1 Night at Koh Yao Noi: A Tangible Paradise

"Koh Yao," a name that has become familiar to the ear, but never experienced firsthand. However, through word of mouth, I learned that "Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai" are located in Phang Nga Province, resembling typical villages but situated on an island. Finally, I had the opportunity to visit Koh Yao Noi, driven by a long-standing desire to dine at a waterfront restaurant. With schedules aligning, my sister and I decided to embark on a change of scenery and indulge in a relaxing atmosphere.

Get to know Koh Yao Noi, a small island district in Phang Nga province. This Muslim-majority island is accessible from both Phang Nga town and Krabi. Boats depart from Tha Len Pier in Krabi and Bang Rong Pier in Phuket, offering convenient transportation options. The island's inhabitants primarily engage in fishing, rubber plantations, rice farming, and, more recently, tourism-related homestays.

Our journey began when we arrived at Bang Rong Pier in Pa Klok District, Phuket. We rode our motorbikes to the pier to cross over to Koh Yao Noi. Since we brought our motorbikes, we wondered where to park them. We asked the officers at the security checkpoint, and they suggested that we park our motorbikes at the motorbike parking service inside the pier for safety from the monkeys. "Motorbike Parking Service, 20 Baht per day," the sign read. We parked our motorbikes there.

Shop: The shop asked if you would like to stay overnight.

Me: I'm not sure yet.

After parking the car, we walked to the ferry ticket counter. Be careful to purchase the correct ticket, as there are ferries for both Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. We arrived just in time for the 11:30 AM ferry to Koh Yao Noi. Shortly after purchasing our tickets, we were called to board the ferry. We quickly found seats on the boat, which resembled a speedboat used for island excursions. The passengers were a mix of Thai and foreign tourists, with the majority being foreign. There were also some local residents from Koh Yao.

Ferry Schedule: Koh Yao Noi - Bang Rong Pier

Passenger Boat Ticket

Atmosphere on the Passenger Boat, Bang Rong Pier - Koh Yao Noi

Original Text: บรรยากาศในเรือโดยสาร ท่าเรือบางโรง - เกาะยาวน้อย

The atmosphere on the passenger boat from Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Noi is…

Note: The original text only provides the title of the content, so I cannot provide a complete translation. To provide a more accurate and comprehensive translation, I would need the full text or at least a few sentences describing the atmosphere on the boat.

At 11:30 AM, with the passengers ready, the speedboat departed from Bang Rong Pier. The surrounding mangrove forests were lush and abundant. The clear sky on the day of travel made the sea a beautiful azure blue.

Small islands dot the landscape as you travel.

After about 30 minutes, we arrived at the pier. At Koh Yao Noi, there will be songthaews (shared taxis) waiting to serve you. Walk up to the driver and tell them you want to go to Laan Rim Lay Restaurant at Pradu Bridge.

Bang: (He asked) Would you like to stay overnight?

Me: Well, then let's stay overnight on the island (I didn't actually plan to stay overnight, but the atmosphere is so beautiful that I couldn't resist. I didn't bring much stuff, so I'll have to buy it here).

Bang: Let me take you to a place to rest first.

Okay, (people here are kind).

We took a songthaew with Bang to find accommodation near Haad Phai Sand Beach. Bang took us to a place he knew, but it was fully booked. We also asked about rooms and bungalows on the beachfront, but they were all full, probably because it was a holiday. So we decided to rent a motorbike first and drive to the Lan Rim Le restaurant, and then look for accommodation along the way. Bang then took us to a shop in the market to rent a motorbike from Bang Lee.

The atmosphere at Pa Sai Beach

Upon arriving at the market, we came across Bang Lee's shop, a comprehensive store offering a wide range of phones and accessories, along with motorbike rentals. We opted for an automatic transmission motorbike, which cost 300 baht per day.

After getting the car, we stopped to fill up the tank. On Koh Yao, you'll see these kinds of glass-tube gas stations everywhere.

Starting from the market, I traveled to Saphan Pradu Bridge. My destination for the day was the Lan Rim Le restaurant, which I had planned to visit. Along the way, I enjoyed the scenery of rice fields, cows, and buffaloes. It was incredible to see rice farming on an island. If I had come during the rice-growing season, it would have been even more beautiful.

