Our Picks For The 15 Best Tours In Ko Yao Yai

Ko Yao Yai is a slice of quiet paradise, known for its less crowded beaches and authentic charm. Unlike busier islands, Ko Yao Yai offers a chance to explore stunning waters, secluded islands, and local culture without the overwhelming crowds. We’re especially fond of the Phi Phi Islands Premium Day Trip Speedboat for its fast way to Maya Bay and Viking Cave, and the James Bond Island tour for its iconic limestone karsts. These tours give an authentic feel of Thailand’s famous scenery, with plenty of snorkeling and photo opportunities. If you prefer a more customized experience, the Private Customized Tour to Phi Phi Island lets you craft your perfect day in paradise.

Whether you’re after a quick half-day adventure or a full day of exploring, Ko Yao Yai has a lot to offer—beaches, wildlife, and some of the best snorkeling in the region. Below, we break down each of the top tours, so you can find one that fits your interests and style.

1. Phi Phi Islands Premium Day Trip Speedboat with Seaview Lunch by ALP Tour

At number 1, this full-day speedboat tour from Phuket is a quick way to explore the Phi Phi Islands with the fastest boat option. It includes visits to Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Cove, with a guide accompanying you to key spots like Viking Cave. The highlight? The all-inclusive package with snorkel gear, a buffet lunch, and national park fees, making it a stress-free day. The itinerary runs from early morning pick-up to late afternoon return, emphasizing snorkeling in crystal waters and relaxing on white sandy beaches.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without worrying about logistics or extra costs. The reviews show it’s well-rated at 4.5/5, with many praising the smooth organization and beautiful scenery. For around $104, you get a well-rounded day exploring some of Thailand’s most famous spots with plenty of swim and snorkel time.

Bottom Line: Great for first-timers wanting a reliable, all-inclusive day trip with guided visits and plenty of snorkeling.

2. Phi Phi Islands Exclusive Tour by Speedboat from Koh Yao Yai

Ranking second, this small-group tour offers a more intimate experience, taking you around the Phi Phi Islands with fewer crowds and personalized service. It’s perfect if you’d rather avoid the busyness of larger tours. The itinerary hits the highlights—Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Koh Bida Nok, with snorkel gear included for exploring underwater. Scenic views of Pileh Bay are enjoyed from the boat, adding a relaxed, water-based perspective.

Rated 5/5 by recent travelers, this tour stands out for its exclusivity and friendly guide. It lasts around 6 hours and costs about $114 per person. The limited group size means more personalized attention and space to enjoy each stop. Reviewers note the delicious on-board lunch and the peaceful snorkeling spots as key highlights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a more private, less crowded Phi Phi experience with excellent reviews.

3. Banana Beach Koh Hey Tours

This one-day adventure takes you from Chalong Bay to Coral Island, with a focus on snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Priced around $101, it includes a tasty lunch at Hornbill Restaurant and unlimited use of snorkeling gear and kayaks. The tour is straightforward, making it suitable for families or anyone wanting a relaxed day by the water. The reviews highlight the quality of the buffet and the fun of sea-sport activities, although some mention the beach can be busy.

For just over $100, you get a combination of snorkeling, leisure, and a scenic boat ride. The convenience of hotel pick-up and the inclusion of all gear make it a good value for a laid-back day in the sun.

Bottom Line: Perfect for families or those looking for a full day of water activities with good value.

4. Private Customized Tour to Phi Phi Island

If independence and flexibility are your priorities, this private tour is the way to go. It offers a fully customizable experience of Phi Phi, including visits to Maya Bay, Monkey Island, and Pileh Bay. The tour lasts between 5 and 9 hours, with the option to tailor stops and timing. You’ll enjoy private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and can take Instagram-worthy photos on the beach or snorkel in the clear waters.

Rated 5/5 by small groups, this tour is ideal for families, honeymooners, or travelers who want a personal touch. The cost is higher at $1,367 for up to 15 people, but the flexibility and privacy are unmatched. Reviewers love the flexibility in planning and the chance to enjoy marine life at their own pace.

Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting a bespoke itinerary and privacy, with the flexibility to choose what they see and do.

5. Private City Tour

This private city tour offers a taste of Phuket’s inland highlights, perfect for those wanting a break from island hopping. It includes visits to the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and a cashew nut factory, along with a scenic stop at Khao Rang Hill View Point. The tour lasts about 6 hours, with the opportunity to walk around Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese streets.

Rated 5/5, it provides a personalized experience with flexible stops, plus a delicious Thai lunch. It’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in cultural sights and local flavors. The inclusion of free entrance fees and the private nature of the tour make it a valuable option for a relaxed day exploring inland.

Bottom Line: Ideal for culture and history enthusiasts, or those who want a private, flexible overview of Phuket’s inland charm.

6. James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Tour from Koh Yao

This half-day tour offers a classic visit to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, known for its towering limestone cliffs. It includes a ride through mangroves, visits to Panyi Village, and optional sea cave canoeing. The itinerary is packed into about 4-5 hours, with the highlight being the iconic island’s dramatic scenery. The trip includes a seafood lunch at the floating village.

Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the professional crew and the opportunity to see famous sights in a shorter timeframe. The trip is suitable for travelers with limited time but wanting a taste of Thailand’s famous limestone karsts and the floating village. The private transfer adds comfort.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers short on time craving the iconic limestone scenery and a quick boat adventure.

7. Ko Yao Yai: Hong Island & Plankton Longtail Boat Sunset Tour

This evening tour combines visits to Hong Island, Lading Island, and Koh Pak Bia, with snorkeling, sightseeing, and a chance to see bioluminescent plankton at night. It lasts about 5 hours, starting with a long-tail boat trip that offers plenty of scenic views. The highlight is swimming in Koh Hong Lagoon and catching the sunset over the sea. The tour also promises the magical glow of plankton, which is a rare and enchanting experience.

Rated 4.2/5, travelers love the tranquil islands and the chance to see the plankton glow. It’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic evening with a touch of magic.

Bottom Line: Ideal for sunset and nature lovers wanting a quiet escape and the chance to see bioluminescent plankton.

8. Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket

This small-group class focuses on organic vegetarian cuisine, starting with a visit to a local market. You’ll learn how to make three delicious dishes and then enjoy your creations with tea and coffee. The class is limited to 2-4 participants, ensuring plenty of hands-on time. It’s a perfect way to learn about Thai ingredients and cooking techniques directly from locals.

Priced at around $60, it includes transfers from south Karon Beach. Reviewers mention the fascinating market visit and the chance to see how Thai food is made from scratch. It’s ideal for foodies or travelers interested in culinary culture.

Bottom Line: Great for those who want an authentic, hands-on cooking experience and a deeper understanding of Thai ingredients.

9. Hong island snorkeling tour from Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai

This snorkeling-focused tour is a favorite for underwater lovers, taking you from Koh Yao Noi or Yao Yai to Hong Island. It lasts about 5 hours and features snorkeling at the lagoon, visiting the Koh Hong viewpoint, and relaxing on the beach. The trip is highly rated at 4.5/5, with reviews praising the friendly guides and the beautiful snorkeling spots.

It’s suitable for families and snorkelers of all levels, with equipment included and flexible spots for swimming in calm waters. The highlight is the chance to see a variety of marine life in clear, shallow waters.

Bottom Line: Perfect for snorkelers seeking calm waters, scenic views, and a relaxed day in nature.

10. The Real Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Cocktail Tasting

This full-day tour takes you beyond the beaches into Phuket’s inland highlights. Visit Karon Viewpoint, Phuket Big Buddha, and Wat Chalong, then enjoy a rum cocktail tasting at Chalong Bay. The tour combines cultural sights with a fun tasting experience, lasting about 7 hours.

Rated 4.5/5, travelers appreciate the mix of sightseeing and local flavors. The small group size and included entrance fees add value. This tour suits those wanting a mix of culture, scenic views, and a relaxed approach. The scenic viewpoints, including the Karon Viewpoint, are especially memorable.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a comprehensive inland tour with a fun touch of local drinks and culture.

11. Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket

This small-group class emphasizes organic ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. It includes a market visit, a small-scale farm tour, and the chance to prepare three to five dishes. You’ll also receive recipes and a certificate. Priced at around $63, it’s ideal for food lovers who want a deeper culinary experience.

Reviewers highlight the personal attention and the chance to learn how to cook Thai dishes from scratch. The class is perfect if you’re interested in the ingredients behind Thai flavors.

Bottom Line: Excellent for culinary travelers wanting hands-on cooking from a local market to the plate.

12. Phang Nga Bay James Bond Tour Premium Tour

This full-day tour explores the stunning Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island, Hong Island, and sea cave canoeing. It features a private transfer, park fees, and a Thai lunch at Panyi Village. The boat ride offers a chance to see limestone caves and the bay’s dramatic scenery. It’s rated 4.5/5, with many noting the professional crew and personalized experience.

Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day in some of Thailand’s most famous scenery, this tour combines adventure with comfort. The inclusion of sea canoeing is a bonus if you’re into paddling.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking an all-inclusive, well-organized trip with a mix of sightseeing, paddling, and local culture.

13. Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat with Lunch

For early risers, this sunrise tour is a quieter way to visit the Phi Phi Islands. It starts early to avoid crowds, with a check-in at 5:30 am. It includes stops at Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island, with snorkeling and sightseeing on the beach. Lunch is included, and the tour lasts about 8 hours.

Rated 4.0/5, travelers appreciate the peace and quiet of the early start, though some note the early wake-up call. The limited crowds are a big plus, and the itinerary covers the main highlights efficiently.

Bottom Line: Ideal for early birds who want to beat the crowds and enjoy the islands in peace, with a full day of exploration.

14. Real Adventure Tour: Whitewater Rafting and ATVs

This adventure-packed day combines whitewater rafting with ATV riding through jungle trails. It’s designed for thrill seekers of all levels, with a small group setting for personalized attention. The tour includes a visit to Wat Suwan Kuha, and the adventure lasts around 8 hours. The reviews mention how fun and action-filled the day is—perfect for active travelers.

Priced at $44, it offers a lot of adrenaline for a reasonable cost. The tour is best for those seeking excitement rather than relaxation. Expect some travel time—about 2.5 hours each way from Patong—and be prepared for an energetic day.

Bottom Line: For adventure lovers wanting a full day of whitewater and jungle exploration, this delivers.

15. Private Exclusive Speed Boat Tours to Phang Nga Bay

Rounding out the list, this private speed boat offers a tailored day exploring Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island and Panyi Village. The tour is fully customizable, with a maximum of 10 people, making it ideal for private groups or families. The trip can be arranged to suit your schedule, including stops for swimming, sightseeing, and photo opportunities.

At around $1,048 for the entire group, it’s a high-end choice for those looking for privacy and flexibility. Reviewers value the bespoke nature of the tour and the opportunity to avoid crowded groups.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a private, customizable experience on Phang Nga Bay with all the personal touches.

How to Choose Your Perfect Ko Yao Yai Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget and time constraints. If you love snorkel and marine life, tours like Hong Island snorkeling or Phi Phi Island trips will hit the spot. For privacy and customization, the Private Phi Phi Tour or private speed boat is ideal.

Think about your fitness level and interests—some tours involve lots of swimming and walking, while others are more relaxed. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and group size.

If cultural exploration interests you, the Private City Tour offers inland sights with a personalized touch, combining religious landmarks, viewpoints, and local markets.

Final Thoughts

Ko Yao Yai offers a fantastic variety of tours, from full-day island adventures to private custom trips. For a traditional experience, the Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour gives you those iconic beaches and underwater worlds. If you want to avoid crowds, early bird trips and private charters are your best options. For active travelers, the whitewater rafting and ATV day provides a high-energy outing.

Whatever your choice, booking early helps ensure you get the experience that matches your interests and travel style. With such a diverse range of options, Ko Yao Yai promises memorable adventures in Thailand’s beautiful waters and quiet beaches.