Yao is a great place to gently potter around on a bike and take in the views. Be sure to check with your hotel about the conditions of the road where you intend to go before you set out, just to be safe, as some of the lesser tracks can be hard work.

Mountain Biking
Koh Yao’s relatively flat terrain also lends itself to easy mountain biking, which is healthier both for you and the environment than using a motorbike. Get a clear idea of your route before you set out and take lots of water.

Visit Koh Yao Noi Village
The fact there’s a newly built 7-11 convenience store on Koh Yao Noi with the ubiquitous strong air con and icecreams is enough of a reason for some visitors to make their way to Koh Yao Noi village. There’s also the popular Je T’Aime restaurant in the village which is a must-visit while on the island.

Snorkelling And Swimming
There are numerous beaches all around Koh Yao’s two islands where you can swim and practice snorkelling. If you are a really keen snorkeller, you might want to hire a longtail boat and head out to the island of Koh Pak Bia, which has some beautiful coral gardens. Unfortunately much of the coral around Koh Hong, another scenic island which is popular for daytrips, has died off.

Longtail Boat Around The Coast
Even if you don’t want to get wet, seeing Koh Yao from the water offers a great new perspective on the beauty of the island and there are longtail boats which can help you explore the coastline. Check with your hotel for specific routes and to see what’s available

Kayaking
If you fancy taking to the water under your own steam to explore Koh Yao’s waters, kayaks are available to paddle out and enjoy the peace on the water

Agriculture Tour
One of the great attractions of Koh Yao is that it has remained almost completely untouched by tourism despite being so near Phuket. You can see how rubber is tapped from rubber trees in traditional fashion and also centuries-old techniques for fishing.

Birdwatching
Thanks to its unspoiled state, Koh Yao is a haven for birds, with over 150 species identified as making the islands their home. In particular, the beautiful hornbill can be found in Koh Yao’s mangrove forests. Contact ThailandBirdwatching.com for more info about daytrips and tours

Cave Paintings
Paintings over 2000 years old are dotted along the Koh Yao coastline waiting to be discovered

Batik Painting
Learn the complex art of Thai Batik painting to create your own beautiful batik. Classes are held at Koh Yao Yao Village Resort

Koh Yao Yai Resorts

The main resorts on Koh Yao Yai are:

Koh Yao Noi Resorts

The main resorts on Koh Yao Noi are: