Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast, jungle trekking to hill tribe villages in the North, or discovering the ancient capitals, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
Just a 30-minute speedboat ride from bustling Phuket, Koh Yao Noi feels worlds away—quiet, scenic and wonderfully protected from the mass development that defines much of the Andaman Coast. The island is the second largest in the Koh Yao archipelago, a cluster of forty-four islands scattered across Phang Nga Bay, and is prized for its peaceful pace and extraordinary views of the bay’s towering karst formations. Much of Koh Yao Noi remains beautifully intact: mangrove forests thrive along the shoreline, the interior is cloaked in dense jungle, and the eastern coast opens to a string of soft, sandy beaches. These landscapes lend themselves to a wide range of activities, from kayaking through tranquil lagoons and cycling on quiet village roads, to hiking forest trails, snorkelling in clear shallows or simply swimming in calm, sheltered bays. With its dramatic sea cliffs, blue-green lagoons and gentle island atmosphere, Koh Yao Noi appeals equally to travellers seeking an active nature-focused escape and those in search of a restful, low-key beach retreat.
