Thailand's Andaman Coast · Island destination
Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is a car-free island off Ranong province in the Andaman Sea, reached by flying or taking an overnight bus to Ranong, then a speedboat or slow wooden boat to the island.
Overview
Overview
Koh Phayam is a car-free island off Ranong province in the Andaman Sea, reached by flying or taking an overnight bus to Ranong, then a speedboat or slow wooden boat to the island.
November–May is the high season with calmer seas and more frequent boat schedules; June–October brings the Southwest Monsoon with rougher seas and reduced boat schedules.
Stay
Where to stay
See how the two main beach areas on Koh Phayam differ in setting and character.
Ao Yai (Long Beach)
The island's longest beach, occupying much of the south-west coast, with the broadest choice of beachfront bungalows, restaurants, and surfboard hire.
Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay)
Curves around the north-western side in two sections with different settings, separated by headlands and rocky features, with mangroves nearby.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
When to go
November–May is the high season, with calmer seas and more frequent, reliable ferry and speedboat schedules. June–October brings the Southwest Monsoon — rougher seas and reduced boat schedules and services.
Getting there & around
Getting there
Reaching the island starts with getting to Ranong: flying (Thai AirAsia from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, about one hour twenty minutes) versus an overnight bus from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (eight to nine hours, much longer, lower fare). From Ranong, a speedboat from Ranong Pier (35–45 minutes) is faster than the traditional slow wooden boat from Tai Kak Pier (about two hours, running two to three times daily, cheaper and calmer). Airline routes and boat departure times/frequency change — confirm the current route, departure point, and schedule before travel.
Getting around
Renting a scooter allows independent movement, versus a motorbike taxi (saleng) from the pier, agreed per ride, which requires no license.
Your trip
How Koh Phayam fits your trip
May suit travelers who want a car-free Andaman island with a choice between the island's longest beach with the broadest bungalow and restaurant choice and a calmer north-western bay in two sections.
Dates, other stops, and what matters on this trip can make this fit clearer.
Add dates and other stopsInformation used
Information used
Wherely research — This page covers Ao Yai versus Ao Khao Kwai, mainland-gateway and arrival-boat choices, the island's car-free internal mobility, and seasonal timing. Exact flight schedules, bus fares, and boat fares aren't included because they change too often to publish as fact.
Photo credit
Hero photograph: Thailand - Koh Phayam by Visions of Domino, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
What to do next
What to do next
Return to Thailand's Andaman Coast when you want the wider geography, or save this Place when it still fits.