From Wikitravel

Ko Yao (เกาะยาว), sometimes written Koyao, is a group of islands between Phuket and Krabi. There are two main islands, Ko Yao Noi ("Small Long Island") and Ko Yao Yai, with Noi being the more developed of the two.

[edit] Understand

Ko Yao Noi remains a beautiful island, where most people still believe that the island should be preserved from human degradation. It is often described as one of the last islands in the region to not be overly developed.

Ko Yao Yai is also a natural beauty, remaining the least developed of the two islands. Ko Yao Yai is significantly larger than Ko Yao Noi due to a lack of (basic) infrastructure in some areas of the island.

Sea Gypsies (Moken people) were inhabiting the Bay before anybody else, except maybe other nomadic people like forest hunters and collectors (Sakai, Negritos). The 3,500 or so inhabitants of Koh Yao Noi are thought to be recent migrants from the Malay Peninsula (Satun, Trang).

The Mon population, linguistically and culturally belonging to the Khmer ethnolinguistic group, did settled in peninsular Thailand since ever, ruling maritime states like the one of Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat). They melt continuously with Southern migrants from Malaysia and with Northern rulers (Thai), over centuries of commercial exchanges and political conflicts. Most probably the Mon stock remains prevalent for most of the people living nowadays in Southern Thailand, including people of Koh Yao.

Numerous cave paintings hidden in the many islands of the bay, extending from 2000 years ago to last century, attest the influence of distinct communities in the emergence of a mixed origin population, living now in the provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Satun.

The most recent migrations (17th-18th century) from Satun and Trang to Ko Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is attested by the fact that the particular dialect spoken on the island still bear obvious Malaysian lexical traces, particularly regarding toponyms and vernacular names of the flora species.

The main industries on the island are fishing and rubber planting. A little rice farming and some fruit, palm and coconut plantations are evident. Boat building and farming techniques here have been passed from father to son and, while some of the youngsters leave Ko Yao to seek the bright lights of Phuket, most return to their tight knit community.

[edit] Get in

Arrive at Phuket either by:

• By long-distance bus from Bangkok or one of the larger cities North of Phuket
• By air-plane to Phuket International Airport. Air Asia [1], Silk Air [2] and Tiger Airways [3] have regular international flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Domestically, Bangkok Airways [4] and Thai AirAsia [5] fly from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui for generally less than US$30 - US$50 one way.

Boats depart Phuket (two piers), Krabi (Tha Len) and Phang Nga for Ko Yao Noi at the following times:.

• Phuket (Bang Rong Pier): 09:30; 11:00; 12:30; 14:30; 16:00 and 17:00
• Phuket (Chianwanich Pier (near Ratsada Pier) - Only to Ko Yao Yai): Every day: 8:30, 17:00 (speed boat) | Sundays-Thursdays: 10:30, 14:00 | Fridays: 10:00 | Saturdays: 6:00, 10:30, 14:00
• Krabi (Tha Len): 11:00 and 13:00
• Phang Nga: 07:00

Boats depart Ko Yao Noi for Phuket (two piers), Krabi (Tha Len) and Phang Nga at the following times:

• Phuket (Bang Rong Pier): 07:30; 10:00; 13:30 and 15:00
• Phuket (Chianwanich Pier (near Ratsada Pier) - Only from Ko Yao Yai): Every day: 07:20 (speed boat), 10:30 | Sundays-Thursdays: 8:00, 15:00 | Fridays: 14:00 | Saturdays: 8:00, 14:00
• Krabi (Tha Len): 07:30
• Phang Nga: 07:30

All trips cost between 100-140B per person (except speed boat, I presume), 120B to transport a motorcycle, one-way. Pay on the boat.

Regular long-tails ply between Chonglad Pier on Ko Yao Yai and Manok Pier on Ko Yao Noi during daylight hours -- 20B per person, 30B extra to bring a motorcycle, takes 10 to 15 minutes.

• All boat transfers to/from Koh Yao Noi, updated monthly. [6]

[edit] Get around

[edit] Ko Yao Noi

Ko Yao Noi covers about 50 square kilometres. Upon arrival at Manok Pier there is no accommodation available within walking distance. There will generally be between ten and twenty ute-style tuk-tuk's waiting to take you to accommodation. The going rate on the island is 85B.

