Koh Phayam Travel

Best time to visit

Thailand’s southwest coastline is affected quite badly by the monsoon season that runs from May-November each year. Some of the islands like Koh Phayam become inaccessible due to inclement weather preventing ferries and catamarans from travelling. Therefore, the high season falls between December and March, with peak times being around Christmas and New Year. During most of the high season you can rock up on the island and find accommodation on the spot.

If you travel during the shoulder months of November and April, accommodation may be a little harder to find. We recommend emailing hotels directly to enquire about their opening dates and availability.

Check the below table for the general idea of Koh Phayam weather throughout the year.

Koh Phayam’s current weather and 7-day forecast

KOH PHAYAM WEATHER

You can’t spend all your time gloating about finding the one paradise island left untouched in Thailand! So check out the main things to do in Koh Phayam during your time here:

1. Fishing in Ko Phayam

Ko Phayam is known as one of the last few great fishing islands in Thailand which is a result of maintaining its synergy with nature by keeping things eco-friendly as well as its opportune geographical location. Fresh fish are caught and served in various restaurants throughout the island and their deliciousness more often than not inspires one to try and partake in a fishing adventure. Depending on your chosen method of fishing and the available water transportation you have available, you will find an exciting and versatile list of fish within your grasp. From Groupers & Snappers to Barracudas, Tunas, and Mackerels. Squids and certain species of crabs are also quite a common catch but without a doubt, the most sought after is the tiger prawn often found in the mangrove forest area, a delicacy that is caught in Koh Phayam and sold fresh throughout the entire ranong region.

Due to being such a great Island for fishing you will find that most respectable bungalow resorts offer rentals of various fishing equipment as well as some great advice on good spots to visit. If you truly want to enjoy the experience to its fullest, various fishing tours across the land via boat will help you reach the greatest spots in the Island and offer different methods to do so, including Trolling, Spinning, Classic Boat Fishing & Much more. You could either head to the pier where various locals that organize these trips are situated and pay for the service or head towards more organized groups which include but are not limited to:

2. Ko Phayam Snorkeling & Diving

While Koh Phayam itself has seen a bit of a hit in its own diving locations due to the rise in popularity of fishing (both commercial & private) there are some tremendous diving schools & tours available that will take you to the best spots for diving in close proximity to Koh Phayam. The best time for diving is between November and April, especially if you like to take underwater photography.

The best spots in the area include but are not limited to Surrin Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Kham Archipelago.
Richelieu Rock which was discovered by none other than Jacques Cousteau is considered by many to be the best diving site in the entirety of Thailand, showcasing astonishing purple reefs and rich marine life. You may come across the yellow boxfish, moray eels, tiger tail seahorses, harlequin shrimp, mantis shrimp, and other incredible marine species. Diving in different times throughout the day reveals completely different experiences and marine life, and there’s certainly a lot of it to explore which will take more than one trip to accomplish. 

One thing that is very important to note is that due to the somewhat unpredictable nature of the surrounding Koh Phayam diving spots you definitely should use accredited tour organizers and diving schools. The following are some reputable businesses in that field that are located in Koh Phayam:

• Aladdin Dive Safari – offers both diving and snorkeling tours around the best spots surrounding Koh Phayam
• Buffalo Bay Vacation Club – Offer beginner as well as advanced diving courses. Day trips are available to the best spots in the area, most notably Richelieu Rock & Surin Islands.
• Phayam Divers – PADI Courses and Liveboard Diving Courses, as well as Day Trips.

3. Kayaking Through the Mangroves

Koh Phayam is home to an incredibly impressive grouping of Mangroves called the Mangrove Forest which is positioned at the Southern part of Buffalo Bay, taking roots in its stunningly beautiful waters. The best way to view and explore the mangroves is via kayak, allowing you to enjoy its marvels up close and personal with a good chance of encountering monkeys, exotic birds and other exciting wildlife while enjoying the beauty of the forest. Most resorts offer a Kayak rental service at an affordable price and the waters are quite friendly for beginners to paddle away at their own pace with ease, just make sure you time your Kayaking through the mangroves during high tides. Kayaks are available for rental in most resorts and are very affordable.

