Understand
Koh Phayam is the second largest Andaman Sea island off the
coast of Ranong Province (Koh Chang, about 4 kms distant, is the largest). Koh
Phayam has no roads suitable for automobiles, thus motorbikes are the chief
means of transport. Tourists hire motorbikes at the pier and ride along the
road to the resorts. There two major beaches/bays, i.e., Ao Yai and Ao Kao Kwai
(Buffalo Bay). For those who want to get away from it all, Koh Phayam is
reminiscent of what Koh Samui was like 30 years ago, before the airport and
hotel developments.
Ao Yai is the largest bay on the west coast, about 3 km long
and 300 m wide, with a white sand beach and a gentle swell from Andaman Sea.
Stunning sunsets as well.
Koh Phayam is widely thought to be one of the most
beautiful--and undiscovered--of Thailand's islands.
Get around
No cars on this island. Motorbikes and scooters can be
rented at Phayam Cottage Internet Shop near the main arrival ferry pier as well
as many other places. The price is roughly 150-200 baht per day unless heavily
booked. Gasoline costs 40-50 baht per litre. If you rent a motorbike don't
drive it on the beach. There are rumours that you can get fined 5,000 baht
because of fine print on the rental agreement.
Motorbike taxi drivers will be waiting for you as you step
off the pier and can be found around the island, differentiated by their blue
or red vests. Maps of the island near the pier are colour coded, showing you
what the fixed price is to get to certain areas. 70 baht from the pier to Ao
Yai. Ask your guesthouse to call you a taxi bike if you are at the quieter end
of the island. The wait for a taxi to pass by can be longer than you wish to
wait.
See
There are many beautiful beaches, some of them long like Ao
Yai--the largest. The ferry pier area is vibrant with restaurants, a few
Internet and other shops, and places to settle into a lounge chair or hammock
and enjoy a cold drink or two.
Do
Aow Yai (Long Beach) is the longest and busiest beach
of the island with few bars located along it. You will find here some nice
swells since it faces southwest and the Andaman Sea. Great for surfing, walking
and meeting people.
Aow Kao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) in the northeast is a quieter
beach. If you looking for getaway and relaxation - this is the place go be.
Calm water here is ideal for swimming. There is a mangrove forest along the
river on this beach - great place for kayaking.
