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Phuket is one of many popular destinations around the world that suffer from overtourism and is even being called the ‘most busydestination in the world.
Bangkok is a bustling city that can handle hordes of tourists, but Phuket is an island with only limited space to accommodate and maintain a certain level of authenticity.
The good news is that there are more paradise islands nearby, with far fewer crowds and untouched nature, including breathtaking beaches that are worth appearing on your screensaver.
One of those places is the lesser known island Kho Yao Yaiand as an added bonus he was just listed as one of the most affordable destinations to take advantage of the winter sun.
Phuket’s emerging paradise at your fingertips
When you book a trip to Phuket, crowds are part of the package.
That’s one reason why more and more travelers are exploring more of Thailand, as there are many more beach destinations where you can enjoy blue water, soft sand and vibrant nightlife.
While Koh Yao Yai may not offer the same level of action-packed bars and clubs, it fits at the other end of the spectrum as an idyllic escape in the Andaman Sea.
If you want pristine beaches that seem untouched, you can leave the hustle and bustle of Phuket behind in favor of Koh Yao Yai, with coastlines you thought could only be generated by AI, like the crescent-shaped Laem Had Beach with a shallow sandbank, through which you can walk straight into the calm, crystal-clear sea.
Being one of Koh Yao Yai’s largest islands, there are even more beaches to explore, such as Loh Jark Beach for epic sunsets and Loh Pared Beach for great swimming conditions (watch out for jellyfish!).
Best of all, since Phuket has been declared an overcrowded mess, this beach icon can serve as a gateway this time.
Reaching Koh Yao Yai is super easy with the ample ferry service. You can reserve tickets via a Speedboat bee 12Ga from $1, or combine bus and ferry services for $29, in December.
Affordable luxury
Koh Yao Yai may fly under the radar for most tourists, but it is equipped to welcome new guests.
One of those enticements to lure them in is the affordable aspect of indulging in luxury at the countless resorts spread across the 30-kilometre island.
If the island is famous for resorts, it must be a five-star hotel Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.
While this isn’t the place to score a deal, it’s more of a great splurge to pamper yourself, including the private infinity pool with some of Thailand’s most epic coastal views.
That said, there are so many better deals to be had at other luxury resorts that paying almost $500 per night (if not more) is a tough sell.
Here are 3 other Koh Yao Yai resorts with nightly rates less than $80 this winter:
- Elixir Resort Koh Yao Yai
- Thiwson Beach Resort
- Blue Bay Resort
If you want to stretch your travel dollars on a beautiful Thai island that is virtually free of people, look no further than Koh Yao Yai.
Best Ways to enjoy the untamed nature of Koh Yao Yai
If you want to avoid the crowds and witness awe-inspiring nature, from lush mangrove forests to beaches that would make the Maldives blush, Koh Yao Yai is the right place.
Laem Had Beach is the most photogenic spot, but don’t sleep too much on the rest of the island’s natural sights, especially since the best time to visit is generally said to be the dry season (November through April).
A popular activity is kayaking through the mangroves, which puts you in a completely different, serene environment and showcases the island’s diverse nature.
For the best guided tour, check out Yamee Village Kayaking Kohyaoyai, with an impressive Google rating of 4.9.
I recommend that you search all the tours Kohyao Travelswhere my first choice would be the unique opportunity to bathe elephants.
Best of all, the tour includes meals and a trip to the iconic Laem Had Beach, which I can’t help but mention.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
