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Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island, Phang Nga)

Located in Phang-Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi are two sister islands Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) and Koh Yao Yai. The largely untouched island is covered with lush tropical jungle and limestone cliffs; it is fringed by beaches and reef and surrounded by numerous tiny islands with their own beaches.It is a hideway paradise and home to many species of native flora and fauna ideal for bird watching, island hopping, swiming, snorkelling, fishing, biking,trekking, village expediations and more.

Low Tide on the island (Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga)

A wide range of accomodation is available on the island from back-packer units to boutique resorts such as The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort and Koyao Island Resort.  The latest newly opened luxury resort on the island is Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi with a private villa situated on the hilltop come with an infinity-edged  pool overlooking the magnificent Hong Islands on the Andaman coast at THB 400 000 per night (minimum 7 nights stay).

Day trip to nearby island - Koh Phak Bia, Phang Nga

Phang Nga Bay

 The Koh Yao Noi community has set up eco-friendly homestay for visitors to experience the life in a community and join activities such as agricultural demonstrations ( rubber and fishing), kayaking, hiking, snokelling and swimimg. It has gained worldwide attention after receiving Award for Destination Stewardship from conservation International and National Geographical Traveler magazine for the eco-friendly homestay programs.

The only 7-11 store in town (Koh Yao Noi)

Batik Painting - An authentic art originated from the Southern provinces

During the raining season ( June - November), the accomodation prices can drop to 50% . The climate on this islands receive lots of sunshine throughout the year and lower humidity as compared to rest of the southern territories of Thailand.

Durian - The “King of Fruits” - You will either like it or hate it

 Natural rubber provides a major source of income to the islanders (Koh Yao Noi)

The population of both islands is about 9,000 with a majority of friendly Thai muslim villagers making their living out of  fishing, farming and hospitality business. It has a serene  environment.

Koh Yao Noi and Yai are still considered as Thailand’s remaining Virgin Islands.

Buffalos roaming freely in the rice fields (Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga)

Getting There:

Daily Boat Transfer to Koh Yao Noi (Tha Su Kha Pier):

From Phuket (Bang Rong Pier) 08:00, 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:30 and 17:00 hrs

From Phuket (Ao Por Pier) 10:00 and 16:00 hrs

From  Krabi (Tha Len Pier) 11:00 and  13:00 hrs

From Phang-Nga (Tha Dan Pier) 13:00 hrs

Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island), Phang Nga Bay

Exotic Plants on the Coast of Thailand - Tacca leontopetaloides (Seashore bat lily)

Besides Tacca integrifolia, Tacca leontopetaloides (Seashore bat lily or Polynesian arrowroot) is considered a very rare plant found growing naturally at Pulau Semakau and Pulau Pawai in Singapore but not in Thailand. So far, I found the plant on the island of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lipeh . The plant is cultivated in the Pacific, East Asia and East Africa for the starch in its underground roots. It has unusual flowers and fruits growing in a cluster with leafy bracts and long ‘whiskers’ and it belongs to a familyof tropical plants, named Taccaceae.

Fruits - Tacca leontopetaloides (Seashore bat lily) 

It is estimated that there are about 11,000 species of vascular plants of which 10,200 are flowering plants, with 2,500 tree species and 1,100 orchid species (7-10 % of which) are reportedly endemic in Thailand (WCMC, 1994; OEPP, 2000).

Tacca leontopetaloides (Seashore bat lily or Polynesian arrowroot)

The Royal Trophy 2010 - Europe vs. Asia Golf Championship

The fourth edition of the Royal Trophy golf championship, played between the continents of Europe and Asia will take place on 8 – 10 January, 2010 at the exclusive Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand. The highly competitive team match-play epic Championship will feature eight players and a non-playing Captain representing the Asian and European continents respectively in a series of sixteen foursomes, four-ball and singles matches.

Henrik Stenson at Royal Trophy

With Asia triumphing over the Europeans for the first time in the latest edition, the upcoming Tournament will surely be a fantastic battle for stewardship of the solid-silver sixteen-kilogram Trophy, so graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. Players already nominated for the Asian Team for the fourth edition of the Royal Trophy include Thai power duo Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee, as well as global golf sensation Ryo Ishikawa.

Ryo Ishikawa at Royal Trophy

The magnificent Tournament will be played on 8 – 10 January, 2010, in the beautiful seaside province of Chonburi, located a mere 45 minutes away from bustling Bangkok. The cool breezes and bright sunshine typical of January in Thailand make this the perfect time for golfers to visit the Land of Smiles. The Championship offers a great opportunity to play some of the fantastic golf courses located in Bangkok, Chonburi and Pattaya, enjoy magnificent spas and beautiful Thai cuisine and cheer for Asia or Europe as they battle for the Royal Trophy – all while experiencing the unforgettable Thai hospitality. Special travel deals are now available to the Royal Trophy spectators and fans. 

