I lost my faith in Phuket years ago, after one too many days around Patong Beach. I know there are quieter corners if you go looking, but I wasn’t in the mood to do that anymore.
Koh Yao felt different from the start. The name covers two islands, Yao Noi and Yao Yai, and both are still relatively untouched compared to the rest of this part of Thailand. No big tour operators, no all inclusive resorts, just small communities where fishing and rubber plantations are still part of everyday life.
On Yao Yai, most of the population is Muslim, and many of the local women wear headscarves. Visitors aren’t expected to do the same, but people tend to dress with a bit more awareness. No tiny party outfits, no beach club uniform. It just feels more in tune with the island.
There’s alcohol at the hotels, but you won’t find beach bars lining the shore. For some, that might be a downside. For me, traveling solo, it was exactly what I needed. Quiet evenings, early mornings, and none of the noise.
There isn’t a long list of things to do on Yao Yai, and that’s kind of the point. You’re there for the pace, the scenery, and the feeling of stepping slightly outside the usual Thailand circuit. If you want more, there are plenty of nearby islands for day trips, but I never really felt the need.
It reminded me of a version of Thailand I thought was long gone. No jet skis, no banana boats, no constant hassle. Just calm, friendly, and easy to be in.
That said, it probably won’t stay this way forever. When I was there, I passed several construction sites, and with movies like Mechanic: Resurrection filmed on Yao Yai, it’s clearly on the radar.
If you’re thinking about going, don’t wait too long. This is the kind of place you want to experience before it changes.
My blog post about how to get to Koh Yao Yai from Phuket
I stayed at Koh Yao Yai Village, and you can read about my stay here
