I've heard the names "Koh Yao Yai" and "Koh Yao Noi" for quite some time now. Everyone seems to say that it's beautiful, so I decided to take a trip to see for myself if it lives up to the hype. If you're ready, let's go explore together!

Located in the Phang Nga province, Koh Yao district comprises two main islands, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, along with several surrounding islets. The inhabitants of Koh Yao maintain a simple lifestyle, primarily engaged in fishing and rice farming.

I chose to travel to Koh Yao Yai by Speed Boat, boarding the boat at Bang Rong Pier.

At Bang Rong Pier, there are ticket counters for ferries to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Previously, both islands were served by the same boat, which would first drop off passengers at Koh Yao Yai before continuing to Koh Yao Noi. However, now there are separate boats for each island. I arrived at an inconvenient time, just after a boat had departed, so I decided to have lunch at the pier instead.

I have provided an updated ferry schedule based on the brochure distributed at the pier. The fare for a speedboat is 200 baht per person, while the fare for a long-tail boat is 150 baht per person.

The next ferry departs at 12:30 PM and is a long-tail boat with an estimated travel time of 50 minutes. However, I prefer to avoid the long boat ride and will wait for the speedboat instead. The next speedboat departs at 1:30 PM.

Contrary to my initial assumption, the long-tail boat was not a small vessel. As depicted in the image, it could accommodate dozens of passengers. The rice shop vendor suggested that the long-tail boat was the ideal choice for a leisurely photo shoot due to its slow and steady pace, allowing passengers to enjoy the cool breeze. However, the speedboat offered a less comfortable ride. By the time I considered switching, the long-tail boat was nearly full, leaving no suitable space for me.

There was still plenty of time left, so I took a leisurely stroll. This spot used to be a nature trail through the mangrove forest. The food stall vendor told me that there was an observation tower and OTOP shops at the far end. However, due to a lack of tourists, there was no budget for maintenance, resulting in the bridge becoming unusable. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret.

The boat ride offered scenic views throughout the journey. We soon arrived at Khlong Hia Pier after a short trip.

The weather at Khlong Hia Pier was perfect. The sky was truly clear.

Gazing out, one can see lobster cages filling the foreground, with the island of Ko Yao Noi serving as a picturesque backdrop.

As soon as I disembarked from the boat, I immediately began searching for Bang Nee, the person my friend had recommended. Bang Nee offers both private car rentals and shared songthaew rides on Koh Yao Yai. He would be my guide and driver as I explored the island during my three-day stay.

Before we delve into the exploration of Koh Yao Yai, let's first address the transportation options available on the island. From the pier, you have three primary choices for navigating the island's diverse attractions. The first option is to rent a motorbike, which can be rented daily for around 250 baht for a manual transmission or 300 baht for an automatic transmission. The second option is to utilize the ubiquitous songthaews, shared taxis that can be hailed and negotiated with for specific destinations. For instance, a trip to Koh Yao Yai Village Resort, where I stayed, would cost approximately 300 baht per vehicle (the distance from the pier to the resort is roughly 8 kilometers). Finally, the third option is to charter a songthaew for sightseeing, either on an hourly or daily basis. An hourly rate is around 200 baht, while a daily rate depends on the number of passengers. For a group of 3-4 people, the daily rate is approximately 1,200 baht, while for a group of 10 people, it's around 1,500 baht. These prices are based on Bang Nee's rates, but if you prefer a more luxurious ride in a Fortuner SUV, Bang Nee also offers that option, with prices negotiable.

For my first day on Koh Yao Yai, I headed straight to my accommodation at Koh Yao Yai Village.

Upon entering the resort from the main road, you will pass through a rubber plantation, offering a truly refreshing and verdant atmosphere. Please note that the resort does not permit guests to park rented motorbikes within the resort grounds. Guests who have rented motorbikes must park their vehicles in the designated parking area, as the internal roads within the resort are relatively narrow. However, the shared taxis (songthaews) that you have rented are permitted to enter the resort to pick up and drop off guests.

