A Journey to Ranong: Diving, Views, and the Enchanting Serenity of Koh Phayam

This trip takes us south, a journey I undertake a couple of times each year. This time, I chose the Andaman coast, specifically Ranong, a province I've long desired to visit. This trip truly lived up to my expectations, offering the chance to dive, admire breathtaking views, and experience the captivating tranquility of Koh Phayam.

Initially, the plan was to include both Ranong and Chumphon. However, due to heavy rain on the third day, our diving plans in Chumphon were canceled, and we ended up returning directly to Bangkok without any additional stops. Therefore, this review will focus primarily on Ranong, with a brief mention of Chumphon.

The journey was undertaken by private car and spanned four days and three nights. The estimated budget was 5,000 baht, with a final expense summary provided at the end of the trip (though I must admit, I've forgotten a few things here and there). The travel dates were April 1st to 4th, 2017.

Rough rip program

The first morning, after driving all night, we arrived at Laem Son National Park at dawn. We were greeted by a beautiful white elephant, ready to take us on a diving tour of the Koh Kam-Koh Yipun archipelago. We also visited the Khao Kwai Bay viewpoint and checked into our accommodation at Lazy Hut on Koh Phayam, where we enjoyed the sunset over Ao Yai Bay.

The second morning, we rode around the island, visiting various temples, the Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, and returning to relax in front of our accommodation to watch the sunset.

Morning, return to the shore, visit Ranong city, stop by Khao Ya, hot springs, Had Som Paen Reservoir, Ranong Canyon, Khao Fa Chi viewpoint, Isthmus of Kra, stop by Tap Li Salted Bun, then brave the rain to the accommodation in Chumphon, go see the last light at Khao Matsee.

The morning was rainy, so we couldn't go diving. We returned to Duan Korn Beach and visited Klong Wan to take pictures of flying monkeys. We returned home in the evening.

All photos were taken with a Nikon D5300 18-140 and a GoPro Hero 4 Silver.

We set off on Friday night as usual, driving all night again. This time, we drove straight to Laem Son National Park, arriving around 4 am. As soon as we parked the car and got out to stretch our legs, we were greeted by a huge elephant. No need to move around to find the perfect angle, it was right there! This morning, after driving all night without sleep, we took some photos of the elephant and then took a nap to recharge. We woke up around 6:30 am.

The light from the office illuminated the trees, making them clearly visible.

After sleeping for almost 2 hours, we woke up around 6:00 AM to enjoy the fresh morning air. We took care of our personal needs, washing our faces and brushing our teeth, but we didn't shower as we were preparing to go swimming in the sea.

The morning atmosphere at Laem Son Pier in the park. Let's go see it.

The scenery is beautiful and the atmosphere is very good.

After completing his morning errands, Bang Lam picked me up and took me to the market for breakfast. He also prepared lunch for us to eat on the boat. He let me park my car at his house, which was very convenient. For this trip, I booked a boat tour with Bang Lam for 2,000 baht for four people. He also agreed to take us to Koh Phayam for an additional 1,500 baht and pick us up for another 1,500 baht. This brought the total cost of the boat trip to 5,000 baht, including the tour and parking. I think this was a great deal, as tours departing from Koh Phayam typically cost between 3,000 and 3,500 baht, and you still have to pay for round-trip boat transportation. Alternatively, if you take a boat tour from Laem Son National Park and then take another boat to Koh Phayam, it will cost you even more, as Laem Son National Park is several kilometers from the Koh Phayam pier. This would definitely waste time. Therefore, this method is the most convenient, as you can park your car at Laem Son and avoid the hassle of multiple boat trips.

After paying the park entrance fee, we were ready to explore. The park ranger was still asleep when we arrived, so we spent the night in front of the visitor center.

The long morning atmosphere with warm sunshine. This morning, there is also fog in the distance to admire. It's beautiful.

Today's tour will take us to Koh Kam, Koh Khangkhao, and Koh Yipun. I can't remember which island we visited first, but it might have been Koh Khangkhao. It's been a while since I've been there! 555

This morning, there weren't many people. Let's go down and see what's under the water.

My eyes feel irritated after not swimming for a long time.

Let's explore the underwater world.

