Wrapping Up in Thailand: Krabi, Koh Yao Noi & Phuket
- adriana hamelin
- Apr 14, 2025
- 5 min read
After weeks of exploring across Southeast Asia, we wrapped up our journey by returning to Thailand for our last two weeks. It was one of the best decisions we made—familiar yet totally different from our earlier days in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern islands. And the mangoes? Even better the second time around.
✈️ Arrival in Krabi
Flying into Krabi was smooth. We hopped on a bus at the airport that took us to arrivals, where we passed through security and got fingerprinted, confirming our number of days in Thailand. By the time we reached the baggage area, our bags were already out. One last bag scan, and we were out the door.
Plenty of drivers waited just outside offering taxi services. We’d booked a Grab in advance and stepped out near Door 15. Our driver spotted us quickly—usually pickups are at Door 17, so check your app instructions when you arrive.
The drive to our hotel took about an hour, and first impressions of Krabi were strikingly different. Wide, newly paved roads, low buildings spaced far apart, and barely any traffic. Our hotel had a lovely pool and was backed by a dramatic mountain landscape. We were a 25-minute walk from the beach, but only a quick 5-minute stroll to the main road—though with the humidity, even that felt long!
That evening, we made it to Ao Nang Beach just in time for the 6:30pm sunset. By 7pm, fire shows were happening on the sand, drawing a good crowd and great vibes. Dinner nearby was casual and fun, and we topped it off with a visit to the Blue Mountain Night Market for a gluten-free vegan dessert. It looked brand new—nice cement layout, a covered eating area, and a proper sound system. We arrived around 10:30pm when many stalls were already closed, but we were still glad we checked it out.
Krabi felt like a blur. Two nights flew by in a flash.
🛥️ Ferry to Koh Yao Noi
From Krabi, we booked a ferry to Koh Yao Noi, where we spent five relaxing nights. KohyaoSmile organized our transfer and even picked us up at the hotel. I made a last-minute dash to the ATM before we left—always good to have some extra baht in cash.
First impressions of Koh Yao Noi: The pier is big and well-organized, with taxis waiting. It was 100 THB per person to our hotel (some further routes cost around 400 THB). We shared the ride with three others, who were dropped off first. The roads here are noticeably wider and better maintained than on islands like Koh Tao or Nusa Penida (Bali). Garbage seemed better managed too. We even saw monkeys by the roadside and caught our first glimpse of the calm beach coast.
🌴 Island Hopping Tour
Our first activity was a 3-island hopping tour, from 9am to 1pm. We prepped the night before and got picked up for the pier. The longtail boat had six of us total, and since we were entering a National Park, we needed 300 THB in cash per person—don’t forget yours!
Koh Roi: The island has a hidden entrance where you can swim inside during high tide. We were lucky to go during low tide and could explore more freely. Water shoes helped a lot. The inside was huge, filled with mangroves and still waters—it felt like entering a secret world.
Big Tree: The national park fee was collected here. It’s a short 200-meter walk through nature, with an enormous tree at the center. Definitely worth putting on insect repellent before leaving the beach (our guide's tip).
Koh Kudu: Beautiful beaches and relaxed vibes. I walked a short path to a smaller beach with our guide, while others swam. Didn’t spot any monkeys but just lying back on the sand here was peaceful and scenic.
🛵 Exploring Koh Yao Noi
We tried a few different restaurants—all good—and decided to rent a moped to explore the island. Traffic is light and the roads felt safer here than on other islands, so it was a great place to ride.
The weather was a bit moody—sunshine and sudden rain—but we still loved the calm energy. We had one of the best massages of the whole trip here. Also spotted some hornbills, and huge bats flying at night from tree to tree. We even considered extending our stay to 10 nights, but I was craving a bit more activity.
🚤 Off to Phuket
From Koh Yao Noi, we caught a ferry to Phuket for a longer stay—and our first official fun dives since certification!
Phuket (pronounced “Pooket” by locals) is huge. It took a full hour by taxi to reach Patong Beach, a bustling area with a very different vibe. Bangla Walking Street? Intense.
We found a PADI-certified dive center and booked a one-day trip. A little nervous, but way more relaxed than during our Open Water course. The day started with a smooth pickup, an hour-long drive to the pier, and a very bumpy 30-minute speedboat ride to our dive site.
We avoided the mega-tour boats heading to Phi Phi and dived at Racha Yai instead. While not the most exciting site, it helped us build confidence for future dives.
Next time—after more dives under our belt—I think I’d stay in Khao Lak and take day trips or do a liveaboard in the Similan Islands. Phi Phi also seems ideal for diving or snorkeling. If you're headed to Similan, Phi Phi, or even Phang Nga Bay, consider staying closer to those spots to cut down on travel time.
🍕 Food, Streets & Impressions
We ordered a gluten-free pizza from Prego Kata—just parmesan, and delicious. The leftovers were even better. Pricey and far from Patong, but worth it!
Around Patong Beach, there are tons of Turkish and Indian restaurants, which was a fun change of pace.
We walked through Bangla Street at 9 PM and the difference from earlier in the day was huge. Girls swaying robotically on bar counters, cardboard signs advertising ping pong shows and more, babies sleeping in their parents’ arms amid booming music and chaos. Not a family-friendly environment. We were even offered cocaine—not ideal.
Safe to say we were happy to retreat to our hotel’s air conditioning. Phuket was hot, humid, and heavy.
🏖️ Patong Beach & Farewell
Patong Beach is long and lined with chairs and loungers for rent. You’ll find parasailing, jet skis, and even a beach volleyball net (we checked it out!). But overall, I wouldn’t return to Phuket.
The drive to the airport took about an hour. The domestic terminal was small, and check-in was easy—we used the counter since it was empty. Security was fast, but the airport was loud. Too many announcements, all blaring nonstop. Our flight was delayed due to weather, and the constant noise made it the least pleasant airport experience of the trip.
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