frequently asked question
The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions of us at Bamboo Bungalows. We do our best to answer everything for full transparency and convenience of our beloved guests. In case you have any questions that go beyond the list, feel free to contact us and we will get back to you shortly.
For our Cancellation Policy Click Here
About Bamboo Bungalows Koh PHAYAM
Bamboo Bungalows is a beachfront eco-resort right on Aow Yai Beach (also called Long Beach) in Koh Phayam, Thailand. We built sustainable bungalows from bamboo and offer beautiful sunset views.
What really sets us apart is our focus on low-impact tourism. We use solar lights, recycle as much as possible, cut down on plastic, and work with local suppliers for our food. Guests love the relaxed island feel with easy access to surfing, kayaking, and nature walks. It suits couples, families, or solo travelers who want peace instead of crowded spots.
We have options for every budget. Basic Fan Bungalows are cozy and affordable, with mosquito nets and private bathrooms, starting around 800 THB per night. Air-Conditioned Bungalows give more comfort with AC, and hot showers. Garden Villas are spacious with queen beds. Every room includes free Wi-Fi. We have our beachfront restaurant which is considered to be one of the best in the island. Check availability directly on the booking page.
Absolutely. The wide, safe beach and calm waves (depending on the season and weather) make it great for families. Children enjoy building sandcastles, playing in shallow water. We can provide cribs or extra beds for 300 THB, and the restaurant offers many dishes children absolutely love. There is no kids club, but the natural setting keeps things fun outdoors. Just keep an eye on little ones near the water.
Pets are more than welcome since we love animals here. Just make sure you keep your pet under control. If anything gets damaged, it will be your responsibility to cover the cost. Otherwise we would be happy to have you and your pets stay with us.
Yes, every room comes with a personal safe so you can keep your valuables secure.
The beachfront paths are sandy and some spots have steps, but we do offer ground-level bungalows and can help with luggage or transfers. Please let us know your needs ahead of time so we can make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Our bungalows are thoughtfully spaced out among the greenery and along the beachfront, giving each one a good amount of separation and privacy. You won’t feel crowded or overlooked, there’s plenty of room to relax on your veranda, enjoy the sounds of the waves and nature, or just unwind without seeing or hearing much from neighboring guests. It’s part of what makes staying here feel peaceful and secluded, especially compared to busier resorts. If privacy is important to you, you’ll appreciate the natural layout.
Booking, Payments & Policies
Booking a stay at Bamboo Bungalows Koh Phayam is quite simple. Simply click the link to be directed to the booking system on our Homepage, choose your chosen dates and room and follow the instructions. If you prefer to have assistance you can always reach out to us and we will close the dates for you and all that will be left is the matter of payment (a deposit of 20% is our standard)
We use Stripe which is one of the most trusted and secure payment gateways in the world which allows securely and confidentially inputting your credit card. We also accept Bank Transfers.
We charge based on the number of beds. If a child shares an existing bed in your room there is no extra charge. Adding an extra bed costs 300 baht.
Since we only charge 20% deposit the cancellation rules are as followed: 15 days or more have a fee of 5% of the total stay. 14 days or less, 10% of the total booking value. No shows, means no refund is given.
Reception is open from 8 am to 10 pm. Our team speaks Thai, English, and Burmese,
Resort Amenities & On-Site Experience
Free high-speed Wi-Fi works across the whole resort, but at times, some guest desire the sim option with internet connection and we can assist you with that.
Laundry service, massage bookings on request, and a small shop for basics is available. No swimming pool, but the ocean is literally steps away.You can even set up at a beachfront table if you want.
Our beachfront restaurant offers fresh Thai seafood, international dishes, and Mediterranean-style favorites such as falafel and hummus. You can enjoy grilled prawns, plenty of vegan choices, and daily specials made with local ingredients. Breakfast includes omelets and fresh fruit, or American style breakfasts.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal at the Bamboo Bungalows restaurant, but if you want to be sure of a spot just give us a call and we will let you know if it’s busy or not.
Yes, everyone is welcome. We love having people come to the restaurant even if they aren’t staying with us.
We clean daily, have hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and keep staff trained on current guidelines. We follow all Thai health rules and can offer contactless options. Mosquito repellent is provided too. The island stays quiet with low crowds, which helps naturally. Travel insurance is always a good idea.
Location & Getting to Koh Phayam / Bamboo Bungalows
We are right on beautiful Aow Yai Beach (Long Beach) on Koh Phayam, a peaceful island in the Andaman Sea, Ranong Province, Thailand. The island has no cars, only motorbikes and bicycles, and lots of untouched nature. From the main pier it is about 10 minutes by moto-taxi. Approximate GPS: 9.748°N, 98.398°E.
Fly to Ranong Airport, which takes about one hour from Bangkok on Nok Air or AirAsia. Take a taxi or songthaew to Ranong Pier, around 20 to 30 minutes. Catch a speedboat or ferry to Koh Phayam, which is 35 to 60 minutes and costs roughly 350 THB per person (kids often free). Check current schedules.
From the Koh Phayam pier, take a moto-taxi to Aow Yai Beach, about 10 minutes. Just mention Bamboo Bungalows. We can arrange transfers if you like. For early flights out of Ranong, take the first boat back to the mainland.
