The Sun Resort sits on Buffalo Bay (Ao Khao Kwai), on the quieter northwest side of Koh Phayam, a small car-free island off Ranong. It’s a simple 3-star beachside spot whose on-site restaurant doubles as the social hub — handy on an island where shops and restaurants are sparse. It’s among the better-value beds on Phayam for its rate, and the 8.3/10 Agoda score is good, though from a small number of reviews (66), so read recent ones before booking.
Buffalo Bay and the Island
Buffalo Bay is the calmer of Phayam’s two main beaches, west-facing for sunsets and quieter than Ao Yai. The island’s famous driftwood “pirate ship” Hippie Bar is on this same bay, a short walk or ride away. Phayam has no cars — you get around by rented scooter or motorbike taxi — so a beachside base with its own kitchen-restaurant takes the friction out of an island where you can’t just nip to a shop.
Who It’s For
Best for travellers who want Koh Phayam’s slow, off-grid pace on a budget, with a restaurant on hand so you’re never stuck for food. Less good for anyone wanting resort polish, nightlife or lots of dining choice — this is a small, simple island, and The Sun is a simple place on it.
Insider Tip: Come in the dry season, roughly November to April. Through the southwest monsoon (May–October) the sea on this coast gets rough and many Phayam businesses wind down or close, so check the resort is open before you book the boat.
- Quiet Buffalo Bay setting with sunsets and calmer water
- On-site restaurant — a real plus on an island with limited dining
- Budget-friendly nightly rate
- Basic 3-star comfort, and a small review count to go on
- Car-free, remote island — you’ll need a scooter and some planning
