Joanna James
Thailand is this bustling destination where hordes of tourists prance around taking selfies, eating Pad Thai, and bargaining over tuk-tuk fares. What if you want to escape all this? You can!
Also spelt Ko Yao Island, meaning ‘long island,’ Koh Yao Yai is not your typical Thai getaway. Located in the Andaman Sea, it’s vastly different from the constantly buzzing Phuket. If you want to experience the idyllic charm of Thailand, this is where you should be. The island is synonymous with eco-tourism in Thailand, where tourists come to get away from it all.
The best way to discover the charming, tranquil beauty of Koh Yao Yai Island is by scooter, and you can easily rent one. Don’t know how to ride one? It’s your chance to learn! Roads here are almost empty, and the rush hour is only two bikes cruising along the road, so you can take your time learning and exploring. On the way, stop at a roadside shack for a snack. The island is home to many, many beaches, and almost all of them are delightfully uncrowded, so you can have a pleasant time beach hopping. Want to know what would make it even better? Staying at the right resort; you can choose from an array of Koh Yao Yai hotels. Even though the island has this sleepy village charm, it offers luxury through resorts such as Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.
This is not the kind of beach where you can have it all to yourself. It’s pretty popular, but you’ll want to visit Laem Haad for a complete island experience. Even though it can get pretty crowded, especially during the high season, it’s still one of the most stunning beaches to visit. There’s a slim coastline going out into the ocean. Also, the banks jut out of the water during low tide, so you can walk further into the sea.
If Koh Yao Yai had a rambunctious sibling, it would be Koh Yao Noi. But when you arrive on the island, you’ll feel like you’re still on Koh Yao Yai, although Koh Yao Noi is much more developed. It still has its rustic small-town charm, and there are a few eateries and bars. Here too, you can grab a scooter and bike around the island. Beaches are a bit busier but not more than what you find in Krabi or Phuket. Potsai Beach and Klong Jark Beach are must-visits.
You’ve probably seen pictures of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island – they’re all over the internet. James Bond Island is officially known as Koh Tapu. It’s a great place for taking pictures to show off on Instagram! It’s not the only island in the area. You can go from island to island. Grab a kayak, and you can paddle over to different islands, enjoying the tropical beauty of the region.
Seen the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio? Then Koh Phi Phi Island will seem familiar to you. If you’re a party person, there’s a party region, but there’s also a much calmer side to the island. You can explore the many viewpoints to admire the pristine beauty of the island. Also, don’t forget to go for a swim in the ocean, where the water is so comfortably warm and clear!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
