Ao Khao Khwai North on the west coast of Koh Phayam is shaped like buffalo horns. Among travelers it is aptly called Buffalo Bay. Two rocky hills with picturesque gorges divide Ao Khao Khwai into two separate smaller bays - Ao Khao Khwai North and Ao Khao Khwai South. Only when the tide is extremely low you can climb over the rocks from one part of the bay to the other.
These two half bays are distinctly different in character and accordingly cater for different types of travelers. Ao Khao Khwai North offers a wide and ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing with beautiful, fine sand interspersed with some rocky outcrops that look very picturesque. Swimming is possible most of the time. Walking along the beach is also possible at any time, in some areas snaking your way through the boulders. The bungalows are located on the hillside or just behind the beach. Many of them enjoy a fantastic view of the Burmese islands, the sun often moves down rapidly displaying amazing sunsets. Several new bungalow resorts were recently built on this part of the bay, most of them with ample space from each other. A handful resorts offer free pick-up service from the pier.
Mountain Resort
Gold Key
Starlight
Bungalows at Ao Khao Khwai North(from north tosouth):
Mountain Resort offers a peaceful location in a large, well-tended garden under coconut trees, 5 solid and spacious concrete bungalows with fan and small private bathroom. The extremely friendly owner Mr. Kanung takes very well care of his guests and his wife Wanpen is famous for her delicious Thai food, especially recommended are Banana Pancakes. Mountain Resort features a nice restaurant with beautiful sea view. Very quiet atmosphere. Snorkeling equipment available.
Mu 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-820098 or 080-1447208
The friendly family at Tang Tong Bungalows provides a laid-back place in quiet and cozy atmosphere, 6 simple bamboo bungalows with European style bathroom, directly on the beach, most of them have sea view. Many relax areas with cushions. Tang Tong Bungalows are managed by Mr. Yen and his wife Noot. She has a good reputation for her cuisine, especially recommended for Massaman Curry and special dishes such as Jungle Curry. There is 24 hours light available by solar energy. Thai massage on request.
5/54 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 084-8396836 or 082-2747054
Banana Resort offers 7 large wooden and well-furnished en-suite bungalows with veranda dotted around a newly planted garden, some with sea view. There are 2 small bamboo huts with shared bathrooms directly on the beach as well. The friendly owner Miss Jan only opened in November last year and enthusiastically runs this place. Banana Resort has a beach restaurant with fresh seafood and reasonably priced European and Thai food. Very quiet and relaxing. 200 Baht with shared bathroom, 400-500 Baht with private bathroom
Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 080-6229477 or 080-6010602
Gold Key Bungalow is a nice and quiet resort behind the beach, offering 14 wooden bungalows in various styles, widely scattered in a lovely tended garden amongst many trees. Gold Key Bungalows has many comfortable and large seating options in proximity of the beach for relaxing and beach chairs as well. Restaurant with Western food, many Thai dishes and a large choice of vegetarian meals as well, billiard table and small shop. Friendly family business. Solar energy. Very beautiful sandy beach, ideal for swimming. More phones no:089-2929779, 086-4705572(Ms.Daa)
Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Khwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-812202 or 084-8986100
Marina Resort has just recently opened and consists of 7 well-built wooden bungalows with large verandas, the front ones enjoy a great view of the beach. Situated between Gold Key and Chomjan Bungalows.
5/71 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 081-8919809 or 089-2898622(Ms. Mee)
Chomjan Resort is a well-managed resort with a choice of 5 concrete and 4 wooden en-suite bungalows which are dotted on the hillside, just behind the beach. All bungalows are large and well-furnished, the more expensive ones have glass windows and tiled bathrooms. Chomjan Resort opened in 2007 and it is a very clean place. Restaurant with great sea view, large menu serving many European dishes, especially breakfast options and steaks. Thai specialties include „Homok“ (fish steamed in banana leaves) and salad with banana flowers. The excellent cuisine attracts many guests from far, highly recommended. Some vegetables come from the resort's organic garden. Thai cooking classes are available as well. The friendly manager Bank takes care of the guests and he speaks English well. Motorcycle rental (200 Baht/day), laundry service, Thai massage and tours on request. Electricity supply from generator and solar energy.
5/22 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 085-6784166 or 089-6506444 - Fax.: 077-832740
Sai Thong Bungalow (ทรายทอง บังกะโล) (AoKhaoKhwai (North))
Rates: 300 to 600 Baht
Just next to Mr. Gao, Sai Thong Bungalow is a small place comprising 5 attractive bamboo and 1 concrete bungalow, all have hammocks, the front ones enjoy a beautiful sea view. The young owners Aew and Sha are very friendly and committed to their business and they speak English well. Small restaurant with European and delicious Thai food (homemade “Homok”), Barbeque Parties on request. Sai Thong Bungalows are located in a well-tended and creatively designed garden with shady trees. Beautiful beach. Motorcycle rental (100-250 Baht/day) and kayaks for rent (150/day). Very relaxing atmosphere, beach chairs. Popular resort, so phone ahead for reservation. Pick-up service from the pier.
Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-820446 or 080-1411231
Jansom Beach Bungalow is located on the hill amongst old trees. It is a good-value and well maintained resort. Set in 2 rows, there are 20 spacious wooden bungalows, comfortably furnished, beautiful large and tiled bathrooms, furnished verandas overlooking the sea and thatched roofs. The restaurant at Jansom Beach Bungalow is on the hillside enjoying a fantastic view of the bay, although the cuisine is rated average. Very quiet and idyllic. The management is not the friendliest, run by Miss Cat. Burmese artworks and paintings made of leaves are for sale. More phone no:081-9685720
12/12 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai North, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-835317 or 089-5878252 - Fax.: 077-811589
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
Contact Bungalows are a small, friendly and popular resort located on the hill amongst many trees. 6 wooden and bamboo bungalows in various sizes, all with sea view. Very close to nature. Relaxing area with cushions, short and steep path leading to the beach. Very quiet and comfortable. Contact Bungalows are managed by Miss Sao who is very friendly and she has a good reputation for her delicious cooking. European and Thai Menu. Reservation by phone or email advisable.
Kao Kwai Hill Bungalows (เขาควายฮิลล์ บังกะโล) (AoKhaoKhwai (South))
Rates: 300 to 600 Baht
From the concrete road about 1 km on a small path, Kao Kwai Hill Bungalows offer 8 basic wooden en-suite bungalows and one attractive and newly built concrete bungalow with large glass windows, comfortably furnished and with European style bathroom. All are surrounded by beautiful nature, under shady trees. From the restaurant there is an excellent view of the sea, large choice of inexpensive dishes. Short and steep path with steps leading to the beach, very quiet. The friendly owner of Kao Kwai Hill Bungalows, Mr. Tong, lived many years in Germany and he speaks German and English well. Open year round.
17/1 Moo 1, Koh Phayam, Ao Khao Kwai South, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 081-8476285 or 084-3499900
The Tang Tong Restaurant is a friendly family business owned by Mr. Yen and his wife Noot. It offers various European and Thai dishes and it is famous for Masaman Curry and special dishes such as Jungle Curry.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 084-8396836 or 082-2747054
The Starlight Restaurant established by a Thai-American couple is a small and cozy place on the beach. Besides Thai and western dishes the owner Mr. Todt offers homemade liquor made from sugar cane infused with different flavors such as mango, honey, apple or Thai herbs.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong Tel.: 089-9225301
The Banana Restaurant is situated right on the beach offering fresh seafood and reasonably priced European and Thai food. The friendly owner Miss Jan only opened in November last year and enthusiastically runs this place.
The Gold Key Restaurant serves Western food, many Thai dishes and a large choice of vegetarian meals as well. There is a billiard table and a small shop as well. Friendly family business.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 086-4705572 or 089-2929779
Chomjan Restaurant enjoys great sea view, large menu with many European dishes, especially breakfast options and steaks. Thai specialties include „Homok“ (fish steamed in banana leaves) and salad with banana flowers. The excellent cuisine attracts many guests from far, highly recommended. The friendly manager Bank takes care of the guests and he speaks English well.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 085-6784166 or 089-6506444
The Jansom Beach Restaurant is on the hillside enjoying a fantastic view of the bay, very quiet and idyllic, menu with Thai and European dishes, average rated cuisine.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 089-5878252 or 081-9685720
Mr. Gao Restaurant (ร้านอาหาร มิสเตอร์เก้า) (AoKhaoKhwai (North))
The Mr. Gao Restaurant is a popular place right by the beach. For many years this restaurant has a very high reputation and attracts many people from the island, serving generous portions and delicious Thai and western food. "Today's Specials" such as Mackerel with Garlic or Shrimps with Basil and Chillies are announced every day on a blackboard. A good choice of cakes is available as well depending somewhat on availability from the bakery on the island. The service is remarkably good and well supervised by the owner.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 077-870222 or 077-823995
Sai Thong Restaurant (ร้านอาหาร ทรายทอง) (AoKhaoKhwai (North))
The Sai Thong Restaurant provides a small outdoor seating area with European and delicious Thai food (homemade Homok), Barbeque Parties on request. The young owners Aew and Sha are very friendly and committed to their business and they speak English well.
Ao Khao Khwai North, Koh Phayam, Ranong 85000 Tel.: 080-1411231