Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bamboo Bungalows
( 0 7782 0012;
www.bamboo-bungalows.com
;
Ao Yai; bungalows 750-1500B; )
A very popular and
social beachfront property. There's a lush garden and an attractive lounge-restaurant with
hammocks and log swings out front. Bungalows range from sagging bamboo jobs to
fairly luxurious peaked-roof cottages that have tiled floors, ceiling fans and outdoor rain
showers. There's 24-hour electricity and kayaks, surf- and body- boards available for
guests.
GUESTHOUSE
$$
Frog Beach House
( 08 3542 7559;
www.frogbeachhouse.com
; Ao Yai; bungalows 1000B; )
Traditional Thai-style hard-
wood chalets with wooden floors, outdoor bathrooms, glass-bowl sinks and mosquito
nets are all lined up just off the beach next to a small stream, with a nice slab of beach
out front.
HOTEL
$$
BUNGALOWS
$$$
Phayam Lodge
( 08 6995 2598;
www.phayamlodge.com
; Ao Yai; bungalows 2500-3900B; )
The flashiest com-
pound on this beach is set up for divers who have the Similan and Surin Islands in their
sights. Bungalows are set up around a fledgling garden and offer wooden beds, ceiling
fans and air-con, recessed lighting, hot water and plush linens. They have an in-house
dive centre, and their Bubble Bar is right on the beach.
Drinking
Hippy Bar
(Ao Khao Kwai; 11am-2am Nov-Apr)
An amazing beach bar cobbled out of foraged driftwood,
bottles, seashells and anything else that happened to wash up on shore. The lounge re-
sembles the bow of a pirate ship. There are orchids, waterfall fountains and dub tunes on
the sound system.
BAR
Getting There & Away
From Ranong, take
sŏrng·tăa·ou
3 from Th Ruangrat Market (25B) or one of the many
shuttles that service most guesthouses (50B) to the Phayam Pier near Saphan Plaa. If you
have three or more people in your group it makes better sense to hire a driver (100B).
