Photography: Frits Meyst
Text: Jillian Macdonald

At Koh Yao Noi (little long island) where traditional culture flourishes, the welcoming, "Sa wat dii kha" never seems to end, nor do the smiles. The local people are more than enthusiastic to welcome you into their homes and to arrange any sort of activity, from fishing for squid at midnight, crab netting, or a visit to the medicine man to see how tiger balm is made. Often the owner of a local 'home-stay' will also be the fisherman plus transport for you and your kayak to the perfect launch point. Here extraordinary rock formations, acres of mangroves and hidden caves are a kayaker's delight.

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