Koh Yao Noi
Also known as: Ko Yao Noi
Phang Nga Bay panoramas; quiet slow-paced island; miniaturized Tonsai feel
The climbing
What there is to climb at Koh Yao Noi, and whether a mixed-ability group can split up here.
100+ routes across 13 crags (nine land crags climbable)
The Mitt (physical white rock); HD Wall; Ao Pui Tower multi-pitch
Many walls: The Mitt (most routes), HD, Bee, Dump, Breakfast; boat-access towers; DWS by longtail
Scooter plus 15-35 min jungle trails; small groups best; access legally sensitive
Rock & setting
Limestone; quality tufas, pockets, jugs; titanium rings resist sea salt
Steep karst; tufas, pockets, jugs; single-pitch sport, DWS, some multi-pitch
Varies; The Mitt shaded morning; Grateful Wall all-day shade high season (banned)
Low-key and quiet; The Mitt the busiest wall
Season & conditions
Nov-Mar
Nov-Mar
Calm-sea DWS in high season; all-day shade on some walls
SW monsoon May-Oct; heat/humidity; wasp and bird nests on some lines
Approach & gear
Officially banned in national park since national-park ruling; Grateful Wall permanently off; land crags behind Paradise Resort tolerated, boat-access northern crags patrolled by rangers. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Jungle trails 15-35 min from Paradise Resort parking; boat for island crags
Ferry from Phuket or Krabi to Koh Yao Noi; rent scooter or taxi at pier
60-70m rope, draws; helmet (HD Wall); double ropes for multi-pitch rappels; signal only with local SIM
Island resorts and budget hotels
Koh Yao Rock Climbing shop; island restaurants and rentals
Bolting & safety
Titanium rings/glue-ins on most lines, sea-salt resistant. Confirm.
Legal/access risk, wasp nests, nesting birds, unprotected platform access at Watchtower, DWS fall/tide
Not required; Koh Yao Rock Climbing shop (Dut) offers guiding/rental
Limited on island; Phuket/Krabi hospitals via ferry
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand crag report. Coordinates are approximate.