Koh Kaeo Yai Island

20/05/2019 Sepp Hatzl 2,238 views No Comments

Just .64 miles (1 km) from the southernmost tip of Promthep Cape on Phuket is this small island, which is the bigger of two islands with the same name. At its longest point, Koh Kaeo Yai Island is roughly .5 miles (.8 km) long and at its widest section, about a quarter mile (.4 km). One of the easiest ways to reach the island is by longtail boat you can find at Rawai Beach just up the east coast from the cape.

Koh Kaeo Yai Island has a small Buddhist shrine and some resident monks. You should feel free to explore the area. There is a large Buddha and Buddha’s footprint (legend) to take photos of.

The majority of the island is covered in trees and is not easily traversed. Stick to the lovely beach and don’t forget your snorkeling gear. Do be careful of boats! Snorkel with warning flags.

Koh Kaeo Yai Beach Clubs

None – This small island has no structures other than a small Theravada Buddhist shrine and monk kutis (huts).

Koh Kaeo Yai Beach Restaurants / Bars

None – You can bring your own food and have a picnic if you want, be sure to bring a garbage bag to collect it when you’re through.

Koh Kaeo Yai Beach Accommodation

None.

Koh Kaeo Yai Beach Facts & Features

Location in Relation to Phuket: 6 miles (1 km) south of Promthep Cape.
GPS Data: 07° 44` 51” N, 98° 18` 09” E
Surrounding Beaches: There are some rocky beaches around the island, but this is the only real beach with sand.
Direction Facing: Northeast.
Beach Length: 177 meters (581 ft.)
Beach Width: 18 meters (59 ft.) on average.
Estimated Beach Area: 3,186 m2 (34,279 square ft.)
Beach Quality: Sand is top rate, it is deep and there is a lot of it.
Ocean Bottom: For a short distance, you can walk out into sand, but as the water gets deeper, there are rocks and coral all around. Better for snorkeling than wading or swimming.
Restroom / showers facilities? None.
Beach features: Mostly sand with some large rock boulders. Excellent sunrise views because facing mostly east. Less than 300 feet away to the west along the coast is a large Buddha shrine near the water and accessible from the beach.
Public or Private? Entrance fees? Public, no fees.
Lifeguard Available? No.
Boat anchorage possible? Yes.
Boat dock and marina? None.
How to reach Koh Kaeo Yai? From Rawai Pier or beach by longtail boat.
Attractions: Buddha statue and Buddha’s footprint. This is a small beach that is especially enjoyable when few people are touring.
Activities: Walk to the big Buddha statues and Buddha footprint to explore Thai culture. Bring your snorkeling gear. You can throw a flying disc on the beach if few people around. Though difficult, you may be able to hike around the circumference of the island. Start on the northwest end of the beach and go counter clockwise.
Surfing? We can find no reports of surfing at this island, probably not good with the heavy rocks and reef.
Sunbeds Available? No.
Umbrellas? No.
Water quality: Very Good.
Convenience shop available? No.
Massage available? Yes.
Picnic possible? Yes, however please don’t leave your rubbish behind.
Smoking? Thailand authorities are cracking down on smoking at beaches around the country. Soon they expect to make it a country-wide smoking ban – so do stay up to date because fines are high and can include prison time.
Warnings: Many rocks and sharp coral under the surface as you get further out. Big waves could be treacherous here.