The underwater section has a limited amount of coral and a sparse population of sea anemones.

The water here is a bit murky, but there are still some beautiful spots.

We spent a long time diving here today, and we were quite tired by the end. However, this was the only place we went diving today.

Proceed to the second island.

We have arrived at this Japanese island with its white sandy beaches and fine sand. However, it seems that the water level was high when we visited.

This is where we relax, take photos, and play in the water at the beach.

There are many bushes in this area.

Jump, jump, it's easy!

Let's move on.

Next, Khao Kwai Bay, the viewpoint of Koh Kam Tok, we will spend a long time here because we will eat lunch, go to the viewpoint, and play in the water.

This place has a great atmosphere with pine trees and a scenic viewpoint.

Let's head to the viewpoint first.

Follow me.

The distance is not far, approximately 10-15 minutes away.

It was quite steep for a while.

A light sheen of sweat.

We have finally arrived at the scenic viewpoint. The view is truly breathtaking, exceeding all expectations. It was definitely worth the journey.

The clouds are as beautiful as a watercolor painting.

This viewpoint only offers a single perspective. It is unclear whether climbing higher would provide a 360-degree view.

Beautiful.

Similarly, the downtrend continues.

After getting off the boat, we had lunch and then went to play in the water on the other side.

The sun is hot, but the water is cool and beautiful.

I have been here for almost 2 hours. It's time to move on.

Leaving Khao Kwai Bay, we headed straight to Koh Phayam.

We arrived at the island around 2 pm.

Upon reaching the island, we immediately rented a motorbike. After inquiring about the price from a motorbike taxi driver, who quoted 70 baht per person to Lazy Hut, we decided to negotiate a two-day motorbike rental instead. Although we initially intended to rent only for the next day, we managed to secure a rate of 300 baht per motorbike for two days. We rented the motorbike for the current day as well, filling it with just one liter of fuel. However, be cautious when selecting your motorbike, as the brakes on mine were not very responsive.

Our two-night accommodation on Koh Phayam was at Lazy Hut, a traditional bamboo hut that gave us a true beach vibe. Located at Ao Yai Bay, it was about 4 kilometers from the pier. The path was narrow and secluded, so we avoided riding motorbikes at night. It wasn't the fear of thieves, but rather the eerie feeling of riding through rubber plantations with barely any people around. If we had fallen, there was a chance no one would have seen us.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, various types of rooms are available, primarily in the form of traditional huts. However, prices vary depending on the room type. Sea view rooms tend to be more expensive, while wooden building options are also available.

My room costs 800 baht. There are also 800 baht huts, but when I went, I got a room on the building side, which I think is okay.

I got a room on the 2nd floor with a balcony, but the view is obstructed by the roof of the restaurant below.

The bathroom was clean, and the water pressure was normal, although there were some periods with low water flow. The accommodation was suitable for the price. However, the highlight of this place is the view from our room.

After a refreshing shower and a short nap, we indulged in the serene atmosphere in front of our accommodation.

This place has a restaurant and bar with delicious food on every menu.

Order food, sit and wait to watch the sunset.

During our stay on Koh Phayam, we opted to dine exclusively at our accommodation for every meal. The island's prices were reasonable, and the convenience of having meals included in our stay, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere and cool breeze, made venturing out unnecessary.

Let's watch the sunset at Ao Yai on Koh Phayam, considered the most beautiful sunset viewing spot on the island.

This was my first time witnessing the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The sky was breathtakingly beautiful, but I was too lazy to move from my seat, so I just took photos from where I was eating. I didn't even bother to walk to a different angle. Even just watching it from here made me happy.

As the daylight fades, the evening lights illuminate the bar at our accommodation. During my visit, the bar was predominantly frequented by Westerners.

This place is very peaceful and quiet. There is no loud music, only soft background music, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the ambiance.

That night, after a few drinks, we went to bed. I woke up at 3 am to continue taking pictures of the elephants. However, the angle I got was too high and there was no background, so it wasn't very beautiful. But the view was very clear. The sky was pitch black that day, and the sound of the sea wind was eerie. I took two pictures and went back to sleep. My girlfriend was too sleepy to come with me, and it was a bit scary to be alone.

