Travel to Koh Yao Noi- Paradise Found in Thailand

After spending over a week in the Krabi area at Railay Bay, I decided to go check out Koh Yao Noi. About an hour away by speedboat from both Phuket and the Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay. There is a larger sister island called Koh Yoa Yai to the south and I was surprised to learn that Koh Yao Noi is the more happening island of the 2.

After landing on the dock, there was a converted pickup truck called a songthaew waiting for me on the pier to take me to my hotel. I was anxious to ride a motorbike around this small island, but after a rough road through the jungle, I realized this was not going to be possible.

I had booked a room off of Agoda to the luxurious Paradise Koh Yao Resort and it did not disappoint! It was the most expensive accommodation I stayed in all of Thailand at about $90 a night, but it was also the nicest room I have ever stayed in anywhere in the world!

This multi-level room had a king-sized bed covered with a mosquito net (not needed, but pretty), an outdoor shower, a small kitchenette area, and a patio with the most amazing views.

Koh Yai Noi is a gorgeous tropical paradise and a great place to relax, reset, and plan the next adventure. My resort was on the northeast part of the island and pretty isolated. But it was so beautiful and luxurious that I didn't want to do much except chill on the beach.

I spent my days reading on the beach, sea kayaking, and eating delicious fresh food! Yes, it was expensive when compared to some of the other spots around Thailand, but damn it was worth every penny.

The resort had a spa that costs way too much according to Thailand standards, but the therapy room where I got a massage overlooked a pond covered in lotus flowers. And the flora and fauna were a tropical paradise.

Koh Yao Noi is known for the rare hornbill bird, which I, unfortunately, did not get to see. I did, however, run into the resident monitor lizard on the beach who was quite friendly.

If you plan to spend some time in Thailand and are wondering if Koh Yao Noi is worth it, I'd say yes, for sure! Whether you are traveling solo or with a partner, Koh Yao Noi is without a doubt, paradise found!

Jennifer is the creator of Gal Goes Solo, a PADI Divemaster living in a hut overlooking Shark Bay on Koh Tao. She shares real-world travel stories and offers personal travel consulting for travelers looking for practical, lived-in guidance.