Koh Yao Yai Beach Resort
Sunrise at Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
Our Reason For Visiting Koh Yao Yai
We had a total of two weeks in Thailand, and while spending a week in Phuket near Rawai Beach, we researched the many options on the Andaman Sea. We looked at Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao Noi, and Krabi, and also considered a trip to the Than Bok Khorani National Park.
We chose Koh Yao Yai because it was quiet and easily accessible from Phuket. We were looking for a place to unwind after a busy six weeks on the go.
Koh Yao Yai sunrise in Thailand
How to Get to Koh Yao Yai From Phuket
The front desk at our hotel booked a taxi for us to the ferry. At the docks, several entrepreneurial speedboat captains hustled for our business.
The scene was a bit hectic as the cab driver dropped us off about 100 meters from the dock due to traffic congestion. Especially one guy was extremely tenacious and insisted his boat was the only option to get to Koh Yao Yai.
We didn't fall for it and wandered on to the docks, where we purchased our ticket at a third of the price quoted by our tenacious new acquaintance. The exhilarating speedboat ride was about 30-40 minutes. It was great to feel the wind in what little hair I have left.
What a way to travel :) Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Ya Yai in Thailand
Thiwson Beach Resort
We give the Thiwson Beach Resort our warmest recommendations. Located on the east coast of the island, this private resort has twelve private cabins, a nice pool, a cozy dining area, and, of course, private access to the beach.
We moved from one cabin to another after one night, which wasn’t a problem as our second cabin was a bit larger and closer to the beach. The cabins were well-appointed and set in a lush garden with palm trees.
It was cool to see the water running off the trees during the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. We had everything we needed, including air conditioning, a private mini porch, and a lovely open-air bathroom.
Although there was another resort nearby, the resort felt very private due to the lush surroundings. The staff at Thiwson were also courteous and friendly.
Our bungalow accommodation at the Thiwson Beach Resort, Koh Yao Yai
The Art of Doing as Little as Possible
We didn't see much of Ko Yao Yai Island except for the Thiwon Beach Resort. Boat trips were offered. A scooter trip around the island was tempting, as was snorkeling. Instead, we slowed down completely, giving ourselves time to contemplate what we had achieved and to think about our return to Canada.
We felt slightly guilty for not exploring more, but not enough to do anything about it. Our rustic little resort was pristine, and we beat FOMO (fear of missing out). We got up early in the mornings to see the sunrise, listened to music, and read books.
Morning coffee at the Thiwson Beach Resort in Thailand
The Daily Routine at a Beach Resort
We were quite content in our little cabin and enjoyed coffee in the morning sun on our front porch. Di would be doing travel research, and I would catch up on photo editing and the blog. After a while, we would head to the pool and often have conversations with the other guests while lounging.
We had a package deal at the resort that included breakfast and dinner, which took the worry away about where to eat and how to get there. The days quickly blended as we repeated the pattern. Should we go to the beach in the morning or the afternoon? These were the tough choices we had to make.
Di watching a thunderstorm roll in on the beach at Koh Yao Yai in Thailand
Travel After 50
We carefully picked a quieter part of Phuket near Rawai Beach when we stayed there last week, and we were glad we did. When traveling in your 50s, sleep becomes increasingly essential.
Koh Yao Yai did the trick for us, too. We had time to talk, time to plan, and got plenty of rest. It was in the pool at the Thiwson Beach Resort that we decided we would make Vancouver our home after returning to Canada.
Di had a massage on the beach and suggested I do the same. It was easy to convince me, as I have had a persistent problem with my left shoulder for the longest time. An elderly woman did a fantastic job and quietly spoke to me in Thai during the treatment. I did not understand a word.
It was rather painful, though, but a much-needed release in my shoulder. So much so, that all of a sudden I felt tears running down my cheeks. At first, I tried to hold back, but I couldn't do anything.
The tears kept coming, and the elderly woman kept comforting me as she continued the treatment. It was a surreal moment and something I have never experienced. I tell myself, I must have needed it.
Try to wipe those smiles off :) The pool at the Thiwson Beach Resort at Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
It may be hard to imagine, but even when staying at a nice beach resort like this, the pressure of travel, leaving home, and always wondering what's next builds up.
So I had a good cry and jumped into the ocean to shake it off, and it literally and mentally felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I went back to the elderly lady a couple of days later for a second treatment, this time without any tears.
We also met a young Danish couple who were traveling with their nine-month-old baby. It was fun to check in with them daily to hear about life in Denmark and how the baby was doing. We ended up having dinner together on a couple of occasions. It reminded us of the days when we traveled with our kids.
For the last couple of days, we had co-inhabitants at our cabin. The mother first brought two, then one more, and finally a fourth kitten. As cat owners ourselves, this was a fun surprise, and we were watching their every move.
Our inhabitants at the Thiwson Beach Resort
Drunk on Sunshine
We never thought we'd say this, but we may have been a bit drunk on sunshine. The heat probably resulted in a mild case of sunstroke. Nothing serious. We may have slowed down too much, but we will use the excuse of the Koh Yao Yai weather.
With temperatures in the high thirties and intermittent thunderstorms, slowing down felt like the best option. We are looking forward to more temperate climates, but please make sure the snow melts in Canada by April.
Imagine waking up to this view a the Thiwson Beach Resort on the island of Koh Yao Yai in Thailand
Final Thoughts
As the speedboat left Koh Yao Yai this morning, I looked at Di and we both smiled. We have had six fabulous days on the island, a special time for us.
A sense of gratitude was in the air, mixed with the anticipation of what was next. As I wrote on Instagram yesterday, we feel like yo-yos. We are as far away from home as we will be during this leg of our travels, and leaving the resort is our first step on our way home.
There was plenty of quiet time to reflect on the past six weeks and our trek through Southeast Asia. We are so happy that we managed to visit China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
At the beginning of January, we were contemplating an earlier return to Canada. However, rest and time well spent with Sharon and Leighton in Hong Kong allowed us to continue.
Back in Phuket
This post comes to you from the Airport Resort & Spa Hotel near Phuket International Airport. We will crash early tonight. Catch a shuttle to the airport at 1:30 a.m. for a very early 3:45 a.m. departure to Hong Kong. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
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The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro2. Lenses: XF 14mm f/2.8 R - XF 35mm f/1.4 R (links to my camera and lens reviews). Editing was done in Lightroom. I have used of Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos.
