Haad Farang (Haad Sai Yao)
This small but attractive bay has waters free of riptides(激流), making it safe for families to play water in the sun. As its nickname implies, Farang is Thai for foreigners. You'll find a large concentration of backpackers here. Still, with only a couple of simple food shops, it's a far cry from the noise of Chaweng beach on Koh Samui or Kamala on Phuket.
Rent a sea kayak(皮艇) and go around the corner to Tham Morakot(the Emerald Cave) a winding cave that opens up to a bay walled by thick leaves and often visited by groups of monkeys. It is very inspiring, but to fully appreciate it, be sure to prepare a light to avoid knocking into cave walls and other kayaks. To avoid being crowded, make the trip in the late afternoon.
Where to eat
The Ko Yao Viewpoint Restaurant is the best place for tourists. Drink the sweet cock-tails and sit in the last rays of the day.
Where to stay
Lowe prices of comparable quality are se slightly back in the forest, but if you want beachfront access, it's worth choosing one of the basic hotels at Koh Mook Charlie Beach Resort.
How to get there
Fly from Bangkok to Trang with AirAsia (from £30), then take a one-hour Tigerline ship from Hat Yao Pier (£19). Besides, a five-hour ship from Phuket at Rassada Pier (£41) goes directly to the inland and will drop passengers at Haad Farang.
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