4. Koh Phayam Surfing

Aow Yai Beach is the go-to spot for surfing in Koh Phayam. While adrenaline junkies looking for monstrous waves are better suited elsewhere, Koh Phayam is a dream like surfing island when it comes to beginners and intermediate surfers due to the consistency and soft breaks of the waves even when they reach the 2-meter height. You hit the beach with a shortboard or longboard that you either brought with you or rented at an affordable rate (available in almost all resorts throughout the island), surf as much as you want and head to one of the local restaurants or bars and have yourself a relaxing drink.

Another reason surfing is getting more popular in Koh Phayam is how clean and clear the beaches in Koh Phayam are, not to mention there’s no overcrowding whatsoever. The best months for surfing are October, November, May, and April. 

5. Trekking

Trekking in Koh Phayam and its exotic jungles is made possible with trails in key spots in the island, most notably near Monkey Bay (north), as well as various spots in Aow Yai Beach. Other than kayaking in the mangroves it is perhaps the ideal way to encounter the fascinating atmosphere and magnificent animals that are indigenous to the island. While generally speaking the animals in Koh Phayam aren’t particularly dangerous, one should always be safe and remember that there’s no supervision.

6. Tai Moung Market

While not often covered online, Koh Phayam has a lovely market that opens every Saturday from 9am to 9pm and is called Tai Moung Market. Local residents of Koh Phayam sell their crafts and harvests. From Cashew Nuts, Island Grown Organic Vegetables, as well as Sweet Desserts, Seafood, BBQ, and much more. Traditional Thai Cooking Lessons are also available depending on the number of visitors at the market.

7. The Famous Cashew Nut Festiva of Koh Phayam

Many first time visitors to Koh Phayam are often caught by surprise when learning about the festivities revolving around Cashew Nuts that are held once a year in Koh Phayam. Due to being one of the main income sources of the locals, during the harvest time celebrations and festivities are held. Cashew beauty contests (yes you read correctly) live music concerts through various spots in the island, soccer games, volleyball, Thai boxing, and so much more are all in full swing during this period. The festivities are held during the month of February, commonly between the 19th to the 20th, and in case you were wondering, the Cashew Nuts in Koh Phayam are incredibly tasty.

8. Koh Phayam Bird Watching & Exotic Animals

Koh Phayam is home to some fantastically rare species of birds that bring both bird watchers and even casual observers tremendous joy. Perhaps most sought after is the famous hornbill which has sort of become the unofficial mascot of the island with many bars and restaurants carrying its name. Other birds that can be spotted around the island include: Pacific Swallow, Kingfisher & many others. When it comes to other wildlife in Koh Phayam there is no official documentation of the species identified despite being so versatile and rich. Certain species of monkeys that hang around the mangroves, sea tortoises, sea otters, squirrels, monitor lizards and much more. While not an everyday occurrence, dolphins tend to visit the island from time to time and are always a sight to behold.

9. Yoga

It’s hard to picture an island more perfect for studying and practicing yoga than Koh Phayam, with tropical forests and blissful beaches. In fact, it’s hard to find a spot that isn’t perfect for practicing yoga. There are various resorts throughout the island that offer Yoga lessons, such as PAUSE – Surf & Yoga House, Birdsong Surf And Yoga Retreat, and 1-self Yoga.

Ao Khao Kwai

Chomjan Resort&Garden

Add: On Ao Khao Kwai on the western side of Ko Phayam

Chomjan Resort is a good place for relaxing and enjoying the environment. The rooms are private and comfortable, and each bungalow comes with fan. Excellent facilities, including a restaurant serving excellent Thai cuisine. The gardens are lovely and many of the rooms have sea views, some with glass french windows looking out. It's a truly tranquil, comfortable environment for relaxing and enjoying the island.  

Kao Kwai Hill

Add: Buffalo Bay, central part

Quiet and rural bungalow's resort on the cliff right in the middle of Buffalo Bay run by nice Italian/thai staff. 8 bungalows with private bathroom spread on the hill. Electricity supplied from 6pm to 11pm. Good restaurant with thai/italian/western selection of food. Super sunset overlooking at the low tide of the bay from the cliff. Possibility of self-camping also.  

