Ko Yao Yai

When we entered the island our guide said welcome to paradise and I think that's the best way to describe it. It's a perfect place to rest and swim. There's a bar you can buy a drink, they're toilets and showers. I really enjoyed my visit.

Beautiful island but hotel/resorts prices are just crazy even in very low season.

Wonderful island, some tourism, but not at all overdeveloped yet. I see people complain about roads and I think it’s ok. Drive fairly slowly 40-50 km and stay focused.

Ideal for those looking for peace and quiet. Activities, jet skiing, snorkelling, boat trips to nearby islands and James Bond islands. There are times when it's almost impossible to swim at Lo Pared beach because it's filled with thousands of tiny jellyfish that sting your whole body, making it uncomfortable to be in the water, especially in January and February. The best beach for swimming, snorkelling and monkey watching at the end of the day is Au Moang beach in the south of the island... superb. In the north of the island, because the beaches are almost all mangroves, it's almost impossible to swim, and there's the needle fish that's buried in the ground and when it stings, you get really sick for a few weeks. To swim in the north of the island you have to go to Sandbank beach and swim in the direction of Koh Yao Noi, the neighbouring island to Koh Yao Yai. You can see that the corals on the beaches are being destroyed by the mooring of all kinds of boats. Devastating for public health and the environment is that the population burns plastics mixed with coconuts, herbs and leaves, making the island's air saturated and foul-smelling. Relatively cheap island in general, friendly and pleasant people, good hotels and restaurants, good regional sweets. Before we only saw motorbikes, today we are invaded by cars and jeeps driving along these roads with poor infrastructure. If you're looking for a cure for your bones, rheumatism, blood circulation and other ailments, you should visit Dr Saad, an old, half-blind man who works small or large miracles on your body with an ancient Thai massage called "haille"... I recommend it. I really like this island and the people.

There are a lot of activity here. The sea is very clear. During the day it is vary hot but can solve this problem by the coconut milk or other juice on the island. In the evening, there are many place that you can see the sunset such as Loh Jark Beach. But I recommend to go to Loh Pared beach because there are a lot of restaurants that you eat some food before or after seeing the sunset and there also have many shops that you can buy swimsuits before going to the sea. In addition to the very beautiful view, you can also learn about their culture such as fishing, etc.

Fantastic island, perfect if you are travelling as a couple wanting to relax and enjoy some amazing beaches. The best way to get around the island is by moped which is pretty safe as there is hardly any traffic on the roads. I still cannot believe that we had the beach all to ourselves.

Do your research before you come here. The island is very rustic and peaceful. Many beaches are rocky and turn into tidal flats on low tide. If you want to hang out on the beach chair outside your hotel, this is your place. Do not trust hotel brochures as the beach access goes.

If you enjoy the nature and not crowded places, you should go. Very nice island, great nature. Before visiting check a tide app so you won't be disappointed. At 2 o' clock afternoon, low tide happens and you won't find any place to swim unless you book a hotel with swimming pool. You can find also other attractions in low tide time, viewpoints, some jungle walking and exploring the island. Not giving 5 stars because low tide reveals a muddy dirty beach with plastic and broken glass everywhere. When you go on the beach, don't forget to take your garbage with you, because of people that don't do that, the beaches are often full of leftovers and garbage. Not nice. You can also see nice sunsets if you go on the east side of the island. The nicest beach that I've seen (i didn't see all of them) is on the left side and right side of the Loh Yak Pier and doesn't seem to be affected that much of low tide. P. S. You need a car or motorbike for a better experience.