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Traditionally, Ko Yao Noi has been a Muslim fishing village. That is not to say that there aren't any Buddhists on the island. There are, but they are not in the majority. There is absolutely no problems between them. Nestled between two mass tourism destinations, Phuket and Krabi, it is refreshing to see that the villagers haven't sold out to mere money. They still find great pleasure in sitting under a tree or throwing a line in the water. They have retained their laid-back attitude. If
you want to see what Thailand was like in the not too distant past,
Downtown Ko Yao Noi consists of many restaurants, small convenience shops, fruit and vegetable displays, hardware shops and a few internet cafes. There is one 7 Eleven however. The locals have come up with a homestay program which we support and encourage you to join. Rice is such an important part of Thai culture that the language used to describe eating literally uses the word rice in each instance. Are you hungry would be said, "Hungry rice no?" Or, are you hungry for rice. If you're full you would say something like, "Eat rice already." There is a Thai word for food, but they seldom use it. So, as rice is so important, the locals can show you how rice was processed in the past... and some still use this method. You'll see some methods used to separate the rice from the hull. It's fun to do and you'll get a chance to work the 'machines' if you wish.
Another trade on the island is rubber. Unfortunately this monoculture isn't exactly the best thing for the environment. However, this is a cash crop for many of the islanders. They like showing travelers how to produce a rubber mat. It's actually rather interesting. You'll get to tap a tree with a special knife and work the rolling machine that makes the mats.
WIth the homestay, of course, you get to stay in the homes of the locals. Their homes are not simple wooden shacks in the jungle. They are very nice homes with tile floors and all of the usual amenities. But, they are not frivilous or overly fancy. You'll get to eat the same food that they eat. This doesn't mean that you're going to be forced to eat a handfull of chili peppers! You can learn how to cook Thai dishes if you're interested. You also get to participate in their lifestyle. If they're rubber tappers, you can join them. If they're fishermen, you can join them. Basically you get to experience what it's like to live on Ko Yao Noi. The best thing in my opinion, is that this is the way it's been and hopefully will remain for many years to come. There is a wild medicinal plant unversity in southern Thailand. Two of the homestay program participants have graduated from the university. They will show you how to make Tiger Balm if that interests you. They can take you out for a jungle hike to see a host of wild plants used to cure a host of ailments. Thais still rely to some degree on medicine from the jungle. Learn more about this facinating field of study.
Activities that you
can participate in include: The Homestay
Project people also have a Little
Crab Survival program.
9/71
Moo 3 Thanon Rasdanusorn, Ban Kuku, Phuket 83000
Tel/fax: +66 76 216145 tel: +66 76 240952 Dave's mobile: 081 8936558 Tanya's mobile: 081 7974775 Related
web sites: Thailand
Seakayaking | Birding
in Thailand Tourism
Authority of Thailand License Number 31/0204
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The
ability of a stunning destination to remain traditional and authentic
is difficult to say the least. Ko Yao Noi however, is one place that
has changed very little over the past decade. There are some outsiders
who have built fancier accommodations, but for the most part, the
places that tourists stay in are owned and operated by the locals...
as it should be. The Thai Muslim Fishermen and women of Ko Yao Noi
are more than capable of showing tourists the wonders of their island.
