SECRET HIDE AWAY
This is your chance to visit a very special Secret Hideaway, the small Island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga bay. It literally translates to " long small island"and believe me it's "paradise found".Located in the emerald sea, between Phuket's east coast and Krabi, it's only 30 minutes ride on the triple engined speed boat that leaves Ban Rung pier every two hours.
The Island has a population of only 3,000 people, who are predominantly Muslim. The friendliness and warmth that radiates from there smiling faces will empower you forever, just wait and see. Koh Yao Noi is a virgin island, relatively undiscovered by tourists. However there are a handful of hotels and guest-houses and it is home to one of the only 6 star hotels in Asia, the Evason Six Senses resort. It also hosts a few back packer dwellings available for rent at around 800 to 1,000 bht per night.
Although the beaches are not the best, due to high tides, the island boasts many wonderful alternatives, from rice field plains and water buffalo through to its organic fruit cultivation and nature reserve. An English speaking guide for the day only costs 1,000 bht plus a free lunch, great value and a 'must do'.
I have sent hundreds of guests from the Yorkshire to experience this wonderful trip and all without exception have been mesmerized by the unforgettable experience.
My mother who is 74, my 3 children Jordan Danny and Rachael have also visited Koh Yao Noi and never stop talking about it.
We have two trips to the island, a day trip and an two day trip with a one night stay at Dan's villa which is amazing.
Day trip
Leave hotel 8.30 am in taxi to Ban Rung pier,cost 600 Bht
Arrive Ban Rung at 9.15
Catch speed boat to Koh Yao Noi at 9.40,cost 200 Bht PP
Arrive Koh Yao Noi at 10.15
Meet Jasmin the tourism co-ordinator on the island and she will introduce you to your guide for the day.
There is very little traffic on the island,but you have two choices of transport,a scooter at 300 Bht or a Tuk Tuk at around 800 for the day.
The Guide will lead on a scooter.
10.30am start your tour of the island, which includes:-
A Buddhist temple
Cashew nut trees
Rubber tree plantation
Organic fruit farms, including pineapple and water melon farms
Rice fields and water buffalo
Local craft store, where you can buy items from a home made sarong or a coconut wind chime.
Local central food market
1.00pm Lunch at the Good View restaurant , overlooking the sea. Here you can choose from local wild live fish and lobsters or home cooked Thai food. Remember to ask for it to be cooked "my ped" no spice or it will blow your head off. The locals have not yet developed the method of cooking foreigner friendly Thai food. Wine is also available here at around 800 bht a bottle. A Thai lunch will cost you approx 30% less than on the mainland.
2.15pm Take a long boat to the white powder sands of Hong island cost 1,400 Bht. The trip takes 30 minutes to get there, through the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. You will visit a lagoon that knocks spots off Mia bay (Phi Phi island) and view the famous limestone rocks often filmed to depict Thailand around the world. Here the birds nest soup is cultivated and the nests which are harvested twice a year, sell for around $2,000 per kilo.
A small fee of 100 bht each is payable on Hong island as it is a national trust park. Laze on the beach a soak up a few rays, swim with the tropical fish or just watch the kingfishers, diving into the lagoon, a real "Paradise found".
Cold drinks, beers and snorkeling equipment will be provided, just pay for what you have drunk on your return to Koh Yao.
3.30 return to Koh Yao
4.30 catch speed boat back to Phuket, cost 200 bht PP
5.10 arrive Phuket
Taxi back to the Yorkshire arrive 6pm
Then find me, buy me a glass of wine and tell me all about it, with a beaming smile on your face!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your host Paul Gibson
Overnight
Overnight stay at Dan's villa is an other experience that you will never forget.
This three bed roomed Balinese style villa is not cheap, but it's worth every penny. Situated high on a hill, it overlooks the limestone rocks housing Hong island, with backdrop of Krabi, the view is truly spectacular.
Koy carp swim throughout the property and the sound of running water calms away all life's stress, whilst you bask away in the infinity pool whilst taking in one of the worlds most beautiful views.
Breakfast is provided and cooked to your liking by a local resident. Sorry no bacon as it is a Muslim island so no pork.
WIFI,music and TV are also on hand.
There are also a few great restaurants and local entertainment bars on the island for you to enjoy in the evening.
Low season prices start from 6,000 Bht to 8,000 Bht and High season from 8,000 to 15,000 Bht per night,depending on how many guests.
Also Jasmin is available 24/7 to help with all your needs as she resides in the villa below and is only too pleased to help.