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Koh Yao Yai is close to some of the most unspoiled dive sites in Thailand and therefore serves as a great base for diving enthusiasts who want to explore the underwater world without the crowds common in more tourist-heavy areas. The island’s location in the Andaman Sea offers easy access to a rich marine ecosystem, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced divers.
The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish species, and even larger creatures such as reef sharks and sea turtles. The reefs surrounding Koh Yao Yai are well-preserved, featuring an array of coral formations in various depths, from shallow reefs suitable for beginners to deeper sites for more advanced divers. Some dive sites are within such a proximity to the island that one can get there in as little as 20 minutes by boat, which is very convenient.
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Centrally located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Yao Yai is the perfect launch into some of Thailand’s most iconic and beautiful destinations. A variety of stunning islands and natural wonders is accessible with ease from this point, all within a short boat ride. Whether it’s small group-sized speedboat tours or a more intimate, private experience by longtail boats, Koh Yao Yai has excellent options to discover the surrounding beauty of the region.
Popular Spots to Visit from Koh Yao Yai: The Phi Phi Islands are world-renowned for their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and pulsating marine life. One of the most picturesque spots in Thailand is Phang Nga Bay, famous for its towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the water. Lying east of Koh Yao Yai, the Hong Islands are known for their dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden lagoons.
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Activities in Koh Yao Yai are a completely different atmosphere than the more tourist heavy parts of Thailand. It’s where time seems to stand still and the hustle and bustle of urban life is replaced with calmness and a laid-back attitude. The people within the island community keep with traditional and simple lifestyles for most, with many fishers, rubber tree cultivators, and rice farmers. These activities set the rhythm for everyday life, and in one way or another, Koh Yao Yai has come to feel like a journey back in time to the ‘real’ Thailand.
Equally impressive is how this island has absolutely no traffic, making it just right for motorbike explorations. And to be able to just travel around the island along broad, open roads and usually absolutely free of congestion, seeing it from its most obscure parts to merely taking in the view-you can do all these at your own pace, comfortable with the freedom to be had. Whether along coasts, through villages, or into the heart of verdant interior, a journey is as much worth having as the destination itself.
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For a more immersive nature experience, consider taking a mangrove kayaking tour with a local guide. The island is home to rich mangrove forests, which provide a unique and serene environment to explore. Paddling through these waterways, you’ll get up close to the island’s local fauna and flora, including various species of birds, crabs, and other wildlife that call the mangroves home.
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Koh Yao Yai is one of the serene islands in Thailand that offers a peculiar and peaceful atmosphere, intended for those who want intimacy and fewer people. Among the best things to do on this island is to visit the local elephant sanctuary, where you get to connect with these gentle giants in a quiet setting.
The experience brings you closer to the elephants in a natural and gentle way: feeding, walking with, and even helping to bathe them in a small pond. The elephants will relish the mud baths and the soothing sensation of their thick skin being rubbed with softness-a bonding moment with these massive animals.
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Speaking of activities in Koh Yao Yai, one of the main places to visit on the island is Laem Haad Beach, which is best during low tide. This is when the beach reveals its full beauty, with the tide going out to expose stunning sandbars and tidal pools full of marine life. The shallow waters are just right for wading, and the beach is often so quiet it’s blissful; this is a place to get away, sit down, and enjoy the view without all the crowds.