The resort cultivates rice within its grounds.

The spa is located at the front of the resort.

The lobby is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

The open-air lobby offers stunning sea views.

Upon check-in, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink of roselle juice and a cool towel, which instantly revitalizes and rejuvenates.

Adjacent to the Lobby is the Dahra Library, a small building housing a library and computers with internet access. The atmosphere is excellent, offering a perfect setting for reading while enjoying the sea view.

This corner is dedicated to activities. You can contact us to purchase packages for various activities.

This building is the Chaba Gallery, which is a small souvenir shop and also has a beverage counter.

The shared bathroom is surprisingly well-decorated.

The Lobby Building, Dahra Library, Activity Pavilion, and Chaba Gallery are all located in close proximity to each other, forming the central communal area.

Let's take a look at the rooms. The room I stayed in was a Deluxe Villa. This area does not have a sea view, but it is surrounded by large trees. Everywhere you look, you see green.

The front of the room is designed as a multi-purpose area with a bed for sitting and doing activities together. There are also chairs for leaning back, reading books, or even lying down to watch the stars at night.

The room is quite spacious, with a king-size bed and a seating area. However, it has now been converted into an extra bed for me.

The bedroom adjoins a spacious bathroom, with a wet and dry area separated by a sliding glass door. The dry area is expansive, encompassing the washbasin and a corner that functions as a wardrobe.

The coat hanger's design blends seamlessly with nature.

Free tea and coffee are available.

The Welcome Fruit is a banana.

Overall, the room was good, quiet, and private. The room amenities were complete, and the wifi was strong. However, I encountered a problem on a rainy day. The roof, which was made of natural materials (probably cogongrass), leaked, causing water to flow down and flood the room.

Each room is surrounded by many large trees. 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

Everywhere you look, you see lush greenery, a truly refreshing sight.

The other area will be a Sea View area. The rooms in this zone, including the swimming pool, will be surrounded by rice fields. Looking out of the room, you will see a stunning sea view. Isn't that amazing?

Rice paddies are planted right by the sea. The beach is also home to Krachang Bar & Grill.

The ambiance of Krachang Bar & Grill, where you can sip drinks while taking in the view, is an unforgettable experience.

The view from Krachang Bar & Grill overlooks a bridge stretching out into the sea, with the forested islands of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi Province, as a backdrop.

Another swimming pool with stunning views, allowing you to swim while enjoying the ocean scenery. This pool is located next to the Khayee Restaurant.

The atmosphere at the Pool Bar is excellent. During the late afternoon, when the sun is setting and the wind is calm, many guests come to enjoy the bar.

The atmosphere of the swimming pool at dusk.

Lobby area

This evening, I will need to rest early, as tomorrow I have a full day of sightseeing planned, including a visit to Ko Yao Noi and an exploration of Ko Yao Yai.

My schedule is packed from early morning. The first item on today's agenda is a visit to the Dragon's Spine. I have to leave early because if I wait any longer, the water level will rise and obscure the view.

Bang Ni waited for me at 6:45 AM to take me to Klong Hia Pier. For the trip to see the Dragon's Spine, Bang Ni had arranged a boat for me and even negotiated the price. The boatman originally charged 2,000 baht for the boat, but Bang Ni managed to bargain him down, resulting in a special price that was slightly lower than the original asking price.

A rainbow greeted us as we sailed, and soon we reached the Dragon's Spine.

The Dragon's Spine is located on the northern part of Koh Yao Noi. When I arrived, the water level was already rising. The boatman told me that if the water level were lower, the sandbar would be almost 2 km long, extending all the way to the nearby island. From what I observed, the Dragon's Spine appears to be made up of small shell fragments. I was tempted to walk across to the other island, but I was worried that by the time I got there and back, the water level might have risen and flooded the sandbar, making it impossible to return.

