arctic-cycler.com

I almost cried for the beauty today. Turquoise, still water studded with rock pinnacles on the horizon. Then security guards with batons, broken bike computer cables, missing pannier screws and broken helmet buckles added to my low blood-sugar levels, putting a dampener on a day which unfolded in a glorious paradise backdrop.

Koh Yao Noi

Many people I have spoken with said I must make the detour to Koh Yao Noi. I am glad I did. The views are absolutely amazing.

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi

I had a few hours, so I decided to visit one of the beaches at the end of a dirt road. I chose the one leading to Paradise Resort. This is a very very steep and dusty road through the jungle. Quite pleasant, but I was looking forward to sipping a smoothie on the beach at the end. Not to be.

No Trespassing! Paradise Resort at Koh Yao Noi.

No passing through here

The guard was armed with a script in English, insisting that due to security, all visitors had to register 48 hours in advance. A bomb going off was mimed to explain the security risk. The guard was also armed with a baton. (Don’t worry – he was only doing his job. When I backed off, he put the baton away.) I walked the steep public footpath to the nearby rock-climbing area, and to the other edge of the private resort.

Koh Yao Noi

A note to the owners of Paradise Resort on Koh Yao Noi. Please put a sign at the start of the dead-end road informing people of your policy of no unregistered visitors. This can reduce the frustration had by all.

Thanks to Andrey, my lovely warm showers host in Krabi. The night is still young, but I’m looking forward to exchanging stories!

But first, one more photo from beautiful Koh Yao Noi.

Koh Yao Noi