Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
boats return at 7.30am and 1.30pm. During the monsoon months only morning boats
make the crossing three days a week, docking at the main pier on the northeast coast.
You can also charter a long-tail boat to Ko Phayam through Koh Chang Resort
(1500B). In high season inquire about a once daily taxi boat to the island.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ko Phayam
Technically part of Laem Son National Park, little Ko Phayam is fringed with beautiful
beaches and - for now - is managing to go mainstream while still holding onto its soul.
The spectacular northwest and southwest coasts are dotted with beach bungalows, breezy
restaurants and bars, and its wooded interior is laced with narrow concrete streets, so you
can certainly understand the appeal. Fauna in the area includes wild pigs, monkeys and
snakes, and there is tremendous bird life. Look for sea eagles, toucans and hornbills. The
one 'village' on the island, where you will also find the main pier and a majestic golden
Buddha at
Wat Phayam
, caters mostly to tourists, but hit it during a festival (such as the
Cashew Festival in April) and you'll see that islanders still have a firm grip on their
homeland. Motorcycle pathways run down the middle of the island, feeding smaller con-
crete roadways and dirt trails, some of which can be rutted to the point of hazardous -
drive slowly.
The main drawback of Ko Phayam is that the snorkelling isn't great, as high sea tem-
peratures have killed off all the coral. But the Surin Islands are closer to here than any-
where else and you can hop on live-aboard dive expeditions or speedboat transfers. For
dive trips and PADI courses, contact
Phayam Divers
(
08 6995 2598;
www.phayamlodge.com
; Ao Yai)
.
