T’S MID-MORNING IN PHUKET and I’m on a speedboat on my way to Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay. Around us, limestone karsts rise like guardians in a glistening emerald bay. There are mostly locals on board, talking among themselves or dozing against the windows, but the surrounding beauty is not lost on us. A seaplane flies overhead, preparing to land on the cerulean waters, and I can’t help but think it’s like something straight out of a James Bond movie.. Our mission is to bike close to 40 kilometres around Koh Yao Noi – and it’s one we glady accept. THE JOURNEY It was 30-plus degrees when the owner of Bike Tours Thailand, Piti Panganiban, picked us up from our resort, Kata Rocks at Kata Beach. The last few days were spent walking along the 1.5-kilometre stretch of golden sand mere metres from our resort, visiting the local markets and trying to decide which beachside restaurant we’d dine at next. Now, we’re gliding along the cerulean waters soaking up that postcard-worthy view. At the pier at Koh Yao Noi, we’re met by a smiling member of Piti’s team and within minutes we’re cycling on a dirt track, our only neighbours the cows and goats grazing in the verdant countryside.