Good morning, good night in bed. There is only a fan. I forgot to tell you that there will only be a fan in every room. But just a fan is also cold in the middle of the night.

This morning, we will embark on an exciting journey around the island.

Young man

This morning, I ordered garlic chicken by the sea. I didn't know what to eat, but the food was plentiful and worth the price. I was full. Some girls couldn't finish it and took it home to eat later. The price is 70-90 baht. My garlic chicken is 70 baht.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After a hearty meal, we set off for our first destination. The entrance to Ao Kio is just a short distance from our accommodation. Let's go!

A short walk of approximately 200 meters leads to the entrance.

It leads down to a small bay. There is a peaceful accommodation option on the hilltop.

Let's take a quick photo and then move on.

Continue

The next stop is Koh Phayam Temple, a church in the middle of the sea.

A short story about a monk at the temple. Due to the long bridge and the scorching sun, my girlfriend's sandals broke when we went to Ao Kiokiew earlier. The monk noticed that she was walking barefoot on the hot bridge and offered her his sandals to wear. At first, we hesitated, but the monk insisted, saying it was okay. We were very grateful for the kindness and compassion shown by the monk.

The sun is really hot. If I didn't wear it, my face would probably be sunburned. Thank you again, brother.

Worship the Buddha and make merit

After leaving the temple, we continued to the most famous and magnificent accommodation on Koh Phayam.

The blue sky itself.

This place is crowded, but many people still come here on motorbikes to order food, coffee, and smoothies.

The price point is relatively high. We ordered three drinks and a dessert, and the bill came to 418 baht. However, it was worth the price. The orange smoothie was incredibly smooth, so much so that I drank every last drop. It was delicious.

Accommodation is restricted to guests only. Entry is prohibited to non-residents.

Our next stop is the Hippie Bar.

Beautifully designed and stylish.

The atmosphere at night is likely to be vibrant, but I wouldn't recommend going due to the distance from my accommodation. Additionally, as previously mentioned, it's advisable to avoid riding at night due to the narrow roads. Unlike Koh Lan or Koh Samet, this island is known for its tranquility.

Checking in at Tha Khu with a cheeky grin.

Next is Hin Thalu. It's in the same bay but on the opposite side, so you have to ride a motorbike out and enter from another way. Ask the locals for directions. There are shops along the way.

There is a swing to play on.

Or climb trees as you please.

The water level was low during my visit, allowing me to walk to the three-hole rock formation.

Beautiful.

This is Ko Thalu.

Be careful walking, the rocks are sharp. You can get hurt even without shoes, as I did just now. 555

Pinkish sand grains and seashells.

We left Hin Talu at 2 pm, agreeing that we had had enough of Koh Phayam. There were other places to visit, but we decided to relax at our accommodation instead. So we rode back.

This path is sometimes narrow and obstructed.

Returning to the usual spot, we ordered food and settled in for a long, leisurely day.

Many foreigners who come here end up staying for a very long time, some even indefinitely.

Many people come here to relax and find things to do.

Relaxing and taking it easy today.

The beautiful pastel-colored light this evening is perfect for taking photos.

And the evening light is as beautiful as ever.

Will it always be this beautiful here?

The vast expanse of the sky was cloaked in ominous storm clouds, yet a sliver of beauty remained at its edge. This striking contrast created a harmonious scene. Soon, rain poured down, but it was short-lived. As darkness descended, we sought shelter and continued our gathering.

Tonight, the accommodation invited us to watch the plankton in the sea at night. However, it was a pity that I couldn't take any pictures, and I couldn't see it very clearly the first time. So the accommodation told me to try again later at night.

When the blue plankton is disturbed, it emits a dazzling blue light. The best time to see this is on a dark night. Sit down and sweep your hand through the water to see the blue light. We went back to the sea around 10:30 pm and saw it very clearly. It was so beautiful and sparkling that we couldn't stop looking at it all night.

The bar was less crowded than usual tonight, so we stayed until closing time, soaking up the good vibes.

It's time to check out and settle the bill.

