Koh Yao Noi Life

Koh Yao Noi, the Shima Healing & Little Elephant homebase, is a small quiet island Phang Nga Bay, equidistant to Phuket and the Krabi mainland. The pace here is slow and relaxed. The friendly locals live a traditional and simple Islamic existence centred around the rhythms of the seasons, the ocean and their religious practice.

In 2002, Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for the eco-friendly homestay programs offered by its local residents. Some activities available on the island include agricultural demonstrations (rubber and fishing), kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming.

And here's a little map of Ban Tha Khao on Koh Yao Noi for your convenience (click on image to enlarge):

From left to right: Sea Gypsy Restaurant, Mai Mueng Restaurant, The Pier Restaurant and Kitchen Corner Restaurant. Directly at the pier you can find the Women Group with Restaurant, Batik & Shop, and the small hut in the middle of the pier is Ann's Shop with a roti sales point on the other side. The shop on the right side is a little supermarket with an ATM right out front.

Women Power on Koh YAO NOI

Shima Healing would like to encourage you to support female entrepreneurship, this is why we we're introducing you to some of the local power women and their businesses. If you can, please drop by and say hello – have something delicious to eat at their place, shop for gifts or even get creative yourself!

In THA KHAO VILLAGE:

Tha Khao Women Group

The Tha Khao Women Group is a community project which has its location right at Tha Khao Pier. In the long, open hall you can have delicious local food over lunch time and look for souvenirs in the adjoining shop. The Batik Sarongs they sell in the shop are made right at the spot: you can either watch the ladies skillfully painting new sarongs while you eat, or even make your own! You can choose between different fabric sizes. Note: if you come to do batik please calculate two days for the making (each day a couple of hours): on the first day you draw on the fabric, on the second day you paint, and pick-up on day 3. Plus: the ocean view is really nice!

ANN's boutique and souvenir shop

Ann has a really nice range of products in her tiny shop at the Tha Khao Pier: she offers jewelry, purses and bags, beautiful embroidered dresses and other clothes, as well as some Shima Healing products.... especially her handmade macramée wall hangings are awesome! Ann speaks English, French, and Thai, and she is happy to help you book a bungalow (she also manages some AirBnB properties), rent bikes or offer advice for your questions.
Ann's shop is right at Tha Khao Pier

THA KHAO PIER ROTEE & THAI TEA STAND

behind Ann's shop, at Tha Khao Pier

KITCHEN CORNER BY JA'ZA

Great local breakfast!

at the Tha Khao Pier corner, you cannot miss it

The Pier Restaurant and Saffiro Tour
by Khun Pum

Thai food, shakes and what a smile!!!

at Tha Khao Pier, next to Kitchen Corner

MAI MUAENG RESTAURANT

North Eastern Asian cuisine, for people who like spicy food. Especially the Larp Gai (Northern Thai spicy chicken salad) is delicious!

From Tha Khao Pier follow the road to Pasai Beach, walk about a 100m on the right side of the road

Sea Gypsy by Ja'Gob

Best Massaman Curry in the village! As you can see, Ja'Gob is already training the next generation so the secret of her breathtaking curry will be in good hands

From Tha Khao Pier follow the road to Pasai Beach, walk about a 300m, it's a little set back on the right side of the road

In the Market:

DODEE BY JOY

Joy's shop in the market are actually two: on the left side you find everything wearable: clothes and accessories made out of the typical sarong fabric – you can find pants & skirts for grown-ups and kids, yoga mat bags, toys, headbands, bags, pillow cases, and robes, as well as a selection of jewelry, scarves and coconut shell products. Right next door she offers unique handmade Koh Yao ceramics, as well as health and beauty products. Her newest addition are handmade essential oil soaps which will take your mind back to Thailand every time you smell them at home!
Dodee is located across the street from 7-11 in the Market.

GARDEN CAFé and Happy Colorful Tours by P'TIK

P'Tik not only offers wonderful food in a lush green garden, she also has a travel agency, a room she rents out via AirBnB, and you can book a workshop in natural candle making with her.