Yao Noi Island - the perfect place for a relaxing vacation

It cannot be said that in this part of the Andaman Sea, which is often called Phang Nga Bay, Yao Noi is the most interesting and visited island.

However, the opportunity to stay on it with accommodation in more than comfortable conditions, while far from civilization (even cars are rare on the island), makes it attractive for vacationers in the nearest resorts - Phuket, Krabi and Phangnga.

Island nature

Both the island itself and the panoramic views from it are typical of this part of Thailand and are similar to what can be seen on the numerous islands that are and are not part of the Phang Nga National Park (Phi Phi, Panii, Tapu, Hong and etc.).

There are sandy spits, stunning in their beauty, with palm trees, stretching far into the sea, karst rocks rushing to the sky straight from the water and immersed in a gray haze or fog. Low-hanging clouds and a calm sea surface, slightly rippling from the wind, complete the fantastic local landscapes.

Underwater life is colorful and varied: as elsewhere in the Andaman Sea, there are excellent diving opportunities. In general, Yao Noi is a real tropical paradise and an ideal place for a relaxing holiday.

Birds live on the island (the toucan is a symbol of the island), large and small reptiles (you can meet large but harmless monitor lizards), unique plants grow (for example, wild orchids, amazing in their elegance).

Beaches

Sandy beaches suitable for swimming are located on the eastern, tourist, part of the island:

• pasai;
• Klong Jark;
• Khao;
• Haad Yao;
• loparaet.

All beaches have a few meters of sand (during high tide), palm trees grow to provide shade, and other vegetation that blooms from time to time.

From this side of the island, you can see the other islands of the bay, and from the observation deck located in the Khao beach area, you can see the silhouette of the coast of Krabi, located 10 km from Yao Noi.

It is important to note such a feature of the beaches of the island as their shallow water. Within a radius of 50-100 meters from the shore, the water is knee-deep. To swim as an adult, you have to walk a little. But for children there is one expanse.

Since the island is located in a bay, there are no waves on the sea, which creates an idyllic atmosphere of calm, safety and comfort.

What to do?

In addition to beach holidays and walks around the island, on Yao Noi you can diversify your pastime with the following:

1. Cycling. It is customary to ride bicycles on the island, which can be rented here.
2. Kayaking around the island, to other islands.
3. Diving in the purest clear water in the company of thousands of fish and corals.
4. A visit to the central or western part of the island in order to see how the indigenous people of the island live. The inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, so the whole island is a pasture for cattle or fields sown with rice.
5. Rock climbing. For those who practice this extreme sport, the rocks of Yao Noi are a good option for training and useful pastime.

In addition, the island is convenient to use as a base for traveling to other attractions of Phang Nga Bay, which cannot be seen in one day.

Where to live?

You can come to Yao Island for a day trip or stay for a few days. Local hotels offer good options for accommodation in the form of detached houses.

It should be noted right away that absolutely budget housing for $10 cannot be found here. The cheapest options in the rainy season start at $20. In the dry season, a small house in the forest on a mountain can be rented for $30, closer to the sea - more expensive.

There are accommodation options that can be attributed to Asian luxury: a 2-3-room villa with a spacious veranda and a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and hidden from prying eyes, can cost $300 per day.

Getting around the island

As noted above, cycling is popular on the island. You can also rent a bike here. The functions of public transport on the island are performed by tuk-tuks and songteos.

A kayak can be considered as one of the non-standard ways of moving between the beaches: the distances here are small, and if you do not need to get to the central part of the island, then the water option will be optimal in many cases.

How to get there?

From Phuket, boats run throughout the day from 7.30 to 17.30 hourly (departure from Bang Rong Pier). Travel time is about 1 hour. Speedboats also operate on the route, covering the distance in 30 minutes.

Swimming to Yao Noi is not difficult. Direction is in high demand.

About the same sail from Krabi. Boats depart from Tha Len Pier, located in the village of Ao Luek.

The coast of Phang Nga is the furthest from the island. The journey will take at least 1 hour and 20 minutes. Boats depart from Ta Dan Pier.