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Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai by Speedboat: Paradise Awaiting Your Visit

Ferry & speedboat crossings
Leaning coconut palm on a white sand spit with turquoise sea, distant islands and a moored longtail boat

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Destination overview

Koh Yao Yai Information

Koh Yao Yai, also known as Ko Yao Yai, is an idyllic island. Nestled in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, it is a perfect escape. Especially for travelers seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist spots. 

With its stunning white sand beaches, lush greenery, and serene emerald water, Koh Yao Yai offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm. It makes it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Where to Go from Koh Yao Yai

Exploring the surrounding areas is easy, thanks to the variety of transfer options available. Whether you're looking to explore nearby islands or return to the mainland, here’s how you can continue your journey:

  • Ao Nang: This tourist hotspot is accessible via the Koh Yao Yai speedboat service. It offers a swift and scenic route to one of Krabi’s most beloved beaches. From Ao Nang, travelers can easily reach Nopparat Thara Pier or head to Krabi Airport.

  • Railay: Another gem in the Krabi province, Railay is famous for its towering limestone cliffs and pristine beaches. Catch a speedboat from Koh Yao Yai and find yourself in this climber's paradise in no time.

  • Koh Phi Phi (Phi Phi): A must-visit for any island hopper, Koh Phi Phi is just a short speedboat ride away from Koh Yao Yai. Known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning coral reefs, Phi Phi is a great next stop for a memorable day trip.

  • Phuket: For those needing to connect to a larger network of travel options, Koh Yao Yai ferries and speedboats provide regular transfers to Phuket. From there, you can catch a Koh Yao Yai bus or continue by ferry to other destinations. The Bang Rong Pier on Phuket is a key hub for ferry tickets and boat services to both Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.


Blue floating plastic pontoon pier with moored longtail boats on calm turquoise water under bright cumulus clouds
Schedules & prices

Departures from Koh Yao Yai

The first 8 of 31 departures leaving Koh Yao Yai today — pick one to choose your date and book.

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Schedules & prices

Arrivals in Koh Yao Yai

The first 8 of 37 services arriving in Koh Yao Yai today — pick one to choose your date and book.

See all 37 arrivals in Koh Yao Yai
Popular stations & vehicles

Piers

Chong Lard Pier

Chong Lard Pier: Your Koh Yao Yai Adventure Starts Here! Step into the world of Chong Lard Pier, where your exciting...

Klong Hia Pier

Klong Hia Pier: Your Gateway to Koh Yao Yai Paradise Introduction: Welcome to Klong Hia Pier! This is your gateway to...
About Koh Yao Yai

Things to Do in Koh Yao Yai and Around

Koh Yao Yai: A Hidden Island Destination Worth Exploring

Koh Yao Yai is not just a starting point for various journeys but also a destination filled with activities and sights that reward visitors who venture beyond the usual tourist trail. Located in Phang Nga Bay, this quieter island offers a genuine escape from crowded beaches and commercialised attractions. Whether you're seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat, Koh Yao Yai delivers on all fronts.

How to Reach Koh Yao Yai

Getting to Koh Yao Yai is straightforward thanks to multiple transport options. Most visitors arrive via ferry from nearby ports, with convenient connections from Krabi, Phuket, and Ao Nang. The local bus and train services provide convenient connections to Nopparat Thara Pier, Bang Rong Pier, and Krabi Airport, making it easy to reach the island from several directions.

When booking your journey, you'll find that free cancellations on most ferry tickets and boat services allow you to plan your trips with peace of mind. This flexibility is particularly useful if your travel dates are not yet fixed or if you want to adjust your itinerary after arrival.

Beaches on Koh Yao Yai

The island's white sand beaches are picturesque and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist destinations nearby. Whether you're sunbathing, swimming in the emerald water, or simply enjoying a sunset, the beaches here are not to be missed. The calm, shallow waters make them ideal for families and those seeking a relaxing day by the sea.

Island Tours and Day Trips from Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is perfectly positioned for exploring the stunning surrounding islands. Explore the nearby islands with a Koh Yao Yai speedboat tour. Each island offers unique landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of Railay to the bustling markets of Ao Nang. Day trips to Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay are popular options for those wanting to venture further afield.

These excursions are typically arranged through local tour operators and can be booked through your accommodation or at the pier. Most tours include snorkelling, island hopping, and visits to natural attractions like caves and viewpoints.