Buffalo Bay Vacation club

Add: Right in the center of Buffalo Bay

It has very nice modern fan/ac, cold/hot water bungalows. One of the few places with 24 hours electricity on the island. Great restaurant with best choice of international food, wifi, children friendly. Offer diverse activities: diving, snorkeling, kite-surfing and surfing lessons, trekking tours etc. Comfortable stay in a quiet place. 

Payam Cabana

Add: At the far end of Buffalo Bay near the mangroves

It has very nice bungalows, all with comfortable beds and beach views.The rooms are reasonably priced, especially as it is quiet and clean and not close to any of the bars. It also has a great restaurant on the beachfront with some of the best Thai food on the island. 

June Horizon

Add: Next to Payam Cabana - near the mangroves on Buffalo Bay

It has bungalows in a choice of styles with artistic design and integrated with nature. A laid back happy hippy place to stay and hang out, with a funky small beach front bar and restaurant serving delicious breakfasts and dinners. There are several rows of bungalows. The cheap ones out of stone in the back, the 2 front rows near the sea shore. Prices increase to the shoreline.

Ao Yai

Coconut Beach Resort

Add: 14 Moo 1, Ao Yai, Ko Phayam, 85000 Ranong, Thailand 

While the bungalows are well-fitted out, if a little rustic, and the food at the bar is fantastic, the real reason to come here is the warm welcome and service you will receive from the family of young people that run the resort. A beautiful location directly on the beach. 

Friends Bungalow

Add: Ao Yai Beach - from the pier rent a scooter or hire a taxi

Four sea view bungalows and eight furnished tents on elevated wooden platforms, each with own bathroom and a roof made from nature materials that protects the tent from sunshine and rain. All the windows have mosquito nets that allow the sea breeze to come in without having the room full of uninvited animals. 

Green Beach Hut

Add: Ao Yai, Ko Phayam (Take the southern Ao Yai road, this resort is right next door to Lazy Hut)

Formerly "Tonson" this resort has great value, well built bungalows all thoughtfully placed to have sea views from their porches in two rows, interiors are fully lined with bamboo matting, large bed with excellent linen and pillows, 3 power points, several lights, ceiling fan, glass windows and French doors, hammock, outside chairs or deckchairs, clothes airer and bedside table, a Thai style broom so you can sweep out beach sand, bathroom features skylight and bonsai tree. a lot of space with well kept grounds, a great restaurant with lots of choice of seating including swing platforms with Thai leaning pillows. Power is from 6pm to midnight from generator then solar backup switches on and runs til early morning (varies) generator power then takes over from 7.30am-11am. No power 11am - 6pm in rooms but there is limited power in the restaurant. Pretty much 24hr wifi. Open December to May. 

Lazy Hut Resort

Add: From the pier rent a scooter or hire a taxi. Take the road perpendicular to the beach. Go about 500 m, turn left on Tupauan Rd. Take it all the way to Ao Yai Beach (about 3 km). On the beach turn right. First is Longbeach Bungalows, next is Lazy Hut.

Offers a mix of classic bamboo bungalows and brand new family style bungalows on the south end of Ao Yai, which is a bit quieter than the central area. Free Wi-Fi, electricity 09:00-24:00, tasty restaurant, and a friendly and personable staff. Has probably the best beach lounging setup on Ao Yai: shaded hammocks, lay-down cushions, tables and chairs, and beach lounge chairs. A great place for those who want to chill out for a few days or creative types looking for a longer stay. 

Phayam Lodge Beach Resort

Add: On Ao Yai Beach

Offers family houses with 3 bedrooms and fully furnished kitchens. They also have beach bungalows with sunset terraces for couples just 20 m from Ao Yai Beach. Amazing sunset view. All accommodations have 24 hour electricity, air-con and Wi-Fi. The resort also offers an on-site restaurant, The Bubble Beach Bar and Phayam Divers.

