Find exceptional hotels on Thailand's serene island escape. From jungle-clad hillsides to turquoise bays, discover the perfect base for your Ko Yao stay.
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About Hotels in Ko Yao
Ko Yao Noi is one of Thailand's most unspoiled retreats, offering a rare blend of dramatic karst scenery, pristine mangrove forests, and the laid-back rhythms of a traditional Muslim fishing community. Whether you're kayaking through Phang Nga Bay's limestone towers, cycling the quiet island roads, snorkelling the coral reefs, or sampling fresh-caught seafood at a waterfront restaurant, Ko Yao Noi rewards travellers seeking something slower and more authentic.
Accommodation ranges from intimate boutique resorts tucked into the hillsides of Ban Tha Khao to beachfront villas along the shores of Ban Lo Paret. The island is compact and best explored by scooter or bicycle, with regular ferry connections to Phuket and Krabi keeping the wider region well within reach.
Where to Stay in Ko Yao
Ban Tha Khao
The island's main village and the natural base for first-time visitors. Close to the ferry pier, local markets, and bicycle hire, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and onward boats to Phuket and Krabi.
Ban Lo Paret
The most sought-after stretch of Ko Yao Noi's coastline, home to the island's finest beachfront resorts. Long sandy shores, calm turquoise water, and sweeping views across Phang Nga Bay make this the upscale choice.
Ban Khlong Hia
A quieter, more bohemian corner of the island popular with longer-stay travellers and cyclists. Lush scenery, local homestays, and a genuinely unhurried pace give this area a creative, off-the-beaten-track character.
Ban Laem Sai
A peaceful residential headland offering excellent value and a true sense of island life away from tourist bustle. Ideal for travellers wanting mangrove walks, birdwatching, and an authentic glimpse of the local fishing community.
Airport and Transport Guide
Ko Yao is served by Ko Yao Noi Airport (KYI), a small regional airstrip handling propeller flights from Phuket via Kan Air, with the crossing also commonly made by ferry from Tha Dan Pier on the mainland, taking around 30 minutes to Bang Rong Pier on Ko Yao Noi. A 24-hour longtail boat service connects the two Ko Yao islands for late arrivals.
On the islands, transport is informal but well-established — motorbike hire is the standard option at around 300–400 THB per day, and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) cover the main roads at low fixed fares. Taxis do not operate on meters; agree a fare before departure, typically 100–200 THB for short hops. Grab is not available on Ko Yao, so local hire and walking are the primary options.
Tips for Finding the Best Hotel Deal in Ko Yao
- Book at least 8–10 weeks ahead for stays during Songkran in April and the Loy Krathong festival in November, when island guesthouses fill rapidly
- Baan Hin Khao and the quieter northern villages of Ko Yao Noi offer lower nightly rates than the main pier area, with easy motorbike access
- Look for resorts that include breakfast — on Ko Yao, dining options are limited in quieter areas, making an included meal both convenient and cost-effective
- Choose free cancellation where possible, as Ko Yao's shoulder seasons shift quickly with tropical weather patterns and ferry disruptions
- Midweek stays from Tuesday to Thursday run noticeably cheaper than weekends, when Bangkok day-trippers and Phuket visitors push up demand across the island
- Booking via Six Senses or Koyao Island Resort loyalty and direct-booking channels regularly yields room upgrades and preferential rates unavailable on third-party platforms
When to Visit Ko Yao for Lower Prices
Winter (High Season)
November to February is Ko Yao's peak period, with dry skies, calm seas, and ideal snorkelling conditions drawing the largest crowds. Book well in advance and expect premium pricing throughout, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
Spring (Shoulder Season)
March and April bring rising heat and the tail end of the dry season. Songkran festivities in mid-April add local colour. Prices begin climbing toward peak, but early March still offers reasonable value before the holiday rush.
Summer (Low Season)
May to October is monsoon season, bringing heavy rain, rougher seas, and significantly reduced visitor numbers. Mid-range guesthouses can be found from around £35–£60 per night. Some smaller properties close entirely in June and July.
Autumn (Value Season)
October and early November mark the transition back to dry weather. Seas settle, greenery is lush, and prices remain below peak levels. An excellent time to visit for travellers seeking quieter beaches and good value before the high season surge.
Popular Areas to Stay in Ko Yao
Ko Yao Noi Village
The social and practical heart of Ko Yao Noi, with the main pier, local markets, and mosques nearby. Most guesthouses and restaurants cluster here, offering easy access to island life.
Ko Yao Yai South Coast
Ko Yao Yai's quieter southern shore attracts those seeking seclusion and upscale resorts. Long stretches of beach and mangrove views make it the island's most refined retreat.
Tha Khao Bay
A working fishing community on Ko Yao Noi's eastern side, popular with long-stay visitors and remote workers seeking authentic village atmosphere without the typical tourist bustle.
Laem Sai
A lesser-visited headland on Ko Yao Yai with dramatic coastal views and boutique eco-stays. Suited to nature-focused travellers who prefer birding and kayaking over beach crowds.