Lamai Koh Phayam Resort — hilltop bungalows with wide bay views, on a budget
Koh Phayam in Ranong is a small, still-quiet Andaman island with no cars on it — and Lamai Koh Phayam Resort is a budget 2-star resort perched on a hill on the island's east side, looking down over the bay and open sea. What guests mention most is the view from the balconies and restaurant, and the cool breeze that blows through all day · 15 bungalow rooms, open year-round, from approx. ฿900/night, rated 3.9/5 from 18 TripAdvisor reviews.
Koh Phayam sits in the Andaman Sea off Ranong — an island that still feels wild, with no big roads and no cars; you get around by motorbike and on foot · Lamai Koh Phayam Resort sits on a hill on the island's east side, a spot that looks down over the bay and open sea — unlike the beachfront resorts elsewhere on the island. That elevated view and the steady breeze are exactly why many people choose it.
The resort has 15 bungalow-style rooms spread across the hillside among the trees · each has a private balcony, TV and an en-suite bathroom, and a detail many guests praise is the hot water in the showers — not a given on this island · standard rooms are fan-cooled, while higher rooms come with air conditioning · the décor is simple in the way of island accommodation, practical rather than plush, which suits a budget trip.
"Eating breakfast at the restaurant looking down over the whole bay, cool breeze the whole time — the view alone paid for half the room."
The communal area has an outdoor pool and a restaurant that several reviews call genuinely good, with a lovely view · it sits on a high point looking out over the bay, and it's the spot guests like to settle into morning and evening · there's a massage room to unwind, and on-site parking for motorbikes · peace and the view are the two things guests praise most often, with many saying it suits an unhurried stay away from the crowds.
Honestly, there are limits worth knowing before you book · the most common complaint in reviews is service and management — some guests found staff not very attentive, housekeeping inconsistent, and no help with luggage at check-in · standard rooms are fan-only with minimal in-room amenities · Wi-Fi is unreliable (true of the whole of Koh Phayam, not just here) · the hilltop position buys the view but means walking up and down the slope, which isn't ideal for anyone with mobility issues, and in high season there's occasionally construction noise from renovation work.
Getting here takes planning · the only way to Koh Phayam is by boat from Ranong pier — about 35–45 minutes by speedboat, or around 2 hours by slow boat · from the island pier to the resort it's another 10–15 minutes by motorbike taxi · from Ranong Airport (UNN) the pier is about 30–40 minutes by road · TripAdvisor rates it 3.9/5 from 18 reviews, ranked #27 of 46 guesthouse/inn-style stays on Koh Phayam.
Bottom line: Lamai Koh Phayam Resort suits budget travellers who value the view over the service · if you want a beachfront resort you can walk straight into the sea from, or expect city-hotel attentiveness, this may not be your pick — the draw here is the hilltop setting and the price · but if you're after a light-on-the-wallet stay with a wide bay view and don't mind the climb or slow Wi-Fi, it delivers a view and quiet that are hard to find for the money on this island.
A tip from reading the reviews: request the highest room you can book for the fullest bay view, and if you want air conditioning, say so when booking, as standard rooms are fan-only · Koh Phayam is open year-round, but during monsoon (May–Oct) some boats don't run — check the weather and book your boat ahead · in high season (Nov–Apr) the sea is clear and rooms fill fast, so book early.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Hilltop location with wide views over the bay and sea
- ✓ Restaurant with good food and a lovely view, great morning and evening
- ✓ Budget-friendly, with private bungalows and balconies
- ✓ Hot water in the showers, which is rare on this island
- ! Service and management can be inconsistent; staff not always attentive
- ! Wi-Fi is slow and unreliable (island-wide issue)
- ! On a hill, so there's an up-and-down walk — not ideal for limited mobility
- ✓ Lovely views from the balconies and restaurant, breezy all day
- ✓ Quiet and private, good for escaping the crowds
- ✓ Light on the wallet, free cancellation, good value on a budget
- ✓ Has a pool and massage room — solid common areas for a small resort
- ! Standard rooms are fan-only with minimal in-room amenities
- ! Housekeeping can be inconsistent
- ! Occasional construction noise from renovation in high season
- 💡If you expect attentive, city-hotel service — the most common gripe here is inconsistent service and care → choose it for the view and price, not the service, and don't count on help at check-in.
- 💡If you want a beachfront resort to swim from anytime — this one is on a hill; you ride or walk down to the beach → for direct beach access, a beachfront resort (such as Ao Yai or Ao Khao Kwai) fits better.
- 💡If you struggle with stairs or have heavy luggage — the property is on a slope with no luggage assistance → be ready for the walk and pack as light as you can.