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| Above photo: Koh Yao, Thailand © Photo courtesy of Elixir Resort |
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Koh Yao Honeymoon, ThailandStep back in time and experience the authentic atmosphere of rural Thailand on the unspoiled islands of Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island) and Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island). Both islands sit in the centre of Phang Nga Bay – an idyllic destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway holiday. Fringed with steep jungle-clad limestone cliffs interspersed with white- and golden-sand beaches, Koh Yao offers a peaceful island escape just a short boat ride away from the crowds and bustling commercialism of nearby Phuket and Koh Phi Phi islands. Things to do and seeExperience the local culture and customs of Koh Yao and watch the mainly Muslin population go about their daily life of fishing, shrimp farming, rubber tapping, rice cultivation and batik painting while exploring the lush beauty of the islands on foot, by kayak or mountain bike. Rich in natural beauty and measuring only 12km at its longest point, Koh Yao Noi is easy to explore on the concrete and red dirt roads that weave across the island. Here, you can cycle past tiny coconut palm-fringed villages, domed mosques, rubber-tree plantations and ricefields and reach crescents of white sand that offer good swimming and snorkelling as well as great views across to Koh Yao Yai and the towering limestone pinnacles that dot tranquil Phang Nga Bay. Take a two-hour bike ride around the paved 17km-long ring road that runs around the southern part of Koh Yao Noi, stopping off on one of the inviting beaches for a refreshing swim or to admire the stunning maritime views from the one large hill west of Tha Khoa. Along the way look out for monkeys, pythons and various species of birds including sea eagles and the majestic oriental pied hornbill. If cycling proves too strenuous, hire a motorcycle instead. Explore secluded coves and beaches by kayak and perhaps paddle across to Koh Yao Yai or to one of the towering islets that lie off the east coast. Sign up for a snorkelling or longtail boat excursion to some of these islands such as tiny Koh Nok, a small double-karst island about a kilometre off Hat Sai Taew Beach. Rock climb some of the island’s superb sea cliffs such as the Watch Tower and the Grateful Wall, which is only accessible by boat and offers 6a-class climbs, or try the 7a+ climbs on Mitt Wall. AccommodationChoose from a selection of pretty guesthouses and beach resorts such as the 4-star Paradise Koh Ya and the luxurious 5-star Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi, both of which are located on the east coast of Koh Yao Noi. Or try the luxury Elixir Resort Koh Yao on Koh Yao Yai. | ||||||||||
Best time to visit Koh Yao?The best time to visit Koh Yao is during the dry season from December to April when the skies are sunny and the sea warm and calm. The average temperature throughout the year remains a consistent 30˚C.The southwest monsoon lasts from the end of May until the middle of October; this off-season period brings less crowds and cheaper accommodation and, as the locals are quick to point out, it does not rain all day, averaging about 10 rainy days a month. Location– Koh Yoa is located in Phang Nga Bay.Getting there– Both Koh Yao islands are easily reached by longtail boat from Phuket, Ao Thalen on Krabi and Phang Nga, with the larger resorts providing direct transport options. |
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| Last updated: 9 April, 2012 | ||||||||||
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