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Note: As the original text is empty, the translation is also empty.

Hello, Read Me friends! 🌧️

Welcome to the official rainy season! ☔️

Okay, okay, it's true that it rains in every season here. 😅 But still, let's celebrate! This is the eighth edition of our review series. 🎉

Join us as we explore, eat, relax, and fall in love with the places we visit. 🗺️

Let's get lost in the journey together! 👣

This trip will take you to the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand.

There is an island called "Maldives of Thailand", you don't have to go far, it's in Ranong, "Ko Phayam".

The island is still not crowded, it still has a high level of natural beauty and peace.

In addition, we will take you to visit Ranong province, a city known as the city of "Eight Rains, Four Suns".

What's the charm? Let's find the answer... with us.

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  • DAY 1 : 12 / 4 / 2017

The wheels started rolling at 8 pm on April 11, 2017. Due to the long Songkran holiday, traffic was bound to be heavy. Anyone traveling south would pass through the road connecting Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram provinces, which is normally congested.

The road was surprisingly empty, making for a relaxing but lonely drive. The journey stretched on into the night, and it wasn't until nearly five in the morning that we reached Ranong city. The delay occurred while driving uphill on the Chumphon-Kraburi road, where thick fog significantly reduced visibility. Driving fast was impossible due to the numerous curves and limited illuminated sections. Sadly, we encountered several deceased animals, including cats and dogs, along the way.

This morning, we passed through Ranong city center on Phetkasem Road. At the corner of the traffic light intersection, we found a restaurant called "Mahachai Jok" (Coordinates: Mahachai Jok Restaurant). We were the first customers of the day. Besides jok (rice porridge), they also offer khao kha moo (braised pork leg on rice) and tom lued moo (boiled pork blood soup). There are also various toppings for the jok, so you can choose according to your preference. The taste is excellent. It's great to find a delicious restaurant early in the morning.

After finishing breakfast, we headed to the pier to cross to Koh Phayam.

Following the map, we will arrive at the Pak Nam Subdistrict Municipality Pier.

To reach the island, we must leave our car at a designated parking area. We chose Nan's shop for this service. In addition to car parking, we also need to rent a motorbike to explore the island. The shop kindly called ahead and made a reservation with a contact on Phayam Island. A motorbike was waiting for us at the pier upon our arrival.

Upon arrival, you will have two boat options: a mail boat and a speedboat. The prices vary. If you are not in a hurry, you can take the mail boat for 200 baht per person and enjoy a 2-hour journey.

For the speedboat, we booked with Nitiporn's boat, which cost 540 baht per person (round trip). The boat departs at 8:30 AM and takes about 30-45 minutes to reach Koh Phayam. This saves a lot of time.

The boat started to move slowly as the water level was not high enough for it to pick up speed. We passed by the fishing boats of the local villagers in this area.


After passing the fishing boat, hold on tight. The speedboat lives up to its name.

The breathtaking beauty of nature offers a feast for the eyes.


Gazing out the window, the wind whipped against my face. My eyes grew heavy. Suddenly, I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up and it was already 9 am. It was really fast.

A staff member from Nan's shop, where we had reserved a motorbike, rode the motorbike to meet us at the pier.

Let's follow him to the shop.

The shop is on the right-hand side. Turn in and you'll be there in a moment. They asked us to come and sign the rental agreement and pay a deposit for the two-day motorbike rental.

and refuel the other car with 100 baht

After paying for everything, we headed straight to our accommodation. Tonight, we are staying near Ao Yai at...

Himmapan Resort

A serene and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by nature. Whether you like it or not depends on your personal preferences.

The surrounding area is popularly planted with cashew nut trees, creating a lush and shady environment for guests to enjoy.

The resort owner is a Westerner. She is friendly and approachable with customers.

This location also offers a swimming pool for guests to cool down in. Additionally, you can store your luggage and belongings with the staff free of charge. You can then collect your luggage and check into your room at your designated check-in time.

Let's head to a nearby bay to save time.

The first bay I rode to see was Ao Khao Kwai. As soon as I saw it, my eyes lit up. It was perfect timing.


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The water looks so inviting, but all I can do is run into the sea and dip my toes in. My outfit isn't exactly conducive to swimming.

The highlight of this place is undoubtedly the "Hin Thalu" (pierced rock), but we arrived when the tide was very high, so we couldn't walk through the water.

