Kho Yao Islands off Phuket
 

I posted before about where in Thailand to go and my friend and I discovered the Kho Yao islands - they sounded quiet enough for a break but seemed to have some of the main draws of Phuket.

We are flying into Phuket and have a total of 5 days including getting to the islands and getting back to Phuket airport. I wondered if anyone has any views on whether Kho Yao Noi or Kho Yao Yai is better? Noi seems to have more developed resorts even though its smaller. I had thought of 2 days in each, but not sure if that's feasible?

I also wondered if we were missing out by passing Phuket? I have heard the shopping/beach scene is fun, but as we live in Asia werent too bothered about that in principle. I had thought of staying one night in Phuket nr Bang Rong, which I think is where a ferry takes you to the Kho Yao islands.

I have tried to contact the tourist office for info about ferry times as well - after a bad experience in a long boat elsewhere in Asia I would prefer to go on a regula ferry than hire something on my own!

any ideas esp those who have visited, would be great!
Thanks in advance and Happy new year and happy travels to all!

Ferrys leave from Bang Rong pier on the north east of Phuket. Link to timetable below. There are around four or five per day and travel time is around 90mins.

http://andaman-island-hopping.com/tr...rrycentral.htm

Noi is my preference.

Thanks Leigh. Do you mind if I ask where in Noi you stayed?

We stayed at Paradise Resort.........no negative comments at all......even Mrs Leigh was completely happy. Link below

http://www.theparadise.biz/

Leigh's idea of heaven on earth is PhiPhi. Take a look at that as an option.