I missed the last ferry to Koh Phayam. If it wasn’t for heavy rains, roadworks, and a military police-stop which checked the IDs of every single passenger on board a big bus, I would have made it.
I was in the province of Ranong 10 hours later and quickly booked a 1-night stay at a nearby hotel called เพลินพฤกษารีสอร์ท. An unexpected treat was that a highly rated little gem was nearby at a Shell garage, called 168 Café. It had a bit of a mediaeval vibe. I went there for every meal.
I got to Koh Phayam via a 40-minute speedboat ride. The island is definitely not on the main tourist radar yet. Not experiencing madness at the pier was so welcomed. I’d be staying in modest wooden bungalow on stilts with a fan, mosquito net, little fridge, open air shower and a hammock. Love it! The host kindly gave me an extra night for the one that I lost due to arriving a day late!
Once settled in, I immediately rented a bike to start exploring. I attempted to get to the far end of the little island but ended up going a bit off-road. Much of the roads are unpaved, gravely, sandy, and in this case, slippery clay paths. I bounced my way down many unassuming routes nevertheless, and often happened upon hidden spots! I also gate-crashed some of the fancier resorts to see what life was like, but I’m happy to report that none seemed over-the-top affluent.
Koh Phayam has a very laidback vibe and seems to attract a different kind of tourist or traveler. Everyone says hello. A friend who has travelled around Thailand a lot recommended it to me, and I’m already feeling quite certain that I will extend my stay here. I have also met a few interesting people at the nearby hostel where she stays. Being told that I have a beautiful aura by a German hippy was one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received!
I started the day with a surf and ended it with a beer in a hammock. I feel far away from all the troubles in the world, I’m looking into volunteer work in East Asia, a trip to Vietnam for Xmas, and certainly a visit to the Philippines. Two fellow divers at the hostel have me convinced.
Next: Hippy Bar & Happy Islanders
Previously: Koh Lanta Old Town to Koh Por
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