After arriving at the Saphan Pradu Bridge, you will find a community of houses along the coast. Follow the bridge straight to the "Lan Rim Le Na Koh Yao Noi" restaurant, which is the last one. It is like a house with a courtyard that has been converted into a restaurant where you can relax by the sea.

"The Rest Calm Koh Yao Noi" at Rimlay Lan, Koh Yao Noi

The ambiance is top-notch, with the restaurant providing tiger crab seating complete with comfortable cushions.

The restaurant's menu features a fusion of seafood dishes. Beverages include iced tea and soda.

While waiting for the food, you can sit and enjoy the sea breeze and admire the mangrove forest.

The highlight of this place is the "Khao Niao Mamuang" (sticky rice with mango). The sticky rice is soft and chewy, and the mango is sweet and juicy. The coconut milk sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

The food is here!

Fried fish tofu, red soda and green soda, cool and refreshing.

"Som Tum Tok Krok" with its harmonious flavor pairs perfectly with fresh seafood.

"Spaghetti with olive oil and shrimp"

Exquisite cuisine in a stunning setting. Relax and enjoy a coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the oceanfront terrace. A must-visit on Koh Yao Noi.

"The Rest Calm Koh Yao Noi, a beachfront haven on Koh Yao Noi."

After enjoying the atmosphere at the Lan Rim Le, we took a leisurely ride around the island. Our next stop was the "Sacred Well," located on the road from Saphan Ton Pradu to Ban An Pao. As we drove, the sea stretched out on our left, while a rubber plantation covered the hillside on our right. Riding a motorbike on Koh Yao is truly a blissful experience.

The breathtaking views of the islands along the way captivated us, leaving us mesmerized as we stopped to admire the scenery.

Here we are at the "sacred well," which is said to be a small freshwater well located in the middle of the sea. When the tide is high, the well is submerged and invisible. However, when the tide recedes, the water in the well becomes completely fresh. Locals believe that the water in this well is sacred and can cure diseases. What we see here is a natural wonder.

Fortunately, the water level had receded when we arrived, revealing a path made of stones by the villagers. We followed this narrow trail through the mangrove forest along the riverbank.

Looking around for a water source, I noticed a small pond with stones arranged around it, presumably to make the water clearer. I saw about three ponds, but I'm not sure how many there actually are. Looking at the surroundings, I wondered how it could be freshwater, as it is located by the sea and would be submerged and filled with seawater during high tide. At this point, I decided to try dipping my hand into the small pond and tasting the water. To my surprise, it was actually freshwater! If you don't believe me, you'll have to come and see for yourself.

After visiting the sacred well, we looped back on the same road but didn't head towards the market. Instead, we took another route to reach "Ban Tha Khao." The natural beauty of the rubber plantation offered a different kind of scenery during our motorbike ride around the island. This is arguably another charm of Koh Yao.

While driving to Tha Khao, I saw a sign for "Haad Yao" and decided to follow it without thinking much. The road was a mix of concrete and gravel, making for a bit of an adventure. The entrance to Haad Yao beach was also very deep, which was a bit unsettling.

As we drove deeper into the rubber plantation, the absence of houses and oncoming traffic became increasingly unsettling. Being two women alone, we began to discuss turning back, as there was no sign of the beach and only endless rows of rubber trees. However, as we turned the car around, a man emerged on a motorbike. We decided to ask him for directions.

Me: Does Long Beach go this way, and is it still far?

Brother: We're almost there, just a little further. It's beautiful back in Tahad.

Upon hearing this, I turned around and continued driving. It was only a short distance to the entrance of Long Beach. As I drove in, I was greeted by a herd of cows, which made me feel more at ease knowing I had company. When I arrived, I saw motorcycles parked, which made me feel even more at ease.

The first sight of "Haad Yao" on Koh Yao Noi is truly breathtaking. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see, with small islands dotting the horizon. It's a scene of unparalleled beauty that must be witnessed in person to be fully appreciated. The reality surpasses any photograph.

During low tide, villagers can be seen collecting shellfish.

