1. Unparalleled views. Looking out across the glistening, turquoise water, islands dot the horizon as far as the eye can see. There is no other place that looks quite like this, not that I've seen with my own eyes anyway. I'm constantly in awe of the natural splendor.
2. The seclusion. Going to Koh Yao Yai is a real getaway. You won't find any tourist shops, jet ski rentals, or street meat vendors. It's quiet, off the beaten path, and there isn't much "to do" per se, making it highly desirable for a little rest and relaxation. A good book and lounge chair are sometimes all you need.
3. My tan was amazing. I am all about sunblock, but my little melanin producers jumped out of hibernation and had a party. I soaked up that sunshine like it was going out of style, because sometimes, being bad feels so good.
4. Bungalow at the Betterview. Essentially 5 star for 1 star pricing (woo hoo, Thailand!), our hideaway was probably the nicest place I've ever stayed. Little details and creature comforts made it a truly luxurious stay. As soon as I put on that plush robe, I felt like a queen. Oh, and the shower. Wow. Super hot, high pressure, waterfall style, with a skylight. And don't get me started on the bed... I honestly never wanted to leave and considered asking how much it would be to extend the stay for a month, or two, or six...
5. Food, food, food. Amazing tropical fruits - check. Delicious, flavorful curries - check. Creamy, coconut smoothies - double check! The list goes on, and my taste buds savored every morsel. Thai food is one of my favorites and I never tire of it, especially when it's local and fresh.

6. Sleeping under a mosquito net. Why I have never owned a mosquito net is now a wonder to me. I'm making that priority #1 upon return to the States; buy mosquito net, hang above bed, and pretend to be on vacay. At the Thiwson, our bungalow had a rustic bed with this mosquito netting draped around to protect us from the pesky biters. It not only excelled in practicality, but the element of fun! I felt like a kid building a tent in the living room with the furniture and a few bedsheets.
7. Friendly locals and staff. Everyone we encountered was helpful and welcoming. Being off the mainland, the language barrier is a little more of a challenge, but warmth and smiles go a long way.
8. Love is in the air. The ingredients are all there, and with the right person, the experience can be most romantic. Lucky me
9. Private long-tail boat for a day. Snorkling, cruising the open water, island hopping... when you have a private boat, your wish is the captain's command. We spent a full day out on the water, bouncing around little islands, swinging from trees, and claiming a beach in the name of Camera & Carry On.
10. Peace and happiness. Rarely can I say I have not a care in the world. But here… it all melts away. Big stuff, little stuff, it no longer exists. It’s just me, the breezy coast, and a cool drink in my hand.

The post 10 Reasons Why I’m Head Over Heels for Koh Yao Yai appeared first on Camera & Carry On.

Do

• Rent a scooter (or a car) - Even if you're just planning on cruising between your favorite beach hangout and wherever you hang your bathing suit to dry, a set of wheels will give you some freedom. A scooter will run apx. 35 ringgit ($10) per day, plus gasoline. Bicycles aren't much cheaper, so unless you just plan on making a few quick runs along Pentai Cenang, you're better off with a motorized vehicle. Roads in Langkawi are well-paved and coasting along the coast with the wind in your face is a great way to beat the heat.
• Find your favorite beach - With no shortage of cornmeal grade sandy spots (sorry to disappoint, but this isn't the sugar-fine breed) to dig your toes in, there are a number of desirable beaches around. We stuck to the main drag of Cenang and Tengah.  Pentai Cenang is often a target for visitors, lined with loads of restaurants and t-shirt shops on the roadside and sunsets along the water. Just south is Pentai Tengah, a quieter stretch with calm waters and prime napping territory, but with close proximity to Cenang's restaurants and 'bustle'.
• Discover The Zon - Judging by the steady flow of patrons, this isn't a well kept secret. Basically an airport duty free shop on steroids, The Zon carried the touristy essentials (snacks, beach towels, key chain souvenirs), plus the stuff you know you can live without but find yourself struggling to resist. We came here to load up on unnecessarily large quantities of chocolate-covered nuts, adult beverages, and sunscreen.
• Get off the beaten path - You don't have to go far to lose sight of visitors and mingle with the locals. We found a cafe where English wasn't spoken and decided to try out a few of the fried up goodies on display (they seemed safe enough, and were actually really tasty sweet potatoes, bananas, and corn fritters).

Stay

Eat

• Oasis Bar & Restaurant - Super laid back and casual, this waterfront hangout is great for grabbing lunch or catching the sunset. Highlight: the Malaysian version of halo halo!
• Seashells - One of the best dinners I'd had in a while. Romantic setting, delicious food, frothy iced cappuccinos, and friendly service. My mouth is watering just thinking about that scrumptious curry beef. This is a must, and at around $30 USD for an appetizer, 2 entrees, and drinks,  an absolute steal.
• Unnamed Restaurant (directly next to Oasis Bar & Restaurant) - For the life of me, the name evades me... but this place is, as noted above, just next to Oasis. I opted for Indian fare, but there were plenty of Western and seafood choices available, too. The main draw? An unobscured view of the horizon.
• Yasmin Restaurant - We absolutely stuffed ourselves because we simply couldn't stop eating all the deliciousness. Bright and crisp fattoush salad, creamy hummus, and to-die-for baba ganoush were to start. The donut shaped falafel were super crispy and flavorful, and the chicken shawarma was pretty darn good, too. Try not to be scared off by the guy on the sidewalk; he's a little aggressive with his approach on the sidewalk. Just smile, sit down and order. You'll be glad you did.

 Avoid

• Durian - Please, PLEASE, for the sake of your taste buds and all things good in this world... Do Not Eat Durian. Do not let the "ice cream" version entice you. It's heinous.
• Kuah Town - It's busy, noisy, and quite frankly there's not much to see. We ventured here by scooter one day to try and find some extra memory cards for our camera at the large mall (which was a bust anyway) and didn't feel the need to stick around.
• Pink Drink - No, that's not an official title, but it is a beverage with a true bubble gum color. Milky, over sweetened, and with heavy notes of soap (seriously, it tastes like soap), it seems better suited for punishment than refreshing the palate.

The post Laid Back in Langkawi appeared first on Camera & Carry On.