Koh Yao Noi: our unspoiled Thai island between Phuket and Krabi
This is your invitation to discover the remarkable Thai island of Koh Yao Noi, where ÀNI Thailand awaits. Koh Yao Noi is one of 42 islands in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Phang Nga Bay. Meaning ‘Small Long Island’, Koh Yao Noi is characterized by deserted beaches, protected mangroves, emerald-green rice paddies and a verdant interior. It’s perfectly placed, half-way between Phuket to the west and mainland Krabi to the east, making adventures further afield refreshingly easy.
Just 35 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, our resort reveals cinematic views of Phang Nga Bay: a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and dramatic rock formations rising vertically out of the water. This sheltered bay is perfect for kayaking expeditions revealing natural treasures, including hidden caverns and secret islands. A living piece of art, the Bay’s hypnotic limestone formations always appear to be changing, depending on the light, the weather and the time of day.
Equally beautiful is the unique way of life here. Guests at ÀNI Thailand can spend time with the incredibly hospitable, welcoming local people, absorbing their vibrant culture and heritage. We organize cultural immersion activities (included within our rates), such as batik painting and jasmine garland-making, Thai cookery classes with our Executive Chef, training in Muay Thai (the national sport, aka the Art of Eight Limbs), and visits to ÀNI Art Academies Thailand, where guests can meet local artists and perhaps purchase an artwork as a meaningful memento of their stay.
Just 35 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, our resort reveals cinematic views of Phang Nga Bay: a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and dramatic rock formations rising vertically out of the water. This sheltered bay is perfect for kayaking expeditions revealing natural treasures, including hidden caverns and secret islands. A living piece of art, the Bay’s hypnotic limestone formations always appear to be changing, depending on the light, the weather and the time of day.
Equally beautiful is the unique way of life here. Guests at ÀNI Thailand can spend time with the incredibly hospitable, welcoming local people, absorbing their vibrant culture and heritage. We organize cultural immersion activities (included within our rates), such as batik painting and jasmine garland-making, Thai cookery classes with our Executive Chef, training in Muay Thai (the national sport, aka the Art of Eight Limbs), and visits to ÀNI Art Academies Thailand, where guests can meet local artists and perhaps purchase an artwork as a meaningful memento of their stay.
A slower pace of life
Fishing villages and rubber plantations dot the largely uninhabited, 19 sq mile (50 sq km) island, renowned for its laid-back pace of life and friendly Southern Thai culture. It’s a wonderfully uncommercialised island, where fishing and rubber tapping are still important sources of local income. Visitors can buy the local catch straight off the boat, as it arrives in the early morning (our chef is always on the look-out for the best catch of the day). We also recommend driving through stunning sunlit rubber plantations and meeting local expert Dah Dat, who has 500 trees to tap daily. Dat shares her fascinating insights whilst offering guests sweet sticky rice, grilled on her charcoal fire.
Part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the island is a sanctuary for wildlife, including rare Oriental pied hornbills, one of the smallest birds of the hornbill family. It is believed that Koh Yao Noi is the only island where you will find hornbills living with the local community. Visitors can see these characterful birds coming to eat the fruit in villagers’ homes. At ÀNI Thailand, we take pride in hornbills visiting our resort in the morning and evening; guests can often see a flock of up to 15 hornbills landing in our trees.
Part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the island is a sanctuary for wildlife, including rare Oriental pied hornbills, one of the smallest birds of the hornbill family. It is believed that Koh Yao Noi is the only island where you will find hornbills living with the local community. Visitors can see these characterful birds coming to eat the fruit in villagers’ homes. At ÀNI Thailand, we take pride in hornbills visiting our resort in the morning and evening; guests can often see a flock of up to 15 hornbills landing in our trees.
What to do on Koh Yao Noi and close by?
In addition to ÀNI’s comprehensive activity program and inspiring luxury inclusions, we offer bespoke local adventures at an extra cost. These include helicopter tours, rock climbing, scuba diving and island-hopping by longtail boat to Hong, Pak Bia, Lading, Rai, Kudu, Roi and the Big Tree. Take a luxurious yacht cruise to Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and Thalene Bay. Explore Phuket’s Old Town and historic temples, or admire elephantine attractions at the Phuket Ethical Elephant Sanctuary.
Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi?
Located within two acres (half a hectare) of lush, well-tended gardens on the island’s east coast, ÀNI Thailand is a private resort designed exclusively for a single group of guests. With spellbinding oceanfront views, our all-inclusive resort can accommodate up to 20 guests across two Ocean Villas, two Family Villas, each with two guestrooms, and four Pool Suites, and offers direct access to a beautiful sandy beach with sweeping bay views.
