TRAVELThailand Has Islands Most Tourists Never Find8 min read

Ko Yao Sits 30 Minutes from Phuket and Feels Like Another Era

The twin islands of Ko Yao — Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi — sit in Phang Nga Bay, less than 30 minutes by ferry from Phuket. The contrast upon arrival is immediate: rice paddies, coconut groves, rubber plantations, and wooden homestays replace the resort infrastructure found on the mainland. There are no ATMs or banking facilities on either island, and only one 7-Eleven has arrived — recently. Ko Yao Noi is slightly more developed, offering rock climbing, a couple of branded luxury resorts, and access to the famous Big Tree. Ko Yao Yai is quieter, with more traditional village life, mid-range family accommodation, and beaches that many travelers consider slightly superior. Both islands deliver the full package: secluded beaches, scuba diving, and sunset views over dramatic limestone karsts rising from Phang Nga Bay.

Ko Tarutao Was a Political Prison Before It Became a National Park

Ko Tarutao is the largest island in Tarutao National Marine Park, an archipelago of more than 50 islands in southern Thailand. The island served as a political prison in the mid-20th century, and portions of that history remain accessible to visitors — the Ao Ta Lo Woo Pier and the trail connecting the original prison buildings are open for exploration. Today, the national park headquarters operate from Ko Tarutao, and the island is only open to tourists between October and April each year. That restricted season preserves its character: dense jungle, mangroves, remote beaches, and limestone cliffs. Hiking, mountain biking, and sea kayaking are the primary activities. Wildlife includes wild boar, langurs, and around 100 recorded bird species, making it a productive destination for naturalists.