Muslim Homestay ~ Koh Yao Noi

My homestay cabin, the one on the right

While visiting the island of Koh Yao Noi back in January of 2012, I found accommodation in a Muslim homestay. I had read about this project in my Lonely Planet guide book, so i decided to give it a try. I also pitched it a s a story for a local Thai travel magazine (now defunct), and although I wrote the article, it was never published nor was I ever paid for it. C’est la vie!

Koh Yao Noi ~ Undiscovered Island Gem

Enjoying the slow life on the island of Koh Yao Noi

Sandwiched between Phuket island and Krabi Town lies the small island of Koh Yao Noi. I spent a week here back in January of 2012, and I loved the underdeveloped nature of the place. I can’t guarantee that it’s still a pristine, natural haven, but here’s hoping. My accommodation during this trip was in a small Muslim homestay that I had read about in my Lonely Planet guidebook.

Phi Phi Islands ~ Unspoiled Beauty Spoiled

The crowds at Koh Phi Phi Leh, where the movie The Beach was filmed. Overload!…

The islands collectively known as Phi Phi are as beautiful as you’d expect if you’ve seen photos of them in brochures and travel guides. It’s just that the crowds that flock to these islands day after day after day are what makes all this unspoiled beauty rather spoiled. The islands — there are several — are part of Thailand’s Krabi province. Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and most populated, although the beaches of the second largest island, Koh Phi Phi Leh, are visited by loads of tourists as well.

Koh Lanta ~ Great Island Getaway

Sunset on Koh Lanta, as seen through a veil of Screw Pine leaves.

I had heard mixed review about Koh Lanta before I went there in April of 2014, with some people saying it has become too commercialized while others said it was still an island paradise. But after my own visit I can safely say that in my opinion it is still a perfect spot for travellers looking for an idyllic beach vacation with a dash of “intact” local culture on the side. The island is developed enough to allow for all levels of tourism — from 4-star folk to backpackers — but it’s not bursting at the seams with crass tourists and tacky attractions like you find on so many other big beach islands in Thailand.

Deevana Plaza Krabi ~ Ao Nang

My Deluxe Pool Access room at the Deevana Plaza Krabi

I quite like the Thai province known as Krabi, and one recommended place here is the Deevana Plaza Krabi. It’s not right ON the beach but the walk to the beach is pretty painless. The resort itself is quite nice, as are the staff, however the street the resort is located on is a bit ramshackle (and undergoing some construction the last time I was there). During my recent trip (July 2015) I stayed in one of their 34 sq.m Premier Pool Access rooms, and it was quite elegant. And, as the name implies, it gives you pool access right from the room’s patio area, which is something i love. There are 213 stylish rooms and suites in all at the resort, each with a private balcony.