Ko Yao Yai, Coastline and island in Phang Nga, Thailand
Ko Yao Yai is an island in the Andaman Sea, located in Phang Nga Province between Phuket and Krabi. The interior is covered with rubber plantations and small villages, while the coast is lined with sandy beaches and fishing harbors.
Ko Yao Yai was long home to fishing and rubber farming communities that shaped the Muslim way of life still visible today. Tourism arrived much later than on nearby islands, which helped the traditional pace of life stay intact.
Ko Yao Yai means 'Big Long Island' in Thai, a name that reflects the shape of the land. Much of the population follows Muslim traditions, so the call to prayer can be heard throughout the day and alcohol is less common outside of resorts.
The island is reached by boat from Phuket, Krabi, or Railay in under an hour depending on the departure point. Renting a scooter or bike is the most practical way to get around, as the roads are narrow and see little traffic.
At Laem Had Beach, a sandbar appears at low tide that connects the shore to a small island nearby, allowing visitors to walk across with dry feet. When the tide comes back in, the sandbar disappears completely under water.
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