Ko Yao Noi has approximately 18 km of concrete and dirt road around it. Thee main road is a two-lane concrete road that performs a ring around the entire perimeter of the island (excluding the most Northern parts - there are only dirt roads in this area of the island). There are several interior roads that are a combination of either sand/dirt or concrete.

The most efficient way to get around the island is to hire a scooter. The island offer scooters for rent for 200/300B per day. No licence is generally required and helmets are provided. Just walk into the restaurant/reception. You will see the various scooters lined up out the front of the hotel.

Otherwise, tuk-tuk's are available to give you lifts across the island. Simply flag one of these vehicles down as they drive past. Failing that, if you simply wait most locals will be happy to give you a lift - however, it may mean squishing onto a scooter that already has three Thai adults and a baby on it!

Bicycles are also an excellent mode of transport and the main circle road around the island only has one large hill that must be navigated. The relevant flat terrain makes it perfect for leisurely rides. Bicycles can be hired from Sabai Corner Bungalows or any accommodation you may choose to stay at.

[edit] Ko Yao Yai

As with Ko Yao Noi the must efficient way to get from the Chonglad Pier to any accommodation is to make use of the ute tuk-tuk's that will be waiting your arrival. As Ko Yao Yai is larger than Ko Yao Noi there is no exact charge but anything over 150B is usually too much.

Once at your accommodation most larger resorts will have motorcycles or bicycles for rent. Due to the terrain on Ko Yao Yai it may be wise to hire a automatic scooter for travelling longer distances (meaning > 10km) and having bicycles for use when travelling in a close proximity.

You can also walk along the roads and either flag down a ute taxi or try to get a lift from the locals. Ko Yao Yai, like Ko Yao Noi is a very safe island and vehicles rarely travel above 15 km/h, so hitch-hiking is not exactly a dangerous pursuit here.

[edit][add listing] See

Ko Yao Noi is mountainous in the centre and has beaches to either side. The East side has beaches suitable for swimming and snorkeling and the West is a picturesque blend of rice flats and mangrove trees. The island is a sanctuary for at least 4 species of hornbills, very commonly seen around.

[edit][add listing] Do

Professional Muay Thai with a world champion in boxing and Muay Thai, diving at Koh Yao International Diving School at Lam Sai Village Hotel in Ban Laem Sai at Koh Yao Noi

Koh Kayak Expeditions [7]. This small operation is fun and friendly and they help you design your own adventure away from the crowds.

DragonHeart [8], tel: +66 0876265366. Indonesian Pinisi sailing boat with day cruises to surrounding islands, includes a full Thai style buffet meal prepared on-board, fresh fish & Thai curries, music, lots of pillows, plenty of breeze and friendly crew. email=info@dragonheartthailand.com

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are some restaurant and food stalls on Ko Yao Noi and some more opened just recently, including really good seafood restaurants near the beach.

• Cha's Noodle Shop, (Ban Prunai).  edit

• Coconut Island, (located along the main road between the group of accommodation and the main part of town). Delicious seafood and suited for budget travelers.  edit

• Good View Restaurant, [9]. 10AM to 10PM daily. Really good seafood.  edit

• La Luna (Pizzeria & Bar), Koh yao noi (Between Baan thakow and Pasai beach), ☎ 087461612. In a luna you will find real Italian pizza made from a wooden oven. Romano the owner is also serving other Italian plates, homemade bread, fine wines and sweet desserts! An open and friendly atmosphere, good music and a great place to hang out.  edit

• The Pyramid Bar & Restaurant, (set along the road between Sabai Corner Bungalows and Tabaek Viewpoint Bungalows). This bar & restaurant is made from a thatched roof style bungalow overlooking the sea between Krabi. It is open all year. They have an exstensive menu serving everything from western breakfast, wraps, pasta, the best burgers and pizza on the island. Everything is homemade from the bread, the burger buns, the tortillas, they also have a very good dessert menu. They serve a variety of beer, cocktails and have a very good wine list. They have live music on Fridays only, where everyone comes out including the local people to have a great dinner and dancing the night away.  edit

