Koh Yao Noi: Most Romantic Getaways in Thailand

Written by Delan C. After recently feeling overwhelmed with my busy schedule, I knew it was time for a break. While looking for the perfect tropical vacation to escape with my wife, I decided on Koh Yao Noi because it’s one of the most romantic and secluded islands in Thailand. When considering your next trip to a beautiful destination, there are a few reasons that Koh Yao Noi can be one of the most romantic getaways in the world.

Photo courtesy of Coastal Escape

Secluded Beaches

I’ve always had a screensaver on my computer that depicted a beautiful, private beach. But the experience had previously eluded us up until Koh Yao Noi. The secluded white sand beaches in Koh Yao Noi are set to a backdrop of lovely turquoise water. We didn’t have to worry about crowds or loud music, as we enjoyed the tranquility of quality time with just each other. The east side of the island has several different secluded beaches where you can take a dip in the water or sunbath without running into other tourists or locals.

 

Photo courtesy of Coastal Escape

Outdoor Activities

Although Koh Yao Noi is known as a remote destination, it doesn’t mean that you’ll feel bored while vacationing there. We had a busy itinerary with the number of outdoor activities available. My wife and I enjoyed plenty of adventure by touring the west side of the island on a scooter, scuba diving, enrolling in a Muay Thai boot camp, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking on the water.

The island also offers some of the best rock climbing spots in Asia due to the various limestone formations. We accessed many of the formations with the help of an instructor who took us by boat on different routes to the sites. The dramatic limestone formations offer spectacular views of the water and surrounding area. We also stopped by the Phang Nga National Park, which is a popular place worthy of many photos.

The Diverse Landscape of Koh Yao Noi

It’s impossible to be bored while exploring Koh Yao Noi because of its diverse landscape. Some days we were surrounded by lush jungle and hills. On the west side of the island there are rice paddies, wildlife like buffalo and mangroves. The beaches are lined with palm trees and springs that you can drink from.

The dry season is from January to April and that’s the best time to visit for avoiding precipitation. From June to November it often rains for a few hours each day. But the tropical climate offers warm temperatures year round.

Koh Yao Noi

Photo Courtesy of Vyacheslav Argenberg via Flickr

Delicious Cuisine

We took advantage of the exotic cuisine that was available on the island at both a local Koh Yao Noi villa and local eateries. The market in the main village is the cheapest place to find authentic dishes. It’s convenient to take day trips to Phuket to eat and explore, and return by ferry the same night. Upscale resorts on Koh Yao Noi offer high-end restaurants with Thai seafood options, French cuisine and fusion options. At night, there are some cool bars where you’ll experience the laidback culture of the island.

Island Hopping

Koh Yao Noi offers a wonderful opportunity to ferry to nearby islands, commonly by long-tail boats. Infrastructure is well set up with quality restaurants, shops and monuments to visit. Nearby Ko Yao is another of Thailand’s best islands for couples as it’s not overrun with tourists like Phuket.

We rented motorbikes and tuk-tuks to explore on our own. We lounged in hammocks and rented kayaks. Koh Yao Noi is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic and adventurous getaway. And with so much to offer, Thailand is a popular place for destination weddings.

 

Delan C. works as a creative writer for businesses. He loves immersing himself in local cultures and is passionate about providing good content. You can reach him on his Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

Author

  • Alex&Bell

    Alex and Bell originally met while solo traveling after finishing university in 2002, in Brugge, Belgium. Alex grew up in the USA and Bell hails from Australia. During our nearly 20 year marriage we've lived around the world, including spending six years living in the Netherlands and Ireland. We have traveled to nearly 70 countries and enjoy giving readers authentic and quality travel tips. Alex is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner, who also freelances for other outlets. Bell is an award winning PhD scientist who currently works for a non-profit lung cancer advocacy research organization called Lungevity. Happy travels and if you have any questions leave a comment or drop an email!

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