The following morning we say our goodbyes as we board the longtail boat back to the mainland; Dom gives us a big hug and wishes us well. We have had a simple but wonderful time on the island in spite of the rain and we're certain we will return as there is still the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Yai to explore which is only a 10 minute boat ride away as well as a few boat trips to other local islands.
Only an hour and a half later, but a world away from Koh Yao Noi we arrive at our next destination - Aonang in Krabi Province. The area is famous for it's beautiful beaches, emerald waters, limestone cliffs and paradise islands which are easily visited from the mainland.

Aonang is easily accessible by airport and road and therefore has the highest concentration of guesthouses and hotels and therefore tourists. It's beach is a long sweep of beautiful golden sand with limestone cliffs it's backdrop. No sunshades or deckchairs here. When we were here last we remembered monkeys make their home at one end of the beach high up in the cliffs.

Having last visited 10 years ago we are expecting growth and change and are not surprised to find Aonang has doubled in size. Trips to the out laying islands appear to be completely booked up meaning you don't have that paradise island almost to yourself anymore! It's a shame as this is the draw to this beautiful part of Thailand. However, you can't blame us all for wanting a slice of Nirvana.

The Fiore Resort, our accommodation for the next 2 nights, is set into the side of a huge limestone cliff about a mile from the beach. The rock has been carved into to accommodate individual bungalows that are perched on steep ledges. So steep in fact that a buggy service is provided to get you to and from your bungalow. Although they are beautifully appointed and have all the amenities you could want, we can't help but compare it unfavourably to our previous hideaway, Hillhouse (insert irony) on Koh Yao Noi.

Spending the next couple of days around the pool, eating local food and watching the sunset at Aonang beach we begin to relax.

There seems to be a theme running through our trip (apart from 50 Shades of Green), and this is hills and mountains. We trekked hair raising mountains in Mae Hong Son where we stayed in mountain villages, then Hillhouse - sited on a steep hill followed by the Fiore Resort built into a cliff. Our next stop is Khao Yai National Park meaning 'big mountain'.

BTW Kirstin; just finished The Husbands Secret - fab book, thanks.