🛶Ko Yao Noi to Ko Yao Yai

Ko Yao Noi to Ko Yao Yai - Hopping Between the Twin Islands

The two Ko Yao islands are separated by a narrow strait barely a kilometre wide, and the longtail boat shuttle that connects them is one of the simplest and most satisfying boat rides in southern Thailand. The crossing takes roughly ten minutes, costs very little, and runs frequently throughout the day from Tha Khao Pier on Ko Yao Noi's east coast.

How the Service Works

There is no formal schedule - longtail boats depart when they have enough passengers, which during the day usually means every fifteen to thirty minutes. During peak season the wait is shorter; in low season you might sit on the pier for twenty minutes or so before a boat fills up. The last departure is typically around 17:00 in both directions, though this can vary. If you are planning a day trip to Ko Yao Yai, keep an eye on the time and aim to be back at the pier well before the last boat.

You buy your ticket from the boat operator at the pier or simply pay on board. The fare is fixed and very affordable. Motorbikes can be loaded onto the longtail for a small surcharge - useful if you want to explore Ko Yao Yai's more spread-out geography under your own power.

The Crossing

The ten-minute hop across the channel is delightful. You sit on the wooden benches of a traditional longtail, engine puttering at the stern, with views of both islands and the open bay beyond. On a clear day the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay are visible to the north, and you can see fishing boats working the shallow waters between the islands. It is worth doing the crossing at least once just for the experience, even if you do not plan to spend much time on Ko Yao Yai.

What Awaits on Ko Yao Yai

Ko Yao Yai is the larger of the two islands but significantly less developed. Where Ko Yao Noi has a visible tourism infrastructure - guesthouses, restaurants, tour agencies - Ko Yao Yai remains quieter and more rural. The main settlement is Loh Paret on the northeast coast, where the longtail boats dock. From there, a single main road runs south through rubber plantations and small villages to the island's best beaches.

Highlights on Ko Yao Yai include the stunning Laem Haad sandbar on the northern tip, the long and often deserted Ao Sai Beach on the west coast, and the peaceful atmosphere of a Thai island that tourism has only lightly touched. A rented scooter and a full day is enough to circle the island and hit the main sights.

Tips for the Inter-Island Hop

Bring cash - there are around 9 ATMs on Ko Yao Yai, and card payment is rare. Pack water and sunscreen, as shade is limited on the longtail boats. If you are crossing with a motorbike, help the boatman load it by walking it up the plank and securing it in place. And remember the 17:00 last-boat rule - getting stranded on Ko Yao Yai overnight is not the worst fate in the world, but it is easier if planned.