19&20 December Koh Yao Yai
Rex1
Sun 22 Dec 2013 08:12
7.58.7N 98.34.0E
By mid morning we swiftly left Koh Hong and the strong currents of Phang Nga Bay and motored south to a stunning anchorage on the west coast of Koh Yao Yai - the winds had abated and we moored in 4 metres opposite a sandy white beach which had 3 resorts on it. The water was beautiful and clear and the temperature was really pleasant ( it was quiet and not many boats) - finally this was the Thailand I had dreamt about. We also bought more prawns en route 132 prawns for $15 ( yes I counted them as I had peeled every one).
Shrimp production is a massive business for Thailand - last year they shipped 350,000 tonnes worth 110 billion baht and are the world's leading shrimp exporter. However this year an epidemic of early mortality syndrome has hit Thailand's booming shrimp industry and will cost an estimated 50 billion baht.
Enough on prawns, I am happy not to peel or eat prawns for a few more days. We enjoyed kayaking, swimming and walking on the beach (although it was littered with broken glass). Only 1 resort cleared the beach every morning! We had lunch at a local Muslim restaurant and Greg and I had drinks and dinner at the stunning restaurant on the beach at The Santhiya Resort & Spa.