The enchanting Koh Yao Island region encompasses some 44 small islands and covers an area of more than 140 square kilometres. Nestled in this archipelago lie two main islands – Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. In English, these names translate to ‘little long island’ and ‘big long island’ respectively. Koh Yao Islands – Geography

Transport to and from the Koh Yao Islands is via boat (obviously!) and you rent your own or go public, it takes about an hour from Phuket or Krabi. However this is preceded bya a 30 minute taxi rid from Phuket International Airport to Bang Rong Pier on the East side of Phuket. Koh Yao Island Ferry

According to figures in the Koh Yao directory, Koh Yao has a population of about 12,000 people. With the population of Koh Yao Noi being 30% of that (approximately 4000) and Koh Yao Yai is the remainder – 8000. It is believed the original inhabitants of the Koh Yao Islands were the Andaman Sea Gypsies. However, now, like a lot of Southern Thai people, the villagers are a mix of Thai, Malay, Burmese and Chinese descent. Koh Yao Islands – Population

As the islands have developed Koh Yao Island now offers local schooling. Education on the Koh Yao Islands

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand. Unlike most of Thailand, the vast majority of inhabitants in Koh Yao are, in fact, Muslim. Koh Yao Island – Religion