Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay, roughly twice the size of its better-known sibling Koh Yao Noi. The island has seen slightly more development over recent years, with a growing number of guesthouses, resorts, and restaurants, but retains a fundamentally rural character. The interior is covered with rubber plantations and rice paddies, and the coastline is dotted with fishing villages and mangrove estuaries. Long, undeveloped beaches on the eastern shore offer excellent low-season swimming and are virtually deserted outside peak months. Sea kayaking and cycling are popular ways to explore. The island is accessible by ferry from Bang Rong Pier in about 45 minutes. Koh Yao Yai is a good choice for travellers who want more space and a slower pace than Phuket, without sacrificing comfort entirely.