Finding True Paradise? Our Family Adventure at Paradise KohYao Resort, Koh Yao Noi
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie, back again with more tales from our Thailand trip. After exploring Koh Yao Yai and Phuket (you can read about those adventures [Santhiya Koh Yao Yai post] and [Santhiya Phuket Natai post]), we craved something different β true seclusion, deep nature, a place to really relax. We found exactly that on the beautiful island of Koh Yao Noi at the aptly named Paradise KohYao Resort. This wasn't just another holiday; it felt like discovering a slice of paradise.
If your idea of a memorable vacation involves waking up to the sounds of the jungle, spotting incredible wildlife, and having a beautiful, almost private beach to yourselves, then settle in β this family review is for you! Our stay promised a relaxing stay, and we were excited to see if this resort delivered.
The Journey to a Hidden Gem: Getting There is Half the Fun!
Reaching this secluded resort is an adventure in itself. You can arrange speedboat transfers from either Phuket or Krabi, taking about 40-60 minutes across the beautiful waters, offering stunning views of the Phang Nga Bay region's stunning landscapes. We came via boat from Phuket (Bang Rong Pier) to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi.
Once we landed, our taxi was waiting β a small open van. Now, coming from Dubai, this was a whole different vibe! The drive itself was fantastic fun; winding through parts of the island, getting glimpses of local life, and then plunging into deep forest as we neared the isolated resort. The terrain was interesting, and parts of the road weren't paved. We were walking (well, riding!) on the wild side! We kept thinking how lucky we were that it didn't pour rain, as that could have made the ride quite slippery and challenging! But for us, it just added to the unique charm and adventure of reaching this amazing place.
Arrival: Stepping into Serenity
Pulling into Paradise KohYao, we were immediately struck by the quiet. It felt like we'd entered a different world β peaceful, lush, and incredibly beautiful. The laid back atmosphere was instant. Forget the city buzz; this was pure tranquility, the kind of paradise many visitors dream of for their vacation. The services offered right from arrival were warm and welcoming.
Our Cozy Corner & A Note on Renovations
We stayed in one of the basic villas close to the beach, which felt like our own private sanctuary. While we didn't focus heavily on the room this trip (too much to explore outside!), it was comfortable, featuring a huge bed and essential amenities. We even enjoyed some downtime with two large pizzas delivered right to our villa one evening! Itβs worth noting the resort offers a range of rooms and villas, including options like a superior studio or even studios with jacuzzis or a private plunge pool, and they are actively renovating some rooms, which is great to see. While our villa was fine, it showed a little wear (we rated this aspect 7/10), so knowing upgrades are happening is a plus for future guests.
Beach Life: Two Tides, Two Ways to Play!
The beach here is special. The resort boasts its own private beach, and it offers different experiences depending on the time of day.
High Tide: Perfect for swimming! The water was lovely, and we enjoyed splashing and cooling off in the sea. While perhaps not the crystal clear waters of some sheltered bays due to gentle currents, it was wonderful for a dip.
Low Tide: This is when the adventure really begins! The water recedes quite far, exposing a vast area of sand and rock pools. This was prime time for exploring. Sofija and Matija became expert crab hunters, and we even found a tiny lobster! It's an amazing natural playground right outside your door.
Wildlife Wonders: Hornbills, Monitors, and More!
For nature lovers (like us!), Paradise KohYao is a dream. The natural beauty is enhanced by incredible wildlife encounters:
Hornbills: We were thrilled to see majestic Hornbills! These protected birds are relatively used to humans here and often come quite close. Seeing them fly by was amazing!
Monitor Lizard: Yes, we spotted a huge Monitor Lizard nonchalantly hanging out near our room! Don't worry, it was at a perfectly safe distance and totally uninterested in us, but what a sight! A real reminder you're sharing this space with diverse wildlife.
Ponds & Fish: The resort has beautifully maintained ponds filled with water lilies and fish, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Activities Galore: Keeping Busy in Paradise
Despite its secluded feel, there was a wide array of things to do, fantastic services and amenities for guests, including children:
Water Fun: Milos and Matija loved kayaking along the calm coastline. You might even see local longtail boats passing further out.
