After visiting the popular islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, I was anxious to go a little off the beaten track. The recommendation I got from an expat was called Koh Phayam – a little island near the Thai-Burmese border. Lonely Planet didn't say much, which was the perfect sign I thought.
Of course I didn't realize that the popular islands are busy year-round, while lesser known, lesser developed islands like Koh Phayam close up shop in the low season.
To read more, check out these posts:
Next week, we're heading to the large island of Phuket, where I pretend to be Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, and fall unexpectedly ill at the epicenter of the world's sex tourism industry.
Planning a trip? The Go Backpacking team uses and recommends:
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
I too like “getting off the beaten path” from time to time as well. I noticed you mentioned Samui and Phangan, did you visit Koh Tao? I did Koh Tao and Phanan (Full Moon).
I am in Phuket 5th-7th and leaving late that day.
If you're around let's grab a drink.
All the best in 2010.
Hey Rob, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment here at Go Backpacking.
Yes, I did end up visiting Ko Tao toward the end of my 2nd month in Thailand in 2008. In all, I managed to visit 6 islands, including Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.
I'm back home in the US now, otherwise I'd definitely take you up on that drink.
Happy new year!
Hey Rob, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment here at Go Backpacking.
Yes, I did end up visiting Ko Tao toward the end of my 2nd month in Thailand in 2008. In all, I managed to visit 6 islands, including Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.
I'm back home in the US now, otherwise I'd definitely take you up on that drink.
Happy new year!
It’s funny, I was just thinking about Phayam today. The only reason we went to that island was because I read your review here and it sounded like a perfect getaway. Like being stranded on a deserted island and being able to just relax and do nothing. So thanks for writing about this island that not many people know about! The favorite island we went to in Thailand.