Koh Yao Yai
These somewhat lesser known fairly large islands are located between Phuket and Krabi just south of Phang Nga Bay. They are sparsely populated with minimal tourism and development. These islands are home some upmarket boutique resorts and beach bungalow style hotels. Koh Yao Yai and Noi are a great choice if you are wanting some quiet time to relax away from the crowds. Aside from the resort you stay in, the islands themselves are predominately made up of vegetation and small local homes. This is the place to go if you are happy to stay put at your resort. Having said that there are many island hopping tours operating from these islands, to places such as Koh Hong, James Bond Island, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Where To Stay
On Koh Yao Yao there are a few great options, one of these being Santhiya Koh Yao, here you will find 5 star Thai style timber pool villas and apartments looking over the ocean. The hotel offers four top class restaurants and bar areas with infinity pool and activities. Also available on the island is Glow Elixir a smaller beach bungalow style hotel on a private beach. North at Koh Yao Noi you can find the beautiful Six Senses Pool Villas, the adults only Treehouse Villas and The Paradise. All offer seclusion, great food and luxury stays near the ocean.
What To Do
Being that this is an underdeveloped natural beauty, there is not much in the way of markets, restaurants or other attractions aside from the odd 7 –eleven and sealed road that runs through the island. Which means that most of your time will be spent at your resort. You can hire bikes or scooters to ride through the local villages. Some resorts offer activities, canoeing, beach volleyball, Yoga or Thai cooking classes. You can also book tours through your or nearby hotels. If you are staying at Koh Yao Noi you can easily take a boat to Koh Hong or Krabi. From either Island you can opt to tour James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Khai or take a trip to Koh Phi Phi.
How To Get There
If you are staying at one of the more market resorts often they will require that you pre-book transfers, either form the airport or just the hotel speedboat from the pier. Otherwise you can catch a taxi to the local Bangrong pier to take a local boat across to your desired island. There are not many transport options one you arrive, you will need to flag a private car or taxi at the pier. My recommendation having done both is to pay the extra money and book the hotels transfer option. The trip across the water to each island from Phuket is about 20mins by speedboat and 40 mins by public boat.
