Long Beach Koh Yao Noi: Secluded Paradise in Thailand

Long Beach, Koh Yao Noi: A pristine stretch of coastline

Koh Yao Noi, a tranquil island located within the dramatic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, is a haven for those seeking an escape from Thailand’s more bustling tourist hubs. Among its many natural charms, Long Beach stands out as a pristine stretch of coastline, offering a quintessential tropical island experience. It’s a place where the pace slows down, and the natural beauty takes center stage, inviting visitors to relax, explore, and truly unwind.

Where on Koh Yao Noi is Long Beach located?

Long Beach is situated on the eastern side of Koh Yao Noi, facing the majestic Phang Nga Bay. While its exact length isn’t always specified in common travel guides, it’s known to be one of the longer, more accessible beaches on the island. You’ll find it along the main coastal road that runs through Koh Yao Noi, making it relatively easy to reach by scooter or local taxi. Its precise location often refers to the area around resorts that front this beautiful stretch of sand, offering direct access to its tranquil waters and scenic views of the iconic limestone islands scattered across the bay.

About Long Beach

Long Beach typically features powdery white to golden sand, creating a soft expanse perfect for lounging. While the exact length can vary, it’s recognized as one of the more extensive sandy stretches on the island, allowing for leisurely strolls.

The nature around Long Beach is quintessential tropical, with lush green vegetation, swaying palm trees, and casuarina trees lining the shore. Behind the beach, you might find glimpses of rubber plantations and local life, adding to the island’s charm. At low tide, some areas of Koh Yao Noi’s beaches, including potentially parts of Long Beach, can reveal more of the shallow, muddy, or rocky shoreline, which is great for observing marine life like crabs, but might require a longer walk to reach deeper water for swimming. However, it is also noted as an exception where it maintains its appeal even at low tide.

The sea at Long Beach

The waters at Long Beach are generally crystal-clear and turquoise, inviting for a swim.

• Best Period to Swim: The best time to enjoy swimming in the waters around Koh Yao Noi, and thus at Long Beach, is generally during the dry season, from January to April, when the waters are calm and inviting. The monsoon season (typically October to December) can bring rougher seas and more debris, making swimming less ideal.
• Depth and Child-Friendliness: The bays around Koh Yao Noi tend to be shallow, especially at low tide. While this can mean a walk to reach deeper water, it also makes the beach generally safe and suitable for children to play in the shallow parts. It’s advisable to check tide charts if swimming is your primary activity. Some reports suggest good holding in muddy bottoms for anchorage, and dinghy trips ashore are possible at high tide, indicating tidal variations.

How to get to Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi?

To reach Long Beach, you first need to get to Koh Yao Noi. The island is only accessible by boat from nearby Phuket or Krabi.

• From Phuket: Take a taxi from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Bang Rong Pier on Phuket’s east coast. From there, scheduled longtail boats (approx. 120 THB per person) or speedboats (approx. 200 THB per person) depart for Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi’s south coast. The boat journey takes about 30-60 minutes.
• From Krabi: Take a taxi from Krabi Airport (KVB) to Tha Lane (Thalen) Pier. From here, longtail boats (approx. 120 THB) or speedboats (approx. 200 THB) go to Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi’s east coast. The boat ride is roughly 30-40 minutes.

Once on Koh Yao Noi, you can easily get to Long Beach by:

Taxi/Private Car: Available for hire from the pier or your accommodation.

Motorbike Rental: A popular and adventurous option. Rent a scooter from local shops and follow the main road south (Route 4025) for about 10-15 minutes.

Songthaew (Local Pickup Truck): These shared taxis run along the main roads. Ask the driver if they go towards Long Beach (or Little Long Beach, which might be the more specific name for a section of it) and confirm the fare (typically 30-50 THB per person).

What makes Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi special and why should you visit it?

Long Beach embodies the serene charm of Koh Yao Noi. It’s special because it offers a quieter, more authentic Thai island experience compared to the busier destinations. Visitors should come here for:

Accessibility: Despite its peaceful nature, it’s easily accessible by road on the island, making it a convenient spot to visit.

Tranquility and Serenity: Unlike more developed beaches, Long Beach maintains a peaceful ambiance, perfect for those seeking relaxation away from crowds.

Stunning Scenery: The views of Phang Nga Bay, with its dramatic karsts jutting out of the emerald waters, are simply breathtaking, especially during sunrise.

Authentic Island Vibe: Koh Yao Noi, and by extension Long Beach, retains a strong local character. You’ll find fewer large resorts and more opportunities to interact with the friendly local community.

Three Ladies & The Free Bird: At Long Beach you will find a small restaurant/bar that offers great food and drinks – a great place to unwind and stay for a couple of hours when you visit Long Beach.

Final thoughts

Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi is a true gem for travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic Thai island experience. Its stunning natural beauty, calm waters (especially during the dry season), and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for unwinding. While not a hub for bustling nightlife, its charm lies in its peaceful evenings, local hospitality, and opportunities for gentle exploration. Whether you’re basking in the sun, kayaking through mangroves, or simply enjoying a fresh seafood dinner with a view, Long Beach and the wider Koh Yao Noi island offer a memorable escape into paradise. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the simple beauty of nature.

Getting to Koh Yao Noi