Ko Yao Yai

Ideal for those looking for peace and quiet.
Activities, jet skiing, snorkelling, boat trips to nearby islands and James Bond islands.
There are times when it's almost impossible to swim at Lo Pared beach because it's filled with thousands of tiny jellyfish that sting your whole body, making it uncomfortable to be in the water, especially in January and February.
The best beach for swimming, snorkelling and monkey watching at the end of the day is Au Moang beach in the south of the island... superb. In the north of the island, because the beaches are almost all mangroves, it's almost impossible to swim, and there's the needle fish that's buried in the ground and when it stings, you get really sick for a few weeks. To swim in the north of the island you have to go to Sandbank beach and swim in the direction of Koh Yao Noi, the neighbouring island to Koh Yao Yai.
You can see that the corals on the beaches are being destroyed by the mooring of all kinds of boats.
Devastating for public health and the environment is that the population burns plastics mixed with coconuts, herbs and leaves, making the island's air saturated and foul-smelling.
Relatively cheap island in general, friendly and pleasant people, good hotels and restaurants, good regional sweets.
Before we only saw motorbikes, today we are invaded by cars and jeeps driving along these roads with poor infrastructure.
If you're looking for a cure for your bones, rheumatism, blood circulation and other ailments, you should visit Dr Saad, an old, half-blind man who works small or large miracles on your body with an ancient Thai massage called "haille"... I recommend it.
I really like this island and the people.

Super experience to visit in limestone cave you can enter in cave and cross complete cave and reach backside to see mesmerizong formations of cliffs and mangeove forest in cave water come till your knee levels be careful when going inside cave take care of your head

Really beautiful and calm island. The people here are really chilled. Not too much tourism. Good place to relax for few days. And good place to start day trips, for example to James Bond Island.

This is a beautiful, rather isolated island in the middle of southwest Thailand, amazing beaches, nice food, a bit touristy and expensive yet doesn't feel very crowded, highly recommended and would love to come here every year if possible.

Fantastic island, perfect if you are travelling as a couple wanting to relax and enjoy some amazing beaches. The best way to get around the island is by moped which is pretty safe as there is hardly any traffic on the roads. I still cannot believe that we had the beach all to ourselves.

- a peaceful and quiet island - it's best to move around it by scooter, but the locals will gladly give you a lift if you ask - I found three ATMs on the island, one at 7eleven - good restaurants: Jikgo Bar & Restaurant; Sea Breeze House; Ban Rim Nam - best beach: Lam Haad (bring food and drink as there are no shops nearby)

So far my favorite island of the ones I've been to in Thailand.

It's quiet and not as touristy as many others are. So no beach parties and the like.

If you just want to relax, explore a little paradise with many beautiful beaches by scooter and have good food, then this is a very good choice.

Beautiful island. It is not touristy like all other islands in Thailand. 👏 best time to visit is from November to December. Population consist of Muslims mostly so you might struggle to get booze!! However it’s not extinct on island.

Laem Haad beach, beautiful place. You need to go afternoon ( 2pm onward) because of the low tide so you can see the beautiful beach.

Idyllic set of islands.... Ko Yao Noi (small) and Ko Yao Yai (large), about an hour speedboat ride from Phuket. Very beautiful, less commercialized paradise islands in the Andaman Sea.

Great island to visit throughout the year. Nice tropical vibes, friendly locals mostly Muslim so you won't find pork but you will find beef and lots of fresh seafood. Low season has many closed shops but head south towards the 711 on the southern half of the island for a large variety of food options and cafes. Short bursts of rain give you a moment to reflect before moving on with your journey.

Many ATMs on the island and motorbikes for rent but don't expect a party, this is a more quiet island. Good for anyone who wants a peaceful holiday and there are places to buy alcohol if you really need it.

Beautiful island, isn't as busy with tourism as other islands around Thailand, however you can see that as more people find out about the island the more tourism will impact the island.

We stopped on the Coconut Beach while on our way to Phang Nga Bay. Such an amazing place. It was very peaceful and clean. We found also a swing just right on the beach!

During off season a bit costly..u have to pay extra then local people because of being firang (foreigner) which I didn't like as it is very much uncommon in other parts in Thailand to pay extra for being a firang..but very less touristy..very much original Thailand..

Came for 1 week holiday for the 2nd time. Arrangement schedule were 1st class. No long waitings and advance information were given from the airport to the ferry and to the resort. Service was amazing. Staff always look happy and very obliging. Very friendly. Hotel rooms were neat and clean. Transport to the reception and breakfast area were frequent. Food were amazing. Big choice on the breakfast spread. Easy access to the local village of u feel like having local interaction and food. Definitely will come back again. 👍👍👍

Island is mostly Muslim, people are very friendly, they know only few words of English but enough to buy water, food, fruits etc. Very nice. I love this place

I took a Boat/Kayaking through caves tour in February 2020. I was fortunate enough to meet the legend in this area named John Gray. He’s been sailing these seas since the 1980s. Great guy full of knowledge and still getting on the boat to make sure everybody’s being taken care of. He even helps out science.

Fantastic island just out side of phuket. Beautiful environment and rich animal life!

Second time to KYY. A lovely large island not over run with tourists. A majority muslim local community which in my experience means exceedingly friendly and helpful locals. Local restaurants are very clean and the owners want to insure you are well fed with good food at fair prices. A motorbike is necessary to really enjoy the island although you can get around taking songteows. Always a peaceful stay in a welcoming paradise.

A quiet island with just about one major road, a few resorts, some restaurants, shops, and motorbike rentals generally clustered nearby, friendly people, and beautiful beaches and surroundings. Ferries between Phuket and between Krabi year-round. Excursions are available from independent and resort associated operators, particularly during high season (roughly Nov-Feb). No diving at other times, and snorkeling trips are heavily weather dependent. Otherwise, convenient access to local islands, and free from heavy tourist traffic. Inexpensive compared to other areas during the low season, but reportedly about 3x more during high season. Most amenities of the larger islands are available.