Koh Phayam Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
Most of Koh Phayam’s accommodation is tailored to those with a backpacker budget who aren’t looking for luxury. One of the pleasant things about Koh Phayam is that is hasn’t been built up with huge hotels and resorts. The island retains its charm and, as such, most of the accommodation options are bungalows built in and around nature.
There are a few things you could base your choice on when looking for accommodation in Koh Phayam. Do you want 24-hour electricity and wifi? Do you want to be close to a lively beach? Would you prefer to be away from it all? Luckily, Koh Phayam has options that cover all these bases! Read on to find out about our favourite accommodations in Koh Phayam.
Budget bungalows
Sabai Sabai (1/2 Koh Phayam, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand) is a good option and is located close to the pier. If you are staying on Koh Phayam for a long time, we suggest staying here while you suss out which areas of the island you like best. You can then choose accommodation that suits the atmosphere you’re looking for. Sabai Sabai bungalows have everything you need including wifi, mosquito nets, hammocks, beach views and an on-site restaurant.
Another good but basic bungalow option is the Phayam Boat House (52 Moo1 Ranong, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand). Located close to the pier on Koh Phayam’s east coast, these bungalows have easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. You can also hire a bicycle or motorbike from here to easily explore the island. Each bungalow has en-suite facilities, fans or air-conditioning and a private balcony looking over the garden.
Mid-range
For families, we recommend the Buffalo Bay Vacation Club (51/3 Ao Kao Kwai, Koh Phayam island, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand). The resort has air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant. It also offers plenty of activities and watersports which can keep older kids entertained. Parents can relax with a massage on site and the beach is just a 5-minute walk away.
Phuree Hut (Koh Phayam, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand) is great for nature lovers. Designed entirely in bamboo and thatch, the huts have a real back-to-nature vibe while remaining comfortable with good facilities. Phuree is located in the centre of the island, so isn’t ideal for those who want to be right by the sea, however, it does mean you are equidistant from all and any of the beaches which makes it perfect for exploring!
Top end
If you want something a little more upmarket we suggest The Blue Sky Resort (Sapanpla Rd., Amphor Mueng Ranong,, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand) or the Cede Boutique Beach Resort (60 Moo5, A.Muang, Ranong, 85000 Ko Phayam, Thailand). The rooms have modern facilities such as air-conditioning, wifi throughout, flatscreen TVs and more. Blue Sky also boasts a swimming pool for times when the tide is out. These resorts have chic furnishings and stylish beach bars where you can relax with a cocktail in hand after a hard day lying on the beach!
Wherever you stay the hosts are bound to be friendly (as is everyone you meet on Koh Phayam!) and you’re unlikely to be too far from the main beaches and restaurants if you wish to explore.
As the high season is so short in Koh Phayam (thanks to the powerful monsoon season), expect prices to be significantly higher during December to February (and even more so over Christmas and New Year). You may be able to haggle cheaper prices if you are going to be staying for a long period of time, so it’s always worth an ask!