This morning, I changed my dining experience from the dining room to the Dragon's Spine. The dining room actually serves breakfast at 6:30 AM, but since I had to rush to the Dragon's Spine, I missed breakfast. So I asked the resort to prepare a box lunch for us. This morning, the resort prepared sandwiches, fruits, and Passion Fruit juice for us. It was delicious and refreshing, truly satisfying both body and mind.

The boat then dropped me off at Koh Yao Noi, where I explored some of the island's interesting sights.

Traveling on Koh Yao Noi is similar to traveling on Koh Yao Yai. There are shared taxis available, which I used to travel around. As before, Bang Nee was responsible for arranging the taxi and negotiating the price. The taxi fare is actually calculated by the hour. I rented a taxi for half a day (4 hours) for 700 baht.

The first destination on Koh Yao Noi was the rice fields, which I asked the driver to take me to see. I had heard that rice is grown on Koh Yao Noi. The rice fields here are planted once a year using rainwater. The rice varieties grown here include Hom Mali and Sao Hai. As for plowing the fields, I believe that buffaloes are still used here. I jokingly thought that there must be more buffaloes on Koh Yao Noi than in the entire Central Region. It is truly easy to spot buffaloes on Koh Yao Noi. The amazing thing about the rice fields on Koh Yao Noi is that they are located very close to the sea. The rice field where I took photos was only separated from the sea by a road.

The next destination is Tha Khao Pier, home to a group of batik-making housewives. On the way, we will pass Tha Khao Beach. I saw a close-up view of the island's forest. I immediately knocked on the window and told the driver to stop the car.

The Scene Before Me

The view before me was breathtakingly beautiful. The sky was a vibrant blue, and the water was a deep, clear turquoise. If it were sunrise, the beauty would undoubtedly be amplified tenfold. I glanced at the remains of a dead tree standing tall amidst the vast expanse of sand, which evoked a profound sense of solitude.

I continued my journey to the headquarters of the Tha Kha Baan Baatik Group, which is located near the pier. The housewives were busy drawing patterns on batik cloth. Tourists can learn how to make batik cloth here.

This section features products made by the local women's group. The fabrics come in two types: batik and Indonesian. The group offers three sizes: small (handkerchief size) for 250-300 baht, medium for 500 baht, and large (as seen in the picture) for 1,000 baht (negotiable to 800 baht). The unique designs of Koh Yao Noi are the island's forest and the hornbill, as seen in the picture. Many people see the island's forest and understand why it's a selling point for tourism on Koh Yao Noi. The island's forest is right in front of us, so it's been incorporated into the batik fabric. Some may wonder what the hornbill has to do with Koh Yao Noi. The answer is that hornbills are easily spotted on Koh Yao Noi. The hornbill is an indicator of the forest's abundance. The women said that hornbills are easily seen flying out to feed in the morning and evening. Unfortunately, I arrived at noon, so I didn't have the chance to see any hornbills.

This view is from the location of the Housewives Group. I secretly envy the housewives in this group who have an office with such a beautiful view. And the image of the island forest in front of them is what the Housewives Group has incorporated into their batik fabric, an OTOP product of Koh Yao Noi.

One of my missions on Koh Yao Noi was to try the famous roti at the Roti Chaw Ko shop. Unfortunately, the shop was closed that day, so I don't know if it lives up to its reputation. However, in the afternoon on Koh Yao Yai, there was another type of dessert that I had to try, as it is also very famous.

It's time for me to bid farewell to Koh Yao Noi, as Koh Yao Yai awaits my exploration.

This is the final program on Koh Yao Noi and the starting program on Koh Yao Yai: visiting the lobster farm. The farm is located between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai.

