Koh Yao Yai / Noi

[LivinLOS]

Was sat chatting with some buddies about doing some side trips in the coming months once the high season has dropped off a bit.. Want to head to the 'new' karma bar on Koh Lippe and a few other treks.. But in the conversations I realized theres 2 islands, right on my doorstep, that I have never had a look at.

One buddy has some development land on Noi and keeps telling me how nice the island is.. another was doing some dive scene and also was saying how its worth a look around.. IIRC one of the female BM's here had a bar on one (Noi ??)

Someone in the group says theres a daily ferry that can take a scooter over so that its possible to explore about.. But no details were known 100%. Different people have told me that its 'easy to get a cheap beach hut' and another that accommodation is only high end resort (met a guy called Joseph who has a very high end place there I am told) so no ones being very clear.

So whats the deal ??

Can I get there and back with a scooter ?? Can that be done in a day or must it have an overnight ??

If not can I rent a bike after getting there ?? I like to explore and dont like to walk..

If overnighting are there basic clean rooms that dont cost lots ??

Are there any bars / nightlife ?? I dont expect noise and girls (will bring GF) but nice to have a place for a few cold ones.

I am happy as a mucky pig just exploring, snorkeling, finding some simple eats, sampling a cold beer.. I need little to enjoy islands I havent been to before.

Also I am guessing that the Christmas / NY swamps accommodation there like it does here.. But as its so close would like a break and detox after NY.. Is it all silly prices and better to just wait until the tourists have levelled off a touch ??

All info really welcome.

[easy_jim]

Was sat chatting with some buddies about doing some side trips in the coming months once the high season has dropped off a bit.. Want to head to the 'new' karma bar on Koh Lippe and a few other treks.. But in the conversations I realized theres 2 islands, right on my doorstep, that I have never had a look at.

One buddy has some development land on Noi and keeps telling me how nice the island is.. another was doing some dive scene and also was saying how its worth a look around.. IIRC one of the female BM's here had a bar on one (Noi ??)

It is nice. A real getaway. There is not a lot to do and the beaches are nothing special. However the people are very friendly and the place has a great laid back feel.

Someone in the group says theres a daily ferry that can take a scooter over so that its possible to explore about.. But no details were known 100%. Different people have told me that its 'easy to get a cheap beach hut' and another that accommodation is only high end resort (met a guy called Joseph who has a very high end place there I am told) so no ones being very clear.

So whats the deal ??

Can I get there and back with a scooter ?? Can that be done in a day or must it have an overnight ??

They do put scooters on the ferry but I don't know what the deal is - It is not a very big ferry so they might just do it for the locals. The ferry goes from Bang Rong Pier. First ferry leaves at 8:30 and last ferry back leaves at 17:00.

If not can I rent a bike after getting there ?? I like to explore and dont like to walk..

There are tuk-tuks on the island. I didn't see any motorbike rentals but I guess you would find one.

If overnighting are there basic clean rooms that dont cost lots ??

There are plenty of bungalows on the east side of Koh Yao Noi. There is one high-end resort but also lots of standard bungalows. Even in high season I think you will find a decent bungalow for around 1000 baht.

Are there any bars / nightlife ?? I dont expect noise and girls (will bring GF) but nice to have a place for a few cold ones.

It's a muslim island. There is very little night life. There are a few nice restaurants around.

I am happy as a mucky pig just exploring, snorkeling, finding some simple eats, sampling a cold beer.. I need little to enjoy islands I havent been to before.

Highlight for me was renting a longtail and exploring the islands in Krabi Bay. Koh Hong and Koh Pak Bia are stunning.

Also I am guessing that the Christmas / NY swamps accommodation there like it does here.. But as its so close would like a break and detox after NY.. Is it all silly prices and better to just wait until the tourists have levelled off a touch ??

I've never been at this time of year. I guess it will be quite busy but I don't think these islands ever get swamped.

All info really welcome.

[donna]

LivinLOS, i used to live on KYN. i was managing a small resort called Lom Lae. Nice place. decent and clean bungalows. i think at this time of the year they are around 1000-1200thb per night. there are other places like sabai corner, coconut corner, many places. i believe that they are really busy this year so dont expect any real bargains as they have a very short high season and it has to carry them for the rest of the year.

You are right in thinking that one of our members had a bar there. Seonai's bar is called the Pyramid Bar and its still open. Not a bad place to hang out.

There are a couple of high end places there. Koh Yao Bay Pavilions are really lovely. Paradise Resort is supposed to be a 5* property. Koh Yao Island Resort is a really nice to stay. I believe that the Evason has also just opened (although take your credit card as i heard that the cheapest room is 40,000thb up to 200,000thb per night!).

There are 5 or so boats a day (longtail) leaving from Bang Rong Pier. go up to the Heroines Monument and turn right. keep going for around 15km or so and follow the signs. You can put a motorbike on the longtail for about 100thb i think, and the fare is 100thb per person. first boat is at 8.30am. last boat back is 4pm. if you dont want to take your own bike, you can rent one easily enough.

there is only one dive shop on the island. koh yao dive and marine is in the Lom Lae beach resort. other places sell diving, but they all go through that shop. there are some nice places to dive, for sure. ive done many sites in the ko hong area and its really pretty.

the island is a really beautiful place to visit. very basic but stunning in parts. easy_jim is right when he says the beaches arent much chop. when the tide goes out its all coral. but when the tide is high, its lovely and good for swimming.

its 99% muslim, but is currently undergoing a big farang buying land boom. pretty soon it will have a big farang population for sure.

the most 'modern' shop on the island is 7/11!

[LivinLOS]

Thanks Donna (and easy jim), thats exactly the kind of help I was hoping for..

Think I will go up for a day trip to scope it out first time round, see a few resorts and rooms, explore for only a day..

Do you think I will find a rental bike close to where the boat drops off ?? Any suggestions on that score ?? Seems easier than the loading and unloading process for a 1 day trip..

Also everyone mentions Noi only.. Any reason why Yai gets no attention ??

Shame on the beaches.. I do always like the appeal of looking for new snorkel spots..