Nature and Outdoor Activities on Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai's interior is a haven of lush jungles and rubber plantations. A guided tour can help you explore the island, discover hidden waterfalls, local wildlife, and breathtaking viewpoints. These interior tours offer a refreshing contrast to beach time and give you insight into the island's natural ecosystem.

For those interested in hiking, kayaking, or other outdoor pursuits, the island's protected coastal areas and jungle trails provide excellent opportunities. Early morning adventures often reward visitors with sightings of local birdlife and monkeys in their natural habitat.

Cultural Experiences and Local Cuisine in Koh Yao Yai

Visit Koh Yao Yai Village and nearby Koh Yao Noi to learn about the traditional way of life. Participate in a cooking class, or simply enjoy some local cuisine at a seaside restaurant. The islands have a strong fishing heritage, and seafood features prominently on local menus.

Interacting with local residents provides authentic cultural insights that larger, more developed islands cannot offer. Many visitors find these genuine encounters more memorable than any organised activity. Taking the time to explore village life, markets, and family-run eateries gives you a true sense of the islands' character.

Plan Your Koh Yao Yai Trip with Flexible Booking

By choosing Koh Yao Yai as your base, you ensure a trip filled with memorable adventures, effortless Koh Yao Yai transfers, and the soothing pace of island life. Whether you are travelling by ferry, speedboat, or bus, your journey is bound to be as enjoyable as the destination itself.

With 74 routes routes connecting Koh Yao Yai to other destinations, you have plenty of options to customise your itinerary. Comparing operators and schedules helps you find the departure time that suits your plans, and flexible cancellation policies mean you can adjust your booking if your plans change.

Join the many who have discovered this hidden gem and make your next vacation a tropical escape to remember. Ready to book your journey to Koh Yao Yai or connecting routes to nearby attractions?

Search Availability and Book Your Ferry Tickets Now

Start planning your Koh Yao Yai adventure today. Search current ferry schedules and prices, compare operators, and secure your booking in just a few clicks. Whether you're arriving from Krabi, Phuket, or elsewhere, checking available routes ensures you find the best option for your travel dates and budget.

Koh Yao Yai Highlights

Aerial view of a forested tropical headland with a jetty, turquoise sea and green hills under cloudy blue sky

Development & Facilities

The island is more undeveloped than a lot of islands in Thailand but it still contains most modern facilities any traveler will need. The island has good infrastructure, the main road is mostly smoothed out and easy for navigation with decent internet and phone services throughout the island. The villagers on the island built their own wooden homes that are surrounded by tropical potted plants all over. The island also has a hospital, ATMs and Wi-Fi and well-established resorts. It still remains unspoiled and one of the most tranquil islands of the Andaman.
Aerial view of a curved sandy spit lined with palm trees jutting into turquoise sea, islands on horizon

Nature

It is known very well that this is one of the most undeveloped islands in Thailand when it comes to tourism which makes its nature all the more exciting. Filled with beautiful landscapes and rubber plantations as well as refreshing coconut groves. The beaches on the island are to die for and perfect for you swimmers out there seeking some water fun and for people who just want to kick it back and chill while getting the perfect suntan. It is a suitable place to slow down time for a while.
Koh Yao Yai Healing of the mind, body & soul

Healing of the mind, body & soul

Do you have anybody pain that western medicine couldn’t treat? Well then, you should try the new healing methods of the famous guru in Koh Yao Yai named Dr. Saad. He has been practicing his ways and curing people for over 30 years now from all around the world. He channels his healing powers through massage and he does it right from head to toe. You won’t believe his spiritual healing powers until you exist in his presence, he is located in Ban Lo Po of Koh Yao Yai.
Two parked quad bikes, one yellow and one red, on cracked dry desert flats with hazy mountains behind

ATV Tour

Attention! To all the adrenaline junkies out there, Koh Yao Yai has something that you might be interested in. exploring the island cannot get more exciting due to riding on your ATV and seeing the island from a different perspective, giving you another taste of the beautiful region. Many travelers love riding the ATV on the breathtaking white sand beaches of Ko Yao Yai, other travelers love riding it through the jungle and witnessing all the island’s glory in the fastest way possible.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?

Phuket Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.

 

Ferry Samui :

FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

 

Bali Ferry :

We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket Ferry :

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.

 

Ferry 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).

 

Bali Ferry :

Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.

Will bad weather affect my travels?

Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.

Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.

On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.

What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?

At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.

 

 

When will I receive my ticket confirmation?

After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.

On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.

What are the baggage allowances?

Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.

To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.

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