We tried a Hideout cola made with their own blend of spices (much like the way Coca Cola started as a tonic) and a kaffir limeade and both were wonderful and refreshing. The menu there is all about local and seasonal food and drinks. It's hidden away up a dirt road and the rocky path takes about 5-8 minutes by scooter although it is not exactly easy driving (the humorous signs are encouraging) or allow 20 minutes walking. The Hideout is a unique treehouse hotel that is also a great place to stop for a drink and a swing on a hammock. And you won't find this place on tripadvisor (yet!). There's no alcohol served here and food can take a while if there are other customers but you can busy yourself with watching tiny mudskippers make minute leaps and mud crabs bathe themselves in mud. It's like a som tum salad but made without green papaya, instead these gorgeous little bunches of tiny green caviar beads are deliciously refreshing and slightly salty. The tamarind prawns are tasty and while they are famous for their fish covered with a blanket of crispy garlic (it was a tad dry to be honest) make sure to ask for their seaweed salad aka sea grape salad with som tum flavours (an off menu item). The prices are fantastic (150THB or $6AUD for prawn or crab dishes). Koh Yao Tha Tondo seafood is a simple restaurant that specialises in seafood. Just a few doors down on the street is what locals regard as one of the best restaurants on the island. It was under construction when we visited but if you walk towards the last cafe on the right called The Rest Calm, you can lie back in a hammock and snooze or lie back on the cushions and sip an iced coffee or tea (or try the soy milk, it's nutty and delicious). Past the coconut farm, head towards Tha Tondo Pier. It's also a place if you're looking for Italian food, coffee or gelato. They weren't in season when we visited but we were more than content with a delicious fresh papaya shake and an iced coffee. Or head even further north to the northernmost inhabited tip of the island towards Cocobella where the coconut palms grow, you can stop and walk the view of the islands in the distance (including James Bond Island) while enjoying a fresh coconut grown at Cocabella's coconut plantation. Look for the coconut trees and the staff will wave you in. Number 2: Drink Fresh Coconut Juice.Īround the west of the island is coconut farm where you can watch them harvest coconuts. There are also side car scooters available for 600THB although these are a little less safe especially around the gently curving roads - we witnessed an accident involving tourists where they tipped over because they were going too fast around a corner and lost control. The locals are considerate drivers and it's an easy island to navigate with one main road circling the island. The hotel we were staying at Cape Kudu has a gentleman who will rent scooters for 300THB a day right outside the hotel and that includes enough gas for a day's touring (if you need more you can fill it up yourself at a low cost of around 1 litre/20THB). Scootering is easy and you don't need a scooter or motorbike license. To get around and see this incredible island go by scooter (although Mr NQN will argue a bike is better). Within 5 minutes of exploring a rambutan seller drove past us saying "Sawasdee-ka!" and everyone is smile ready. The predominantly Muslim population are wonderfully friendly and sweet. But while everyone works to keep its small island community vibe, that doesn't mean that they aren't welcoming to strangers. Or maybe it's the vibe which is like Thailand 20 years ago. Perhaps it's the temperature which is a little less humid, less rainy and more pleasant due to the island's expansive coastline. There's something romantic about this tiny island. Step back in time on this dreamy Thai island and one of my favourite destinations in Thailand. Sure you can follow the well trodden paths but there's so much more to discover here with hidden local gems. Koh Yao Noi is a postage stamp sized jungle island just 30 minutes from Phuket that holds countless treasures.
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