Koh Phayam, Island and coastline in Ranong Province, Thailand
Koh Phayam is an island with long white sandy beaches and clear water along the Ranong Province coast. The landscape features mangrove forests and wooded areas where hornbills, sea eagles, and other wildlife live.
The island was originally a small fishing village and began developing as a tourist destination in the early 2000s. Electricity arrived progressively starting from 2017.
The island is shaped by people who have lived and fished here for generations. You can see how they use their boats and bring fresh catches to the beachfront restaurants.
You can reach the island by ferry from Ranong pier, with slow boats taking about two hours and speedboats making the journey in 45 minutes. The best time to visit is during the drier months when boat conditions are more stable.
The island has two main beaches with different character: one with more visitor activity and nightlife, and one quieter and more family-friendly. Each beach draws a different group of visitors and creates two very different experiences on the same island.
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