Thailand

Part of the Koh Yao archipelago, Koh Yao Yai island, nestled in the wonderful Phang Nga Bay, is a lesser-known beach resort.

An alternative to Krabi and Phuket, where tourist overcrowding is overwhelming, Koh Yao Yai relies on its picturesque charm and natural beauty to enthuse travelers. Located at an equal distance from Koh Yao Yai, about 15 kilometers away, Krabi and Phuket have consistently overshadowed the tourist development of their neighbor. However, savvy visitors to the natural wonders of Koh Yao Yai will not overlook this island. It's far from the glitz of Phuket, where parties, music, and alcohol dominate. Here, nature reigns supreme, evidenced by the gentle chirping of birds, the colony of macaques invading the beach, or the mangrove forest teeming with marine life. Taking a quad bike tour, paddling in a boat through the mangroves, indulging in culinary experiences, immersing oneself in a fishing village… Koh Yao Yai island is a great choice for a seaside vacation in southern Thailand.

Brief description

The Koh Yao archipelago consists of a pair of islands: Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Originally, they formed a single territory. But sea serpents battled on the island. The fight was so fierce that Koh Yao was split into two parts: Koh Yao Yai, meaning "the large elongated island," and Koh Yao Noi, meaning "the small elongated island.".

As its name suggests, Koh Yao Yai is the main island of Koh Yao. It is located to the south, while Koh Yao Noi occupies the northern side. A narrow channel marks the boundary between the two islands, which are nestled in the wonderful bay of Phang Nga Bay.

Today

Koh Yao had nearly 18,000 inhabitants, according to the last census in 2018. Almost all islanders (90%) are of Islamic faith.

The goal of being a top tourism destination is still far from Koh Yao Yai. Fishing remains the main source of income. Tourism is still young, handicapped by the fierce competition with Koh Yao Noi. Tour operators in the region prefer the latter over the former. Considering the hotel arrival rates, Koh Yao Noi is literally left behind. Nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts will enjoy it, as well as travelers who feel the need to disconnect from civilization.

Places to see and visit in Koh Yao Yai

Many tour operators organize day trips to visit both Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Since they are located very close to each other, they can be visited simultaneously.

The island of Koh Yao Yai is an oasis of tranquility for young couples and families who cannot stand the hustle and bustle of Phuket. The gentle landscapes are dreamlike, with dense mountain forests rising behind the coastline. Therefore, staying on Koh Yao Yai is inseparable from hiking, just as it is linked to the joys of the sea.

There's no need to stay on-site; it's better to enjoy a luxury hotel in Krabi and arrange to be picked up from the hotel. Adventurers can take a quad bike or 4x4 tour in the mountains. Venturing into the forest, lush tropical vegetation follows the row of palm trees, mainly formed by dipterocarp trees. The adventure consists of a total route of 25 km: 15 km of forest trail to reach the summit; then 10 km to descend the ridge and return to the beach. Mountain biking is also an attractive option for exploring the area. On average, it will take about four and a half hours to complete this circuit.

In principle, the bush adventure only takes up a fraction of your day. You might wonder: What to do after finishing the itinerary? In fact, this question is not relevant for the simple reason that there are many curiosities to see along the way, extending and spicing up your hike:

• From a viewpoint, you'll have a unique panorama of Phang Nga Bay.
• You'll meet some species of hornbills, birds from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia with huge, colorful beaks.
• You'll spend privileged moments with kingfishers, monkeys, and many other animals.
• At the end of the hike, you'll take a relaxing break on Leam Had Beach, the famous white sandy beach where the director of The Mechanic 2 filmed his movie.

Indulge in a mangrove tour, where land meets the sea, where fresh water and lagoons have created a mysterious and fascinating landscape. You'll see wooden houses floating on the water. They belong to fishing families who have maintained a lifestyle in perfect harmony with nature. Mangrove resource exploitation is a common practice, with or without legal approval: shrimp farming, as well as oysters and lobsters, crab, and fish fishing. Depending on your preferences, you can explore the mangrove by kayak or longtail boat. Keep a camera handy to film migratory birds foraging near the mud and silt.

How to get there?

There is no direct boat to Koh Yao Yai from Bangkok. Travelers must make several stops: they take the road to Suvarnabhumi Airport and fly to Phuket; once they land at Phuket Airport, they take a taxi and head to Bang Rong Pier. This is the pickup point for ferryboats departing for Koh Yao Yai. The journey takes just 25 minutes at the modest price of 200 baht (5.6 euros).

It is noteworthy to warn pregnant women, young children, and people with serious health issues that the destination is not recommended for them. The island has no appropriate infrastructure for medical emergencies.

Nearby

Since touring the island takes about four or five hours, boaters are advised to see other attractions nearby:

Visit the village of Koh Panyi.

Inspect an elephant camp in Krabi.

Practice scuba diving in Phang Nga Bay.

Explore James Bond Island.

Descend into the marine caves of Tum Lod.