Koh Yao Yai
Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from the bustling island of Phuket, Koh Yao Yai is one of the few islands that have remained hidden from crowds — even among locals. With a handful of hotels and small fishing villages that lay scattered across the island, it offers a glimpse into the authentic Thailand that once existed before mass tourism arrived.
Simple activities such as cycling amongst mangrove forestlands or finding deserted white–sand beaches takes centre stage. Among the many beaches, Laem Had Beach stands out with its scenic sandbank and clear blue views of the bay.
Travellers seeking local traditions can partake in ‘na yone’ a local rice farming tradition which involves tossing rice saplings onto ploughed soil or visit one of the many rubber plantation farms. As the majority of inhabitants are Muslim, the small 25km–long island is also home to 18 mosques and several local restaurants serving halal food. Local dishes include freshly caught fish or seafood from the lobster farming village on the sea.
Where to stay
Nestled in between lush jungle–clad hills on the east side of the island lies the newly opened Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. Once a former coconut palm plantation, this 27–acre luxury hotel now offers over 1km of golden beaches and dramatic views of limestone islets from the surrounding area.
Featuring outdoor living, guests can enjoy swimming in their private infinity edge pools at the penthouse suites, practise yoga and meditation overlooking the lagoon with a trained instructor or arrange private dinners on a cruise along with a private chef and butler.
Dining at Anantara Koh Yao Yai is a sumptuous culinary journey with flavors from around the globe. Guests can opt for elegant or relaxed settings, whether beachfront or poolside. At Pakarang, diners can indulge in authentic Thai cuisine with northern and southern inspirations for dinner. The fine-dining restaurant offers an exquisite Japanese omakase experience, where guests can savor traditional and modern Japanese delicacies while taking in panoramic views of the beach and ocean.
Koh Yao Nai
Just north of Koh Yao Yai, lies the smaller sister island, Koh Yao Nai. Similar to Koh Yao Yai, the island is secluded with soulsoothing views of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Phang Nga Bay.
During the day, visitors can set sail and explore the unspoiled lagoons and beaches, including the tiny island of koh nok, located on the southwest coast. At Tha Khao Pier visitors can have a go at batik dyeing, a local textile dyeing technique where hand–drawn hot wax patterns are applied to the fabric before dyeing which creates beautiful patterns and shapes.
Notably, the island is a thriving hub for wildlife, with a remarkable variety of over 250 mammal species and 900 types of birds, making it an ideal magnet for wildlife photographers.
Additionally, its surrounding waters, rich with coral reefs, has carved out a reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Where to stay
Six Senses Yao Noi is like a page out of the ‘jungle book’, but with a twist of luxury. This hotel consists of 56 bamboo hut–style villas, discreetly nestled within the eastern coast of the island. Each one is a hideaway with thatched roofs, driftwood bed posts, and lounges crafted from teak that camouflage into the natural surroundings.
Despite the rustic aesthetics, luxury isn’t compromised. Even the basic villas boast private pools, and the eco–friendly spa offers wellness screenings in true Six Senses style. After a lazy day at the beach, guests can try their hand at Muay Thai, enjoy a film at the outdoor cinema, or savour a meal at the hilltop restaurant framed by verdant greenery and panoramic ocean views.
Koh Kood
Despite being the fourth largest island in Thailand, Koh Kood remains relatively undiscovered compared to other Thai destinations. Due to the the lack of development, the island offers a chance to experience unspoiled nature in its purest form. With dense jungles that make up the interior of the island, adventurers can spend their days hiking amidst wild animals and ancient trees, some that are over 500 years old.
Beyond the jungle, visitors can witness the many cascading waterfalls that spill into emerald pools, or visit the many powdery beaches which the island has become known for. For a day trip, visitors can take a boat to the magical paradise of Koh Mak — an island often overlooked by most tourists.
Where to stay
Soneva Kiri, located on the north–eastern peninsula of Koh Kood, promises a Robinson Crusoe–style experience. Created by the minds behind the famed Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, this resort embraces the philosophy of “intelligent luxury” through comfort, quality and minimalism.
High–end villas are nestled in the jungle, reflecting the resort’s strong sustainability ethos, which includes biofuel production and on–site food cultivation. Guests are encouraged to fully disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life — think shoe–free days, morning yoga and Pilates classes, and an exceptional spa offering a range of stress–melting treatments.
On–site lies a state–of–the–art observatory where guests can stargaze at night, clear from light pollution and the mainland.
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