"This is like the Maldives of Thailand," said my Thai friend as our ferry departed from Ranong. However, the scenery around us, a muddy mangrove swamp, had absolutely nothing in common with the Maldives.

At the same time, I had reason to be optimistic. A few years earlier, I had visited the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, which is located in the same region. Those islands were so spectacular that I could easily imagine Koh Phayam being similarly beautiful.

So, is a visit to Koh Phayam worthwhile? Well, as the title of this post already suggests, I won't be singing the island's praises – that much is certain.

How to get to Koh Phayam

Before deciding whether a visit to Koh Phayam is worthwhile, there are a few things to consider. First, the journey there is somewhat complicated. You would have to fly from Bangkok to Ranong (which is only served by budget airlines and therefore accessible from the dreadful DMK airport) and from there take a ferry to Koh Phayam. This ferry takes you through the smelly mangrove waterway that I already mentioned in the introduction.

Once you reach the pier at Koh Phayam, you will likely need a motorbike or tuk-tuk. Most of the island's best accommodations are located on the western shore. This is also where you will find most of the beaches – apart from the rather polluted beaches in and around the harbor area, whose waters are often contaminated with oil from incoming boats.

Why I didn't like Koh Phayam

The beaches are… not so great

I visit islands primarily for one reason: beaches. And while Thailand undoubtedly boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, none of them are on Koh Phayam. On the contrary, many beaches on Koh Phayam are downright ugly, featuring grey sand, murky water, and pine trees instead of palm trees. It's certainly no "Maldives of Thailand."

There is almost nothing else to do.

Do you enjoy doing yoga with other Westerners? Then you might want to add something other than the island's ugly beaches to your trip to Koh Phayam. If not, I dare say you won't be able to spend more than a day here without going crazy. There's simply nothing to see or do.

Most accommodations are inadequate.

Unlike Krabi and Phuket with their luxury hotels, or Trat and Trang with their simple yet charming accommodations, Koh Phayam doesn't offer any truly memorable places to stay – at least not when I was there. Frankly, I have no desire to check if that has changed since then.

It's not worth the effort.

Of course, it's not about whether Koh Phayam is good or bad. I don't presume to define objective reality – what's paradise for one person is hell for another. On the other hand, I can say that what awaits you after the very long journey to Koh Phayam isn't worth the effort.

Visitors cannot or will not see the truth.

The strangest thing about my visit to Koh Phayam was the cognitive dissonance. Most other visitors seemed completely enamored with the island, as if they couldn't see what I saw. Certainly, some had different expectations, others perhaps lacked perspective. Nevertheless, it was disconcerting!

Alternatives to Koh Phayam

Koh Phayam isn't really my thing, but luckily Thailand has literally dozens of other islands to offer:

  • If crowds aren't a problem, the more popular beach provinces of Krabi and Phuket on the Andaman Sea are a good alternative. The quieter Phang Nga, north of Phuket, is also beautiful.
  • Koh Samui and the neighboring islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao are beautiful, but almost as busy as Phuket and Krabi.
  • The Trat archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand and the Trang archipelago in the southern Andaman Sea are good alternatives off the beaten track.
  • Objectively speaking, Koh Lipe is probably the most beautiful island in Thailand, although it has become increasingly crowded in recent years.

    • If you think Koh Phayam is overrated, don't despair. Hire me to plan a Thailand island getaway that better suits your needs and expectations.

    More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Phayam

    Is Koh Phayam worth visiting?

    Koh Phayam is an island that many travelers love, but I'm not one of them. If you like the island, the effort and expense of getting there might be worthwhile. However, since I consider Phayam to be one of the worst islands in Thailand, I see it differently.

    When is the best time to travel to Koh Phayam?

    Like most Thai islands, Koh Phayam is most inviting during the dry and relatively cool months between late November and late March. However, it's also possible to visit in October or May, provided you don't mind some rain or the associated chance of rain.

    How do I get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phayam?

    To get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phayam, you first need to fly to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok and then take a connecting flight to Rayong. From Rayong, you'll take a ferry to Koh Phayam – and then probably a motorbike or tuk-tuk from the port to the other side of the island.

    Conclusion

    Is Koh Phayam worth a visit? I can't give a definitive answer. It's certainly not the "Maldives of Thailand," or even remotely comparable. At the same time, I don't consider Phayam one of Thailand's most beautiful islands—on the contrary, I might even call it the worst—but I have to admit that it can be quite attractive to certain travelers. Namely, those who value a specific atmosphere and not just the objective beauty of a beach, or who enjoy being around a certain type of person. Do you need help planning your Thailand island getaway? Then let me plan your trip and help you find the perfect beach.