Alix says:
We are headed away from Phuket to the more remote island of Koh Yao Noi, about an hour ferry ride from Phuket’s Bang Rong Harbor. Although rather small it’s one of the bigger islands in Ao Phang Nga – a small southern gulf full of islands. It’s low season right now so not only is the island practically deserted except for the locals, but 2 of the guesthouses we wanted to stay in are closed for the season! Luckily the songtheaw driver knows the island well and he drops us at Nom Tok Bungalows on the north east side of the island. By the way, these island drivers really know how to get you with their non negotiable fixed rates bla bla bla. So annoying and overpriced but it’s the only transportation so you have no choice. Jerks.

Nom Tok Bungalows is totally ace! Sweet bungalows, 10 in total (with 4 more “luxury” being built), situated across the road from the beach and in the trees so it’s nice and secluded and you are surrounded by lush jungle and colorful flowers. We stayed in the cheapest bungalow, 300 baht per night ($9 USD), and it felt like luxury! Big comfy bed with a mosquito net, nice hooks and shelves for your belongings, large bathroom with half walls so it’s like you’re showering in the garden, front deck with a hammock and surrounded by vegetation so it feels really private. The main house/bungalow in front is a great hang out area with a big table and the rest of the space filled with hammocks for lounging. Danny is the owner, born and raised fishing on the island, super chill guy who will take you on boat trips or island camping trips in Ao Phang Nga and also has kayaks to rent. He made us feel right at home and was great to talk with while hanging in a hammock. This could possibly be the best place we’ve stayed yet!

We spent 3 days here, two of which were way mellow strolling on the beach watching the little crabs dig holes, viewing the islands, walking through the small village and the rubber plantations and chatting with locals. One day we got kayaks and paddled the whole day through the many islands – WAY cool!!! I could barely move my arms the next day. Side note: tough to find beer here because it’s mainly Muslims on the island, gotta go to one of the few bars – this ended up being a really cool, pitch black walk through hills and rubber plantations listening to the wild sounds of night!