TOUCH, Koh Yao Noi — Hotel in Ko Yao Noi

We spent three nights at Touch, on Ko Yao Noi, in December 2023, as part of an island-hopping trip on our honeymoon. If you’re already on this small un-touristy island, then it’s safe to assume you’re taking a break from the party circuit. With that caveat in place, it’s unlikely you can do better than Touch when it comes to privacy, an unhurried seclusion, well-appointed lodgings, unintrusive staff, and absolutely scintillating views of the Phang Nga Bay. The tents are quite plush, certainly matched up to any of the other (much fancier) luxury resorts we stayed at. The loos are not ensuite, but sufficiently adjunct to the tent to afford complete privacy; there are just four tents which means you’ll never have more than six other guests in the glamping section. The breakfast spread (a la carte), is spectacular, and I’d highly recommend taking the inclusive package. We ate out for the other meals—which makes sense if you want to set your own schedule. The restaurants on the island’s popular beach—a ten-minute walk along the coast—are excellent (try the Italian place, shockingly good). The kayaks are left at your disposal in case you want to paddle across to Ko Nok, a furlong or so away. Jackie, the host, is exceptionally helpful—she even helped set up transport for us on another island a few days after we’d left. Considering we visited in the second week of December which is high season, there couldn’t have been a better hideaway in this part of the Eastern Seaboard....

The only problem with our two night stay was that it was too short. This beautiful resort has stunning beachfront complete with hammocks, hanging swings, and tables to enjoy the view. We stayed in the new dome tents, which have electric, air conditioning, small fridge, and lights. The furniture was basic but tasteful: a king size bed and night stands, wardrobe, desk, and mats with a low table for lounging or doing yoga. The private, detached bathroom is just three steps from the tent, and was finished with tile and nice fixtures including a rain shower head, porcelain flush toilet, and sink with mirror. The tent is just a few steps from the waterfront and you can hear the waves lapping on the sand. The staff is incredible, keeping everything clean and helping with anything you need. There are kayaks and SUPs available for your use. We recommend the 20 minute kayak trip across to Koh Nok, and the hike up to the viewpoint if you are adventurous enough for the steep, rocky climb. We rented the moped to get around the island, which was more convenient than renting from an outside shop. The owner Jackie was helpful with advice about where to eat and things to do, always asking us about our stay and making sure we were comfortable. There are also villas available for rent for a truly luxurious experience. Would absolutely recommend and we hope to return for a...

We’re a family of four who had a fantastic stay at Touch Beachfront. We had rented the full Villa which sleeps up to six and consists of three separate buildings each with bed and bathroom and a private pool nicely placed in between them. It also has a small kitchenette with fridge and a dining-living room with a big-screen TV if you want a movie-night. Located right at the edge of the water you can see the beach from all the rooms and appreciate the fantastic views as the sun rises across the ocean. There is also a small restaurant that serves high quality thai food and drinks. The owner Jackie is extremely friendly and always available to help. She organized a half day boat-trip to the local islands incl. Koh Hong (where we got well before the rush from Krabi and Phuket). She also helped with tours on the local island and we visited her husbands store in the local village. All staff was friendly and attentive. Definitely a place to recommend for all occasions and given the layout of the villa it works well with grown-up kids, 3 couples travelling...