Wide vistas, quiet beaches and a great choice of day trips
Just a few minutes by boat or helicopter from Phuket, Koh Yao, in Thailand’s enchanting Phang Nga Bay, has none of the development of its larger neighbour. In fact it’s relatively undiscovered for this part of Thailand and feels like a real tropical hideaway.
Our favourite resort on the island is Six Senses Yao Noi. Offering sweeping views of Phang Nga Bay, it occupies an idyllic stretch of sand on one of the most beautiful sections of waterfront.
During your stay in Phang Nga Bay you can explore the dramatic limestone rock formations which rise out of the sea here, kayak around the mangrove forests of Tha Lane and Lam Taeng and go island-hopping by longtail boat. One of the most popular day trips from Koh Yao is Phi Phi Island which is easily accessible by speedboat. James Bond island, which was featured in the film The Man With The Golden Gun, is another popular excursion.
Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, you can venture out on a nature bike trail around the bay.