Koh Yao Yai - The Last Gem?
Welcome To 'Real Thailand'
Heimat Gardens Guest House and Restaurant opened in 2007, nestled in a tranquil location, with a 2km sandy beach (Lo Paret) located only 5 min's by foot. It was built and is run by local Yamalia.
When you stay with us, I will show you a beautiful, quiet spot, that we call "Viewpoint". Let us guide you on a walk around. Or if you are lazy, you will see Kingfishers, monkeys, squirrels, lizards and more from sitting in our restaurant.
There is always something to see or learn - if you are interested. Ever wondered how fresh (from the ground!) peanuts taste like? or how cashew nuts grow (not from the ground!) and taste when picked ripely? You are in the right place.
We our proud of the wealth of nature we have access to, and we don't take it for granted. It is fortunate that tourism has had such a low impact on the local environment so far, we hope this remains to be true in the coming years.
Koh Yao Yai is starting to get noticed by travelers who want a bit more from their visit to Thailand. One of the main comments you hear from travelers is:
"It's Koh Lanta 10 years back"
The Koh Yao Islands consists of two of the inhabited islands found in the Phang-Nga region of Southern Thailand. They are positioned bang in between Phuket and Krabi.
Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two islands (approx 1/3 size of Phuket!) and has a large selection of beaches and activities.
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Lo paret Beach - Driftwood |
Lo paret Beach - So quiet |
"As history continues to repeat itself, you don't have to imagine what this island will be like in 5 years time! - Over the last 15 years, all the Muslim islands in this region have turned increasingly away from fishing, and more towards tourism as a main source of income. Starting with Koh Phi Phi, spreading to Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and onwards, a similar pattern of development has emerged. You can still have beaches to yourself here, and you are treated as a novelty, whilst still being afforded all the comfort and infrastructure you need to really relax.
Visit this island while it's still fresh before the 'big' developers move in!"
You have to be quite fit to get-up 'Viewpoint'! - It's well worth it.
Latest comments from our review section
November 14, 2008
Amy Boin writes in Koh Yao Yai - Paradise
"It was more then a pleasure to stay at Heimat Gardens in 2007..I`ve visited Thailand already 5 times before, and I must honestly say that Ko Yao Yai at Yamalia Heimat Gardens was the most fantastic experience for me.. learning about the Thai culture, and enjoying the adventure and peace on the island. Sometimes you hardly see any tourists around, so theres a chance you can have a splended white sandy beach for yourself..So if you want to enjoy the island before it becomes to a second Phi Phi, you need to go now:-) You won`t regret it..believe me.. I´ll be going back to Heimat Gardens soon..The accomodation is excellent and the owner Yamalia, is so sweet and big hearted..She makes sure you feel at home...
I'm looking forward being back soon.
Amy"
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September 10, 2008
Jon Sanders/Tessa Luff writes in Accommodation
"Heimat is just what we were looking for. A homestay type guesthouse in nature with great food, easy access to a quiet, clean beach and set in a friendly village. The room was great value,size and condition; the service from Yamali was excellent and her cooking in the restaurant was A1. Our stay was pure pleasure, the only thing lacking was the fabricated western-style resort theme - this is a much more natural setting, a genuine piece of real Thailand which works its quiet magic on you so that after a week or two you have completley de-toxed!! And the rain season isn't that bad - after the odd downpour, it clears off - the thunderstorms are great value and thre frogs sing for all the world! Look forward to returning! Thanks again."
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