Ko Yao

Ko Yao (เกาะยาว), sometimes written Koyao, is a group of islands between Phuket and Krabi. There are two main islands, Ko Yao Noi ("small long island") and Ko Yao Yai, ("big long island") with Noi being the more developed of the two.

Ko Yao Halal Travel Guide

Ko Yao Noi remains a beautiful island, where most people believe that the island should be preserved from human despoilation. It is often described as one of the last islands in the region to not be over-developed.

Ko Yao Yai is also a natural beauty and the less developed of the two islands. Ko Yao Yai is significantly larger than Ko Yao Noi.

Sea Gypsies (Moken people) inhabited the area before anybody else, except maybe other nomadic people like forest hunters and collectors (Sakai, Negritos). The 3,500 or so inhabitants of Ko Yao Noi are thought to be recent migrants from the (Malay) Peninsula (Satun, Trang).

The Mon population, linguistically and culturally belonging to the Khmer ethnolinguistic group, settled in peninsular Thailand ruling over maritime states like Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat). They melded with southern migrants from Malaysia and with northerners (Thai), over centuries of commercial exchange and political conflict. Most probably the Monday stock remains prevalent for most of the people living in Southern Thailand today, including the people of Ko Yao.

Numerous cave paintings hidden in the many islands of the bay, extending from 2,000 years ago to last century, attest to the influence of distinct communities in the emergence of a mixed origin population, living in the provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Satun.

The most recent migrations (17th-18th centuries) from Satun and Trang to Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi is corroborated by the particular dialect spoken on the island. It bears obvious Malaysian lexical traces, particularly regarding toponyms and vernacular names of the flora.

The main industries on the island are fishing and rubber plantations. A little Rice farming and some fruit, palm, and coconut plantations are present. Boat building and farming techniques here have been passed from generation to generation and, while some of the youngsters leave Ko Yao to seek the bright lights of Phuket, most return to their tight-knit community.

Travel to Ko Yao

Arrive at Phuket either by:

• By long-distance bus from Bangkok or one of the cities north of Phuket.
• By air to Phuket International Airport. Air Asia and Silk-Air have regular international Flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Domestically, Bangkok Airways and ([https://th.ehalal.io/muslim-friendly-travel-2024/Ko%20Yao Thai) AirAsia] fly from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui for generally less than USD70-50 one-way.

Boats depart Phuket's (two piers), Krabi (Tha Len), and Phang Nga for Ko Yao Noi at the following times:

• Phuket (Bang Rong Pier): 12 different departure times between 7:45 to 17:30 of either slow boat (120 bath) or speed boat (200 bath). There is no ticket counter, tickets are sold on the boat. The ferry go first to Koh Yao Yai and then to Koh Yao Noi. The pier which is in he far north of the island Phuket can be visited by taxi for about 2000 bath from Phuket town or public bus (large Songthaew, takes about 60 minutes) for 50 bath.
• Phuket (Chianwanich Pier (near Ratsada Pier) - Only to Ko Yao Yai): Every day: 08:30, 17:00 (speedboat) | Sundays-Thursdays: 10:30, 14:00 | Fridays: 10:00 | Saturdays: 06:00, 10:30, 14:00
• Krabi (Tha Len): 11:00 and 13:00
• Phang Nga: 07:00

Boats depart Ko Yao Noi for Phuket (two piers), Krabi (Tha Len) and Phang Nga at the following times:

• Phuket (Bang Rong Pier): 07:30; 10:00; 13:30 and 15:00
• Phuket (Chianwanich Pier (near Ratsada Pier) - Only from Ko Yao Yai): Every day: 07:20 (speedboat), 10:30 | Sundays-Thursdays: 08:00, 15:00 | Fridays: 14:00 | Saturdays: 08:00, 14:00
• Krabi (Tha Len): 07:30
• Phang Nga: 07:30

All trips cost between 100-140 Baht per person (except the speedboat), 120 Baht to transport a motorcycle, one-way. Pay on the boat.

Regular longtails ply between Chonglad Pier on Ko Yao Yai and Manok Pier on Ko Yao Noi during daylight hours. 20 Baht per person, 30 Baht extra to bring a motorcycle, takes 10 to 15 minutes

How to get around in Ko Yao

Ko Yao Noi

Ko Yao Noi covers about 50 square kilometres. There is no lodging available within walking distance of Manok Pier. There will generally be between ten and twenty tuk-tuks waiting to take you to lodging for a fare of about 85 Baht.

Ko Yao Noi has roughly 18 km of concrete and dirt road around it. The primary street is a two-lane concrete road that rings the entire perimeter of the island, excluding the northernmost parts, where there are only dirt roads. There are several interior roads that are a combination of either sand/dirt or concrete.

The most efficient way to get around the island is to hire a motorbike, and cost 200-300 Baht per day. No licence is required and helmets are provided. Enquire at your hotel.

