Koh Phayam island is in Ranong province south of Koh Chang in the Andaman Sea. Koh Phayam is more developed for tourism than Koh Chang. About 30 km off the west coast there are many more islands belonging to Myanmar. Koh Phayam offers a beautiful landscape and it is very popular among those travelers who do not always need distraction, but enjoy occupying themselves.
The three hilly regions rising from the sea still retain dense tropical jungle vegetation. Although not a large area some travellers lose their way in the jungle and have to be rescued during the night.
The interior of the island is covered by low, spavined and slow growing trees, short coconut palms and many cashew trees. During dry season there is a sweet smell of cashew fruits in the air.
Mr. Gao Bungalows (มิสเตอร์เก้า บังกะโล) (AoKhaoKhwai (North))
Rates: 350 to 900 Baht
Mr. Gao Bungalows are a very popular, long-run and friendly place set in tropical vegetation in large grounds on the hillside. It offers 10 various wooden, concrete and bamboo bungalows dotted in a beautiful garden amongst shady trees, most of them with sea view, tiled open-air bathrooms and well furnished. Mr. Gao Bungalows have a nice restaurant right by the sea, serving generous portions and delicious food that attracts many people from the island. Today's Specials such as Mackerel with Garlic, Shrimps Basil Chillies. Good choice of cakes as well. Kayaks for rent (150 Baht/day), snorkeling equipment, Thai massage (350 Baht/1 hour). Mr. Gao offers fishing and snorkeling Trips with his comfortable boat to Koh Surin (2 days/1 night) and day trips to Koh Chang/Koh Kam. Send email for reservation advisable. Open all year. Room rates vary according to the season. info@mr.gao.phayam.com , www.mr_gao_phayam.com
47 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-870222 or 077-823995
High Season Rates: 900 to 1,700 Baht Green Season Rates: 500 to 850 Baht
P.P. Land is a quiet, comfortable and ecological bungalow resort at the northern part of Ao Hin Kao. Paul from Belgium and his wife Pearl generate their 24-hour electricity supply completely with solar energy. They provide 18 nicely furnished concrete and wooden bungalows with thatched roof, open-air bathroom and veranda which are harmoniously integrated in the surrounding nature. P.P. Land offers a restaurant with excellent cuisine, homegrown organic vegetables from the own garden, Espresso and Cappuccino, homemade yogurt, bread and bakery goods. Swimming pool with filtered sea water is here for guests to enjoy. Yoga classes and fishing trips are available. Free WiFi internet or you can use the computer in the restaurant if you don't have one. Motorcycle rental. The beach is not always suitable for swimming, however, during the rainy season the beach is one of the most beautiful ones. Peaceful atmosphere, for nature lovers. Popular resort, so call ahead for reservation during high season.
7/20 Moo 1, Ao Hin Kao, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 081-6784310
Every year on March 16 the Cashew Nut Festival takes place. The locals enjoy activities such as cock fighting, Thai boxing and even a “Miss Cashew” competition.
The local fishermen mainly catch prawns in the surrounding waters, among them are the delicious Black Tiger Prawns.
The long sandy beaches are clean and ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Koh Phayam seems like Koh Samui in the eighties or Phuket in the seventies, but on a small scale – and in that same way the island is promoted. Koh Phayam can be visited all year round. During the rainy season many resorts on the west coast are closed due to strong wind and rain. The village and the east coast are protected from the wind and the sea is mostly calm, therefore most resorts here open all year. From May to October only the afternoon boat operates to and from Ranong.
The friendly village Phayam on the east coast is the center of the island. Here you can find a post office, the mayor's office, a temple complex and the ferry pier. There are several shops for daily supplies, as well as fruit and vegetables (relatively expensive, because everything has to be transported from the mainland), restaurants with Thai and western food - and you can meet fellow travelers for a beer at Oscar's Bar. Shops for motorcycle rental, internet shops, a travel agency and a diving center can be found as well. In addition there are now many nice guesthouses and a few resorts in all price ranges.
A narrow concrete road leads from the pier almost to the north of Buffalo Bay (Ao Khao Kwai), at the junction at B&B Minimart the road turns left to the southern part of Buffalo Bay. Other concrete roads, sometimes changing into sandy and bumpy tracks or gravel paths, are hardly one meter wide. The only means of transportation are motorcycle taxis which bring the travelers skillfully and safely to all beaches. People carrying suitcases have to work hard in order to reach their bungalows unless they are lucky to find a motorcycle with a baggage cart.
In June 2011 there was over 50 bungalow resorts on Koh Phayam, in the last three years the number of places has almost doubled and still more are under construction. Especially on the southern part of Ao Yai many new bars have opened. New resorts are spreading out on all beaches. This new development slowly changes the quiet character of the island. Almost all bungalows are made from natural materials, stone or earth bricks and featuring balcony or terrace and private bathroom with shower, sink and sitting toilet. They cost on average 300 to 800 Baht per day. Only a few resorts have electricity from solar or wind energy, all others use a generator.
The bungalows are quietly located, shaded by coconut palms or trees, either with sea view or view of a garden behind the beach. Nearly all resorts have a restaurant with good, not really cheap food. Freshly caught fish or fresh prawns are often available. Prices for the dishes start usually from 80 to 100 Baht for one meal.
The high season is from November to April and especially in December and January it can easily happen that all bungalows, mostly all the popular options, are fully booked. It is advisable to call for reservation.
Most bungalows on Koh Phayam are equipped with fan, mosquito net and en-suite European bathroom. Depending on the price range there are various options regarding furnishings.
Although only a few resorts are owned by local Koh Phayam families, there is a good relationship among all bungalow owners until now. Envy and competitive attitudes cannot be found. However, already 75 % of the land on the beach is said to belong to Thai people from the mainland who only wait for the opportunity to build a “better” resort. Where this can point to is being demonstrated by the failed resorts, Phayam Cottage and Andaman Buri. They have rarely any guests and the locals speak with horror about these clear-cutting crime lords. Some people strive for achieving the status of a Nature Reserve for Koh Phayam in order to avoid a concrete construction boom. Others assume that this is unlikely to happen as the island does not have enough water supply for a rapid development.
Cashew
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Cashew Leaves
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