If you are looking for a peaceful and idyllic island getaway in Thailand, you might want to consider Koh Phayam, a hidden gem in the Andaman Sea. Unlike many other popular islands in Thailand, Koh Phayam has managed to preserve its natural beauty and charm, without succumbing to the pressures of mass tourism and development. Koh Phayam is also a great choice for conscious and vegan travelers, who are looking for a sustainable and responsible travel experience.
In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Koh Phayam, and show you why it is one of the best islands in Thailand. We will cover everything you need to know about the island's features, history, culture, beaches, activities, attractions, restaurants, transport, and accommodation options. So, let's get started!
What Makes Koh Phayam Special?
The Island's Features
Koh Phayam is the second largest island in Ranong province, located about 35 kilometers off the coast of the mainland. The island covers an area of about 35 square kilometers, and has a population of about 500 people. The island is shaped like a kangaroo, and has two main bays: Ao Yai (Big Bay) and Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay). The island is surrounded by white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests. The island is also home to various wildlife, such as monkeys, hornbills, sea eagles, and turtles. One of the most distinctive features of Koh Phayam is its lack of cars, sunbeds, and mass tourism. The island has no roads, only dirt paths that can be explored by foot, bicycle, or scooter. The island also has no electricity grid, only solar power and generators. The island also has no high-rise buildings, only low-key bungalows, resorts, and guesthouses. The island also has no crowds, only a handful of travelers who appreciate the island's serene and laid-back vibe. The island also has a strong eco-friendly approach to tourism, and strives to protect and conserve its natural environment. The island has several initiatives, such as recycling waste, banning plastic bags, and supporting local communities.
The Island's History and Culture
Koh Phayam has a rich and diverse history and culture, dating back to ancient times. The island was originally inhabited by the Moken people, also known as the sea gypsies, who lived a nomadic and seafaring lifestyle. The island was also a strategic trading port, connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The island was also a refuge for pirates, smugglers, and rebels, who sought shelter and freedom from the authorities. The island was also a battleground, witnessing several wars and conflicts, such as the Burmese invasion, the Japanese occupation, and the communist insurgency. The island was also a haven, attracting hippies, artists, and spiritual seekers, who found inspiration and peace on the island. Today, the island is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, reflecting its colorful and turbulent past. The island has a mix of Thai, Moken, Burmese, Chinese, and Western influences, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The island has several cultural attractions, such as its temples, its Moken village, and its festivals. The island also has a friendly and welcoming community, who are always ready to share their stories and traditions with visitors.
How to Get to Koh Phayam
From Bangkok
There are several transport options from Bangkok to Koh Phayam, depending on your budget, time, and preference. The most convenient and fastest option is to fly from Bangkok to Ranong, which takes about an hour and a half. There are daily flights operated by Nok Air and Air Asia, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 baht. The cheapest and most popular option is to take a bus from Bangkok to Ranong, which takes about 10 hours. There are several bus companies that offer this service, such as Lignite, Choke Anan, and Niomit, with prices ranging from 400 to 600 baht. The most scenic and adventurous option is to take a train from Bangkok to Chumphon, which takes about 8 hours, and then take a bus or a taxi from Chumphon to Ranong, which takes about 2 hours. There are several trains that run daily from Bangkok to Chumphon, with prices ranging from 300 to 1,000 baht. The bus or taxi from Chumphon to Ranong costs about 200 to 300 baht. Once you reach Ranong, you need to take a boat from Ranong pier to Koh Phayam, which takes about 2 hours. There are two types of boats: the slow boat, which costs 200 baht, and the speed boat, which costs 350 baht. The slow boat runs twice a day, at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm, while the speed boat runs several times a day, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best and cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phayam is to take a night bus from Bangkok to Ranong, and then take a morning boat from Ranong to Koh Phayam. This way, you can save time and money, and enjoy the sunrise on the island.
From Ranong
There are several transport options from Ranong to Koh Phayam, depending on your budget, time, and preference. The most convenient and fastest option is to take a speed boat from Ranong pier to Koh Phayam, which takes about 40 minutes. There are several speed boat operators that offer this service, such as Five Star, Petchmanee, and Phayam Cabana, with prices ranging from 350 to 400 baht. The speed boat runs several times a day, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cheapest and most scenic option is to take a slow boat from Ranong pier to Koh Phayam, which takes about 2 hours. There are two slow boat operators that offer this service, such as Koh Phayam Ferry and Koh Phayam Transport, with prices ranging from 150 to 200 baht. The slow boat runs twice a day, at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm. The most comfortable and flexible option is to take a taxi from Ranong to Koh Phayam, which takes about an hour and a half. There are several taxi operators that offer this service, such as Ranong Taxi, Ranong Transfer, and Ranong Travel, with prices ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 baht. The taxi can take you directly from your hotel or airport to the pier, and can accommodate up to 4 people. The best and easiest way to travel from Ranong to Koh Phayam is to take a speed boat from Ranong pier to Koh Phayam. This way, you can save time and enjoy the views of the sea and the islands.
