Thailand That Tourists Don't Know: An Island Where Time Stopped.

Ko Yao Yai: The Island That Hasn't Lost Time

According to The Sun: Have you ever wondered what Thailand would have been like in the 90s, before the era of selfies and travel bloggers? When I arrived on Ko Yao Yai this August, I had the chance to experience it firsthand.

Just 20 minutes from the crowded tourist roads of Phuket, a tranquil paradise opens up in the heart of Phang Nga Bay. Advaita Raut Ko Yao Yai feels like time has stopped here: soft sea and empty beaches. Advaita Raut

Just 20 minutes from the chaotic roads of Phuket, this serene island in Phang Nga Bay harks back to a time when everything was simpler – as if captured under sepia from the 90s.

Life here flows slowly, against the backdrop of tropical cicadas' chirping and the gentle whisper of the sea. Ko Yao Yai, which translates to 'big and long island', remains practically unnoticed between Phuket and Krabi.

When I arrived on the island by speedboat, wandering along the deserted Loh Pared beach, I felt a bit like a young Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie 'The Beach', with wide-open eyes when he first stumbled upon the deserted Maya Bay.

Interestingly, today Maya Bay is overcrowded with tourists, while this secret spot, just two ferry rides away, gives the impression that time has been forgotten here.

What to Do on Ko Yao Yai

Scooter Ride Along Phang Nga Bay

One of the best activities on the island is riding a 110cc scooter and aimlessly wandering through fishing villages...

• Renting a scooter costs only £6 (฿300) a day.
• For a romantic getaway, you can rent a vintage scooter with a sidecar.

Batik Workshop on the Coast

On a hill near the Klong Hia pier, a local batik shop offers a quiet distraction from the hot sun...

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Discovering Empty Beaches

The beaches of Ko Yao Yai are practically empty, except for fishing boats and ghost crabs...

Be sure to visit Laem Haad beach, where the tide goes out, revealing a sandy spit for walking.

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Mangrove Forest Tour

The pathways through mangrove forests are perfect for peaceful activities like kayaking...

Where to Eat and Drink

There are mostly Muslims on Ko Yao Yai, so bars serving alcohol are rare...

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A popular place is Isaan Fine, where you can try cheap Thai beer.

Where to Stay

If you are willing to spend a little more, luxury resorts like Santhiya Koh Yao Yai offer comfortable villas...

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For budget travelers, bamboo huts are available for £27 a night.

Ko Yao Yai opens a picture of Thailand as it once was: slow, carefree, and charming.