Phuket is one of the multitude of popular destinations across the globe dealing with overtourism concerns, even being named the ‘most crowded‘ destination in the world.
Bangkok is a bustling city that can handle hordes of tourists, but Phuket is an island with only so much space to accommodate and maintain a certain level of authenticity.
Good news is there are more paradisal islands nearby with far fewer crowds and untamed nature, including breathtaking beaches worthy of being featured on your screensaver.
One such place is the lesser-known island of Kho Yao Yai, and as an added bonus, was just listed as one of the most affordable destinations to take advantage of winter sun.
Phuket’s Up-And-Coming Paradise In Close Reach
When you book a trip to Phuket, crowds are part of the package.
That’s one reason why more travelers are exploring more of Thailand, as there are far more beach destinations to enjoy blue waters, soft sand, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
While Koh Yao Yai may not offer the same level of action-packed bars and clubs, it suits the opposite end of the spectrum as an idyllic escape in the Andaman Sea.
If you want pristine beaches that seem untouched, you can leave Phuket’s crowds behind in favor of Koh Yao Yai, with shores you thought could only be AI-generated, like the crescent-shaped Laem Had Beach with a shallow sand bank, allowing you to walk right into the calm crystalline sea.
Being one of the largest islands in Koh Yao Yai, there’s more beaches to discover as well such as Loh Jark Beach for epic sunsets and Loh Pared Beach for great swimming conditions (just be beware of jellyfish!).
Best of all, since Phuket has been declared an overcrowded mess, let this beach icon serve as a gateway this time around.
Reaching Koh Yao Yai is super easy with ample ferry service. You can book tickets on a Speedboat at 12Go as low as $1, or combine van transit and ferry service for $29, in December.
Affordable Luxury
Koh Yao Yai may fly under the radar for most tourists, but it’s equipped to welcome new guests.
One such enticement to lure them in is the affordable aspect of indulging in luxury at numerous resorts dotting the 19-mile island.
If the island does have a claim to fame in the resort department, it’s gotta be 5-star Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.
Although this isn’t a place to score a deal, it fits the bill as more of a grand splurge to pamper yourself, including the on-site infinity pool boasting some of Thailand’s most epic coastal views.
That being said, there are so many better deals to book at other luxe resorts that paying nearly $500 per night (if not more) may be a tough sell.
Here are 3 other Koh Yao Yai resorts with nightly rates under $80 this winter:
If you want to stretch your travel dollar on a stunning Thai island that’s virtually crowd-free, look no further than Koh Yao Yai.
Best Ways To Enjoy Koh Yao Yai’s Untamed Nature
If you want to avoid crowds and witness awe-inspiring nature, from lush mangrove forests to beaches that would make the Maldives blush, then Koh Yao Yai is just the place.
Laem Had Beach is the most photogenic spot, but don’t sleep on the rest of the island’s natural attractions, especially since it’s widely said the best time to visit is the dry season (November through April).
One popular activity is kayaking through the mangroves, which transforms you into a completely different, serene setting showcasing the island’s diverse nature.
For the best tour, check out Yamee Village Kayaking Kohyaoyai, holding an impressive 4.9 Google rating.
I recommend you sift through all the tours provided by Kohyao Travel, where my top choice would be the unique opportunity to bathe elephants.
Best of all, the tour includes meals and a trip to the iconic Laem Had Beach, which I can’t help but keep mentioning.
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