Koh Yao District consists of a group of islands with beautiful beaches in Phang-nga Bay. There are all together 44 islands. The two most important island are.

Yao Yai Island

This is the biggest island in Koh Yao District. There are many beaches on the island, such as Tikud Bay, Klong Sorn Bay, Sai Bay, Lo Pa Raed Beach, and Laem Nok-ok. Lo pier is an important pier on Yao Yai Island. The water at the pier is sparkling clear with school of fish swimming around. Visitors can also see how the local villagers make dried anchovies, a famous poduct of the island. On Yao Yai are inexpensive bungalows for rent along with home-stay (tel. 0-1270-2533) programs with local villagers in order to learn their lifestyle. Visitors can also rent a long-tail boat to go snorkeling at Khai Nok and Khai Nai island.

Yao Noi Island

Koh Yao District administrative office is located on this island. There are many beautiful beaches, such as Pa Sai Beach and Tha Khao Beach. There are resorts, inexpensive bungalows, or home-stay programs available on the island. Visitors can also rent a boat from Yao Noi to Pa Koh, numerous small islands nearby, such as Lao Ka Lao Island, Lao La Ding Island, etc., or to Hong Island in Krabi. For more information, Please contact Koh Yao Noi Ecotourism Club (tel. 0-7659-7428, 0-7659-7244).

Apart from the beautiful nature on Yao Yai and Yao Noi islands, vistors can find handicraft made by the local housewives such as fish-scale flowers, flowers made from leaves of Para rubber trees, dried anchovies, shrimp paste, etc.

Travelling to Yao Islands

From Phuket, Bang Rong Pier in Tambon Pha Khlok, Thalang District
To Manoh Pier on Yao Noi Island. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Bang Rong Pier between 10:00 - 12.00 hrs.
To Chong laad and Khlong Hia Piers on Yao Yai Island. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Bang Rong Pier at 12.30 hr.

From Phuket, Laem Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Kaew, Muang District
To Laem Yai Pier on Yao Yai Island. The trip takes 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 50 baht, leaving Laem Hin Pier at 2 p.m.

From Phuket, Thien Sin Pier on the way to Koh Sirey in Phuket Town
To Lo Pier on Yao Yai Island. The trip takes an hour and costs 50 bath, leaving Thien sin Pier at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

From Phuket, Rassada Port in Tambon Rassada, Phuket Town
To Lo Pier on Yao Yai Island. The trip takes an hour and costs 50 bath. On Sunday-Thursday the boat leaves Rassada Port at 2 p.m. On Saturday the boat leaves at 6 a.m.

From Phang-nga, Customs Pier in Tambon Koh Panyee
To Sukkhaphiban Pier on Yao Noi Island. The trip takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs 100 baht, leaving the Customs Pier at 12.00 a.m. except Sunday.

From Krabi, Thalane Pier in Ao Luek District
To Baan Tha Khao Pier on Yao Noi Island. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Laem Sak Pier at noon.
To Chong Laad Pier on Yao Yai Island. The trip takes 1 hour and cost 50 baht, leaving at noon.

Return from Yao islands

From Yao Noi Island
To Bang Rong Pier, Phuket, the boat leaves Manoh and Sukkhaphiban piers at 7 and 7.30 a.m.There are 3-4 trips a day.
To Thalane Pier, Krabi, the boat leaves Tha Khao Pier at 7.30 a.m.
To Customs Pier, Phang-nga, the boat leaves at 7 a.m.

From Yao Yai Island
To Bang Rong Pier, the boat leaves from Chong laad and Khlong Hia piers at 7 a.m.
To Laem Hin Pier, the boat leaves from Laem Yai Pier at 8 a.m.
To Thien Sin Pier, the boat leaves Lo Jak Pier at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
To Rassada Port, the boat leaves Lo Jaak Pier at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday-Thursday and Saturday, and 2.30 p.m. on Friday.

Note: Timetables and rates may change.

Apart from those that run according to the aforesaid times, boats must be chartered.

From Yao Yai Island to other small island, long-tail boats can be chartered.

From Manoh Pier on Yao Noi Island to Chong Laan Pier on Yao Yai Island, there are long-tail boats running all day long. The trip takes 15 minutes.

Khai Nok Island

This island is well know for its rocks, beaches and clear water. Visitors snorkel and see beautiful coral and fish. Dolphins can also be spotted here. There is a restaurant on the island.

Khai nai Island

This is a small island with beautiful sandy beaches, coral and fish.

Travelling to these 2 islands, visitors can buy tours from a tour agency or charter a boat at Koh Sirey Pier, Laem Hin Pier, or Chalong Bay. Another choice is to charter boat from Yao yai Island.