Ko Phayam
Discover Ko Phayam
Ko Phayam is a beautiful, lightly-developed island in Ranong Province, Thailand. It is the second-largest Thai island in the Andaman Sea. Ko Phayam is off the coast of Ranong Province (Ko Chang, about 4 km distant, is the largest). It lies about 33 km from the mouth of the Ranong River. It is inhabited by about 160 families. For those who want to get away from it all, Ko Phayam is reminiscent of what Ko 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 grey sand beach.
What to Experience in Ko Phayam
Famous Beaches
Taste of Ko Phayam...
During high season there are many bars and restaurants open all over the island with quite a few German-speaking guests. Now Scandinavians are starting to discover Ko Phayam. During low season, bars that can be expected to be open (Aug 2024) are: The island's official drink is Thai Sangsom rum with fresh Ko Phayam coconut milk. Some places refill water bottles (roughly 5 baht per litre) which is preferable to buying water in new plastic bottles. The local village is generally a quiet area, but has a couple of late-night bars.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe only flights to Ranong Airport (UNN) are from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) with Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Ko Phayam is just over 30 km from Ranong, about 2 hours from the mainland's Phayam Pier by slow boat, 30-40 minutes by speed boat. The slow boat leaves at 09:00 and 14:00 from the mainland and the same on the return journey. Speed boats depart at different and more frequent schedules (not in low season). Ko 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. 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. Petrol 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Ko 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. 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. Petrol 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. It is also environmentally irresponsible. Motorbike taxi drivers will be waiting 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.
Money & Budget
During high season there are many bars and restaurants open all over the island with quite a few German-speaking guests. Now Scandinavians are starting to discover Ko Phayam. During low season, bars that can be expected to be open (Aug 2024) are: The island's official drink is Thai Sangsom rum with fresh Ko Phayam coconut milk. Some places refill water bottles (roughly 5 baht per litre) which is preferable to buying water in new plastic bottles. The local village is generally a quiet area, but has a couple of late-night bars.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Ko Phayam
Reggae Island, Thailand
Settle down
people on beach during daytime
Calm of Nature
Chasing you
Art of Nature
Local market
Road sign written in Belarussian language, 35mm film
Ancient stone pillars line a grassy field under palm trees.
A quiet countryside road leading into the horizon during a calm evening. Surrounded by lush green fields and scattered palm trees, this image captures the peacefulness of rural life at dusk.
Reggae Island, Thailand
Settle down
people on beach during daytime