The little rascal didn't wait for anyone. As soon as she saw the sea, she ran down without caring about anyone. 5555555

We will be back soon. We need to change our clothes first, but…

Something seemed to nudge me to change my mind. After all, from what I'd read, Ao Kwang Pee was a bay perfect for swimming at midday, so we made a sudden change of direction. We left Ao Khao Kwai waiting in vain.

Riding along, we stumbled upon the entrance to Hippy Bar, a renowned establishment on Koh Phayam. As it's a customary stop for visitors, we decided to pay a visit. The dirt road, however, became muddy due to the rain, making for a rather precarious ride. We cautiously navigated the path, fearing a potential tumble. Suddenly, we opted to dismount and walk, finding it a more comfortable option.

Finally, it's here. I can't breathe properly, man.

Hippy Bar is a laid-back bar with a pirate theme, creating an immersive experience that transports you to a deserted island in the middle of the ocean.

During the day, despite the scattered trash on the tables, this bar remains a pleasant place to visit.


During the day, it is very quiet, almost like an abandoned bar. However, the charm of the shop makes it memorable.

The journey to Ao Kwang Pi Pi is somewhat challenging due to the rough road conditions, which include steep inclines and descents. The steepest section is likely located just before reaching the bay. I recall the smell of burning as I pushed the motorcycle uphill. Most rental motorcycles are automatic, which makes them sluggish when accelerating. Eventually, we arrived and parked near the Kwang Pi Pi Bay Resort.

For those seeking tranquility and seclusion, Kwang Pi Bay is a highly recommended destination.

The secluded beach feels almost like a private haven, perhaps due to its challenging access that discourages most visitors from venturing up.

It's time to get tan! 555555 Actually, my skin is already quite dark, but we're going to make it even darker. Don't worry, **if you're afraid of getting tan, you shouldn't come to the beach!**

This bay offers privacy and allows for comfortable swimming. The water is crystal clear, and the sun is intense.



Feeling tired after playing in the water... let's have lunch here at Kwang Pi Pi Bay Resort. We each ordered a dish, with a la carte prices ranging from 80-120 baht per plate. If it's just rice with dishes, it's more expensive... Overall, the taste of the food is good. It's not strange or different from what I've eaten before. We also ordered a glass of fruit juice and soda each. It's so refreshing on a hot day like this.

This dish, our order of Pad Thai, was stir-fried in a very strange way. It tasted like instant noodles and was not good. I'm giving it a low score! 😭

Our stomachs are full, so let's check in to our accommodation! Himmapan Resort is a large, two-story loft-style room. When you open the door, you will see a sofa. Opposite it is a bathroom. There is a glass table and a shelf nearby. On the other side, if you open the door, you will find a small garden where you can sit and relax outside.


The second floor is where the beds, pillows, and mosquito nets are located. Mosquito nets are provided because this area is known for having a lot of mosquitoes and insects. As soon as we arrived at the accommodation, we quickly closed the windows to prevent them from entering. We planned to go out and explore, and wouldn't be back until late in the evening. We then neatly arranged our belongings in the room.

As dusk approached, we decided to visit Khao Kwai Bay. The first bay we encountered left us in shock! The water had receded dramatically, revealing a vast expanse of rocks as far as the eye could see. Oh, no! I didn't read the reviews thoroughly. We were stunned and barely managed to turn the car around. Determined to make the most of our trip, we decided to return the next morning. With a sudden change of plans, we rushed back to the main bay to catch the sunset.

Renowned for its stunning sunsets, Ao Yai was our destination. Arriving at 5 pm, we were greeted by the blazing sun, with the sun still high in the sky. It seemed the sunset would be delayed compared to usual.

The beach here is expansive, reminiscent of Bang Saen beach.

The sandy beach stretches out in ripples, and even in its ordinariness, there is a hidden beauty.

They strolled and took photos for quite some time until the sun began to set.

On our way back from watching the sunset, we stopped for dinner at Krua Khun Kao restaurant.

As requested, each dish was individually ordered, and let me tell you, every single one was phenomenal. I give them all a perfect score: **ten out of ten**.

Let's order another plate of papaya salad to share. It's so delicious!

Note: On the way back from dinner...driving at night requires extra caution. The roads are mostly lined with trees and there are no streetlights, as they use generators here.


DAY 2: April 13, 2017

Happy Songkran! Today is the first day of the Thai New Year on the beautiful island of Koh Phayam...

We stopped by Doll Shop, a local eatery and convenience store, to grab a bite to eat. It's conveniently located near our accommodation.

This is a great spot to try, even though the owner might be a bit blunt. She's genuine, friendly, and quite funny.