In addition to ÀNI’s comprehensive activity program and inspiring luxury inclusions, we offer bespoke local adventures at an extra cost. These include helicopter tours, rock climbing, scuba diving and island-hopping by longtail boat to Hong, Pak Bia, Lading, Rai, Kudu, Roi and the Big Tree. Take a luxurious yacht cruise to Krabi, Phi Phi Islands and Thalene Bay. Explore Phuket’s Old Town and historic temples, or admire elephantine attractions at the Phuket Ethical Elephant Sanctuary.
Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi?
Located within two acres (half a hectare) of lush, well-tended gardens on the island’s east coast, ÀNI Thailand is a private resort designed exclusively for a single group of guests. With spellbinding oceanfront views, our all-inclusive resort can accommodate up to 20 guests across two Ocean Villas, two Family Villas, each with two guestrooms, and four Pool Suites, and offers direct access to a beautiful sandy beach with sweeping bay views.
Koh Yao Noi questions answered…
We posed some of our guests’ common questions about Koh Yao Noi and Thailand to our expert resort team; here’s what they had to say.
Where are the best beaches in Koh Yao Noi and Phuket?
Our favorite local beaches on Koh Yao Noi include Klong Jark Beach (this is our very own beach), Pasai Beach and Kian Bay, which you can access on a longtail boat trip from the north of the island.
Where is the best beach in Thailand?
Naturally we’re biased, but we like Klong Jark Beach best: a pristine sandy beach overlooking the turquoise waters and spectacular limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay, away from the crowds.
Does Thailand have decent surfing?
Absolutely – and Phuket is basically the home of surfing in Thailand. For beginners, we can arrange surfing lessons with our trusted local partner; Phuket’s mellow waters make it great for beginners. Two hours north of Phuket, beaches such as Khao Lak get good monsoon swell for aficionados.
What are the best places for snorkeling near Phuket?
We can take you by boat to the island’s best spots near Phuket and Krabi for snorkeling, refreshing dips and even a spot of fishing. One of our favorite places is the little island of Koh Khai, nestled in Phang Nga Bay. We also recommend Khao Lak and Chong Khad Bay.
Our favorite local beaches on Koh Yao Noi include Klong Jark Beach (this is our very own beach), Pasai Beach and Kian Bay, which you can access on a longtail boat trip from the north of the island.
Where is the best beach in Thailand?
Naturally we’re biased, but we like Klong Jark Beach best: a pristine sandy beach overlooking the turquoise waters and spectacular limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay, away from the crowds.
Does Thailand have decent surfing?
Absolutely – and Phuket is basically the home of surfing in Thailand. For beginners, we can arrange surfing lessons with our trusted local partner; Phuket’s mellow waters make it great for beginners. Two hours north of Phuket, beaches such as Khao Lak get good monsoon swell for aficionados.
What are the best places for snorkeling near Phuket?
We can take you by boat to the island’s best spots near Phuket and Krabi for snorkeling, refreshing dips and even a spot of fishing. One of our favorite places is the little island of Koh Khai, nestled in Phang Nga Bay. We also recommend Khao Lak and Chong Khad Bay.
What are the least well-known places in Thailand?
Koh Yao Noi is top of the list when it comes to Thailand’s lesser-known treasures. As a result, it has managed to keep hold of its unique character and local spirit, and managed to evade the crowds.
How do you get to Koh Yao Noi?
You can easily reach our Koh Yao Noi resort by taking a 30-minute speedboat journey from Ao Po Grand Marina, which is a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT). Or, it’s a 30-minute speedboat ride from Krabi Pier, a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport (KBV).
Can I fly by private jet to Koh Yao Noi?
You can also fly by private jet from Bangkok to Phuket and take a helicopter from there to Koh Yao Noi. Direct flights connect with Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Beijing, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney.
Is Koh Yao Noi touristy?
Not at all. You are more likely to encounter fishermen than fellow tourists. Because ÀNI is an exclusive-use resort, you’ll only ever share our resort with your chosen companions.
Koh Yao Noi is top of the list when it comes to Thailand’s lesser-known treasures. As a result, it has managed to keep hold of its unique character and local spirit, and managed to evade the crowds.
How do you get to Koh Yao Noi?
You can easily reach our Koh Yao Noi resort by taking a 30-minute speedboat journey from Ao Po Grand Marina, which is a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT). Or, it’s a 30-minute speedboat ride from Krabi Pier, a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport (KBV).
Can I fly by private jet to Koh Yao Noi?
You can also fly by private jet from Bangkok to Phuket and take a helicopter from there to Koh Yao Noi. Direct flights connect with Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Beijing, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney.
Is Koh Yao Noi touristy?
Not at all. You are more likely to encounter fishermen than fellow tourists. Because ÀNI is an exclusive-use resort, you’ll only ever share our resort with your chosen companions.
Reserve Your Stay at ÀNI Thailand
Inspired to book travel vacation to the unspoiled island of Koh Yao Noi? Just drop our reservations team a line at [email protected] and we’ll take care of the rest.
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