Koh Yao Noi – Thailand’s island treasure

The elegant islands of Koh Yao are situated in the Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. Koh Yao consists of two neighbouring islands Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi (Big Yao Island and Little Yao Island), and are separated by a narrow strait. Both islands offer peace and tranquillity away from the bustling beaches of Phuket.

The distinctive location of the islands allows visitors beautiful views of the lime stone formations and surrounding islands scattered throughout the area including the famous Koh Hong or James Bond Island.

How to get there?

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. The fare is approximately 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.

Sea Canoe Thailand Co. is to launch a new ferry service between Phuket, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, with two round-trip crossings a day, beginning August 2007. The new service will cost roughly 120 baht per person, one way and the crossing will take about 40 minutes to make the 25 kilometer journey, around 20 minutes faster than going by longtail boat.

Getting around?

Many tuk-tuks are available for hire once off the ferry to take you to your destination. Once on the islands the easiest, and most fun, way to explore the island is by jeep, or why not be eco friendly and take an adventure by bike. Both are available for hire through hotel resorts at reasonable prices.

Please note: timings are correct at time of printing and all prices quoted are approximations and subject to change.

Where to stay?

Koh Yao offers a wide variety of accommodation from home stays to 5* resort and spas. Koh Yao Noi is famous for its home stay program Kohyaotravel.com/homestay.htm which is offered at local fishing villages. In addition to these environmental and community friendly home stay options, several new resorts have developed along the coasts of Koh Yao Noi including the brand new Evason Hideway and the gorgeous Paradise resort and spa just a few moments along the beach from one another.

For a more rugged and back packer style option of accommodation try one of the many bungalow resorts like Coconut Corner or Ko Yao Island Resort. As the islands are so small the majority of accommodations are set on the beaches with breath taking picturesque landscape views of the Phang Nga Bay and surrounding islands.

What to do?

Koh Yao is located in the Phang Nga Bay of Thailand, neighbored by the famous tourist destinations of Phuket and Krabi. The landscape with its ragged limestone cliffs, beautiful coves and azure tropical ocean is the perfect setting for diving, snorkeling, sailing, canoeing, trekking the island interior or simply relaxing on the beach.

There are many beaches and bays on Koh Yao to be discovered, each as beautiful and tranquil as the next, for example: Hat Pa Sai lies about 7 kms from Koh Yao Noi's District Office (referred to as the Amphur). It is a white sandy beach shaded by a line of trees where swimming is safe. The islands in the distance off Krabi form a panoramic view to behold.

Hat Khlong Son has a white sandy beach shaded by evergreens, with variously colored sea rocks and small boulders. In this bay you can swim, look at lovely corals during low tide, or search for shellfish.

Chic?

Looking for seclusion, endless stretches of untouched white sand beaches, a chic get away with adventure and the ultimate in relaxation? Koh Yao is your destination. From exciting landscapes formed by limestone rocks, beautiful coral reefs and virgin beaches, Koh Yao offers all you need for a chic retreat in Thailand. Resorts such as the Paradise and the newly opened Evason Hideway provide tranquil 5* pampering on this beautiful serene island. Visit Koh Yao to discover this paradise for yourself.

Eco-CHIC?

In 2002, Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from the Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for its eco-friendly home stay programs offered by the local residents.

For more information, log on to TourismThailand.co.uk.