Other

Heaven Beach Resort & Art

Add: Ao Kai Kwai beach. 

50 sm bungalows with hot/cold open air showers, spacious porches, and a very cozy restaurant on the beach. Great sunset views can be enjoyed either from the beachfront bungalows or in the open-air restaurant. From the same owners as PP.Land Beach Resort, so customers of Heaven Beach are allowed to use all the PP.Land facilities.

PP.Land Beach Beach Resort

This is a small eco-resort run by Paul from Belgium and Pearl from Thailand. All bungalows are built to Western standards in an old cashew garden, next to a 300 m private beach. There is free WiFi and a swimming pool and they organise boat tours for their customers. The restaurant is open all day.

Sabai Sabai Bungalows

A charming place with an informal, friendly atmosphere. Has 8 simple, but stylish, themed (e.g., India, Africa, Cuba) beachfront bungalows. Also a restaurant serving sociable family-style meals, a cool lounge area showing movies and sports, an abundance of hammocks in which to relax, and a small sailing boat and a kayak for its customers. The Coconut Bar and the comfy hammock-filled Shisha Lounge are also both on-premises, and the establishment hosts beach parties fortnightly.

There is no shortage of food options in Koh Phayam so travellers, digital nomads and ex-pats alike will all be able to dine out with variety for months on end. From street vendors and fisherman to restaurants and pubs, everyone on Koh Phayam plays their part in a great food and drink scene.

Local specialities of course include seafood, and the fiery salads are delicious. There are some good western offerings, too, with Italian, American and Mexican all on the menu! You can easily eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner around Koh Phayam’s beaches and won’t have to worry about eating banana pancakes and Pad Thai at every meal.

Ao Yai Seafood

Some of the best seafood available and all freshly caught from the fishermen on the island. Their yellow curried crab or tamarind prawns are especially worth a try. 

Blue Sky

Maybe the most beautiful place to eat at the pier. 

Cha-Chai Home 

A large selection of teas, fresh coffees and shakes. They have an extensive and original vegetarian and vegan menu with Thai, Western. and fusion dishes, including homemade bread, cakes, soya milk, muesli and pizzas, plus curries and other Thai dishes. They offer mock meat alternatives, burgers, sausage sandwiches, ginger chicken or tamarind fish, for vegans, vegetarians and non-vegetarians. If you have a sweet tooth, they have Thai pancakes, Western crepes or a cake of the day. Additionally, they have a library with books in many languages for rent, exchange or sale; and a gift shop with original art, postcards, teas. Free Wi-Fi with one of the fastest connections on the island. There is a selection of table games, as well as a children's corner for families. Bicycles and motorbikes for rent. Leave plenty of time for your meal as sometimes you wait for the fresh, homemade food. 

Home Me 

Has some great cakes and bread homemade by the owner. Pi Fen, who has more than 20 years baking experience. The menu includes Thai and Western dishes and is a nice little restaurant for breakfast or lunch, especially if you are making a trip to or from Ranong. 

Paceluce 

Small Italian family restaurant serving pasta, salads, bruschetti, sandwiches, real coffee, shakes and crepes, all made with fresh ingredients. 

Phayam Cabana

Great Thai food and is well-worth the trip. They have a large restaurant on the seafront with a beautiful view of the ocean and mangroves. Jimmy's cooking is among the best on the island, especially tom yum gung and chicken massaman curry.

Get in

Flight service from Bangkok (BKK IATA) to Ranong Airport (UNN IATA) and back daily via Happy Air and from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK IATA) to Ranong and back daily via Nok Air.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

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).

From Ranong to Ko Phayam:

•    Slow boat: 09:30, 14:00 (200 baht)

•    Speed boat: 10:00, 14:30 (350 baht)

From Ko Phayam to Ranong:

•    Slow boat: 08:30, 14:00 (200 baht)

•    Speed boat: 09:00, 10:00, 13:30 (350 baht)

Get 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. Ask your guesthouse to call a taxi bike if you are at the quieter end of the island; otherwise, you may wait longer than you would wish.

Contact us for more information