The seven-colored lobster cages you see in front of you belong to about 10 owners. The boat driver took me to see his brother's cage. When the owner opened the cage, my aunts and I were amazed. We had never seen so many large lobsters. The lobsters raised here are bought as juveniles from abroad. The size you see weighs about 7-8 ounces, which is not yet for sale. If I heard correctly, the size that can be sold is sold for about 3,000 baht per kilogram. Deep down, I wanted to try one to see how delicious it is, but after hearing the price, I could only look at it with envy. If you have the money, I recommend buying it from a cage around here, as it will be cheaper than buying it in a restaurant.

It's almost 1:00 PM, and it's time to refuel before exploring Koh Yao Yai. For lunch, I'm following the recommendations of many reviewers and heading to Baan Rim Nam Restaurant, located near the pier. The boat driver kindly dropped me off at the fish market next to the restaurant.

The restaurant is built directly on the water. Although it looks sunny and hot from the outside, the inside is surprisingly cool.

I board the boat at this fish market. The fishermen bring their fresh catches of crabs and fish directly to this shop.

The restaurant offers two set menus featuring grilled seafood, accompanied by rice. Alternatively, if you prefer a wider variety of flavors, you can order from the à la carte menu.

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I opted for the set menu, which offered a wider variety of dishes. I started with the seafood glass noodle salad, which was more like an ocean glass noodle salad due to the abundance of large seafood pieces. The salad dressing was also delicious. This dish cost 180 baht.

Followed by stir-fried shrimp with rice vermicelli. The shrimp is wrapped in rice vermicelli and then deep-fried. If you like fried food, this menu should be to your liking. You get the crispness of the rice vermicelli and the tenderness of the shrimp. This dish costs 150 baht.

Freshly caught clams, cooked to perfection, offer a delightful sweetness. Enjoy them with our seafood dipping sauce for an enhanced flavor experience. This dish, weighing 1 kg, is priced at 250 baht.

Deep-fried fish with fish sauce, a visually appealing dish with a delightful taste. The fish is perfectly cooked, achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior. The sweetness of the fish sauce enhances the flavor, and for those who prefer a bolder taste, a dipping sauce is provided. This dish is priced at 350 baht.

The stir-fried shrimp with fermented shrimp paste and stink beans was ordered with a request for less shrimp and more stink beans. However, the dish arrived with several large shrimp, which were very bouncy and flavorful due to the fermented shrimp paste. The dish was delicious and cost 250 baht.

A generous portion of Southern-style sour curry with fish and mixed vegetables. The large pieces of fish and the authentically bold flavors make this dish a true representation of Southern Thai cuisine. Priced at 250 baht.

The grand finale is a dish of three 1kg horse crabs, boasting firm, sweet meat and even some roe. This delicious dish costs 650 baht.

The owner of the restaurant was concerned about the amount of food we ordered, fearing that we would not be able to finish it. However, as we ate and enjoyed the view, we found ourselves able to continue eating. At that moment, we didn't want to go anywhere else. After finishing our meal, we felt like falling asleep right there in the restaurant. The atmosphere was truly wonderful.

The deliciousness of the food here compelled me to order some to take back to the hotel for dinner. I ordered shrimp paste chili dip, shrimp sour curry, crab fried rice, and a small portion of leftover food from lunch. I must say that the shrimp paste chili dip was just as delicious as the other dishes, and the crab fried rice was packed with generous amounts of crab meat.

If you're visiting Koh Yao Yai and looking for a delicious place to eat, I highly recommend Baan Rim Nam Restaurant. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and you can make a reservation by calling 081-9562141. This will help you avoid waiting in case the restaurant is busy. Every dish on the menu is delicious and reasonably priced.

Bang has parked the car and is waiting for me in front of the shop. He is very excited to take me exploring Koh Yao Yai, but I am so full that I don't want to move anymore.

Our first destination was Laem Hat, a short distance from the shop. We walked through rows of coconut trees, offering glimpses of the turquoise water and nearby islands.

Upon arriving at Laem Had Beach, the moment I stepped out of the car, my feet sank into the soft, fine white sand. It instantly invigorated me, giving me a burst of energy I didn't know I had. Before boarding the car, I was almost ready to give up and return to the resort. However, the sight of the sand, the water, and the sky before me made me realize that I would regret it deeply if I asked Bang to take me back to the resort.

