Exploring Ko Yao Noi Island
Niramaya Villas on Ko Yao Noi
Ko Yao Noi is the smaller of the two rugged islands positioned almost equidistant from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi at the mouth of Phang Nga Bay. It is perhaps one of the most idyllic island getaways in which you can experience a true down to earth vacation away from the far more populated places of that region. A big, big bonus is that this island offers you some of the most breath-taking maritime views from just about every angle. And this is only the beginning. The island measures only twelve kilometres or about seven miles from it's longest point and is home to little more than 3,000 extremely friendly islanders with the majority of inhabitants here being Muslims. They earn most of their living from rubber plantations, rice fields, fishing and shrimp-farming among others. If an adventure holiday in a more tranquil setting coupled with a refreshing rural ambiance is what you seek, you have come to the right place. Though there are some decent beaches here, this would probably not be the real reason to explore the island. Not least because the beaches lack the wow factor of the other more popular coastal resort regions. Here you would more than likely come to explore and experience the true natural beauty that only nature can offer. Activities include rock climbing, elephant trekking, hiking, diving, kayaking and swimming.
Spectacular Views from Long Beach
Ko Yao Noi IslandGetting ThereThe way to reach Ko Yao Noi is by boat from one of three entry and exit points. If you arrive from Phuket or Phang Nga, you'll disembark either at Hat Suka Pier to the southwest or Tha Manok Pier to the south depending on how the tides are behaving at the time. A third option is from Krabi where all the boats arrive and depart from Tha Kao Pier located on the east coast of the island.Boats depart and return from Phuket several times a day from Bang Rong Pier which you'll find located on the north eastern side of the island. It is best to use public transport to get to the pier. You can take a normal taxi from the airport but if you are coming from Phuket town, make use of the songthaew taxi service there. Songthaew normally depart hourly from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm daily from the Thanon Ranong Market in the town. It's a ninety minute journey from town. Boats depart from Phang Nga once a day at 1:00 pm and return at 7:30 pm to the Tha Dan Pier situated 10 kilometres or 6 miles south of Phang Nga Town. Songthaews will connect you to the pier. What is especially pleasing about this particular crossing, is that it takes you through the mesmerizing scenic heart of Ao Phang Nga passing ever so close to Ko Panyi Village the stilt-house island. The
Krabi
option would entail you taking the boat from Ao Thalen which is about 30 kilometres or 18 miles northwest from town. Near the Vogue Department Store in the town you will find songthaews leaving for Ao Thalen at either 10:00 am for boats departing at 11:00 am or at noon for boats departing at 1:00 pm. with the return journey to Krabi at 7:30 pm. The boat trip takes about an hour each way.
Coastline at Pasai Beach
Ko Yao Noi IslandTha Kai TownIf coming from Phuket or Phang Nga as mentioned above, you will arrive at either one of the piers at Tha Suka or Tha Manok. From there it's best to travel to the east coast where the main beaches and the bulk of accommodation are located. Most tourist settle here to unwind before exploring rest of the island. If you are coming from Krabi, you will automatically arrive at Tha Kao Pier on east coast.The small town of Tha Kai near Tha Suka Pier is the island's administrative and commercial centre where you'll find the police station, a seven eleven shop which has an ATM facility, a couple of internet centres and a post office. On the main street you'll find a mini market with a number of restaurants serving simple Thai food as well as several stalls selling roti's, a favourite Muslim and Indian chow.
Street in the small town of Tha Kai
Ko Yao Noi IslandMotorcycle and Bicycle HireWhy not hire a motorcycle or a bicycle from one of the rental agencies near the seven eleven in Tha Kai and then take the road running north from the town. It will take you through several small hamlets where you get to see village mosques and some rubber pressing machines. From there you'll pass the scenic rice-fields together with the farmers resident water buffaloes. It's rural living as it's best.Further on in the same northerly direction, you will come to a junction where the road soon turns sour. It takes on the shape of a rather dreadful track leading on to the beach at Ao Loh Ha. It is best to veer right and head towards the town of Tha Kao on the east coast where the island's better beaches are all located.
Rice Planters
Ko Yao Noi IslandBeaches on the East CoastOne of the nicest beaches along the east coast is Hat Sai Taew also known as Temple Beach. It is located a couple of kilometres north from the Tha Kao Pier. This golden coloured beach and it's waters are safe for swimming at any tide but is a little tricky to find as directions are non-existent. Well! they just not there.To get there, you need to travel inland from the pier, do a couple of right turns then via a canal to the marina through a rubber plantation and finally by way of the gated Dhammakaya Compound of a Buddhist Sect. It's the best I can do. Just south of Tha Kao Pier is the small cove of Hat Tha Kao Beach. In the near vicinity is a small village with a couple of shops, a restaurant and that's about it. The most popular beach on this coast must surely be that of Hat Klong Jaak also known as Long Beach. This is where you'll find the most tourists and the very best in accommodation. There may be little in amenities here but what it lacks, more than makes up for it's chill out atmosphere. You come here to relax, meet islanders and expats, drink cocktails and beer and listen to laid-back music. What better place than at the Scottish-Thai run Pyramid Bar located about 200 metres north of Sabai Corner at the very southern end of the beach. Go crazy. South around the headland from Long Beach is Hat Pasai Beach where you can find cheaper accommodation. Beyond that is the tiny beach of Hat Laem Sai. From it's lovely secluded palm-fringed beach, you can enjoy stunning bay views.
View from Niramaya Villas
Ko Yao Noi IslandLuxury AccommodationShould you wish to spend a little more time on Ko Yao Noi Island than just a day trip, I would like to recommend a fabulous resort where I am sure your stay will be most comfortable and rewarding. Niramaya Villa is located on Long Beach and comprises of 12 luxurious villas, all with their own unique style and character.General Manager Frank Bodmann and his staff will personally take care of all your special needs right down to their customized water plane or helicopter pickup service. You can book a villa directly with the resort by clicking the link above.
Luxury Accommodation at Niramaya Villas
Ko Yao Noi IslandPrivate Helicopter TravelShould you wish to take a Private Helicopter Trip over the majestic limestone formations around the beautiful island of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay or Krabi, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. There is also no need to charter the entire aircraft either as you can join a group sunrise to sunset tour for up to six people.You can also have the convenience of a personalized helicopter shuttle service to take you to and from your favourite location or resort by choosing your own itinerary and time-frame. These flights here are a once in a lifetime experience.
Ko Panyi Village in Phang Nga Bay
Return from Ko Yao Noi Island to the Thailand Islands Page
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