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Ko Yao

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Ko Yao, with Phuket to the west and Krabi to the east
Ko Yao, with Phuket to the west and Krabi to the east

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, particularely 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

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 (Rastdad Pier): 10:30 and 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 (Ratsada Pier): 08:05 and 15.05
  • Krabi (Tha Len): 07:30
  • Phang Nga: 07:30

All trips cost 100B per person, 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.

  • For those not on a budget or short on time Destination Air flies from various destinations in the Thai Islands to Ko Yao several times daily.

[edit] Get around Ko Yao Noi

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

Ko Yao Noi has approximately 18 kilometres 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. Sabai Corner Bungalows offers scooters for rent for 200B 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, ute 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 accomodation you may choose to stay at.

[edit] Get around Ko Yao Yai

As with Ko Yao Noi the must efficient way to get from the Chonglad Pier to any accomodation 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 accomodation 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 kilometres per hour, so hitch-hiking is not exactly a dangerous pursuit here.

[edit][add listing] See

Paradise Beach on Ko Yao Noi
Paradise Beach on Ko Yao Noi

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] Itinerary

Koh Yao Noi - 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • Day 1 - Leave for Koh Yao Noi Island by ferry from either Phukets Bang Rung Pier approx. 50 minutes or Talen Pier in Krabi province. On arrival take a Tuk-tuk taxi to the chosen overnight location. Enjoy the afternoon sunbathing and swimming. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner.
  • Day 2 - Hire a long-tail boat and bring a picnic lunch for a full day snorkelling and sightseeing tour. Visit Koh Hong and other nearby islands in the Tarnboke Koranee Marine National Park. If you are in to rock climbing it's possible to try it out or enjoy the thrill to watch. Visit the Swallow Cave and swim among Sergeant Fish. Everywhere you will be surrounded vertically limestone formations rising from the seabed.
  • Day 3 - Get up early and enjoy the sun rise behind the islands to the east. Rent a bike, motorbike or Tuk-tuk taxi and go sightseeing around the island. Find some nice beaches and relax. There are several home stays around the island, if you want to meet the locals. Koh Yao Noi has an considerable Cashew Nut production. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
  • Day 4 - Continue to either the bigger and less populate Koh Yao Yai Island, the mainland or Phuket Island.

[edit][add listing] Do

Professionel Muay Thai with a worldchampion 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 (http://www.kayakthailand.com) This small operation is fun and friendly and they help you design your own adventure away from the crowds.

[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.

  • 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!
  • Tabaek Viewpoint Bungalow: Owned by Paramote, the local police officer on Ko Yao Noi. His Japanese wife Kazuyo is an excellent japanese cook. Whilst sushi is not on offer, Kazuyo offers up authentic Japenese 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.
  • Thai Hideaway Restaurant: Enjoy a special night in a private Pool Villa Restaurant with amazing views. Fresh Seafood BBQ's, as well as authentic Thai food and sandwiches are available. Please book in advance. (jasmin@thaihideaway.com)
  • Coconut Island: located along the main road between the group of accomodation and the main part of town. Delicious seafood and suited for budget travellers.
  • Good View Restaurant: Really good seafood and open from 10AM to 10PM daily. The website has contact details.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Good View Restaurant Telephone: 076-597445l - Good taste, good view, good song (live music). Open daily from 10AM to 10PM
  • The Pyramid Bar - set along the road between Sabai Corner Bungalows and Tabaek Viewpoint Bungalows this bar is made from a thatched roof style bungalow. It is open and serves a good menu of bar food and a variety of beer, post-mixes and cocktails. There are tables as well as lounges to lay on and a pool table. Great place to hang out at night!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Thiwsonbeach, 58/4 M.4 T.KohYaoYai (Phuket Town & Bang Rong Pier), ☎ 0819567582, [1]. checkout: 12 Noon. 12 Private Beach Front Bungalows. Views of Pang Nga Bay. Stunning sunrise. www.thiwsonbeach.com 800-3000 Baht.  edit
  • Lam Sai Village Hotel - with pool and air conditioned rooms - Also has Muay Thai training available (http://www.lamsaihotel.com)

[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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