Mosquito Island (Ko Yung)
Mosquito Island, locally known as Ko Yung (Koh Yung), is one of the six islands that make up the famous Phi Phi Islands archipelago in Krabi Province, Thailand. Despite its unusual name, the island is best known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and excellent snorkeling rather than mosquitoes. Most visitors stop here as part of a Phi Phi Islands boat tour from Phuket or Krabi, making it a peaceful escape from the busier beaches around Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay.
Unlike the larger islands in the archipelago, Ko Yung has no hotels, restaurants, shops, or permanent settlements. It remains largely untouched, offering visitors a chance to experience one of the Phi Phi Islands in its natural state. If you’re looking for calm waters, marine life, and fewer crowds than the main tourist hotspots, Mosquito Island is well worth adding to your itinerary.
How to Get to Mosquito Island
There are no public ferries that stop at Mosquito Island. The only way to visit is by joining a boat tour or hiring a private longtail boat or speedboat.
From Phuket
- Join a full-day Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour.
- Many premium tours include snorkeling around Ko Yung, depending on weather and sea conditions.
- Travel time is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by speedboat.
From Ko Phi Phi Don
- Hire a private longtail boat.
- Join a half-day snorkeling excursion.
- Travel time is around 15–20 minutes.
From Krabi
- Several speedboat tours departing from Ao Nang and Krabi Town include Mosquito Island as part of a Phi Phi Islands itinerary.
Things to Do at Mosquito Island
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the main reason people visit Ko Yung. The waters surrounding the island are home to healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it one of the better snorkeling locations in the Phi Phi Islands.
Depending on conditions, you may spot:
- Parrotfish
- Butterflyfish
- Angelfish
- Clownfish
- Surgeonfish
- Sea cucumbers
- Giant clams
- Occasionally blacktip reef sharks in deeper water
Water visibility is often excellent during the dry season, frequently exceeding 20 meters.
Swimming
The calm, clear waters make Mosquito Island an enjoyable place for swimming. However, much of the shoreline is rocky and surrounded by coral, so wearing reef shoes is recommended. Visitors should avoid standing on coral to help protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
Scuba Diving
The eastern side of the island features deeper reefs that attract certified divers. Local dive operators from Phi Phi Don regularly visit dive sites around Ko Yung, where divers can encounter schools of tropical fish, moray eels, barracuda, and occasionally reef sharks.
Photography
Although Mosquito Island is small, it offers beautiful scenery with emerald water, limestone cliffs, and white coral beaches. It is a great place to capture the natural beauty of the Phi Phi Islands away from larger crowds.
Can You Go Ashore?
Whether visitors can land on the island depends on weather, sea conditions, and National Park regulations. Many tours only stop offshore for snorkeling, while others may allow a short visit to the beach if conditions are safe.
Always follow your guide’s instructions, as access can change to protect wildlife and coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Mosquito Island is between November and April, when the Andaman Sea is generally calm and visibility is at its best.
- November – April: Calm sea, sunny weather, excellent snorkeling.
- May – October: Rougher seas, stronger winds, and some tours may skip the island depending on conditions.
Tour Prices
Since Mosquito Island is usually included as part of a larger Phi Phi Islands excursion, pricing depends on the tour operator.
- Shared speedboat tour from Phuket: approximately 2,000–4,000 THB per person.
- Private longtail boat from Phi Phi Don: approximately 2,500–5,000 THB.
- Private speedboat charter: prices vary depending on boat size and itinerary.
Many tours include hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, drinking water, lunch, and travel insurance.
National Park Fee
Mosquito Island is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. If your tour does not already include the entrance fee, visitors are typically required to pay:
- Adults: 400 THB
- Children: 200 THB
Always check with your tour operator to see whether the National Park fee is included in the tour price.
Facilities
There are no visitor facilities on Mosquito Island.
- No restaurants
- No shops
- No toilets
- No accommodation
- No ATMs
Bring everything you need for the day, including drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal items.
Wildlife and Marine Conservation
The waters around Ko Yung support a diverse marine ecosystem. Coral reefs are fragile, and visitors play an important role in protecting them.
- Never stand on or touch coral.
- Avoid feeding fish.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible.
- Take all rubbish back with you.
- Keep a respectful distance from marine wildlife.
Tips Before You Visit
- Book your tour in advance during the high season.
- Bring a waterproof bag for valuables.
- Pack a towel and swimwear.
- Bring a waterproof camera or action camera for underwater photos.
- Wear reef shoes for rocky shoreline areas.
- Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to boat travel.
- Follow your guide’s safety instructions at all times.
Is Mosquito Island Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy snorkeling, clear water, and untouched tropical scenery, Mosquito Island is an excellent addition to any Phi Phi Islands itinerary. While it doesn’t offer beaches lined with restaurants or hotels, its healthy coral reefs and peaceful atmosphere provide a completely different experience from the more crowded attractions around Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay.
For travelers looking to explore beyond the most famous stops, Ko Yung offers a glimpse of the natural beauty that has made the Phi Phi Islands one of Thailand’s most iconic island destinations.
Mosquito Island (Ko Yung) Location & Map
Mosquito Island lies just northeast of Ko Phi Phi Don, approximately 5 kilometers from the main island. Together with nearby Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai), it forms the northern part of the Phi Phi Islands National Park.
The island is relatively small and surrounded by shallow coral reefs and turquoise water. Most boats approach from the western side, while the eastern coast features deeper water and rocky cliffs that are popular with experienced divers.
