Do you dream of pristine, white sandy beaches, lush green jungles, and tranquil ocean waves? If so, the island of Koh Phayam, located on the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, should definitely be on your bucket list. This relatively undiscovered gem is a haven for travelers seeking a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path destination. But how does one get to this idyllic haven? Let’s break down the process step by step.
Step 1: Reaching Thailand
Your first step is to reach Thailand. The country’s capital, Bangkok, is a major international hub serviced by various airlines from around the world. This is usually the most convenient entry point. From the U.S, you can find direct flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Similarly, from Europe, you can fly directly from cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. If you’re traveling from other parts of Asia, Australia, or Africa, you’ll also find a good number of direct flights to Bangkok.
Step 2: Domestic Flight to Ranong
Once in Bangkok, your next destination is the city of Ranong, located on Thailand’s west coast. It’s the closest mainland city to Koh Phayam and your gateway to the island. Several domestic airlines, like Air Asia and Nok Air, operate flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Ranong Airport (UNN). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer to Ranong Pier
Upon landing in Ranong, the next step is to get to the Ranong Pier, also known as the Saphan Pla Pier. This is where you’ll catch a boat to Koh Phayam. You can reach the pier by taxi or local songthaew (a shared taxi-like vehicle). The journey from Ranong Airport to the pier should take around 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Boat to Koh Phayam
Finally, from Ranong Pier, you’ll take a boat to Koh Phayam. There are two types of boats you can take: a speedboat or a slow boat.
- Speedboat: The speedboat is the faster option, taking approximately 45 minutes to reach Koh Phayam. The speedboats usually run multiple times a day.
- Slow Boat: The slow boat is a more leisurely and less expensive choice. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach the island but can be a more scenic and relaxing journey.
Ensure to check the boat schedules as they may vary depending on the season. The last boats usually leave in the afternoon, so plan your flight to Ranong accordingly.
Step 5: Arrival at Koh Phayam
Upon arrival, you can hire a motorcycle taxi to your accommodation. The island is relatively small, so it shouldn’t take long to reach your destination. The island does not have cars, so the main modes of transportation are motorcycles, bicycles, or on foot.
Important Tips
- Visa: Most tourists will require a visa to enter Thailand. Be sure to check the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for the latest visa requirements.
- Currency: The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). It’s advisable to have some local currency on hand for transportation costs and small purchases.
- Season: The best time to visit Koh Phayam is between November and April when the weather is dry and cool. The monsoon season is from May to October, during which there can be heavy rainfall and rough seas.