Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KO PHAYAM'S BEACHES
Ko Phayam has many small beaches but these two long stretches of sandy bliss are where most folks end up.
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Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay)
is a golden white cove with jungled bluffs and a rock reef offshore - it's the
most stunning location on the island. Lovers of peace and quiet head here along with some hippies and the occa-
sional German package tourist. It's a terrific swimming beach, too, except at low tide, when the sea recedes leav-
ing mud flats on the southern end.
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Ao Yai
is long, wide and chilled out yet social, attracting everyone from gap-year backpackers and glampack-
ing couples to young families and retirees. The surf kicks up in the fringe and low seasons and you can rent boo-
gie boards and surfboards at guesthouses along the beach. At other times the swimming is great here and the is-
land's best snorkelling (don't expect much) is found off
Leam Rung
, Ao Yai's northernmost point.
Sleeping & Eating
Room capacity has doubled in the past four years, and most resorts are now open year-
round with attached eateries serving middling Thai fare. Most places have wi-fi or internet
for 2B per minute. The cheapest and some of the best Thai eats are found in town near the
pier. Electricity is often only available from sunset to 10pm or 11pm.
Aow Yai Bungalows
( 08 9819 8782, 0 7787 0216; Ao Yai; bungalows 200-400B)
This is the thatched bamboo-bungalow
pioneer that started it all here in the late 1980s. Choose between small wooden and bam-
boo bungalows in the palm grove and a larger beachfront model on the southern end of Ao
Yai.
GUESTHOUSE
$
June Horizon
( 08 0145 9771; Ao Khao Kwai; bungalows 450-600B; Nov-May)
A joyful addition tucked into a
mangrove inlet at the south end of the beach. Bunk in one of their creative circular con-
crete bungalows brushed with fanciful murals, or grab a beach hut nailed together with re-
claimed and distressed wood panels and crowned with a grass ceiling. All have outdoor
baths. The wonderful 'gypsy bar' is worth a tipple.
BUNGALOWS
$
PP Land
( 08 1678 4310;
www.payampplandbeach.com
; Ao Hin-Khow; bungalows from 650B)
This is a stunning
ecolodge, north of the pier on the little-visited windward side of the island. The stylish
concrete bungalows are powered by the wind and sun and have terraces that overlook the
HOTEL
$
