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Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are a pair of large islands in the
middle of Phang Nga Bay, equidistant to Phuket and the Krabi mainland.
While the pace of development is accelerating on Koh Yao Noi in
particular, the islands remain a quiet refuge that feels far removed
from the crowds of Phuket.
In 2002, Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving
the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation
International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for the
eco-friendly homestay programs offered by its local residents.
Other activities available on the island include agricultural demonstrations
(rubber and fishing), kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming.
Note that the islanders are keen to preserve their traditional
ways, so it's important to respect the local culture by dressing
modestly and refraining from drinking alcohol outside of the restaurants/resorts
catering to visitors.
Getting to Koh Yao 
Long-tail boat ferries make daily trips to Yao Noi from Bang Rong
Pier on the east coast of Phuket. From the airport, a taxi will
take you to the pier in 25 minutes. To get to the pier, take route
4027 east from the Heroines' Monument, then turn right at the sign
for Bang Rong (or Bangrong) and follow along for a few kilometers.
The fare is 50 Baht for the one-hour journey, with daily departures
from Phuket at 9.30 am, 12 noon and 5 pm. The boat will make a short
stop on Koh Yao Yai, then cross to Koh Yao Noi, only 8 minutes away.
Long-tail boats can also be hired at Ao Po pier for charter to Koh
Yao.
Staying over
Many visitors will include few nights on Koh Yao in a south Thailand
discovery trip, on their way from Phuket to Krabi
(or reverse). There are about half a dozen bungalows and resorts
on Yao Noi, a "homestay" program, plus a luxury resort
is now being built. Click here to see The
Paradise Koh Yao or Koyao
Island Resort .
Yao Yai has a few bungalows for rent.
Neither of the islands have banking facilities, but Internet service,
restaurants and some shops can be found on Yao Noi, including a
brand new 7-Eleven with a very powerful air-con, a good chance to
cool down and get some sugary drinks and ice creams. So if you plan
to stay over, remember to withdraw some cash money before you go,
even though there are few opportunities to spend it!
What to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi does not have any particular landmark or stunning view
point, nevertheless, while driving around, you will discover a place
that has changed very little in 20 years, aside from a few more
motorbikes and the new 7-Eleven. A drive around its quiet roads
reveals a place of true peace and simplicity for the traveller.
Wooden houses all along the roads, buffalos taking mud baths in
the rice paddies, the cool, shaded roads passing through the many
rubber plantations and the beauty of the mangrove with its trees
standing in the middle of the sea are just a few of the natural
charms of this simple island. The laid-back feeling of the island
is contagious, time slows down and nothing seems to pressure the
inhabitants who spend a lot of time chatting in small groups, lounging
in the afternoon under salas or in hammocks.
Gasoline for sale... |
A road circles the island, mostly paved concrete, sometimes just
a track, but driving is fairly easy. The beaches are mainly on the
east coast, while the west coast is blanketed in rice fields and
lined with mangroves. You will find few restaurants and few bars
along the coastline with only a small village near the pier with
small local shops and all the government buildings including a school,
hospital, police station, and electricity and post offices. Another
small concentration can be found at the Tha Krao Pier to Krabi on
the east coast.
To get around, motorbikes (200 Baht for a half day) and tuk-tuks
are available for hire.
Some local shops have sea kayaks for rent, but your hotel or bungalow
will certainly offer these, as well as daytrips to the amazing "Koh
Hong" - the stunning rocks facing the island. See our own Kayaking
to Koh Hong tours (from Phuket) for more information.
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