Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is tiny island nestled between the giants of Phuket and Krabi and is known for its fishing villages and rubber plantations. A part of the Koh Yao Islands, it has a twin in the form of Koh Yao Noi and belongs in the Phang Nga Bay. The presence of towering coconut groves and neat wooden homes is proof of the fact that there is beauty in simplicity. In fact, most of Koh Yao Yai’s predominantly Muslim population makes its money by farming and fishing unlike other resorts that earn through tourism. This place has a dozen budget hotels and a few big names in the hospitality industry that mostly cater to honeymooners looking for a private, unspoiled getaway. For regular tourists, the beaches of Lo Jark and Lo Paret are the most popular. Even if you visit the island with the intention of doing nothing but relaxing, don’t miss out on the chance to go for a mangrove kayaking trip.
The ‘Big Long Island’ is a lot bigger than Koh Yao Noi but is evidently not as touristy. Stretching to a size of 30 km, it is a short 25 minute speedboat ride away from the east coast of Phuket. You can rent a bicycle or a motor bike to go around Koh Yao Yai and have a whale of a time.