BEACH
Ao Muong is a beautiful beach away from the hustle and bustle on Ko Yao Yai. A perfect place to relax in the southwest of the island. Ao Muong has a very relaxed atmosphere, and we really enjoy coming here to calm down. If you prefer a beach with lots of sand, there are better beach options in Thailand. Here, all the sand disappears at high tide. Sunbathing here is most often done on a beach chair on the grass.
At high tide you can enjoy swimming in the sea, but at low tide it is better to swim in the pool, as the water retreats far, and the sand turns into rock field. Despite these inconveniences, we do recommend visiting this beach. The stunning surroundings and the proper stays make it a nice place for us to go.
WHERE TO STAY
The Elixir Koh Yao Yai, an upper range resort, is the only hotel on the beach. The hotel is a beautifully designed place where you can enjoy the silence and nature for a few days. The sea views, especially during sunsets, are unforgettable.
Besides the hotel restaurant, you find 2 small local restaurants nearby.
ISLAND
Ko Yao Yai is one of the 2 main islands in the Ko Yao archipelago, located in the Phang Nga Bay. The other main island is Ko Yao Noi. Together, these islands are known for their natural beauty and tranquility.
Ko Yao Yai is the largest island and is a somewhat more extensive island of about 30 kilometers long. The island is located between touristy Phuket and Krabi and to our surprise, tourism here is still in its infancy. On Ko Yao Yai you are usually one of the few tourists.
Enjoying a nice swim requires some organization on the beaches of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi: the tide has to be just right! At low tide the sea retreats, making the beach super wide and often difficult to access because the bottom becomes rocky or muddy. Beautiful for photos, less pleasant for swimming and yet the view of the sea is wonderful.
WHAT TO DO
You can explore the island’s natural beauty through activities like hiking, touring by scooter, and visiting local villages. Ko Yao Yai offers an authentic Thai island experience. Discover the nearby islands, including Ko Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay, and James Bond Island. You can take boat tours to discover the unique landscapes, limestone karsts, and hidden lagoons.
Go sea kayaking or mangrove forest kayaking: paddle through the calm waters and explore the picturesque limestone formations, mangroves and caves. Kayaking tours are a great way to see the beautiful natural landscape up close.
It is possible to take yoga, boxing and cooking classes on the island. Be sure to take photos at Hat Laem, also known as Sandbank Beach. This beautiful beach (without accommodation) is located in the far northeastern tip of the island.
TRANSPORT
To get to Ko Yao Yai you can take a boat from Phuket at Bang Rong Pier close to the airport or from Ao Thalen Pier near Krabi. The speed boat from Bang Rong costs 400 baht and from Ao Thalen it is 150 baht. At the pier on Ko Yai Yai, a transfer to your residence starts at 100 baht per person.
It’s easy to rent a scooter on the island.
