Koh yao Hotels & Resorts

Before you choose your trip, here’s some general information about the area of Koyao and Phang Nga bay.

Formation of the Phang Nga Bay

Long ago when sea levels were lower it is very likely that the Phang Nga Bay was just a large valley with limestone pinnacles. Nowadays the bay holds more than 100 small islands (of which the largest 2 are KoYao Noi and Koyao Yai) . The water is nowhere deeper than 20 meters and the bay has a muddy bottom. This mud flows into the bay from the mangrove forests that surround the bay. It creates the murky look of the water and the further you go south the clearer the water gets. Here the bottom is sandy and this is the place where the best diving and snorkeling spots are to be found.

The limestone islands are very brittle and erosion is what creates the spectacular formations of the islands ridges. Because this area receives heave rainy during the monsoon season, the rain literally runs through the limestone rocks creating the numerous stalactites you’ll see when you get closer to the islands. The ‘napes’ and ‘balconies’ that you’ll see on the islands are created by the seas tides. The high tides comes in from the South creating an upwards current, during low tide when the bay ‘empties’ the water leaves the bay by a southward running current. This is also the reason that most of the islands in the Phang Nga Bay are shaped longer than wider.

Hongs & Caves

Several islands in the Phang Nga Bay have ‘hidden’ lagoons and caves inside them. These are called ‘hongs’ which is the Thai word for ‘room’. They are created by a combination of eroding limestone and the currents created by the tides. The best caves and lagoons are accessible only by canoe and can be found on Ko Panak, situated Northeast of KoYao Noi and easily accessible from the Koyao Island Resorts. Here the lagoons are truly hidden, surrounded by high cliffs and only accessible by canoe. Another spectacular large hong that has open access is in Koh Hong; the biggest island opposite the Koyao Island Resort.

Mangrove forests

The Phang Nga Bay is surrounded by large mangrove forests. The forests are full of exotic birds, monkeys and monitor lizards. They are a shelter for young fish and other marine life. Mangrove forests also protect coastal areas against tsunamis. Recently the Thai government has banned logging of these trees which has resulted in a healthier fish stock in the bay and larger mangrove forests.

These mangrove forests are great for canoeing. Excursions can be booked to two different mangrove forests, ‘Ao Thalen’ which is approximately 45 minutes away from Koyao Island Resort and can be combined with a lunch and some snorkeling on a beach nearby. ‘Laem Taeng’ is approximately 1 hour away by longtail boat. This area consists of two large mangrove swamps surrounded by high cliffs.

Beaches and snorkeling

The islands surrounding Koh Yao Noi have some spectacular beaches and snorkeling spots. If you like a tranquil day without too much activity but away from the Island, try to visit Egg Island or Phi Phi Island.

Sunset BBQ-Trip
You get picked up in a longtail boat and taken to the nearby island Koh Nok (about 10 minutes boat ride) for some swimming and to watch the amazing sunsets. While you watch the sun set your host prepares a delicious bbq for you on the fire. Best time to leave is around 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Boat Trip – the 4 Island Tour
You will get picked up in a local longtail boat and after a short boat ride arrive at Ko Hong beach and lagoon. Ko Hong, which is famous for its majestic lagoon enclosed inside the island with pristine beaches to the east and west, is the perfect island for a relaxig time on the beach and swimming and snorkeling in the sea. After Koh Hong you will drive on to Koh Lading – a small island well known for its caves full of bird nests and you can listen to the amazing stories about bird nests and the secrets around its collectors told by our guide. Try to get some toast to feed to the colorful fish. Afterwards, you will go to Ko Pak Bia with more opportunities for swimming and relaxing and having a little lunch.

Boat Trip – Big Tree and the island Koh Roi, Koh Lokodu
You will get picked up in a local longtail boat and after a short boat ride arrive at a small bay with a quiet beach. From there you will take a short 5 minute walk through the jungle to the Big Tree. The big tree is a very old gigantic tree. The tree is very old and so gigantic, that it would take 25 people to hold hands around its base. Ask your guide about the legend if you are interested in miths and history!

After visiting big tree, the boat will take you to Koh Kodu, a nice quiet bay away from the main tourist stream where you can swim and have lunch. Just a further 10 minute boat ride away you will get to visit the beautiful hong of Koh Roi, where you can can watch many different birds in the trees above and take a swim.

Boat Trip – Phang Nga Caves, Floating Village and James Bond Island
You get picked up in a local longtail boat and drive towards Phang Nga where you can visit caves and see stalactite formations along the way. In some of the caves the Sea Gypsies had been living and sometimes local fisherman still sleep there.

You will pass by mangrove trees and visit the famous James Bond Island. For lunch you will stopp at the floating village Ko Panyee where you can also do some souvenir shopping and have a look around the village, where you can buy real pearls.

On the boat ride back to Ko Yao and for those who would like to see more fish and corals, you can stop at another island for snorkeling before returning home.

Boat Trip – Phang Nga Caves and Kayaking
Laem Taeng is an area in the unspoiled Northeastern part of Phang Nga Bay and consists of several large mangrove swamps. This trip is one for true nature lovers as this area is one of the quieter and less visited of the bay. You canoe through thick mangrove forests where an abundance of wildlife awaits you. Birds like kingfishers, egrets and sea eagles are guaranteed.

On the way there you can explore the hidden world of the tidal caves and lagoons. Thousands of years old stalactites and stalagmites can be seen inside the caves. If you are lucky, you might even spot some wild monkeys around the island.

Boat Trip – Snorkeling and Koh PhiPhi
The islands Koh Phiphi have become famous through the movie „The Beach“ with Leonardo DiCaprio. Explore these famous Islands and enjoy a day of snorkeling and natural highlights. Feed the fish and try to catch one just with your hands, you will realize how close they come. Phi Phi Island is still one of the most amazing places for Scuba diving and snorkeling in Southeast Asia, so take your chance and discover this breathtaking world.

Discover the secrets of Phi Phi Ley (Maya Bay, Loh Sama Bay, Bileh, Viking Cave) and experience the amazing underwater world of Phi Phi Island.

If you would like, you can take some time for sightseeing in Phi Phi Don, do some shopping and have lunch in a nice restaurant near the beach or head on to Ko Pai (Bamboo Island) before going back to Ko Yao Noi.

 

Boat Trip – Snorkeling and Swimming around Ao Nang
Some of the sandiest beaches can be found near Ao Nang Krabi. You will get picked-up in a local longtail boat and after a 50 minute boat ride arrive at Chicken and Podu Island for some relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Afterwards it is up to you whether you would like to do some more swimming at famous Raylay beach or if you prefer to take a stroll around the shopping mile in Ao Nang.