Koh Phayam - I'm missing this lovely island

Unbelievable, it's been almost 2 years since I first visited Koh Phayam. Together with my girlfriend, I spent some days on Thailand's 'Hippie Island' and really enjoyed it. Sometimes it's nice to get away from the monthly party hustle and bustle on Koh Phangan and enjoy a place that is MUCH more quiet. Although the trip from Koh Phangan was way longer and more difficult and than we expected, it was definitely worth it.

Koh Phayam is still relatively uncrowded, compared to the other islands in the Andaman Sea. Mass tourism is definitely not present here. The beaches are mostly quiet and empty, especially in the low season. Many times we were the only persons on the beach. The people are friendly and generally there's a very relaxed mood all over the island.

Although the beaches on Koh Phayam are not necessarily all as gorgeous as the Trang Islands, Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi, they are still worth a visit. You will rarely find this quiet and idyllic atmosphere anywhere else in Thailand. Definitely unique are the sunsets at Long Beach (called Ao Yai in Thai).

Otherwise, there are not many other attractions/sights on Koh Phayam. The best known is certainly the Hippy Bar, where a group of Thai Rastas have recreated a wooden ship serving as a bar over many years of work. The guys are really cool and the bar is unique. You should NOT miss this bar, which is located directly on the beach of the Buffalo Bay!

Well, as I said, it's been 2 years now and I hope the island has kept its vibe during this time. I will definitely visit the 'Hippie Island' again, maybe even this year, who knows. Have you ever been there too? If so, what did you like most?