Upon arrival, children playing in the water informed us that the tide was receding, though not significantly. A sandy expanse stretched from the headland into the sea, creating a breathtaking view. The beauty of the headland is further attested to by its appearance as a scene in the film The Mechanic Resurrection. Viewers of the film will recognize this scene in the opening moments, although it is erroneously attributed to Koh Lipe in Satun Province. In actuality, the location is Koh Yao Yai.

Looking back at the beach after walking along it, it was beautiful in a different way.

The journey continued, passing scenic viewpoints along the way. Bangni stopped for us to take pictures.

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Next, Bangni took me to try the famous local delicacy of Koh Yao Yai, the "Ba Bin Jaree" crispy coconut pancake, a renowned OTOP product of the island.

Before I visited Koh Yao Yai, I did some research and found out that the "Ba Bin" dessert here is very delicious, so I added it to my trip itinerary as a "must-try". The shop might be a bit difficult to find for outsiders, as even GPS might not be able to locate it. Luckily, I had Bang Ni with me, so we went straight to the shop.

A Small Blue House Devoted to Ba Bin

The small blue house, judging by its appearance, serves no other purpose than the production of Ba Bin, a traditional Thai coconut candy. As soon as we stepped out of the car, the aroma of Ba Bin filled the air. Inside, everyone was diligently engaged in the Ba Bin production process. The baking team worked tirelessly, the cutting team expertly sliced the edges, and the packaging team stood ready. The division of labor was seamless.

Freshly baked Ba Bin is simply irresistible. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, chewy interior, and the sweet, nutty flavor is divine. The shop offers two sizes: a small bag with 10 pieces for 30 baht and a large bag with 17 pieces for 50 baht. Each piece is individually wrapped in a small plastic bag to prevent sticking.

If you plan to buy Ba Bin as a souvenir, be mindful of the expiration date. Since the Ba Bin here is made without preservatives, the owner advises a shelf life of 5 days. Even before leaving the shop, we had almost finished the entire large bag. The owner, incredibly generous, encouraged us to try as much as we liked. However, our consumption went beyond mere tasting, so we paid for the bag we devoured in the shop and bought six more to take home.

Next, Bangni took me for a walk on Lo Pa Raed Beach. The sand may not be as white as Laem Had, but this place has its own selling point: a bridge that stretches out into the sea. However, I suspect that the bridge belongs to a resort. This is also a good spot for watching the sunset, but I probably won't have time to wait for the sunset here.

After strolling along the beach, I discreetly inquired about the price of seafood. The vendor informed me that the price for Chinese tourists was 300 baht per crab. Startled by the price, I asked about the price for Thai locals. The vendor replied that they didn't know and that I would have to ask the owner. The crabs were even smaller than the ones I had eaten earlier that day. Therefore, if you're craving seafood, I highly recommend Rim Nam Restaurant. It's both affordable and delicious, offering authentic Thai flavors.

Previous information indicated that 7-Eleven was only available on Koh Yao Noi. However, I would like to inform you that 7-Eleven is now also present on Koh Yao Yai. Moreover, the 7-Eleven on Koh Yao Yai is larger than the one on Koh Yao Noi. Notably, the 7-Eleven branch on Koh Yao Yai has leased land from Bang Nee for a long-term period of 10 years.

While the other members were shopping at 7-11, I noticed a rice field on Koh Yao Yai. I crossed the street to take a picture of the rice field. I met a local woman who greeted me. I asked her permission to cross her property to reach the rice field. She quickly pointed out the easiest way to get there.

The rice fields on Koh Yao Yai may appear less extensive than those on Koh Yao Noi. This could be due to the fact that during the journey on Koh Yao Noi, the driver took us to various points where rice fields were visible. However, on Koh Yao Yai, the driver may have only taken us to the main attractions, resulting in fewer sightings of rice fields. Therefore, it is possible that my perception of more rice fields on Koh Yao Noi compared to Koh Yao Yai is influenced by this factor.

