This group of islands lies in the Phang Nga Bay, equidistant from Phuket and Krabi. The two main islands of the group are Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai.

Yao Noi, the popular and smaller of the two, gained prominence after being bestowed the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine in 2002. This award was given for the eco-friendly home stay programs offered by its local residents.

Both the islands are comparatively underdeveloped, but Yao Noi has a few shops, restaurants, ATM and Internet services. The locals are not keen on developing the island into a tourist destination and want to preserve their traditional way of living. They believe that the island should not be disfigured like the nearby Phuket.

Tourists should respect local culture, while visiting the islands. They should dress conservatively and refrain from consuming alcohol outside restaurants and hotels.

The convenient way to reach these unspoilt islands is to take a longtail boat from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket’s east coast. Ferries services in this route, halts at Yao Yai and then proceed to Yao Noi. The other options are to take longtails from Phang Nga or Krabi. Chartered longtails are available from Ao Por pier in Phuket.

From Bangkok, you can fly to Phuket and then take a taxi to the pier (route 4027 from Heroine’s Monument)

Many resorts run their own shuttle boat services. Chartering a seaplane is another expensive option.

For moving within the island, motorcycles are available for hire. Tuk-tuks crisscross the island, taking passengers back and forth.

Both the islands have limited accommodation options. Home stay programs are popular. The few bungalows available offer basic accommodation facilities. There are some luxury resorts as well.

Lam Sai Village Hotel and The Paradise Ko Yao Boutique Resort and Spa are two luxury resorts in Yao Noi. Elixir Resort, Yao Yai Resort and Thiwson Beach Resort are those in Yao Yai.

Yao Noi has some restaurants and small eateries near the beach. There are very few restaurants serving Western cuisine, still it is possible to find burgers, French fries and even spaghettis.

To taste authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Hideaway Restaurant is perfect. Patarasak at Yao Noi has on offer fresh seafood and an excellent wine collection. The Pyramid Bar with its live music and friendly ambience is excellent to rewind after a day’s activities.

The island doesn’t have any special landmark or activities other than kayaking. The peaceful, laidback atmosphere of Yao Islands is highly contagious and tourists come here to enjoy this tranquility.

When you enter the island, it is like going back a couple of decades. Not many vehicles ply the island roads except a few motorcycles and tuk-tuks. Some of roads are not even paved; they are just tracks.

The beaches are all located along the east coast, while the west coast has mangroves and rice fields. Quite a few exotic islands are located close to Yao Islands.

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