Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai

Set in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, the Koh Yao islands feel worlds away yet sit between Phuket and Krabi. Expect rice paddies, rubber plantations, and fishing villages framed by towering karsts. It’s a boutique, barefoot kind of place, with small resorts, wellness programs, kayaking through sea caves, and boat trips to hidden lagoons. The tempo is gentle, nightlife minimal, and sunsets remarkable. If you crave Bali’s nature and design but not the crowds, this duo is a dream for couples and creatives. Reach them by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi piers, and aim for November to April for the calmest seas.