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"Long Beach"

"Long Beach"

An unusual sight: a herd of cows grazing by the sea, a scene of pure nature.

Leaving Long Beach, we head towards Ban Tha Khao. On the eastern side of the island, Ban Tha Khao has a pier that connects to Krabi. This side of the beach offers a variety of resorts and accommodations. Staying at Ban Tha Khao provides stunning views of the "Forest Island".

A pair of hornbills, a symbol of Koh Yao Noi, can be found at the pier of Ban Tha Khao. These hornbills are native to the island and live in the wild.

Ban Tha Khao Pier

Front view of the forest island Ban Tha Khao

A scenic ride around the island, cycling along the coastline.

After riding around the island from Tha Khao to Ban Pa Sai, we drove straight to the market to buy new clothes.

The bustling atmosphere of Koh Yao Noi's market is the heart of the island, offering a variety of shops, souvenir stalls, convenience stores, pharmacies, and more.

While driving to the market, I found a fan room for 300 baht per night at "Koh Yao Garden Bungalow," which is located opposite the BAAC bank. I got the fan room because the bungalows were all full and the air-conditioned rooms were all booked. But that's okay, I was only staying one night. The room here was very spacious.

By the time everyone had showered and dressed, it was already dusk, and it was time for dinner.

Tonight, let's have dinner at a restaurant by the sea, "Haad Pa Sai". There are many restaurants to choose from, so you can choose the one you like.

Delicious food, beachfront atmosphere, "Pa Sai" restaurant, moderately expensive, fresh seafood.

After a savory meal, it's time for a sweet treat. In Koh Yao, indulge in a delicious "roti" before bed.

Visit the "Roong Nom Na Koh Yao Noi" restaurant, located near your accommodation and the market.

I'm craving roti and iced green tea before bed.

Waking up early in the morning, I longed to witness the breathtaking sunrise. However, my accommodation was situated within the market area, obstructing the view of the ocean and the island's lush forests. Therefore, I decided to drive to the sandy beach on the other side of the island, arriving just in time to capture the first rays of sunlight. The golden glow was truly radiant.

Golden light shines on the rippling seawater, passing through the view of the island forest.

As the sun rose higher, the heat intensified, prompting us to leave the beach and continue our journey by motorbike. Along the way, we noticed numerous shops selling rice noodles, a popular breakfast dish in this region. However, the enticing aroma of fried chicken led us to stop at a sticky rice and fried chicken stall.

Choose your favorite fish with rice porridge, fried chicken, and a cup of hot fragrant tea.

Before leaving the accommodation, I took some pictures of the bungalow area to share.

We will be leaving today to catch the 11:00 AM ferry. We have a little time left, so we decided to go find a coffee shop.

I came across "Coffee Break Koh Yao Noi", a cafe recommended on TripAdvisor. The cafe is conveniently located opposite Koh Yao Chai Phat Hospital. It's a small, cozy place perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

This restaurant has a loyal customer base, including both Thai locals and international tourists.

Introducing the adorable 3D cat-shaped Espresso, boasting a delightful and aromatic coffee flavor.

"Forest view island" in the late morning, near noon, the sea water starts to rise, it will be beautiful in another way.

In front of "Cape Kudu Hotel, Koh Yao Noi"

Returning to this side again because someone requested to try "Cafe' Kantary", a new branch on Koh Yao Noi. The "Cafe' Kantary" on Koh Yao Noi focuses on a white, comfortable decoration.

This place offers both delicious food and desserts.

Amidst the crystal-clear emerald waters, a string of tiny islands adorns the seascape, framing the beachfront of the Cape Kudu Hotel.

Looking at the clock, it's almost time to return the car to Bang Lee's shop and call Bang, who dropped me off yesterday, to pick me up at the shop.

Thank you "Koh Yao Noi" for the unplanned and unprepared overnight trip, but I was very impressed with this place. The atmosphere of the island is beautiful, peaceful, and safe. The island has all the amenities, a variety of accommodations, and plenty of food. "Koh Yao Noi_Happiness within reach" Even though it was a short time, I will definitely be back soon. I will prepare well and make time to take a long-tail boat trip to see the various islands.

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