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
May 2, 2008
Nattha writes in History of the people
"When the Burmese came to Thailand to take our land over in about 200 years ago. Most Thai men were fighting for the survival of the nation, but some choose to flee in order to protect women and children. A large group that were on the way from Satul were looking for a safe place to hide and save their lives, found Koh Yao.
In that time Burma had taken over all of the main city such as Ayuttaya. But they weren’t interested about other land in the south mainly because of that city was plenty full of resource, like rice and water. They stayed in the main cities celebrating their victory. Koh Yao was saved.
The people were mostly from Satul and lots of them were Malaysian, so they were believing in Allah. They start their new life with old style fishing. I think I don’t need to explain you how to begin to make a new
land with enough resource to be good enough for life. Not only fishing but they started planting rice and anything that they can eat.
And then Koh Yao was saved from Burma until the time was come. That time was the time when Thailand had fighting back to gain our freedom again.
But it was a long time, too long to wait. The people have made their new generation already then they don’t want to go back any more. Until now we are here, on this quiet island. Until today we can’t hear so much more about our history, because it’s too long time ago.
Now we live with in the present for the next generation in the future."
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April 23, 2008
Jiri Martinek writes in Koh Yao Yai - Paradise
"I was working for about one year on Ko Yao Yai as diving instructor. I spent many many evenings in "Heimat" restaurant and tried lot of dishes served there. All were really delicious, especially grilled fish with garlic - fabulous. The owner Yamalia is big-heart lady, who speaks four languages and is ready to fulfill all culinary whishes you can have. And the accomodation is the best you can buy on Yao Yai island.
Thanks for everything, Yami and see you next year...
Pony"
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