Is Koh Yao Noi safe?
Very safe and calm. Boat crossings in rough seas, scooter crashes and being far from major hospitals are the main risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-06.
- Homicide rate in Thailand: 4.8 per 100,000 people (2011, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Thailand: 32.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155.
Safety in Koh Yao Noi at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Very low; rare petty theft. The island has strong community norms and almost no nightlife. |
| At night | Dark and very quiet after 9 pm. Carry a torch and arrange your own transport. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Dress modestly in the village, as the island is mostly Muslim. |
| Other risks | Rough seas and monsoon storms May–Oct; Scooter crashes on dirt tracks; Limited emergency care on the island |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat or tour operators adding fees for park tickets already included
- Scooter rentals claiming damage on return
- Overpriced longtail boat charters
Take care
- Longtail crossings in rough seas: overloaded or wet boats
- Dirt tracks to remote beaches: loose gravel and crashes
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Criticising or mocking the monarchy (lèse-majesté) carries 3–15 years in prison per count
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal; fines, arrests and bribe demands happen
- Since mid-2025 cannabis is legally sold only on prescription; smoking it in public can be fined
How Koh Yao Noi compares in Thailand
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sukhothai | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bangkok | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Phuket | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chiang Mai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Samui | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Krabi | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Phi Phi | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hua Hin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ayutthaya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Lanta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Railay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Samet | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Lipe | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Khao Yai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jomtien | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rawai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Udon Thani | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Yao Noi | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pattaya | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Patong | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Koh Yao Noi safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Dress modestly in the village, as the island is mostly Muslim.
Is Koh Yao Noi safe at night?
Dark and very quiet after 9 pm. Carry a torch and arrange your own transport.
What is the crime rate in Koh Yao Noi?
Very low; rare petty theft. The island has strong community norms and almost no nightlife. Nationally, Thailand records 4.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2011).
What number do I call in an emergency in Koh Yao Noi?
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155.
More about Koh Yao Noi
Going to Koh Yao Noi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Koh Yao Noi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Phang Nga
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.