Kitesurfing Koh Yao Noi Kite Flat

Wind & Conditions

Flat-water bay on SE coast of Koh Yao Noi island between Phuket and Krabi. SE-facing lagoon with flat, knee-deep water at low tide. NE season Dec–Mar: 15–22 kt side-shore from NE–NNE on SE-facing shore. Shore normal ~135°. Rapidly growing kite destination.

About Koh Yao Noi Kite Flat

Koh Yao Noi sits in Phang Nga Bay, roughly midway between Phuket and Krabi — an island that has quietly built a reputation among kiters looking for flat water without the crowds. The Kite Flat spot occupies the southeast coast, where a shallow lagoon opens up to reliable northeast winds during the main season. Getting here requires a ferry crossing; the island has no road link to the mainland, so arriving by longtail or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi is part of the deal. Once on the island, the southeast coast is a short ride from the main pier area. Factor in the crossing time when planning your sessions around the tide. The launch fronts a SE-facing lagoon. At low tide the water stays knee-deep across a wide flat, which makes this an unusually forgiving spot for working on body drags or riding at lower speeds. The bottom is soft, and the water character is genuinely flat — not 'flat for Thailand' flat, but properly glassy when the wind comes in clean from the northeast. The wind runs NE to NNE during the main December-to-March season, giving a side-shore angle on a shore that faces roughly southeast. At 15–22 knots you're typically in 9–12m territory depending on your weight, with the lighter end of that range calling for something bigger. The usable kite arc runs 45°–225°, giving a broad window — the dominant side-shore flow keeps things manageable for intermediates and is genuinely pleasant for anyone riding toeside or carving. Riding here feels different from the beach-break spots around Phuket. The flat water rewards rail-to-rail carving and lower-wind freestyle. Beginners benefit from the forgiving depth at low tide; more experienced riders will appreciate the consistent side-shore flow and absence of surf chop. Tide matters here. As the water fills in at high tide the smooth-water area shrinks and depth increases, changing the feel of the spot. Time your sessions around low tide for the best of what the lagoon offers. Facilities on the southeast coast include several accommodation options — Amber Yao Noi, Eagles Nest Villa Koh Yao Noi, Paradise Koh Yao Resort, The Woods Yao Noi, and Three ladies — covering a range of price points. For food, Takao beach bar, Tha Khao Bay View Restaurant, Farichta, Matupaya Cafe, and Ni local Kitchen are all within reach. The island keeps a relaxed pace; don't expect the full-service kite infrastructure of Chalong or Nai Yang. Koh Yao Noi is a rapidly growing kite destination that still has a quieter character than the more established spots in the region. The combination of flat water, side-shore NE trade winds, and an unhurried island setting makes it well worth the ferry crossing.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Koh Yao Noi Kite Flat.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Koh Yao Noi Kite Flat, Phang Nga, Thailand, Thailand

Lat: 8.1549, Lon: 98.6314