Value Paradise Found? Our Family Review of Koh Yao Yai Village Resort
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie again. After soaking up the serene vibes at Paradise KohYao on Koh Yao Noi, our Thailand island hopping adventure continued! Next stop: the larger sister island, Koh Yao Yai, and a stay at Koh Yao Yai Village. We were looking for a comfortable base to explore more of this beautiful region, maybe something a bit more budget-friendly after our previous stays, and this 4-star resort caught our eye.
We spent 3 nights here as a family (me, Milos, Sofija, and Matija), and spoiler alert: if you're looking for fantastic value on a stunning Thai island, this place is definitely worth considering for your next family vacation!
Island Hopping Made Easy: Koh Yao Noi to Koh Yao Yai
One awesome thing about these islands is how easy it is to hop between them. We left Paradise KohYao on Koh Yao Noi (Manoh Pier) and took a small local boat across to Koh Yao Yai (likely Klong Hia Pier). Seriously, the ride was super quick – about 10-15 minutes long – and cost less than $10 USD per person! Super quick, super affordable.
First Impressions: Greenery and a 4-Star Welcome at Koh Yao Yai Village
Koh Yao Yai Village has a different feel than the ultra-secluded spots – still very green and lush, but perhaps a bit more spread out. Being a 4-star resort, it offered a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere without an intense luxury focus. The staff were immediately noticeable for their warmth – that famous Thai friendliness was on full display right from check-in (we gave them a strong 9/10 for the whole stay!).
Our Room: The Uphill Climb & Value Perspective
Okay, let's talk location within the resort. Our room was nestled quite high up on the property. This meant beautiful surroundings but also a good 10-minute uphill walk from the main areas like the pool and restaurant. Now, Milos and the kids didn't seem to mind the exercise, but I'll admit, I found it a bit tiring at times, especially in the heat! Destinationz Tip: If lots of walking isn't your thing, definitely request a room closer to the beach/pool area when booking.
As for the room itself (we don't have pics this time!), it was functional and clean, but could definitely use an upgrade(we rated it 7/10). However – and this is important – you have to consider the price point. We paid around 380 AED (approx. $104 USD) per night during our July stay. For a 4-star resort on a beautiful Thai island at that price, the value is undeniable. You get a comfortable base in paradise without breaking the bank.
Pool Fun & Beach Exploration
Two things we absolutely loved here were the pool and the beach!
The Pool: It was fantastic! A great size, refreshing water, and the source of lots of family fun. Sofija loved jumping in with Milos catching her, and they all enjoyed relaxing on floaties with those lovely resort views in the background. A perfect spot for swimming and cooling off.
The Beach (Low Tide Magic!): While maybe not the best for swimming right out front at all times, the beachhere transforms during low tide. It becomes this vast expanse of soft, golden-brown sand that stretches for miles. We spent hours walking, exploring, and just soaking in the scenery. The kids, naturally, loved hunting for critters – Sofija was so proud when she found a crab! It's moments like these, exploring together, that make family travelso special.
Making Memories: Matija's Birthday Treat!
Our stay coincided with a special occasion – Matija's birthday! We celebrated simply with delicious coconut ice creamand other sweet treats from the resort. Seeing his face light up blowing out a makeshift candle was a highlight of our stay. Traveling for birthdays always adds an extra layer of joy to the trip!
Food, Fun Views & Family Entertainment
The main restaurant, especially where breakfast was served, offered beautiful views. It was a lovely way to start the day. The kids enjoyed the food and had fun coloring at the table while we finished our coffee. The breakfast itself and general amenities (like the pool, basic gym, etc.) were good for the resort's rating (we put them at 7.5/10 overall).
The resort also offers bikes, and one day Milos took one out to explore more of Koh Yao Yai island independently – a great way to see the local surroundings. They do have a spa as well, offering various services, though we didn't get a chance to check it out on this short trip.
Important Note for Families: It's also worth noting for those visiting with younger children: unlike some resorts, Koh Yao Yai Village didn't have a dedicated kids club during our visit where you could leave the little ones. This means if you're looking for some adult-only time during your holiday, you'll need to be prepared to entertain the kidsyourselves – which, for us, just meant more family fun together exploring the beach and pool!
Excursion Highlight: Laem Had Beach
A fantastic bonus was the excursion included in our package to the famous Laem Had Beach right there on Koh Yao Yai. A bus picked us up right from the resort for the short drive. Wow! This beach is stunning – that iconic spit of golden sand stretching out into turquoise blue waters. What made it even better was how quiet it was; it genuinely felt like we had this incredible spot almost entirely to ourselves. We spent ages just playing in the shallow water and soaking up the natural beauty. A must-do when visiting this island!
The Verdict: Koh Yao Yai Village - Value Champion!
So, what's the final word? We rated our overall experience at Koh Yao Yai Village a solid 7.5/10.
Here’s the breakdown:
Staff Friendliness: 9/10 (Excellent, genuinely lovely people)
Value for Money: 10/10 (Outstanding at ~$104 USD/night!)
Pool/Beach (for playing/exploring): 8/10 (Pool great, beach amazing at low tide)
Breakfast/Amenities: 7.5/10 (Good for a 4-star, bearing in mind no kids club)
Room Condition/Location: 7/10 (Functional but needs updates; location depends on preference)
Bottom line: If you're looking for a budget-friendly base (booking essential!) to explore the stunning natural beautyof Koh Yao Yai, enjoy a great pool, explore a massive beach at low tide, and experience top-notch Thai hospitality, Koh Yao Yai Village offers incredible value. Just be prepared for a potentially uphill walk to your room, know that rooms are comfortable 4-star rather than luxury, and plan for family time as there isn't a drop-off kids club. For the price, it’s a fantastic option that makes this beautiful island accessible for a wonderful family vacation.
Looking for that perfect balance of amazing experiences and smart budgeting on your next family vacation to Thailand? We get it! Finding great value spots like Koh Yao Yai Village is our specialty.
Schedule a free consultation today and let's start planning your Thailand adventure!
Find out about our stay in Paradise KohYao Resort (Sanaa - pls add link once published) which we rated 8.5/10!
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