Andaman peace in peak season

Posted by admin on December 27th, 2009 filed in Andaman Coast, Culture & customs, Expat life, Island life, Living here, Nightlife, People, Phuket & Krabi, Top attractions, Travel destinations, Visiting

The island of Koh Yao is not the most popular destination on the Andaman coast, although there are a number of aspects that make it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

Found directly between Phuket and Thailand’s Krabi coast, Koh Yao is actually two islands, Koh Yao Yai and Kok Yao Noi. The latter is where most of the local people and traveller accommodation is, despite being smaller.

Costs are much lower that the surrounding area, even in high season when most guesthouses are still booked up to the hilt. And there are many lovely beaches and restaurants to explore in the vicinity without the crowds of tourists and hawkers that characterise Phuket and the mainland resorts.

Basic but charming bungalows facing the beach are still on offer for around 300baht a night over the peak Christmas season. And, although nightlife is not exactly pumping, there are a few bars with live music, cable television plus decent grub.

If you fancy indulging yourself, then the Six Senses Hideaway resort is the place to be. This six star spa and hotel has its own delicatessen, spring water, helipad and two restaurants serving innovative takes on classic dishes such as massaman curried wagu beef cheek.

It is also possible to take a trip to some of the stunning limestone cliffs and beaches off the coast, with private boat charters starting at around 1,500baht including snorkels and snacks. The lagoon at Hong Island is a breathtaking natural wonder plus there are unique communities of sea gypsies still living in cliff faces high above the water as they have done for thousands of years.

Certainly Koh Yao Noi is a great place to visit for a cheap and relaxing break, although judging by the speed in which new resorts and developments are springing up, it may not be staying that way for too much longer.