After taking the photos, I walked back to the car. The same woman asked me how it was and if the rice field was beautiful. I smiled and replied that it was. She then asked if I had encountered any leeches. Leeches?! Are there leeches here? This time, the woman smiled and said, "Yes." (I thought to myself, "She's not lying to me, is she?" and smiled sheepishly.) The leeches come with the cows and buffaloes, she explained. If you feel your toes getting sticky, it means a leech is sucking your blood. Oh, dear! If she had told me there were leeches here, I wouldn't have gone into the field to take pictures of the rice paddy. I then raised my hands in a wai to the woman and walked to the car, being extremely cautious of leeches.

On the way back to our accommodation, we saw the sun setting, so we asked the driver to stop for a photo opportunity. If I had more time, I would have waited for the last light to appear. However, out of consideration for the other passengers and the driver who would have to wait, I decided to capture only the moment of sunset. If you look closely, you will see two small islands on the right side of the picture. These two islands are called "Koh Sgoh". The word "Sgoh" in the southern dialect means "pair", which is a symbol of love.

Upon returning to my accommodation, I transformed the patio in front of my room into a makeshift dining area. Despite the sweltering heat and fatigue, I felt immense joy witnessing the kindness and hospitality of the locals. Moreover, I encountered sights unseen on both Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai.

This morning marks the final day of my trip. I woke up before dawn to witness the first light of day on the beach.

Poolside view

This is the reward that nature bestows upon those who rise early.

This morning, there was no need to rush like yesterday, so I had time to sit and savor my meal at KHAYEE Restaurant. The restaurant is open-air, and no matter where you sit, you have a view of the sea.

The breakfast line is located in this area.

The center will be salad and cereal.

The side dishes include hot dogs, chicken ham, and shrimp congee. This restaurant does not serve any pork dishes.

Next is the bread corner. I must say that the croissants are delicious, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The jams here are all homemade and there are many flavors to choose from, including papaya, banana, orange, mango, coconut, and strawberry.

The other side will have cold cuts, yogurt, and fruit.

The innermost section is the Egg station. I love the decorative idea; they used traditional food trays as ornaments stuck to the wall.

The cupboard is used as a corner for tea and coffee.

The food variety may not be as extensive as desired, but overall it is good. The ingredients are of high quality.

This image marks the end of my trip to Koh Yao Yai. I hope to return soon, as I was deeply impressed by this beautiful island.

This morning, Mr. Bang had some business to attend to in Krabi, so he asked his son to pick me up and take me to the pier. For those who are interested in using Mr. Bang's car rental service, you can contact him at 081-8931343.

The boat sailed away from the shore, and Koh Yao Yai gradually disappeared into the distance. I was a little surprised, but even though Koh Yao Yai was out of sight, it was never far from my mind.

The main way to get to Koh Yao Yai is by boat, either from Krabi or Phuket. I have compiled a boat schedule for you, which I have copied from the Map of Koh Yao (13th issue 2017-2018 (printed Oct.2017)).

Ferry schedule from Giaowanich Pier, Phuket. As for the ferry schedule from Bang Rong Pier, I have attached it at the top of the review.

Ferry schedule from Krabi.

For those arriving at Phuket Airport and planning to visit Koh Yao Yai, there's no need to rent a car. Even if you do, you'll end up parking it at the pier anyway, incurring unnecessary rental and parking fees. Let me share a more economical option.

Option 1: Take a taxi from the airport to Bang Rong Pier. The fare is 650 baht per trip.

Option 2: Take the Airport Bus to the Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon Monument, then transfer to a shared taxi to Bang Rong Pier.

Method 3: For those who have acquaintances in Phuket, utilize their services.

Finally, you can support and follow my work at https://www.facebook.com/unclegreenshirt.