Koh Yao Yai (Klong Hia Pier) Ferries

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Klong Hia Pier serves as the main gateway to Koh Yao Yai, with regular ferry connections from both Phuket (Bang Rong Pier) and Krabi (Ao Nang and Krabi Town). From Phuket, the journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes, while ferries from Krabi mainland take about 30-60 minutes depending on the departure point. If arriving internationally, you'll first fly into either Phuket International Airport or Krabi Airport, then take a taxi to the corresponding pier. At both connecting piers, you'll find parking facilities if traveling with your own vehicle, though advance booking is recommended during high season.

Nestled between bustling Phuket and Krabi in the stunning Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Yai offers a peaceful retreat from Thailand's more touristic destinations. This sleepy island maintains its authentic Thai charm with rubber plantations, fishing villages, and pristine beaches lining its shores. As your ferry approaches Klong Hia Pier, you'll be greeted by swaying coconut palms and the laid-back rhythm that defines this unspoiled paradise.

Koh Yao Yai enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. November through April brings the most favorable weather, with sunny days, calmer seas, and minimal rainfall, ideal conditions for ferry crossings and beach activities. December to February offers the most comfortable temperatures, hovering around 26-30°C (79-86°F). The monsoon season (May to October) brings intermittent heavy rainfall and occasionally rougher seas, with some reduced ferry schedules. However, visiting in June or September (shoulder months) rewards travelers with lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and better accommodation rates.

Koh Yao Yai serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the magnificent Phang Nga Bay region. From Klong Hia Pier, regular ferry services connect to Phuket (30-45 minutes), where you can enjoy vibrant markets and developed beaches. Krabi mainland is accessible within an hour, offering access to spectacular limestone cliffs and the famous Railay Beach. The smaller sister island, Koh Yao Noi, is just a 15-minute longtail boat ride away and offers a slightly more developed yet still authentic Thai island experience. For the adventurous, join day trips to the stunning limestone karsts of James Bond Island or the pristine beaches of the Phi Phi Islands.

Koh Yao Yai charms visitors with its slow-paced authenticity and natural beauty. Rent a motorbike to explore the island's perimeter road, stopping at secluded beaches like Loh Paret and Loh Jark where powdery sand meets crystal-clear waters. Visit the fishing villages on the eastern coast to witness the traditional lifestyle of the predominantly Muslim local population. Food enthusiasts should sample fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, where the catch of the day is transformed into spicy Thai curries and simple grilled dishes. For active travelers, kayaking through mangrove forests, snorkeling in coral gardens, and hiking to panoramic viewpoints provide unforgettable island experiences just minutes from the pier.

Despite being located between two of Thailand's busiest tourist destinations, Koh Yao Yai has maintained its traditional way of life, with many locals still earning their living through fishing and rubber tapping as their ancestors did generations ago. The island's name 'Yao' means 'long' in Thai, accurately describing its elongated shape stretching 30 kilometers from north to south. Unlike many Thai islands, Koh Yao Yai's population is predominantly Muslim, giving the island a unique cultural atmosphere with no bars or nightclubs, but rather peaceful villages where the call to prayer can be heard throughout the day.