Koh Yao Noi

There are places that are so breathtakingly beautiful that even a camera cannot really capture their appeal. Koh Yao Noi is one of those places. Owing to the eco-friendly homestays it boasts of, this isle received the World Legacy Award from Conservation International as well, and is therefore quite a big name in Thailand. Keeping the rich and the affluent in mind, luxury hotels and private villas also dot this 160 square kilometre island and the most notable names include ‘Six Senses’ and the ‘Koyao Island Resort’. There are supremely beautiful mangrove forests embellishing its west coast, while the east has pristine beaches. It has also morphed into one of the more modern islands in the Phang Nga bay with its supermarkets, cool cafes, fashion boutiques and of course, uninterrupted internet supply. Banking facilities are, however, yet to reach Koh Yao Noi and it is advisable to carry enough cash to last your stay.

If you get tired of lazing on the many beaches of this exotic paradise, there is a huge yoga retreat and a Thai Boxing Camp that you could sign up for. Since alcohol is almost a taboo in Koh Yao Noi (and Koh Yao Yai), it is difficult to find great bars on the island. Teetotallers can rejoice. Also known as the ‘Small Long Island’, it is less than 30 minutes from Phuket by speedboat.