Koh Yao Yai is an island located in Phang Nga Bay in southern Thailand. It is part of the Ko Yao Archipelago where Ko Yao Yai is the larger of the two big islands with the other island called Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Yai means Big Long Island as it is a narrow long island. Koh Yao Noi is better developed than Koh Yao Yai but what are the things to do on Koh Yao Yai?
On Koh Yao Yai, you can enjoy relaxing by the amazing beaches and even watch the sunset. You can also go island hopping to its neighboring island of Koh Yao Noi, try yoga, or take a Muay Thai training class, and there is more. You do need to be aware that Koh Yao Yai is not as developed as other islands in Thailand.
In this post, we will go through the things to do in Koh Yao Yai Thailand. Let’s get started!
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Is Koh Yao Yai Worth Visiting?
Koh Yao Yai is worth visiting if you enjoy the beach and it is not an island that is too touristy. Remember if you are looking for a modern tourist destination with excellent tourist amenities, you should consider going to Koh Yao Noi but if you are looking for a more beautiful place, then it’s Koh Yao Yai.
Things To Do On Koh Yao Yai Thailand
Koh Yao Yai is a small island and there is a limited amount of things to do on Koh Yao Yai other than relaxing by the beach. There Is enough that will keep you busy for a few days.
Here is our list of things to do in Koh Yao Yai Thailand.
Enjoy The Beautiful Beaches
Koh Yao Yai has a beautiful beach that is worth visiting. If you enjoy swimming, you can swim in the beautiful clear blue water, as well as go snorkeling. If want to see the underwater scenery, snorkeling is the best option.
Visitors who enjoy beach sports, can go boating and kayaking. Many tourists enjoy boating and kayaking to see the beautiful scenery around Koh Yao Yai.
However, if you want to be lazy then you can just relax on the beach and go sunbathing.
Explore The Island By Moped
Staying on this beautiful island there is one way to explore the island is by moped. You can hire a moped or bike and go around seeing the beautiful natural scenery on Koh Yao Yai. People on the Island are friendly and you have nothing to worry about.
However, it is very important to find the best price for your moped rent and get the moped from a retailer that has a good reputation. You do need to do your research on the place you plan to rent the bike as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Go Rock Climbing
Another good activity on Koh Yao Yai is rock Climbing. Climbers from around the world come to Koh Yao Yai to enjoy the experience of rock climbing on this island.
Climbing the cliffs can be very challenging and climbing the cliffs itself is a very challenging task. Rock climbing in Koh Yao Yai is a good experience for many visitors.
Go Muay Thai Training
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the most popular sport in Thailand. This particular combat sport is very popular not only in Thailand but also a very well-known sport in the world.
Muay Thay competitions are regularly held in Thailand. If you want to experience how to fight in Muay Thai style, you can join Muay Thai training designed explicitly for tourists. The fact is that many tourists enjoy the training given.
Try Meditation, Yoga, And Massage
Koh Yao Yai is a beautiful, quiet, and tranquil place that is a good place for yoga, meditation, or enjoying a massage. In particular, it is a good place for Yoga. There are many yoga and meditation classes available on the island.
There are loads of yoga classes, that host regular yoga sessions that you can join. After a long day of exploring and enjoying the island, you can enjoy yourself with a Thai massage available on this beautiful Koh Yao Yai Island.
Visit Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi island is the smaller sister island that is worth a visit. The size of Koh Yao Noi island is smaller than Koh Yao Yai but both islands are really beautiful Islands that you should visit.
To reach Koh Yao Noi island you need to get the ferry. As we mentioned earlier that Koh Yao Noi is a tiny island. To explore Koh Yao Noi, you can hire a scooter that is widely available.
However, it is important to know that most of the locals are Muslim. So, you have to respect their religion and tradition. You should avoid activities on Friday.
Visit A Big Tree
In Koh Yao Noi you can visit a very well-known tree. This particular tree is really big and tall. It is 100 meters tall which makes this particular tree popular on the island.
According to the legend, there is a spirit that lives in this tree. A woman spirit called Nang Da Kian lives on the tree and insists that anyone who cuts the tree will face harm.
Therefore, no one dares to cut the tree. This particular tree will grow forever as no one will dare enough to cut the tree.
How To Get To Koh Yao Yai Thailand?
To get to Koh Yao Yai, you need to get to Phuket or Krabi first. And then get the ferry. To travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai there are 2 piers you can use.
- From Nopparat Thara Pier to Klong Hia Pier via Ko Yao Noi: One speedboat at 11:00.
- From Tha Len to Klong Hia Pier via Ko Yao Noi: Daily at 13:00
And from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai you can get a speedboat, which takes about 25 minutes.
- From Laem Yai Pier to Laem Hin Pier. Speedboat time is 8:00.
- From Loh Jark Pier to Chianwanich Pier. Car ferry times at 08:30, 10:00, and Speedboat time at 17:00.
- From Klong Hia Pier to Bang Rong Pier. Speedboat times ave 06:30, 07:30, 07:50, 09:00, 10:20, 11:30, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 16:40.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, on Koh Yao Yai, you can enjoy relaxing on the amazing beaches and even watch the sunset. You can also go island hopping to its neighboring island of Koh Yao Noi, try yoga, or take a Muay Thai training class, and there is more. You do need to be aware that Koh Yao Yai is not as developed as other islands in Thailand.
And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on the things to do on Koh Yao Yai Thailand was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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