High season from November to April brings sunny days, calm seas, and perfect beach weather with temperatures between 25 and 32°C. Low season from May to October has more rain but very few people, lower prices, greener landscapes, and sometimes whale shark sightings. Shoulder months offer great value.
The island has no cars (part of why the island is so beloved and pure). Walk if you are close and enjoy the island’s beauty, or rent a scooter for 150 to 300 THB per day from the pier or resorts, or take moto-taxis for 50 to 150 THB per ride.
Scooters give the most freedom. Always wear a helmet and go slow on the narrow concrete roads.
Options are limited. There are one or two ATMs near the pier, but bring extra cash because they can run out or break down, and most places prefer cash. Small shops sell basics. There is a basic health center for minor problems, but anything serious means going to the mainland in Ranong. Pharmacies carry everyday items.
Koh Phayam Island Overview, Why Visit
Koh Phayam is a hidden gem: car-free roads, pristine beaches, rich biodiversity including hornbills and monkeys, and a relaxed vibe that feels like Thailand from thirty years ago. Bamboo Bungalows sits right on Aow Yai Beach and fits perfectly by keeping things low-impact with eco-friendly practices, direct beach access, and support for local conservation efforts.
It started as a quiet fishing community and slowly grew into a sustainable eco-tourism destination since the 1990s, while carefully avoiding mass development. Locals do their best to keep things as they are, or at least slow down the progression that have made so many magical islands lose the charm they used to, which is why Koh Phayam is often known as Thailand of thirty years ago in terms of appeal.
Yes, very much so. The island has plastic bans in many areas, encourages low-impact tourism, and still has large stretches of preserved nature. Most use local sourcing for food, and gentle activities like mangrove kayaking so your visit leaves as little trace as possible.
It stays laid-back and uncrowded with no cars, jetskis, or constant hawkers. The atmosphere feels genuine and peaceful compared to the more developed, busy islands.
Beaches, Nature & Wildlife on Koh Phayam
The main ones are Aow Yai (the beach we are located at the center of) long stretch of sand, good for surfing and sunsets, with a gentle slope and great swimming at high tide), Ao Khao Kwai and Buffalo Bay (clear, calm waters perfect for relaxing), and Ao Kwang Peeb (more secluded). Aow Yai works best for our guests because of the easy access to trails, waves, and that relaxed yet lively feel.
You can spot Oriental Pied Hornbills (the island’s mascot), monkeys in the mangroves, monitor lizards, sea eagles, turtles, and lots of butterflies. Jungle walks or quiet evenings on the beach often bring sightings. We always encourage respectful, ethical viewing to keep the wildlife undisturbed.
Surfing works well with gentle waves right at Aow Yai (we rent boards). Kayaking is nice in the mangroves around Buffalo Bay. Snorkeling is limited close by (some tropical fish near rocks), but the best reefs and clearer water come from day trips to the Surin Islands.
Possibly. Hornbills used to be even more common, but aren’t a guarantee. Try in the early mornings or late afternoons. They are one of the biggest highlights of Koh Phayam’s nature so if you manage to track one that’s a memorable experience.
Activities & Experiences
On-site you can relax on the beach, surf, kayak, or join seasonal yoga. Nearby options include jungle treks, exploring by scooter, or hanging out at beach bars. We can arrange guided tours for whatever interests you.
Definitely. Day trips to the Surin Islands for snorkeling and diving, Richelieu Rock for bigger marine life like mantas or whale sharks, or mangrove explorations are all easy. We don’t run or organize them but are always happy to help answer any questions.
The most popular are snorkeling and diving at the Surin Islands, visiting Richelieu Rock for pelagic species, kayaking through mangroves, touring cashew plantations, or seeing the Moken sea gypsy village.
It is relaxed, think beach bars with occasional live music, beautiful sunsets, and casual conversations experience. Not a party island, but perfect for chill evenings.
With that said, throughout the year there are special events, and Koh Phayam parties with the best of them!
Songkran in April brings the water festival, Loy Krathong in November has floating lanterns, and there are local full-moon beach gatherings plus occasional New Year’s events at resorts like ours.
Practical Tips & Sustainability
Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent (though we offer mosquito nets) enough cash, light clothing, and sturdy shoes for trails. Shopping is limited so bring any specific essentials you need.
You get much lower rates, almost empty beaches, lush green scenery, and sometimes rare wildlife sightings like whale sharks during the rains. You’re after peace and quiet? can’t beat it. We do our best to keep everything as comfortable as possible even on rainy days (which there are plenty of in low season), but of course adjustments are made in order to deal with the weather conditions.
For budget travelers, expect around 800 to 1200 THB per night for our Basic Bungalows (traditional bamboo huts) .Then you have the mid range options which are 2000-2500 THB, and finally the top tier which is our Air conditioned villas. Starting from 3300 THB. Meals run about 200 to 500 THB each, so food is very affordable.
Keep in mind some added costs on the island: scooter rentals (typically 150-300 THB per day from local vendors at the pier), moto-taxi rides (50-150 THB), or other excursions. These are separate from your resort stay and help you explore freely. Overall, Koh Phayam remains one of the more wallet-friendly islands in Thailand.
