15/08/2010
Ko Payam island, Ranong, Thailand. This gorgeous little island is truly the undiscovered pearl of the Andaman Sea with long white sandy beaches, clear blue sea, coral
reefs, it’s the perfect place to really get away from it all- from lying in a hammock doing absolutely nothing except watch the amazing sunsets to snorkeling and fishing ,
boat trips around the island to the many neighboring islands including Koh Surin National Park, swimming in the warm waters or even body-boarding. The two main
bays are Aow Yai – the sunset bay, and Aow Khao Kwai – buffalo bay. Both bays have long curving white sandy beaches. If you get bored of the beach life then
there’s always the inland experience. Koh Phayam has lots of good mini hikes into the hills, forests and jungle. There are tidal mangrove forests and lots of wildlife
including crab-eating macaque, flying squirrel, mouse deer, slow Loris, gibbon, fishing cat, barking deer, and some beautiful and rare birds like hornbill. A small track
runs around the island making everything accessible by foot, bike or motor-scooters which are available for hire, there aren’t any cars. There are several resorts
offering bungalow accommodation. A boat taxi to the island leaves every day from the pier at Sapan Plaa, Ranong.
Ko Phayam island has a total land area of approximately 35 square kilometers with a population of only 500 people many of whom makes their living on fishing,
growing cashew nuts and farming rubber. There are mainly two seasons here, the summer season (November to April) and low season (May to September). Hereby
the average temperature hovers at 26-32 C. The suggested best time to visit this beautiful natural ground is from October to April, where the sea and weather
conditions permits visitors to relax and explore this little visited island. Ko Phayam is under the responsibility of Phayam National Park
