5 reasons to visit Ko Phayam

There are ample reasons to visit Thailand’s Andaman Coast. This corner of Thailand is dotted with gorgeous islands and delightful attractions. Many of them are well-known to travellers already with locations like Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands famous around the world. But there are still islands that fly under the tourist radar. Islands like Ko Phayam.

Located in Ranong province at the top of Thailand’s Andaman Coast, Ko Phayam remains one of those delightfully understated Thai islands. The kind of island that is described in travel magazines as a throwback to the 1970s before the advent of mass tourism. Although that may not be entirely true, there is no doubt that Ko Phayam has a distinctly different vibe from Thailand’s better-known islands to the south. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene retreat, here are five reasons to consider Ko Phayam on your Thailand travel itinerary.

Get off the beaten track

The fact that Ko Phayam is off the tourist trail is one of the key reasons why it appeals to the travellers who do come here. Staying on Ko Phayam is an entirely different experience to Phuket or Krabi. Although Ko Phayam may be too quiet for some people, for other travellers it ticks all the boxes for the ideal Thai island. The lack of development here makes it ideal for a laidback island getaway.

Unspoiled beaches

You won’t find beach vendors on Ko Phayam touting their wares and there are times when it may feel like you are the only person on the beach. Ao Yai is the island’s longest beach and is perfect for those leisurely walks. To the north, the wide bay at Ao Khao Kwai is the location for the photogenic rock archways of Hin Talu. Carrying further around the headland brings you to the smaller bay and beach at Ao Kwangpeeb.

There are also some lovely beaches and good snorkelling opportunities at the nearby Laem Son National Park and Ko Kam Tok which can be visited on a day trip from Ko Phayam.  

Sabai sabai

In case you hadn’t already guessed, Ko Phayam is a place you come to relax. Life on Ko Phayam is sabai sabai. Kick off your shoes, forget about the outside world and let the feeling of relaxation wash over you.

Go for a long walk along an empty beach, join a yoga session or treat yourself to a relaxing beachside massage. Get busy doing nothing and swing in a hammock as you listen to the sound of the waves. There is no raucous nightlife on Ko Phayam, but there are some chilled beach bars including the remarkable Hippy Bar, a venue made from scraps of wood that wouldn’t look out of place in Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Responsible travel

Ko Phayam is a responsible travel destination where visitors can experience nature and local life. Ko Phayam also enjoys a reputation as an eco-friendly island. Many of the resorts and businesses on the island use solar power and have recycling and waste management policies in place. 

Ko Phayam is famous for its hornbills which have become a symbol of the island. Wherever you stay there is a good chance you will encounter these magnificent birds during your time on Ko Phayam. Cycling is the best way to explore the island and you may notice hornbills in the trees as you cycle along the quiet lanes and through the cashew plantations. One of the best places to spot hornbills is near the temple at Wat Ko Phayam on the east coast of the island.

To see the island from another angle, hire a kayak and explore the mangroves which play a key role in the island’s ecosystem.

Soak up the sunsets

Thailand’s Andaman Coast serves up some spectacular sunsets and Ko Phayam does not disappoint. The west coast bays of Ao Yai and Ao Khao Kwai are both good spots with the stone archways on Ao Khao Kwai providing a natural frame for those sunset shots.

Good to know

Some travellers spend weeks on Ko Phayam doing very little and simply getting away from it all. An alternative would be to spend time on the island and combine it with an itinerary that allows you to see more of Ranong together with neighbouring Chumphon province.

The most convenient way to reach Ko Phayam from Bangkok is to fly to Ranong. Low-cost carriers Air Asia and Nok Air operate flights from Bangkok Don Mueang airport with a journey time of approximately 75 minutes. Songthaews (shared taxis) run from the airport into Ranong town and to Ranong pier for boat departures to Ko Phayam. 

There are frequent boat services to Ko Phayam during the high season months (November to April) with the option of a slow boat or speedboat.

When you arrive in Ko Phayam, motorbike taxis with sidecars are available to take passengers and their luggage to their accommodation.

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