Tuk-tuks are available to give you lifts across the island. Simply flag one of these vehicles down as they drive past. Failing that, if you simply wait most local residents will be happy to give you a lift. That may mean squishing onto a motorbike that already has three (Thai) adults and a baby on it.

Bicycles are also an excellent mode of transport and the main perimeter road around the island only has one large hill that must be navigated. The flat terrain makes it perfect for leisurely rides. Bicycles can be hired from Sabai Corner Bungalows or most lodgings.

Ko Yao Yai

As with Ko Yao Noi and the most efficient way to get from the Chonglad Pier to any lodging is to make use of the tuk-tuks that will be awaiting your arrival. As Ko Yao Yai is larger than Ko Yao Noi and there is no exact fare, but anything over 150 Baht is usually too much.

Once at your lodging, most larger resorts will have motorcycles or bicycles for rent. Due to the terrain on Ko Yao Yai it may be wise to hire an automatic transmission motorbike for travelling longer distances (>10 kilometers) and using bicycles when travelling shorter distances.

You can also walk along the roads and either flag down a taxi or try to get a lift from the local residents. Ko Yao Yai, like Ko Yao Noi is a very safe island and vehicles rarely travel above 15 km/h, so hitch-hiking is not exactly a dangerous pursuit here.

What to see in Ko Yao

Ko Yao Noi is mountainous in the centre and has beaches to either side. The east side has beaches suitable for swimming and snorkelling and the west is a picturesque blend of Rice flats and mangrove trees. The island is a sanctuary for at least four species of hornbills, very commonly seen around.

The beaches on the east side are (from north to south): Hat Ao Loh Ha, Hat Sai Kaew, a nameless beach south of Hat Sae Kaew, Hat Tha Kao, Hat Klong Jaak and Hat Pasai. Hat Ao Loh Ha is occupied entirely by The Paradise Koh Yao Resort and not open to public. It can be visited by boat or over a about 10 kilometers long rough jungle path. Hat Sae Kaew and the nameless beach just south of it are absolutely deserted and beautiful. They can be visited by a four kilometers jungle path by foot or motorcycle (if you have proper driving skills), but not by vehicle (at least in off-season the path is in dire condition). Hat Tha Kao, Hat Klong Jaak, and Hat Pasai are literally next to the primary street and equipped with bungalows, bars, and retail outlets.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ko Yao

• DragonHeart - Indonesian Pinisi sailing boat with day cruises to surrounding islands, includes a full Thai-style buffet meal prepared on-board, fresh fish and (Thai) curries, music, lots of pillows, plenty of breeze and friendly crew.

• Ko Yao International Diving School - Diving at Lam Sai Village Hotel in Ban Laem Sai.

• Koh Kayak Expeditions - This small operation is fun and friendly and they help you design your own adventure away from the crowds.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Lam Sai Lobster Seafood - Ko Yao Noi - At the very southeast corner of the island, 500 m after the inactive Tha Laem Sai Pier. High quality seafood restaurant with almost no Meat dishes (tom yam gai and Vegetarian dishes are available). Porch is built onto the sea. Dishes come in the different sizes and prices (e.g. tom yam gung for 180, 250 or 350 Baht). A medium sized dish with Rice is enough for even a hungry visitor.

• Rice Paddy - Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour | Small, simple place, but great atmosphere and background music. Quality of ice cream and food (Thai) is amazing, prices reasonable. Gourmet-style meals with ingredients hard to find elsewhere on the island. All meals are available Vegetarian with mock Meat.

• Tabaek Viewpoint Bungalow | Owned by Paramote and the local police officer on Ko Yao Noi. His Japanese wife Kazuyo is an excellent Japanese cook. No sushi, but Kazuyo offers up authentic Japanese food for under 75 Baht. The set of bungalows is up a dirt road. The top bungalow is Paramote's and this is where the restaurant is located.

• (Thai) Hideaway Restaurant | A private swimmingpool villa restaurant with amazing views. Fresh seafood BBQs as well as authentic (Thai) Food and sandwiches are available. Book in advance.

Many of the restaurants also have fruit juices.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ko Yao

Ko Yao - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ko Yao, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ko Yao. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ko Yao and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ko Yao. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ko Yao. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ko Yao: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ko Yao.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ko Yao: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ko Yao, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ko Yao.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ko Yao, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ko Yao, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ko Yao and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ko Yao, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ko Yao, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ko Yao without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ko Yao is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ko Yao.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ko Yao is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ko Yao, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ko Yao Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ko Yao

eHalal Group Ko Yao is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Yao. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ko Yao.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Yao ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ko Yao. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ko Yao, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Ko Yao are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Check Rates for Resorts in Koh Yao Noi
• Check Rates for Resorts in Koh Yao Yai

Telecommunications in Ko Yao

Being one of the biggest islands in Phang Nga Bay, Ko Yao Noi is home to a hospital, several schools and a post office. 24 hour electricity supply, Internet access, mobile telephone connection and ATMs available.

News & References Ko Yao

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