Early January,I went to visit an island called Ko Phayam, which is off the coast from Ranong.
A pain to get to from Chiang Mai,but well worth the hassle.
Next time,I`ll fly down to Phuket and get the bus to Ranong.First ferry does`nt leave `till 10a.m.Last leaves about 4p.m. Slow boat takes 2 hours(think the cost was 200baht), speedboat does it in half hour(400baht).
Arrived on island,and got motorbike taxi (70baht) to Joker bar, Ao Yai bay.
there are no cars on the island.
Stayed at Joker bar
Ao Yai bay was pretty empty of tourists,unlike the other bays on the island.
Sea was clean,no rough stuff,great for swimming in. clean,white sandy beaches,very few tourists at this end of the island.
looking west from Joker Bar.
This is Joker Bar.
the busiest I seen of the beach.
seating area outside Joker Bar.
eating area.
looking east from Joker bar.
squid fishing boats.
garlic shrimps, 80 baht. Food was delicious.
sunset
bungalows at Joker Bar.
250 baht a night. Electric jenny gets turned off when bar closes,usually around midnight.
cold water shower,great view of the sky.
Upmarket tourist places on the other beaches.
I loved it here,fresh seafood,ice cold beers etc.
You need to bring a women with you,there`s no girlie bars here....
I will definately be visiting again next xmas. Low season is apparently 98% closed.