Koh Yao Noi is a small island in Phang Nga Bay midway between Phuket and Krabi, accessible by ferry from Bang Rong Pier in about 30 minutes. The island has deliberately limited its development to protect its exceptional natural setting: traditional Muslim fishing villages line the coast, buffalo graze on rubber estates, and the interior is covered with palms and mangroves. The surrounding bay offers world-class views of the limestone karsts that have made Phang Nga famous, and the island's own beaches are quiet and clean. Several boutique eco-resorts, including the well-known Koyao Island Resort and the adjacent 9 Hornbills tented camp, cater to guests seeking privacy and slow travel. Sea kayaking, cycling, and boat tours are the main activities. The island is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful retreats accessible from Phuket.