Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. From the bustling nightlife of Bangkok to the famed resort island of Phang Nga, sometimes it seems as though all of the paths have been explore.
For those travelling solo in Thailand, they may be looking for one of the last hidden paradise islands in the country, the tropical locale of their dreams. Everyone hopes that they will find that perfect gem on their travels, a place that will speak to their soul and remind them that there are still places on earth that adventure and discovery are possible.
They want to experience that breathtaking moment of clarity upon arriving in a new destination and know that they are about to fall in love. Yes! This is Koh Yao Noi. (Check out the map here)
Getting to Koh Yao Noi
Unspoiled and far from the madding crowd, life seems to pass more slowly on Koh Yao Noi. Visitors may be surprised to find that it is not very far away from Phang Nga, and it is possible to travel there via long tail boat. It is a short 30-minute boat ride from Phuket or Krabi. So close to everything, and yet so far away as to feel as though you have travelled to a softer, quieter time when things moved more slowly.
The gentle pace of life in Koh Yao Noi reminds visitors that there is more out there than the usual nine to five and the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
You will find miles of gorgeous beaches ringed by palm trees and no rush to do anything in particular. The laid-back vibe of Koh Yao Noi starts to become your own as you relax into the quiet rhythms of island life.
Sitting on the beach as the sun goes down, reflecting off the towering clouds over the Andaman Sea, you begin to realize that this is the paradise you’d always hoped you would find.
The climate of Koh Yao Noi is tropical, and does not see very much rainfall due to its location. The average temperature is between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius year-round. The monsoon season is May through July and again from September through October, when the island sees windier weather and occasional rain. For the most part, the climate of the island is sunny and warm, an ideal place to laze away the days.
Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Activities on the island include snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and visiting some of the island’s bars and sipping a frozen cocktail. Please remember that you are in Thailand, and Koh Yao Noi remains a traditional island, so dress conservatively and drink alcohol only at the hotels and restaurants that allow it.
You can cycle across the island, try out the banana smoothies from the roadside vendors, or take a yoga class at the beach. Consider a relaxing massage at one of the spas on the island, letting the aromatic scents of the island bring you peace and tranquility.
Koh Yao Noi received the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship in 2002 for its eco-friendly homestays. There are also agricultural demonstrations available for those interested in learning about rubber making, or visitors who would like to learn how to fish on the island.
Accommodation in Koh Yao Noi
There are wide varieties of accommodation options available on the island. One of the fanciest resort options is Coastal Escape – Koh Yao Noi, with its private villas overlooking the water and unobstructed waterfront views.
For those looking for something a little more mid-range, there are bed-and-breakfast accommodations and guesthouses on the less crowded northern coast for your option. As always, there is also low-cost accommodation available, making Koh Yao Noi a paradise for every budget.
Travelers in search of affordable accommodation can book into Sabai Corner Bungalows or Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow. These are only a few suggestions among many other options available on the island.
Over the years, many travelers have made their way to Thailand, lured by the promise of beautiful views, exotic foods, and an intriguing cultural experience. There are not many places left today in the world where time moves at a slower pace and visitors are able to immerse themselves entirely in another culture. So much of Thailand has become commercial that finding your own private slice of paradise seems like an insurmountable task.
The island of Koh Yao Noi is one of these last remaining places, not just on Thailand, but maybe on earth. It is one of the best ways to see the Thai way of life and the ways of the past, in a place that time forgot. The incredible beauty of the island, the friendliness of the people, and the atmosphere all seems to tell you to slow down, relax, stop and absorb the world around you. For visitors looking to escape their hectic, fast-paced lives, Koh Yao Noi is that island vision you have always had floating at the edge of your dreams.
You must log in to post a comment.