Not far from the busy streets and life of Phuket and Krabi remains a quiet paradise away from overcrowded tourism and where the real essence of Thailand can be found.
Koh Yao Yai:
The magical island of Koh Yao Yai is nested in the archipelago formed by 2 main islands and around 44 small islands with an area of 140 square kilometres. The 2 main islands are Koh Yao Yai "Big Long Island" and Koh Yao Noi "Little Long Island". Koh Yao Yai is the double size of Koh Yao Noi nonetheless is also more local and traditional.
Ninety per cent of the population in Ko Yao are Muslims with a population of about 18.000.
The main industries of this island are fishing and rubber planting, also in a smaller scale rice farming and fruits, palm and coconut plantations. The knowledge and techniques are passed from the elders to their sons and grandsons, and even with the seek of the dazzling life in Phuket or Krabi, most return to their tight community.
Home to the most beautiful beach in the south area, Laem Had beach with an unspoiled white sand and coconuts trees provides the real feeling of "being" in paradise.