Where to Stay on Koh Phayam
The Best Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options
If you are looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly accommodation option on Koh Phayam, you will be spoilt for choice. The island has a variety of bungalows, resorts, and guesthouses that offer simple and comfortable rooms, with basic amenities and facilities, such as fans, mosquito nets, hammocks, and shared bathrooms. These accommodation options are also environmentally conscious, and use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets. Some of the best eco-friendly and budget-friendly accommodation options on the island are:
Bamboo Bungalows: This is one of the oldest and most popular bungalows on the island, located on Long Beach. It offers cozy and rustic bamboo huts, with sea views and private balconies. It also has a vegan and vegetarian restaurant, a yoga studio, and a library. The price ranges from 300 to 800 baht per night.
Hornbill Hut: This is another charming and cozy bungalow on the island, located on Buffalo Bay. It offers spacious and colorful wooden huts, with garden views and private bathrooms. It also has a seafood and Thai restaurant, a bar, and a massage service. The price ranges from 400 to 1,000 baht per night.
Phayam Cottage: This is a newer and more modern bungalow on the island, located on Ao Mook. It offers stylish and comfortable concrete huts, with sea views and private bathrooms. It also has a seafood and Thai restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bike rental service. The price ranges from 500 to 1,200 baht per night.
The Best Luxury and Comfortable Accommodation Options
- If you are looking for a luxury and comfortable accommodation option on Koh Phayam, you will also find some excellent choices. The island has a few hotels, villas, and spas that offer elegant and spacious rooms, with modern amenities and facilities, such as air-conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. These accommodation options are also environmentally friendly, and use renewable energy, organic products, and eco-friendly practices. Some of the best luxury and comfortable accommodation options on the island are:
The Blue Sky Resort: This is one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts on the island, located on Long Beach. It offers stunning and sophisticated wooden villas, with sea views and private pools. It also has a seafood and international restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center. The price ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per night.
Phayam Lodge: This is another elegant and cozy hotel on the island, located on Buffalo Bay. It offers beautiful and comfortable bamboo cottages, with garden views and private bathrooms. It also has a seafood and Thai restaurant, a bar, a library, and a yoga studio. The price ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 baht per night.
The Sun Resort and Spa: This is a newer and more contemporary hotel on the island, located on Ao Mook. It offers stylish and spacious concrete rooms, with sea views and private balconies. It also has a seafood and Thai restaurant, a coffee shop, a spa, and a swimming pool. The price ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 baht per night.
What to Do on Koh Phayam
The Best Beaches on Koh Phayam
- One of the main attractions of Koh Phayam is its pristine and serene beaches, where you can relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the views. The island has four main beaches, each with its own charm and personality. Here are the best beaches on Koh Phayam:
Long Beach: This is the longest and most popular beach on the island, stretching for about 3 kilometers on the west coast. It has fine white sand, turquoise water, and stunning sunsets. It also has the most accommodation and dining options, as well as the most nightlife and entertainment options. It is a great beach for swimming, surfing, and socializing.
Buffalo Bay: This is the second largest and most beautiful beach on the island, located on the northwest coast. It has soft golden sand, emerald water, and lush green hills. It also has some of the best accommodation and dining options, as well as some of the best yoga and meditation options. It is a great beach for kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Monkey Bay: This is a smaller and more secluded beach on the island, located on the northeast coast. It has coarse white sand, clear water, and rocky cliffs. It also has a few accommodation and dining options, as well as a monkey sanctuary. It is a great beach for hiking, exploring, and watching the wildlife.
Ao Mook: This is the smallest and most remote beach on the island, located on the east coast. It has fine white sand, shallow water, and mangrove forests. It also has a few accommodation and dining options, as well as a fishing village. It is a great beach for kayaking, stand-up paddling, and fishing.
The Best Activities and Attractions on Koh Phayam
- Besides enjoying the beaches, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to do on Koh Phayam, catering to different tastes and interests. Here are some of the best activities and attractions on Koh Phayam:
Visiting the temples and the Moken village: If you want to learn more about the island's history and culture, you can visit some of the temples and the Moken village on the island. The temples are located on the north and south ends of the island, and are dedicated to different Buddhist deities. The Moken village is located on the south end of the island, and is home to the sea gypsies, who still live a traditional and simple lifestyle. You can interact with the locals, observe their customs, and buy their handicrafts.
Watching the wildlife: If you love nature and animals, you can watch the wildlife on the island, both on land and in the water. The island is home to various wildlife, such as monkeys, hornbills, sea eagles, and turtles. You can spot them in their natural habitats, such as the jungle, the beach, and the sea. You can also join some of the wildlife tours and conservation projects on the island, such as the monkey sanctuary, the turtle sanctuary, and the hornbill project.
Practicing yoga and meditation: If you are looking for a spiritual and wellness experience, you can practice yoga and meditation on the island. The island has several yoga and meditation centers, such as Bamboo Bistro, Hornbill Hut, and Phayam Lodge, where you can join classes, workshops, and retreats. You can also practice yoga and meditation on your own, on the beach, in the jungle, or in your room. You can also enjoy other wellness services, such as massage, spa, and healing.
