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Trip To Koh Yao Yai In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary Of M.Robert

If you’re travelling to Thailand and looking for a peaceful getaway for couples, our 5-day Koh Yao Yai trip is a perfect journey for you to consider. We wrapped up our Thailand trip with 5 days in Koh Yao Yai – a truly relaxing and fulfilling ending. Beyond its emerald beaches and long stretches of white sand, Koh Yao Yai offers something that many other Thai islands lack – tranquility. If you’re searching for a place to completely disconnect, spend 5 days in Koh Yao Yai like we did, and reconnect with nature.

I. Overview of our 5-day Koh Yao Yai trip

Koh Yao Yai is a beautiful island situated between Phuket and Krabi, known for its pristine natural landscapes and serene atmosphere – perfect for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. This was precisely why we chose to spend 5 days in Koh Yao Yai. Notably, 90% of the island’s residents are Muslim, mainly making a living from fishing and farming, creating a rich cultural setting where traditional values are preserved through generations.

For the first 3 days of our 5-day Koh Yao Yai itinerary, we explored both Phuket and Koh Yao Yai. Since the transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is quite convenient, we spent our first day visiting some of the best places to visit in Phuket, like Bang Pae Waterfall and the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. We then spent the next two days relaxing on Koh Yao Yai’s beautiful beaches, feeding elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary, enjoying the rural atmosphere at Mini Farm Santhiya, and catching the stunning sunset at Loh Jak Pier.

A Koh Yao Yai itinerary 5 days would be complete without exploring the smaller islands nearby. On the 4th day, we visited Koh Yao Noi, a charming neighboring island. On the final day, we ventured to Hong Island (Koh Hong), a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving. These 5 days in Koh Yao Yai gave us unforgettable memories and the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

II. Details of our 5 days in Koh Yao Yai

1. Day 1 : Enjoying exciting activities in Phuket

Since traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is quite convenient, we decided to spend the first day of our Koh Yao Yai 5-day trip exploring Phuket as part of our Thailand trip. What to do in Phuket? We started our adventure with a visit to Bang Pae Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls on the island. The scenery here is truly refreshing, with crystal-clear water cascading down from above, weaving through moss-covered rocks. We paused here to relax, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the sound of rushing water mixed with the cheerful chirping of birds from the surrounding tropical forest.

As animal lovers, our 5-day Koh Yao Yai trip naturally included several animal-related destinations. One of them was Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a renowned elephant sanctuary where these majestic creatures live freely in their natural habitat, free from forced performances or heavy labor. For animal lovers, visiting this destination is definitely one of the best things to do in Phuket.

So, what to do during a trip to Koh Yao Yai in 5 days for relaxing? Of course, our Phuket trip wouldn't be complete without enjoying the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. At the end of the day, we headed to Thala Beach, a less crowded beach, for a relaxing sunset walk. The azure sea, fine white sand, and the sky turning into vibrant shades of orange created a dreamy scene, closing our meaningful first day in Phuket.

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2. Day 2 & 3 : Two full days exploring Koh Yao Yai

On the second day, we left Phuket and headed to Koh Yao Yai, a peaceful island situated between Phuket and Krabi. After a 30-minute boat ride from Ao Po Grand Marina, we arrived at Leam Haad Beach, known for its fine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. We decided to spend 5 days in Koh Yao Yai because my partner and I are both beach lovers who prefer less crowded places, making this island the perfect choice. Fortunately, the weather in Koh Yao Yai in 5 days of our stay was wonderful. We spent the entire morning swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the pristine, poetic scenery.

If you want to find out what to do in Koh Kao Yai in 5 days for nature and animal lovers, I highly recommend you visit the Koh Yao Elephant Care & House. In the afternoon, we visited another elephant sanctuary, the Koh Yao Elephant Care & House, a place dedicated to rescuing and caring for elephants that were previously exploited in the tourism industry. Feeding the elephants and watching them roam freely in their natural habitat was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our 5-day Koh Yao Yai trip. Later, we continued to Nok Ok Cape, a tranquil headland with impressive cliffs and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. It was the perfect spot to watch the sunset and soak in the peaceful, untouched beauty of nature.

On the third day, we headed to the southern part of the island to visit Mini Farm Santhiya, where we fed the animals and enjoyed the serene countryside atmosphere. These 5 days in Koh Yao Yai truly satisfied my passion for animals and brought me closer to nature, allowing me to experience the simple island life. That afternoon, we strolled to Loh Jak Beach, not far from the Mini Farm, and then to Loh Jak Pier - one of the best places to visit in Koh Yao Yai to watch the mesmerizing sunset as the sky gradually turned a stunning shade of orange.

You can refer to:

>>> 2 days in Koh Yao Yai
>>> 3-day Koh Yao Yai trip

3. Day 4 & 5 : Island hopping around Koh Yao Yai

What to do in Koh Yao Yai for a complete nature discovery? Our 5-day trip to Koh Yao Yai continued with an exciting island-hopping adventure. Early in the morning, we took a boat to Koh Yao Noi, a small yet vibrant island known for its stunning natural landscapes. Upon arrival, we headed straight to Tha Khao Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters and untouched scenery, just a short walk from our hotel. Determined to make the most of our 5 days in Koh Yao Yai, we spent the morning relaxing, swimming, and even enjoying our meals right on the beach.

In the afternoon, we hiked to Tha Khao Waterfall, a small, hidden gem nestled in the tropical jungle. Despite its modest height, the cool, clear water cascading over moss-covered rocks created a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. On our way back to the hotel, we stumbled upon a batik workshop, where a local artisan taught us how to draw and dye colorful pieces of fabric. It was a fascinating way to learn about the traditional fabric-dyeing culture of the local people and one of the most memorable experiences of our entire 5-day Koh Yao Yai itinerary.

On the last day, we left Koh Yao Noi to explore Koh Hong, one of the most famous islands in the Andaman Sea. If you're a diving enthusiast, this place should definitely be on your must-visit list. Here, we snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs and swam with thousands of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. For a nature lover like me, this was pure bliss. This 5-day trip to Koh Yao Yai allowed us to discover a colorful and mysterious underwater world, leaving us with unforgettable memories.

III. Tips for a complete Koh Yao Yai trip

I hope the 5-day Koh Yao Yai itinerary I just shared will help you imagine the exciting activities you can experience on this beautiful island and plan your journey accordingly. Here are a few additional tips to ensure you have a fulfilling trip to Koh Yao Yai.

• Unlike other bustling islands with beach parties at night, Koh Yao Yai is much quieter in the evenings. This is because the majority of the island’s residents are Muslim, so you won't find beach parties here. Instead, you can enjoy peaceful nights with the sound of gentle waves. If you like to party, please respect the local culture and consider having a small barbecue with friends and family at your accommodation.

• During your 5-day Koh Yao Yai trip, make sure to visit local fishing villages and chat with the locals to learn more about their lifestyle and culture. You can also try delicious local dishes at small, family-run restaurants to discover the unique flavors of Koh Yao Yai.

• If you plan your Koh Yao Yai trip during the peak season, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and tours in advance to secure the best deals and availability.

We really appreciate Autour Asia, the best travel agency in Thailand, for recommending this well-rounded 5-day Koh Yao Yai itinerary that perfectly matched our interests. These 5 days in Koh Yao Yai not only allowed us to relax on beautiful beaches and engage in cultural activities but also satisfied our love for animals. If you share our passion, make sure to add these activities to your list!

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