With full bellies, we wasted no time and zoomed off to Khao Kwai Bay. The tide was still low this morning.

The pink stones are scattered all over the sandy ground.

A short walk will lead you to the iconic landmark of this bay, the legendary Hin Ta Hin Yai.

It is said that .... If anyone comes to ask for a blessing in love, it will be sacred. I don't know if it's true. I haven't tried asking for it. 555555

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

We took photos here for quite a while.


This child is truly unstoppable when it comes to playing in the water. The sea is her lifeblood.


The sentence is empty.

She bid farewell to the sea at Ao Khao Kwai before riding back to her accommodation to check out of Himmapan Resort.

Having been soaked in salt water, I'm now seeking a refreshing dip in fresh water.

Let's go, Brother Suchart... Tonight we'll ride to Ao Mae Mai, near the pier.

Along the way, we played Songkran, getting soaked before we even reached our accommodation. The refreshing coolness was truly invigorating.

Nithiporn Resort is one of the first resorts on Koh Phayam.

We will follow the original plan, which is to leave our belongings at the resort lobby and then go for a ride.

They agreed to have lunch first, and then find the next place to visit.

Oh my! Look at this gigantic duck!

Our accommodation today is truly commendable. It has beautifully preserved Thai traditions, particularly those associated with the Songkran festival. The resort features sand pagodas, a Buddha statue in the lobby for bathing, and traditional clay powder for playful interactions. Additionally, the resort is adorned with festive flags, creating an authentic Songkran atmosphere. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a sense of joy, happiness, and shared enjoyment among guests.

Zoom past the resort next to us, **Blue Sky Resort, the Maldives of Thailand, just within reach.**






Hello, Ao Yai! For lunch today, we're eating at Som Tum Mae Kai Restaurant.

Another popular restaurant on Koh Phayam. We arrived at noon and the place was packed!


The food is priced at a normal rate, around 30-50 baht per dish. The restaurant is a family-run business, with only the parents and their child working there. This can lead to longer waiting times, sometimes up to half an hour. I almost fell asleep waiting, but the sight of the food woke me right up!


This dish is incredibly delicious! The papaya salad has a perfect balance of flavors, and the grilled chicken is a must-try. The name of the restaurant says it all, and the other menu items are equally impressive. Missing out on this would be a huge regret.

After lunch, it was already past noon. On the way back, I passed by the entrance to Lazy Hut Resort, so I decided to stop by for a visit.

The road is made of concrete mixed with laterite soil. There are many trees, making it shady. Most people plant rubber trees in this area.

After a long ride, we finally found Lazy Hut, nestled in a spacious bay.

The beach is incredibly peaceful right now. Finding a spot to escape the sun is almost impossible. 5555555

Unable to stand for even ten minutes, we decided to head back to Widow Bay in front of our resort and play in the water instead.

It's time to check in to our accommodation. Let's bring our luggage into the room.

The room features exposed concrete walls and two offset beds. It is air-conditioned and has one bathroom. Amenities include a refrigerator, wardrobe, TV, and electric kettle.

The resort offers complimentary kayaks and life jackets for guests to enjoy.

Wow, that's amazing!

Let it paddle for a while to tire it out, haha. It's starting to pant, so let's let it play in the water to cool down a bit.

They played in the water until almost dusk, their fingers and toes wrinkled from the long soak.

This evening, we're craving something sweet to wash away the saltiness in our mouths. 55555555

Rode a motorbike to park in front of Roti & Burger Queen. We met this uncle selling sugarcane juice at Nithiporn earlier in the afternoon, so we decided to support him. We loved it and asked for the shop's location. He told us to come and try it at the shop. Of course, we wouldn't miss it.

Let's indulge while we're here, we can always lose the weight later! We ordered everything to try, from burgers to roti with sugarcane juice... It's so good, it all goes together perfectly.

The mosquitoes were a real nuisance, constantly interrupting our work. Just seeing them in the pictures gives me goosebumps. They were truly enormous, living up to their fearsome reputation.

Let's head back to the resort and listen to some music with the sound of the waves crashing in the background. It will help us sleep soundly and dream sweet dreams.

Our accommodation tonight has a singer performing live by the sea. We have cold drinks and snacks available.

Oh, my love... I only love you. Under the moonlight, it's just you and me.

Gazing at the shimmering starlight, together we journey across the vast expanse of the sky. ~ With this image, we bid farewell. Sweet dreams and good night.