Enjoying the sunsets: If you are looking for a romantic and scenic experience, you can enjoy the sunsets on the island. The island has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking sunsets in Thailand, especially on the west coast. You can watch the sunsets from the beach, from a boat, or from a hill. You can also capture the sunsets with your camera, or with your heart.
Shopping at the local markets: If you are looking for a fun and authentic experience, you can shop at the local markets on the island. The island has two main markets, one on the north end and one on the south end, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and snacks. You can also buy souvenirs, such as clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts, made by the locals. You can also bargain with the vendors, and enjoy the lively and colorful atmosphere.
Eating the local food: If you are looking for a delicious and diverse experience, you can eat the local food on the island. The island has a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering different cuisines, such as seafood, Thai, vegan, vegetarian, and international. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as cashew nuts, coconut milk, and curry. You can also enjoy some of the local drinks, such as coffee, tea, and fruit shakes.
Partying at the bars and clubs: If you are looking for a fun and exciting experience, you can party at the bars and clubs on the island. The island has a few bars and clubs, mostly on Long Beach, where you can drink, dance, and socialize. You can also enjoy some of the live music, DJ, and fire shows, that are often held on the beach. You can also join some of the parties and events, such as the full moon party, the new year party, and the music festival, that are occasionally organized on the island.
Where to Eat on Koh Phayam
The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants and Cafes
If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, you will be happy to know that Koh Phayam has some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes in Thailand. The island has a strong vegan and vegetarian community, who are passionate about healthy and ethical eating. The island also has a lot of fresh and organic ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs, that are used to create delicious and nutritious dishes. Some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes on the island are:
Bamboo Bistro: This is one of the most popular and famous vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the island, located on Long Beach. It offers a wide range of dishes, such as salads, soups, curries, burgers, pizzas, and desserts, all made with fresh and organic ingredients. It also offers a daily buffet, a weekly barbecue, and a monthly potluck. The price ranges from 50 to 200 baht per dish. [Bamboo Bistro]
Veggie Hut: This is another amazing and cozy vegan and vegetarian restaurant on the island, located on Buffalo Bay. It offers a variety of dishes, such as noodles, rice, stir-fries, sandwiches, and cakes, all made with fresh and organic ingredients. It also offers a daily special, a weekly cooking class, and a monthly movie night. The price ranges from 40 to 150 baht per dish. [Veggie Hut]
The Art House: This is a newer and more creative vegan and vegetarian cafe on the island, located on Ao Mook. It offers a selection of dishes, such as pancakes, wraps, bowls, and smoothies, all made with fresh and organic ingredients. It also offers a daily art workshop, a weekly open mic, and a monthly exhibition. The price ranges from 60 to 180 baht per dish. [The Art House]
The Best Seafood and Thai Restaurants and Cafes
- If you are a seafood and Thai food lover, you will also find some excellent choices on Koh Phayam. The island has a lot of fresh and local seafood, such as fish, squid, crab, shrimp, and lobster, that are cooked in various ways, such as grilled, fried, steamed, or curried. The island also has a lot of delicious and authentic Thai food, such as pad thai, tom yum, green curry, and papaya salad, that are made with fresh and spicy ingredients, such as lemon grass, chili, garlic, and lime. Some of the best seafood and Thai restaurants and cafes on the island are:
Blue Sky Restaurant: This is one of the most upscale and exquisite seafood and international restaurants on the island, located on Long Beach. It offers a range of dishes, such as seafood platter, lobster thermidor, steak, and pasta, all made with fresh and quality ingredients. It also offers a seafood and international buffet, a wine and cocktail list, and a live music show. The price ranges from 200 to 1,000 baht per dish. [Blue Sky Restaurant]
Koh Phayam Seafood: This is another fantastic and cozy seafood and Thai restaurant on the island, located on Buffalo Bay. It offers a variety of dishes, such as seafood salad, crab curry, fish soup, and fried rice, all made with fresh and local seafood. It also offers a seafood and Thai buffet, a beer and juice list, and a fire show. The price ranges from 100 to 500 baht per dish. [Koh Phayam Seafood]
Thai Smile: This is a newer and more cheerful seafood and Thai cafe on the island, located on Ao Mook. It offers a selection of dishes, such as seafood pizza, squid rings, green curry, and pad thai, all made with fresh and tasty seafood. It also offers a seafood and Thai special, a coffee and tea list, and a movie night. The price ranges from 80 to 300 baht per dish. [Thai Smile]
Conclusion
Koh Phayam is a hidden gem in the Andaman Sea, and a perfect destination for conscious and vegan travelers. The island has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, such as pristine and serene beaches, rich and diverse history and culture, fun and exciting activities and attractions, delicious and varied food, and comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation.
If you are looking for a peaceful and idyllic island getaway in Thailand, you should definitely visit Koh Phayam. You will not regret it. To book your trip, subscribe to our newsletter, or share your feedback, please visit our website. We hope to see you soon on Koh Phayam!