Sports: We had fun family games of badminton and football on the sand, plus some competitive rounds of darts.
Relaxing: Sometimes, just finding a hammock and enjoying the laid back atmosphere was the perfect day's activity.
Wellness: There's a lovely open-air covered sala for the yoga class and exercise (like a mini gym area). The kids and I did some stretching there, soaking in the incredible breathtaking views. Speaking of the gym, even on this relaxing holiday, Milos managed to hit the weights! Guess someone had to work off those delicious banana pancakes we discovered... Gotta admire the dedication, right? π
Other Options: They also offer mountain bikes for rent and we saw signs for cooking classes showcasing local customs and thai cuisine.
Island Hopping Adventure: Snorkeling at Koh Pakbia
We couldn't resist some island hopping! The resort offers various excursions and tours. One day, we took a trip to nearby Koh Pakbia. The boat ride itself offered spectacular views of the surrounding islands and limestone karststypical of this region near Phang Nga Bay. At Koh Pakbia, we jumped into the inviting, shallow clear waters for some snorkeling. Seeing the underwater world is always a highlight!
Rainy Day Charm & Spa Serenity
Remember that rainy day? It didn't stop us! We grabbed umbrellas and went exploring the beach during low tide. The warm rain was actually refreshing! It's a reminder that tropical weather is part of the experience and can offer its own unique beauty.
While we didn't snap photos, I did peek at the Spa. The massage rooms are set high up, open to the elements, where all you hear are the sounds of nature β aiming for pure bliss! A perfect example of the relaxing vibe here.
Food Fueling Our Adventures
The food was consistently great (solid 8/10!). We enjoyed the wide selection at the breakfast buffet each morning at the beachfront Seafood Terrace restaurant β especially the delicious tropical fruits. Throughout the day, the restaurants offered tasty options; we often leaned towards the authentic Thai food / Thai Cuisine, which was flavourful and satisfied our taste buds. Oh, and we absolutely have to mention the mini banana pancakes β they fry tiny, sweet bananas right into the batter, and they became our favorite indulgent treat! So tasty!
The Verdict: Our Paradise KohYao Rating
Finding true paradise is subjective, but this was certainly a memorable experience for our family. We'd give Paradise KohYao Resort an overall 8.5/10. Here's our breakdown:
Beauty & Serenity: 10/10 (Absolutely stunning and peaceful)
Beach Experience: 10/10 (Loved the high-tide swims & low-tide exploring combo on the private beach)
Wildlife Sightings: 10/10 (Hornbills & Monitor Lizard were major highlights!)
Staff Friendliness: 10/10 (Genuinely warm and helpful throughout our stay!)
Food: 8/10 (Great taste and variety, especially those banana pancakes!)
Price/Value: 8/10 (Felt fair for the unique experience)
Activities: 8/10 (Plenty to keep families engaged)
Room Condition: 7/10 (Comfortable, but looking forward to the completed renovations)
Getting There: 7/10 (Part of the adventure, but takes time & potentially weather dependent)
Itβs an amazing hotel if you prioritize nature, tranquility, wildlife, and unique beach experiences over polished luxury or easy accessibility. And watching the sunset paint the sky over the bay each evening truly adds to the magic. It truly feels like escaping to your own little world, offering a perfect day time and again during your relaxing stay. Please note this feedback is based on our personal trip.
Dreaming of finding your own quiet corner of Thailand? Whether it's the secluded charm of Koh Yao Noi, the stunning landscapes near Phang Nga Bay, or another beautiful island, figuring out the perfect blend for your family is what we do best at Destinationz. Booking the right holiday ensures an unforgettable stay.
Let us help you plan an adventure that connects you with nature and creates lasting memories. From navigating speedboat transfers from Phuket Airport or Krabi to finding that perfect villa, we've got you covered. No need to spend few hours searching - just reach out!
Schedule a free consultation today and let's start planning your Thailand adventure!
Connect with us today!
Visit our website: [www.travelwithdestinationz.com]
Explore our Thailand travel packages: [Thailand Travel Packages]
Explore our Thailand travel tip: [Thailand Travel Tips]
