Laem Had Beach

Koh Yao Yai Island sits in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The name translates as “big long island” - but this is only comparison to the other islands of the Phang Nga Bay archipelago. Largely undeveloped, i.e. not blighted by mass tourism, this island has a number of idyllic beaches that could be straight out of Robinson Crusoe.

Few would argue that the best beach on the island is Laem Had Beach. Sitting on an unmistakable spit of sand the white sands here jut out into the clear blues of the bay. For the views it is best to visit here towards low tide when it feels like you could almost walk to little sister island of Ko Yao Noi. The moon-like crescent of beach becomes an Instagrammer’s delight.

The backdrop is an equally idyllic mass of lush tropical vegetation with a grove of coconut palms along the beach - the perfect place to hang your hammock.

Being fairly out of the way the facilities at Laem Had Beach are quite limited, although there is a semi-permanent cafe here. In terms of activities your best bet is just to chill. Although the waters are clear enough for snorkelling there isn’t much to see, and swimming is only good at high tide as the bottom becomes a little muddy towards low.