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Swing or hammock - take your pick! |
Koh Yao is a set of beautiful, pristine, and largely undeveloped islands near Phuket in Thailand. It is way less crowded and more peaceful than the nearby Phi Phi Islands. Less than an hour's boat ride away from Krabi pier, it is fairly easy to reach. What sets it apart are the wooden swings and hammocks on every beach, where you can spend hours doing nothing. And the little beach shacks and cafes with great food and fruits, and ever-smiling Thais. And the fact that if you go to one of the smaller islands, you are most likely to be the only person on the beach!
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There are few options for accommodation - you either opt for luxury bungalows or for backpacker cottages like these! |
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All of Koh Yao's beaches have shells of amazing shapes and colours |
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Definitely my favourite place to sit! |
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In the island interiors, the jungles and bat caves are still intact |
I hired a fishing boat for a day, to visit some of the smaller islands nearby. Koh Kudu was one that stood out. Limestone rocks close off the entrance to the island, forming a small lagoon in the process. The beach has it all - soft white sand, green water, incredible views! Take away all the noise and trash from Phi Phi and Phang Nga (James Bond island) and you have Koh Yao!
You won't have the same level of comfort and hotel facilities, and that means spending the night with frogs and lizards (and some other unidentifiable insects) in your room. I hitchhiked a ride on my last day, from the hotel to the pier - my companions being lots of hotel towels. The van driver, boatman and every other person I met was just super-friendly and helpful, and I was greeted by a lot of "India Thai - same same"!
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Koh Roi |
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Koh Kudu's two towers |
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Picnic on the beach! |
