A power boat in southern Thailand greeted us as we arrived by taxi from the Phuket Airport. The blue waters beckoned and invited us along for the journey. Boats in this part of the country are great melting pots. Europeans, Americans (north and south) and plenty of folks from all parts of Asia were coming to Ko Yao Noi for a variety of reasons – to get away budget style, to park it at one of the small luxury properties, for honeymoon or ferrying supplies across the water. We were coming here for some R&R and to explore this relatively quiet island (compared to the hustle and bustle of Phuket city on the mainland).
We arrived at a small privately owned property (Villaguna) overlooking an amazing view of the Phang Nga Bay and the picturesque limestone islands in the background. Renting motorbikes is the way to see the island – we took off for the other side of the island – following a road that had no outlet. This immediately separated us from the tourists that race back and forth on the main road. We stumbled into women collecting snails from the brackish water, saw plenty of rubber trees and stopped to explore several small villages.
We stumbled upon a sign for “Long Beach” in the Northeast part of the island. After 3 km of riding our motorbikes fast over dirt roads we arrived at a little bit of secluded paradise. A husband wife team own this tiny part of the island and they run a little fruit and drink shop. This would be the perfect spot for a resort – but the owner would have significant development costs due to its remote location. I much prefer it’s current natural setting.
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- A refreshing moment as we rounded the bend on the motorbike!
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- A tasty Brazilian style Capirinha
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- Tasty ice cream
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- Low tide near fishing village
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- Gorgeous scenery from west side of island
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- Great place to enjoy some food!
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- Wizzing along on one of the most popular ways to get around the island
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- Pool at Villaguna Resort
Hi Dave, wondering if you ever tried explore this little island on bike? I heard this is the best way of exploring the island…Planning a trip currently to this beautiful island:)
Simon Lee
Simon – that is the primary way we explored the island (other than plenty of swimming and walking on the beaches!). There are plenty of affordable motorbike rental places (the bikes are all automatic) and its easy and safe to get around the island. Most people drive quite slowly and there isn’t huge amounts of traffic. The ignition has a lock on most of the bikes here – with a hexagonal instrument to open it on the keychain – first I’ve ever seen that!
Thanks for the tips Dave, will definitely rent a bike during our trip middle this year:)
Dave, the article feels incomplete! I hope you can add some more about this wonderful island. Or.. perhaps you are currently there? In any case, can’t wait to read more. 🙂
Yep, just a quick glimpse into some of our experiences on the island – I have a more in depth piece coming out in a few weeks. Sometimes you find an island where you don’t want to do much of anything – Ko Yao Noi was this place for me 🙂
Just got back to Eastern Thailand – will be down there again soon I suspect. More small islands I can’t wait to explore 🙂
thanks for info dave….one find day i will explore it