Koh Yao
is located in the south of Phang-nga Bay, lying
horizontally, 42 kilometers away from the mainland
of Phang-nga Province. It is a district of Phang-nga
Province with a total area of 141.067 square kilometers,
consisting of 44 islands. Of these islands, the
two most important ones are Koh Yao Noi and Koh
Yao Yai, which is twice size of of Koh Yao Noi.
Koh Yao Noi is the center of government with all
government offices located there. Koh Yao has many
tourist attractions that still maintain their natural
beauty along with many beautiful beaches. The people
of this island lead a simple life bond with the
sea along with making a living from the sea. Apart
from this, not far from the coast of Koh Yao are
many exotic islands, which increase the beauty of
Koh Yao.
In record in Thalang history, which was written
in 1841, were the word, During the end of the Ayutthaya
era Koh Yao, Koh Lang, Laem Pak Pra were under Thalang,
which shows that Koh Yao used to be under the government
of Thalang or Phuket of now. In 1903 Koh Yao changed
its status to a sub-district and later in 1988 was
changed to a district. It is believed that the early
population of Koh Yao sought refuge from war in
Trang and Satun provinces. Those who came from Trang
settled on Koh Yao Noi while those from Satun settled
on Koh Yao Yai. Now (in 2002) Koh Yao has a population
of Koh Yao are rubber, coconut and cashew nut plantations,
fishery, and herding.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is the location of Koh Yao District
Administrative Office. Interesting tourist attractions
on Koh Yao Noi are as follow:
Pa Sai Beach is about seven kilometers away from
the District Administrative Office. This long stretch
of white, pristine beach is a place where you can
swim is shady with lots of trees. It also provides
a spectacular view of the islands.
Klong Jaak Beach from a viewpoint on this beach
you can see almost the whole of Koh Yao.
Ao Kian is under the control of the Phang-nga Bay
National Park, located on the north of Koh Yao Noi.
It has a lush forest with many large trees, along
with a white beach and perfect swimming place.
Apart from this, tourist may hire a boat from Koh
Yao to Pa Koh, which is a group of more than 100
islands, such as Koh Lao Ka Lao, Koh Lao La Ding,
and Koh Pak Bia. They can also go snorkeling at
Koh Hong and Krabi.
Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is the largest island on Koh Yao District
and many interesting beaches, such as Ao Thi Kud,
Ao Klong Son, Ao Sai, La Pa Raed Beach, Ao Laan,
Ao Hin Kong, and Laem Nok Og. Lo Jaak pier is an
important pier from Koh Yao to Phuket. The water
at the pier is clear and schools of fish swim near
the bridge at the pier. Visitors can see the production
of dried anchovies (pla ching chang) here. There
are inexpensive bungalows on the island along with
home-stay accommodations with the local people,
who make a living by fishery or agriculture, to
learn their lifestyle. Beautiful beaches on Koh
Yao Yai are:
Loh Jaak Beach
and Loh Jaak Pier is an important pier from Koh
Yao Yai to Phuket. Merchandise worth over 100,000
baht pass through this pier daily. The beach here
is white, and the water is clean and clear. Schools
of fish swimming near the bridge are a beautiful
attracttion. Visitors can also go fishing or search
for shells or see the production process of making
dried anchovies (pla ching chang). Long-tail boats
can be hired to go to Koh Kai Nok or Koh Kai Nai.
There are two trips leaving the pier to Phuket everyday
at 8 pm and 2 pm daily.
Loh Pa Raed Beach
is located in the middle of the island, on the west
coast. The long, white beach is parallel to coconut
plantations, ideal for camping, swimming, and seeing
different types of shells, along with the lifestyle
of the Hua Tong boat fishermen. Moreover, there
are beautiful rocks on the north of the beach.
Klong Son Beach
is ideal for camping amidst the wilderness where
you can see boars, mouse deer, and various kinds
of birds. You can also take a walk on the beach
and look for shells or arrange a campfire night.
Ao Thi Kud
is located on the west of the island. At the north
of the bay is a cape with a beautiful view.
Ao Laan has
a beautiful beach where you can also go swimming.
To the north of the beach is deep waters. Getting
to this beach would be more convenient by boat.
There are also many other interesting islands around
Koh Yao as follows:
Koh Kai Nog
has rocks and beautiful beaches with clear water.
You can also dive around the island to see the coral
and the various types of fish. A school of dolphins
can be seen here almost everyday. Koh Kai Nog can
be reached by boat from Lo Jaak pier or from Phuket,
which is 15 kilometers away.
Koh Kai Nai
is a small island with beautiful beaches and shady
trees. There are no constructions on the island
to come between you and nature. Snorkelling here
you will feel that you truly are in a marine national
park. See different types of coral and underwater
marine life up close. It takes about 25 minutes
by long-tail boat to get to Koh Kai Nai from Loh
Jaak pier.
Koh Rang Nok
(Li Peh) is one of the many islands where swallows
make their nests. Swallows nests from Koh Yao are
considered to be of the highest quality. Normally
visitors are only allowed to see the island from
the boat, as going on the island would be disturbing
the swallows.
Koh Nog is
an island nearby Koh Yao Noi. It has beautiful beaches
suitable for camping. This is a very private island
and can be reached by a small long-tail boat, which
can accept about 5-10 passengers per trip. The price
is about 300-500 baht per boat.
Koh Phii (Pu Lao Hantu),
this island has the skeletons of sea gypsies in
a cave. Sea gypsies normally pass by this island.
Visitors can go diving around island. The island
is also another place where swallows make their
nests and visitors are not allowed on it.
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