Krabi Thailand's Tropical Paradise
Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Thailand, Now Offers Two More Islands
Krabi, Thailand's tropical paradise, is home to stunning beaches, Phang Nga Bay and Maya Beach the best known. Now Koh Yao Islands emerge into the limelight to join them.
Phang Nga Bay, lying between Phuket and Krabi, has long been home to the adventurous back-packers who sussed out that this is one of Thailand’s best spots for snorkelling, diving, and just floating around with the fishes. Now two new islands are coming into mainstream tourism, and the area is fast catching up with Phuket and Koh Samui.
Koh Yao Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi (Big Yao Island and Little Yao Island) are separated by a narrow strait and offer peace and tranquillity away from the bustle of Phuket. From these little islands can be had beautiful views of the limestone formations and surrounding islands scattered throughout the area, including James Bond Island (from the film “Man With the Golden Gun").
How to Get to Koh Yao Islands, Phang Nga bay,Thailand
Long-tail boats make daily trips to Yao Noi from the pier at Bang Rong on the east coast of Phuket (25 mins. from the airport by taxi). Although the boat journey takes one hour the fare is only about 50 Bht. and it leaves from Phuket at 9.30 a.m., 12 noon and 5 p.m., making a short stop on Koh Yao Yai then crossing to Koh Yao Noi, 8 minutes away. If you want a private boat, these can be hired at Ao Po Pier.
Sea Canoe Thailand Co. hopes to launch a ferry service for the coming season, between Phuket, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. It is hoped the new service will make two round-trips per day and cost roughly 120 bht. per person one way and will take only 40 minutes.
Getting Around Koh Yao Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Plenty of tuk-tuks are waiting to take you to your destination once off the ferry, and jeeps, bikes or motocycles are available for hire. Hotels and bungalows can arrange this for you.
Where to Stay on Koh Yao, Thailand
Whatever your choice, the Koh Yao Islands can provide it, from 5* resorts and spas to smaller resorts and bungalows. Popular this year has been the community friendly home stays which are offered at local fishing villages, www.kohyaotravel.com/homestay.htm Along the coast several new resorts have opened, including the Evason Hideway and the Paradise Resort and Spa. Bungalow resorts like Coconut Corner or Koh Yao Island Resort offer a good budget deal, and most of these are set on beaches which give fantastic views of the Phang Nga Bay and surrounding islands.
What to Do on Koh Yao Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
As you could imagine, being in the midst of such stunning scenery, idyllic waters and white sandy beaches, the main activities centre round sunning, swimming and snorkelling. The landscape with its ragged limestone cliffs tempts one to just sit and stare, but the azure sea is also a lure for kyaking and sailing.
Many bays are yet to be discovered and you can play at being Robinson Crusoe for a day without seeing another soul.
Is Koh Yao Smart or Laid Back?
It is both, a chic getaway for the ultimate in relaxation with both upmarket and budget accommodation available.. Beautiful coral reefs and virgin beaches looking out to stunning outcrops in the sea across turquoise waters. Whether you are staying in five-star, top resorts like Paradise or Evason, or in a bungalow along the beach, you will feel a superb sense of inner peace.
Ecotourism on Koh Yao, Phang Nga, Thailand
In 2002, Koh Yao noi received the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from the Conservation International and National Geographic Traveller magazine for its home stay programmes.
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