25 miles from Yacht haven
Tucked in behind the neighbouring small islets and rocks, this spot offers limited protection in the northeast monsoon season.
To the west, a sandy spit runs out in shallow water towards some rocks. Excellent as a stopover on the way to the Koh Hong island group or Krabi, this beach is good for swimming, but the current can be strong at the third hour of the outgoing tide.
The steep path up to the top of the island has a sturdy rope to make the near vertical climb safer.
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Chong Koh Yao is the passage between the Yao Islands, used extensively by local vessels en route to Phuket from the northeast of Koh Yao and the Krabi area. For pleasure vessels, even keelboats, it’s navigable with care on a mid- to rising tide. Rule of thumb: the high tide must be at least 0.5 metres more than your vessel’s draft.
The approach from the west is to favour the north coast of Koh Yao Yai heading towards the fixed white tower marker at 8°05.10N, 98°34.55E, then steer 65°towards the seaward end of the commercial jetty on Koh Yao Noi, before passing north of the visible rock. Once clear steer southeast to exit the channel.
A ferry service leaves several times daily from the jetty on Koh Yao Noi, landing on Phuket at the inlet called Bang Rong just south of Ao Po.