We consumed a total of four meals, one single-dish meal and three meals with rice and side dishes. Yesterday's meal lasted from 3 pm until late at night. We ran out of alcoholic beverages, so we ordered some liquor that cost 600 baht. The total price was 3430 baht, which divided by four is still not too expensive. Considering the price and quantity, it was good value. This does not include accommodation, which cost 800 baht per room for two nights.

Before returning to the village.

Truly beautiful and satisfying. I must return to the peaceful and relaxing island of Koh Phayam.

We rode the motorbike back to Bang Laem Pier, where our boat was waiting for us. We arrived in Bang Ben at around 9:00 AM and loaded our belongings onto the car to continue our journey to Ranong.

This morning, we drove from Laem Son towards the city center and came across this roadside restaurant. The restaurant, called "Kradang Nga," offers a wide variety of delicious dishes. It seems to be a popular spot among locals, as there was a steady stream of customers coming and going.

Today's itinerary takes us along the scenic route to our final destination, Chumphon, where we will spend another night.

The first stop is right by the road, where the grassy mountain is clearly visible.

It is starting to turn green now.

With your beloved vehicle.

Continuing on, you can drive to the Raksa Warin Hot Spring, located in the city center. It serves as a gathering place for people to exercise or engage in various activities.

There are many types of hot springs.

This pool is too deep and hot to enter.

After leaving the hot spring, drive a little further and you will reach the Had Som Paen Reservoir.

The cool breeze and pleasant atmosphere without sunshine suggest that rain is likely on its way.

The view is beautiful and the breeze is very cool.

Just a short drive away, with the air conditioner still cool, you'll reach Ranong Canyon.

The cool breeze is so inviting for a nap.

This video showcases a diverse array of fish species. For a comprehensive list of the featured fish, please refer to the accompanying video. The video provides detailed information on each species.

After returning from the hot spring area, we decided to have lunch at a familiar restaurant. We had recently participated in a game on the restaurant's page and won two free soft-shell crabs, so we didn't want to miss out on this free treat.

The storefront is decorated with many famous character figures.

Additionally, we can write on rain-repelling dolls, which reminds me of the cartoon "Ikyu-san."

However, if I write it, it will not be effective. I feel like it will rain heavily. 555

We ordered two additional dishes, which were economical. The taste was delicious, but the price was a bit high. However, it was acceptable.

After refueling, we stopped at Punyabarn Waterfall to use the restroom but didn't take any pictures. We were worried about arriving in Chumphon late, so we hurried on.

The highlight of this trip is the Fa Si viewpoint, located between Ranong and Chumphon. It is believed to be the location of a high-voltage power station. The road leading up is very steep and narrow, and some sections may not be suitable for private vehicles. However, the journey is only about 3 kilometers long.

The view is truly breathtaking. It's a hidden gem that rarely gets reviewed, so I was surprised by its stunning beauty.

This place has a beautiful view.

The venue is not large, and parking is limited. Visitors may need to park along the roadside.

There is a pavilion for relaxation.

After taking enough photos, we continued our journey. As soon as we descended from Khao Fa Chi, the rain began to pour heavily.

And here we are at the narrowest point in Thailand, the Kra Isthmus.

The following is a biography.

A mere 100 meters across the river, and you're in Burma.

Driving through Thap Li, I encountered a kilometer-long line of people waiting to buy salapao.

Choose as you like. As for me, I like this shop.

The sight of the golden-brown crust emerging from the oven was enough to make anyone's mouth water. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the scent of rain and the cool air conditioning. Taking a bite, the soft, fluffy texture melted in my mouth, releasing a burst of flavor that was both sweet and savory. It was a moment of pure indulgence.

This restaurant is delicious. I don't know if all the restaurants are as delicious, but this one is fantastic.

I sprinted through the rain, surrounded by mist the entire way. It was exhilarating, but I couldn't help but worry if the rain would prevent us from diving the next day.

We arrived at our accommodation tonight around 5 pm. Chalicha Resort is located in Chumphon town and is easy to find. The price is affordable at 550 baht.

The new room is spacious, clean, and has very cool air conditioning. It's fantastic!

The hotel has a swimming pool, which is great for a morning swim. There are a variety of room rates available, making it a good option for budget-minded travelers. However, the hotel does not have any views, so it is not ideal for those looking for a scenic getaway. The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained.