Spectators enjoy the great atmosphere

The Royal Trophy Premier and Major Sponsors include Heineken, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), PTT, Sports Authority of Thailand, Siam Commercial Bank, Sodick (Thailand) and THAI Airways. The Championship is also supported by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Chonburi Provincial Government. For further Tournament information, please call +662 651 9499 or visit the official website www.TheRoyalTrophy.com. The Royal Trophy is promoted by Entertainment Group Limited and Amen Corner S.A.

Ryo Ishikawa’s fans and supporters

Thailand’s Best-Loved Departmental Store - Central Chidlom (Bangkok)

Bangkok is a truly “Shoppers’ Paradise“. There are many shopping areas throughout the city from Siam Square to Sukhumvit Road featuring stylish shopping malls, department stores as well as bustling open-air street bazaar. Located right at the heart of Bangkok’s premier shopping avenue next to Chitlom BTS station stands Central Childom, the Flagship store of Thailand and Southeast Asia’s leading department store chain. Boasting over 60 000 square meters of world-class shopping space, it is one of Thailand’s best-loved department stores.

Central Exclusive Label - DeFry01 (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Collectable Bears at Kid’s Department (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

You are really spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Central Chidlom. The store offers an incredible array of luxury brand names from International and local fashion houses, beauty products, chilldren’s wear and accessories and many other items exclusive to Central Chidlom.  Beautiful home furnishings and decor that will reflect your homes personal style and ambiance and exquisite oriental handicrafts satisfy the more artistically inclined. SuperSport offers a place for sport enthusiasts with a great selection of sports-related items from apparel and shoes to equipment and accessories. At B2S (7th floor), customers can find an extensive range of local and international books, stationery for home, office and school; music and movies from around the world,  all under one roof.

The Central Food Hall ( Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

The Premiere Lounge (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

The Central Food Hall designed by British design consultancy Fitch popular with expatriates offers a stunning array of fine foods and wines from around the world and it is an ideal place for food and drink grocery shopping. The Premiere Lounge located at the top floor (7th) is an exclusive facility for card members to rest while shopping at the store. There is even a tastefully furnished Muslim prayer room (6th floor) for those who need it. Limited reserved parking spaces are available for members on a first come, first served basis and as well as home delivery service for customers.

The Food Loft (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Greyhound Café, 3rd Floor, Central Chidlom Department Store

Besides shopping, the mall has a wide range of dining outlets that include local food and international cuisine housed in fancy restaurants and posh food courts such as Food Loft located on the top level offers a variety of freshly prepared gourmet dishes. This place is made up of kitchen “islands”, each with a different type of food available - there’s Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese and more. Thai food is still my favourite. You get a card with a barcode on it which gives you a 1000 baht credit-Just hand over the card every time you order something and pay as you leave, that’s simple. Personal service is important here and you will be served by helpful and friendly staff compared to other places.

Prestigious timepieces (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Central Annual Flower Show (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

The annual prestigious Central Watch Fair and Sale is one of the much anicipated events worth waiting for watch collectors. Central is also the first department store in Thailand that initiated a flower event and this event has been held on continuous basis for 15 years now. Every year, the entire 7-storey Central Chidlom shopping department store is turned into a magnificent heavenly garden of flowers and plants producing a number of stunning widow displays and each floor is beautifully decorated with fresh cut flowers, creating a relaxing ambience for shoppers. It is an event not to be missed.

Premium Thai silk collectables (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Lovely Homemade Aromatic Products (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

The first Central Department Store was established in Bangkok’s Wangburapha district in 1956. Until today, the Central Group of Companies has remained committed to the Founder’s vision. Samrit Chirathivat believed that success would come from honesty, hard work as well as the best services and products for Central’s customers. Its one-stop shopping concept, under which customers enjoy not only a staggering assortment of merchandise but also a vast variety of lifestyle services, continues to be the biggest draw for shoppers. Central Chidlom  remains a  firm favourite for locals and discerning visitors.

Central Chidlom offer a wide range of designer womens perfume, mens aftershave, skincare, cosmetics and gifts at great prices

Women’s shoe department (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Special Offer for TG passengers:

Simply present TG Boarding Pass and passport to get the Privileges Today - 31 Dec 2009 @ Central Chidlom. Pattaya Beach, Phuket and Zen Department Store. Offer for Non-Thai resident only.

Sexy Lingeries (Central Chidlom, Bangkok)

Getting There:

Central Chidlom
1027 Ploenchit Road
10330 Bangkok
Thailand

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
View Map of Central Chidlom in a larger map