• Rice Paddy (Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor), Pasai Beach (At the edge of the small rice field beginning of Pasai), ☎ 0840603080. New opened (2010) - a small, simple place but great atmosphere and background music. Quality of Ice cream and food (Western and Thai) is amazing, prices reasonable. Gourmet style meals with ingredients hard to find somewhere else on the island. All meals are available for vegetarian with meat imitation (except of the steaks obviously).  edit

• Sabai Corner Bungalows. Owned by an Italian. One of the few restaurants that offers Western styled food - delicious Italian food. However, make sure that the Italian Nonna is residing over the resort kitchen when you eat here. If not, you will be served the Thai chef's interpretation of spaghetti - tomato sauce from a bottle and cold pasta!  edit

• Tabaek Viewpoint Bungalow. Owned by Paramote, the local police officer on Koh Yao Noi. His Japanese wife Kazuyo is an excellent Japanese cook. Whilst sushi is not on offer, Kazuyo offers up authentic Japanese food for under 75B. The set of bungalows is located up a dirt road. The top bungalow is Paramote's and this is where the restaurant is located.  edit

• Thai Hideaway Restaurant, (jasmin@thaihideaway.com). A private pool villa restaurant with amazing views. Fresh Seafood BBQs as well as authentic Thai food and sandwiches are available. Book in advance.  edit

• Je t'aime restaurant, 21/1 Moo 1 (at the market just opposite the 7 eleven), ☎ 076 597 495. from 9PM - the kitchen close at 10PM. French and danish owned restaurant. At the center of the island. Serves daily specialities, French and Thai dishes, fresh seafood, fresh made coffee (french press), beer, wine and cocktails. Free wifi is available for guests.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Many of the restaurants also have lively bars.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Activities Resort, 106/8 Moo 3 Prunai, Koh Yao Phang Nga (Near Loh Jak Pire), ☎ (66) 081.893.8901, [10]. Many activities available. 1,000 THB.  edit

• Elixir Resort, [11]. Hosts Elixir Divers dive center on the resort premises.  edit

• Ko Yao Island Resort, [12].  edit

• Koyao Bay Pavilions, 46/7 moo 5, ☎ +66 (0)76 597 441, [13]. Three beach-front pavilions surrounding a swimming pool in a lush tropical garden. Surrounded by a white-sand beach and rice paddies with an excellent restaurant.  edit

• Lam Sai Village Hotel, [14]. Pool and air conditioned rooms - Also has Muay Thai training available.  edit

• Tha Khao Bay View, Hat Tha Kao beach (4/8 Moo 4, Tumbon Ko Yao Noi, Amphoe Ko Yao, Changwat Phangnga 82190) (From Tha Kao pier, turn right along the road and walk for about 10 minutes. From Manok Pier, take a song thaew), ☎ 0 7659 7559, mobile 08 6942 0812. Above Hat Tha Khao beach on the east coast, the ultra friendly & attentive Mr Ling and his lovely family run the Bay View. The huts are en-suite, clean and are on the side of the hill about 20 metres above the beach, and so have wonderful views across the bay. Mr Ling's brother also runs a highly recommended, very chilled out bar made out a boat on the beach below. Food in their restaurant is consistently good and has equally good views. 500-700 Baht; peak season.  edit

• Thiwsonbeach, 58/4 M.4 T.KohYaoYai (Phuket Town & Bang Rong Pier), ☎ 0819567582, [15]. checkout: 12 Noon. 12 Private Beach Front Bungalows. Views of Pang Nga Bay. Stunning sunrise. 800-3000 Baht.  edit

• Yao Yai Resort, [16].  edit
• Esmeralda view resort, ☎ 087-2748832. 900-2500.  edit
• Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket, 56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand, ☎ +66 (0) 76 418 500, [17]. 5 star spa resort. 20,000 THB and up. (8° 07' 16.62,98° 37' 32.95) edit

[edit] Contact

Being one of the biggest islands in the Phang Nga Bay archipelago, Ko Yao Noi is home to a hospital, several schools and a post office. 24 hour electricity supply, Internet access, mobile telephone connection and Automatic Teller Machine are available.

[edit] Get out

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