Koh Phayam

An excellent, highly rated beachfront alternative for staying on Long Beach.

A sheltered bay with gentle water for swimming and paddling, plus beautiful sunset views. Its calm conditions also make it appealing for kayaking.

An isolated northern beach with excellent swimming and a wonderfully undeveloped feel. It suits travellers seeking a smaller, quieter alternative to Long Beach.

Good to knowArrive in the morning or early afternoon before shade spreads across the beach.

The author's favourite beach, with three kilometres of relatively uncrowded sand for swimming, walks, surfing and sunsets.

Good to knowVisit in the evening for sunset.

A relaxed restaurant serving excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes with Thai, Burmese and international influences. The black pepper tofu was a standout.

Good to knowAllow plenty of time, as food can take a while.

The author's top accommodation pick on Ao Khao Kwai, praised as a particularly beautiful place to stay.

A popular international breakfast and brunch spot with outstanding smoothie bowls. The menu balances healthy options with more indulgent dishes.

Suggested for travellers seeking a mid-range stay with more of a family-holiday atmosphere near Hin Talu.

Recommended as an alternative place to stay on Ao Khao Kwai if Barefoot Project is unavailable.

Included among the author's recommended stays, near the northern section of Long Beach.

A recommended accommodation choice along the road near Long Beach, convenient for both the sand and local businesses.

Good to knowCan be booked in advance online.

A simple option for food and drinks on Hin Talu Beach, where facilities are otherwise limited.

A laid-back beach known for photogenic rock arches and formations. Low tide reveals an impressive sandbar to explore.

Good to knowVisit at low tide to walk out onto the sandbar.

An elaborate driftwood bar resembling a treehouse and shipwreck, with multiple lounging areas overlooking the bay. The setting and long sunset views make it an essential stop.

Good to knowArrive one or two hours before sunset to secure a good spot.

A popular choice for breakfast in the Aow Yai area.

A good late-night option with decent cocktails and informal music jams.

Good to knowJam nights take place on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Its upper floor offers an impressive panorama across the treetops, sea and surrounding islands.

Good to knowHead upstairs for the view.

Highlighted as a very popular breakfast stop around Aow Yai.

One of Thailand's suggested surfing destinations, with monsoon winds producing more reliable breaks from May to October.

A scooter rental business near the pier that the authors recommend after a positive experience.

Good to knowReserve a day or two ahead or collect early, as scooters can sell out.

A small collection of bungalows above Secret Beach offering a quiet, secluded retreat. The owners' restaurant served some of the authors' favourite food, including green curry and pad Thai.

A highly rated beachfront accommodation option on the quieter southern section of Long Beach.

Recommended for a stay near Aow Yai's restaurants and cafes, with the beach only a short walk away.

Good to knowAn option for booking ahead rather than searching on arrival.

One of the author's suggested accommodation alternatives around Ao Khao Kwai.

One of the authors' favourite places to eat, offering excellent breakfast, brunch and lunch. They particularly loved the Thai clear noodle soup and penang curry.

A bakery run by a Thai-English couple, specialising in sourdough, bagels and pastries. Its Thai coffee also earns strong praise.

A viewpoint restaurant highlighted along the island's scenic road, specialising in duck noodle soup.

The author's preferred place for surfboard rental on Long Beach, where small waves and sandy breaks suit beginners.

A strong option for younger travellers near Hin Talu, with dorms the authors rated highly enough to seriously consider staying there.

This busy Thai-Burmese fusion restaurant impressed the authors enough for two visits. Its extensive menu includes excellent vegetarian options.

A recommended stop at the far end of Long Beach for food and drinks.

A budget-friendly accommodation option on the road leading to Hin Talu Beach.

Serves good coffee with a pleasant beachfront setting for food and drinks.

Recommended for late-night drinks on Long Beach. It also rents longboards and shortboards, though their condition varies.

A secluded cove reached by roughly forty steps, recommended for a few peaceful hours away from other travellers.

Good to knowAvoid low tide, when exposed rocks make entering the water difficult.

A much-loved shop and plant-based restaurant on the main road, with an attached coffee shop also singled out for praise.

Locally owned, very basic beachfront bungalows where the authors loved waking up beside the sea. Expect fans and rustic simplicity rather than comfort-focused facilities.

Good to knowNot bookable online; enquire in person.

A recommended option for staying by Ao Khao Kwai when the author's first-choice property is full.

A locally owned restaurant near Hin Talu that was recommended to the authors and also has excellent reviews.

A recommended place to stay on the approach road, very close to Hin Talu Beach.

The author's top pick for backpackers, just a couple of minutes' walk from Long Beach and close to its eating and drinking spots.

Recommended as a decent beachfront accommodation option at Hin Talu.

Recommended as an excellent, highly rated beachfront place to stay on Long Beach.