The two islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are situated side-by-side in Phang Nga bay. The smaller island, Koh Yao Noi, is relatively well-developed and boasts a number of resorts, while Koh Yao Yai is considerably more rustic and less-travelled. Many of the indigenous people from these unique islands represent immigrating Malay people, the nomadic Sea Gypsies and mainstream Thai residents. There are several noteworthy grottoes that hold information about the historic civilisations that once prospered here.