Taking a break before continuing. The rain keeps stopping and starting. On the way to find dinner, I passed by Khao Ma Trai, so I went up to take some photos. It's almost 7 pm now.

The sky during the rain, especially in the evening, when viewed from a high place, gives an indescribable feeling. It is not exactly beautiful, nor is it scary. It is similar to the mood in Western movies that often use strange sky colors throughout the film.

The view is amazing, especially the orange light.

The fog has rolled in, and the green lights are on. It's getting dark, so let's go find something to eat.

For dinner tonight, I recommend Krua Jeo Ang Restaurant in Pak Nam Chumphon. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is great with a beachfront view, and the prices are reasonable. This meal cost me 600 baht.

This morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go swimming. The plan for the day was to go scuba diving in the Chumphon archipelago at 11 am and then return to Bangkok. However, the rain that had been falling since the previous night continued. We waited and waited, but at 10 am, the tour operator called to say that the trip to the islands had been canceled due to the incessant rain. As a result, we had to change our plans and return home. Nature always has surprises in store. No worries, we'll be back next time to go scuba diving in Chumphon for sure.

While waiting for the tour confirmation call, we had a simple breakfast of instant noodles with canned fish. It was a quick and satisfying meal, and we adjusted our spending based on the situation (our wallets).

After leaving Chumphon, we drove straight to Prachuap Khiri Khan. It rained on and off the whole time. Fortunately, it didn't rain at all while we were on Koh Phayam, so we were able to enjoy our trip to the fullest. It only rained on the day we returned to Chumphon.

Before heading back, we made a detour to Duan Kru Beach. At the entrance, we encountered a giant pig. The park ranger informed us that it was a wild boar that had been living there since it was a piglet. It was incredibly large.

The first stop was at Duan Krua Beach, where we initially planned to go diving at Koh Jan. However, due to the rain, we were unable to do so. We then asked the locals for other options, but unfortunately, we were still unable to go diving. We ended up taking photos around the area instead.

The rain has started again.

Sure, I can go.

Leaving Duan Korn Beach, we stopped for lunch at Klong Waal. What can you do when you have money left over from a diving trip that cost 850 baht per person?

This trip has been full of big meals, normally I eat one dish to save money, haha. But I did the math and I need to spend all the money I brought, so I'm having one more big meal. This restaurant is called "Hidden Corner Restaurant" and the entrance is a bit hidden, it's right at the entrance to the pier.

Everything was delicious. I chose this restaurant because I had been here once before, a long time ago. This time, I was not disappointed.

After a satisfying meal, we set off on our return journey at 3 pm. We made a stop at Wing 5 for a final photo to mark the end of our trip. It's funny that after four days, we finally managed to capture the perfect shot just as we were about to leave.

We leave nothing but footprints, we take nothing but pictures. This quote always applies. Everyone arrived home safely. It was a very relaxing trip, the schedule was not tight, it was comfortable. We arrived home without being tired. This trip was a lot of fun.

Approximate total expenses (may have missed some items) / 4 people

840 oil

Expressway gas 50+50 275+295+300+200+200

Rice porridge shop open until 23:00

Breakfast and lunch at Talat Bang Bon 500

Entrance fee 160

Total shipping cost: 5000

Motorcycle cost with fuel: 670

Accommodation cost for 2 nights and 2 rooms: 3200

Total cost of food and beverages on the property: 3430

Blue Sky's water and snacks cost 418 baht.

The cost of breakfast on the third day was 175.

Familiar restaurant price 500

Steamed buns 50

Chumphon Accommodation 1100

Dinner at Auntie Ang's 670

Entrance fee to Hat Duan Nok: 110 baht

Lunch at the Hidden Corner Restaurant 950

The remaining miscellaneous expenses are minimal. Overall, the cost per person should not exceed 5,000 baht. In fact, if you skip the night in Chumphon and only visit Ranong on Day 3 before returning, you can save even more money. Feel free to adjust your itinerary and choose accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. While these options may not be the cheapest, they offer good value for money.

See you again on the next trip, the traveling couple will take you on a two-wheeled motorcycle ride to Tak province. Today, goodbye.