Koh Yao Beach Guide

Although many beaches become shallow at low tide, the Koh Yao islands boast a string of pretty beaches that mainly lie hidden within coves of jungle-clad headlands or nestle in front of beach resorts and budget chalets.

Here’s a round-up of some of the best beaches, starting with the best beach on Koh Yao Noi, the aptly named Paradise Beach:

Paradise Beach (Koh Yao Noi) – Arguably the best beach on Koh Yao Noi, this gorgeous 400m-long crescent of palm-fringed powder-white sand shelves into a turquoise bay and offers wonderful views overlooking karst outcrops in Phang Nga Bay.

Nestled in lush tropical vegetation in front of the beach sits the luxury Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa, boasting a range of creature comforts. Hike through the rainforest, cycle around the island or swim and snorkel the nearby coral reef. Paradise Beach is located on the northeast coast of Koh Yao Noi.

Hat Tha Khao (Koh Yao Noi) – Discover a beautiful narrow stretch of casuarina-fringed golden sand at so-called Temple Beach, just a short walk past the pier at Tha Khao village on the northeast coast. The beach is hidden behind a small hill with access through a small Buddhist compound of meditation huts.

The beach is also known as Hat Sai Taew Beach. Stay at the nearby budget beach chalets or arrive by cycle or kayak for a day trip.

Hat Koh Nok (Koh Yao Noi) – Swim across, walk part of the way at low-tide or arrive by kayak and sunbathe on the gorgeous spit of golden sand that drops away into deep offshore water that is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This idyllic vegetation-covered karst islet faces Hat Tha Khao Beach.

Hat Pa Sai (Koh Yao Noi) – Relax on this long crescent of tree-fringed white sand that offers good swimming and spectacular views of the offshore islands. Hat Ao Kian (Koh Yao Noi) Sunbathe on this white-sand beach, fringed by lush forest and shelving into turquoise water that is perfect for swimming.

Bo Le Beach (Koh Yao Yai) – Dip your toes into this gorgeous 300m-long crescent of soft white sand that is fringed by lush jungle-clad rocky promontories. Go swimming or snorkelling in the turquoise waters or relax in comfort at the beachfront Elixir Beach Resort Koh Yao, which offers five different types of guest accommodation and a range of creature comforts including spa facilities.

Bo Le Beach is located on the southwest coast of Koh Yao Yai.

Loh Pared Beach (Koh Yao Yai) – Relax on this long crescent of soft white sand fringed by coconut plantations, with good swimming and the opportunity to sit and watch the local Hua Tong boat fishermen. Relax on the beach or hire a kayak and explore a string of beaches further along the coast.

Come on a day trip or stay at the beachside Yao Yai Beach Resort, which offers a range of accommodation and facilities.