Travel Guide to Koh Yao Noi, Thailand – Are you looking for a destination with some peace to relax and unwind? Well, you need to travel to Koh Yao Noi. It is a beautiful and quaint island that lies between Phuket and Krabi in the southern part of Thailand.
It is an untouched paradise with a spectacular view of the Phang Nga Bay and magnificent beaches. Apart from the tropical vegetation and beautiful landscape, the local Muslim community have a fantastic culture and are friendly. To get to the island from Phuket or Krabi, you need to board a ferry which will drop you off at Manoh Pier or Tha Khao Pier. If you are planning a vacation to Koh Yao Noi, here is a guide to the small paradise. This guide and tips will help you enhance your holiday experience.
Why Visit Koh Yao Noi?
Koh Yao Noi appeals to anyone looking for a private and peaceful location for their vacation. It isn’t just the peace that stands out. The island has a stunning landscape, tropical vegetation, hills, and sandy beaches. The tropical climate is perfect for enjoying your holidays in the sun. Although they have a rainy season, it is mostly light downpours, and you can still have fun in the rain. To get the best experience, you should plan your visit around the drier months.
Apart from the landscape, you will love the culture of the local community. They are a tightly-knit community who preserve the traditions and customs of Muslim. From modest dressing to reduced party-life, the traditions have kept the island laidback and peaceful. So if you are looking to party Koh Yao Noi is not the ideal location for you. The people are also friendly and welcoming to tourist. They will be happy to show you around the village and share their culture.
Koh Yao Noi is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly vacation. The island is known for its low cost of living. Therefore, you can enjoy most services at a relatively low cost. Whether you want affordable accommodation or a luxury suite, there is something for everyone. You will also get the best culinary experience at economical prices.
What to do in Koh Yao Noi
Despite being a laidback destination, there are tons of fun activities to do. You can enjoy the scenery by driving through the only road on the island.
Also Read: Thailand Driving Guide
During the road trip, you will see the various rice plantations and other crops grown by local farmers. The tropical vegetation makes the place a serene environment for unwinding and enjoying the fresh air. A boat tour around the Phang Nga Bay is a fantastic way to explore the island. The bay has lagoons and great spots for snorkelling. Along the Phang Nga Bay, you can go kayaking, snorkelling or diving. If you are going in a large group, you should consider yachting to explore the island in style.
There are many rock climbing opportunities if you are adventurous. To get to the cliff, you have to hike through the steep hills and mountains. If you love cycling Koh Yao Noi has perfect bike trails along the tropical forest or the beach.
You can also go for yoga retreats to help you relax. There are plenty of yoga and meditation classes you can attend either at the beach or within the villages. After an intense yoga session, you can get a Thai massage at the various spas. If you love cooking you can attend cooking classes and learn how to prepare some famous Thai cuisines. Some of the locals offer cooking classes from their homes or hotels. If you are a foodie, the island is a great place for sampling out the various kinds of seafood and traditional cuisines. You won’t find many opportunities to party and enjoy the nightlife, but you can get a drink from the numerous bars in the village or at the resort.
Beaches in Koh Yao Noi
Most beaches aren’t ideal for swimming, but you can sunbathe and enjoy sandy beaches in Koh Yao Noi. Most of the beaches are surrounded by magnificent views of the mangrove forest, hills, and rocks. Pasai beach is one of the main beaches on the island where you can enjoy the sun and white sand. Klong Jark and Tha Khao beaches are in secluded areas providing the best spots to enjoy the stunning views under the sun.
Accommodation in Koh Yao Noi
Finding Koh Yao Noi accommodation is easy due to the existence of various bungalows, guesthouses, and resorts. There are plenty of high-end resorts and luxury hotels, but there are also budget-friendly accommodations if you are on a tight budget. If you don’t mind spending extra cash to stay at a luxurious hotel, Six Senses should be on top of your list.
It has luxury villas and suites and five-star facilities to help you enjoy Koh Yao Noi. TreeHouse Villas and The IslandHideout are also great high-end accommodations on the island. Travellers on a budget can stay at Sabai Corner Bungalows or Tabeak ViewPoint which offer excellent services for a comfortable stay.
Koh Yao Noi is an ideal location for honeymooners, solo travellers, and foodies. There is something for everyone in a small paradise.