  • DAY 3 : APRIL 14, 2017

**Day two on Koh Phayam:** Wake up early and take a walk on the beach.

He pretended to walk casually to the resort next to us, which is Blue Sky Resort.

The atmosphere is truly wonderful, with a swimming pool right on the beach. Next to it is the lobby and a dining area.

The water level is still low. At first glance, it looks like a real mangrove forest.

Continue riding to Wat Koh Phayam, which is located just beyond the pier. It's easy to find!

"Having arrived here, one must pay respects to bring good fortune upon oneself."

The condition is deteriorating over time. It would be good to have some restoration work done.


On the way back, we stopped to return the rented motorbike, fearing that we would be late. So we had to walk to get some exercise and work up a sweat early in the morning. We went back to pack our things and prepare to check out.

The time of happiness often passes quickly...

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Proceed to the pier and wait for the speedboat. Please show your ticket before boarding, as there are multiple boat operators. We have booked a roundtrip with Nitiporn.

Farewell, Koh Phayam... where life slows down to the rhythm of the waves.

It took less than half an hour to reach the pier. We quickly picked up the car we had left there and loaded our luggage onto the pickup truck.

We headed straight to the Hongaw Municipal Fresh Market specifically to try the Nisra roti.

We arrived at noon, and everything was sold out. They recommended a restaurant from the same chain as Roti Nisra, which was conveniently located next to the market and easy to find.

We ordered roti pizza, roti with banana, roti with egg, and plain roti.

*Note: The roti is delicious, fragrant, and sweet. The roti pizza is double the deliciousness, with a generous filling that will leave you satisfied.*

The restaurant next door sells Hat Yai fried chicken. I bought some to try.

After that, we took a long drive to visit Baan Rai…Ai Arun in Kaper District.

The farmstay, "House of Love Farm," boasts a vegetable patch that is truly tempting and delicious.

The interior is divided into two zones:

  • Zone 1: This zone will feature shops selling agricultural products, a kitchen, and a restaurant located in the middle of a vegetable plot.

Tourists can visit, relax, and order food and drinks.

The other zone is the **residential area**, which is reserved for guests only to ensure privacy. If you manage to book a stay here, consider yourself lucky. While it's not difficult to reach them by phone, getting someone to answer can be a challenge. They also don't accept bookings through their Facebook page, making it a truly exclusive experience for those who manage to secure a reservation.

We sped back to the city center for another round. Tonight, we'll take you to a super cool place to stay in Ranong.

A chic campervan style at Ratchada Farm, a place that offers both campervan accommodation and healthy food options.

There are only two mobile homes. There are hydroponic vegetable farms around.

It's time to check in. Let's take a look inside our RV.

The interior features solid wood furniture, including a spacious bed that invites relaxation. Modern amenities such as air conditioning, a television, and a refrigerator ensure comfort and convenience. The bathroom is fully equipped, and a kitchen set with an oven and gas stove is included, making this vehicle a self-contained living space.

Moreover, it is a convertible car. Open the roof and you can literally lie down and watch the stars. But beware of the mosquitoes! 5555555

Let's take a look at another one of my sister's RVs.

The interior of this car is slightly wider than ours, and it has a small dining area. The bathroom is also designed differently.



With our belongings securely stowed in the RV, we set out to explore the nearby attractions.

Ranong Canyon is accessible via the same route as the Raksawarin Hot Spring. It also passes by the well-known local restaurant, Khun Lin. The drive is quite long and winding with numerous curves.

The surrounding atmosphere is lively with many people feeding the fish.

The sunlight reflecting off the water during the day would be much more beautiful.

Run back the same way to continue to the Khlong Hat Som Paen Reservoir, which is only 3 km from Ranong Canyon.



We drove up to admire the view from the top of the reservoir. Such a beautiful view, let's keep it as a souvenir.


Drive down and sit and chill, cool breeze, stand and take a deep breath.

In the evening, many tourists come here to take pictures.

It also serves as a place for relaxation and casual conversation, continuing until dusk.

We returned to the restaurant at our accommodation for dinner. The food here is renowned, so it would be strange not to try it.

A grand feast of six dazzling dishes.

  1. Fried egg with rice Simple but good looking
  2. Stir-fried Bai Liang with egg If you come to the south, you must try some southern food. It's so delicious!
  3. Pork with dust The name of the menu is strange, so I ordered it with hot rice.
  4. Pomelo salad I didn't think it would be this delicious. I don't really like pomelo, but this dish is a pass.
  5. Fried shrimp salad You can choose 6 vegetables, choose salad dressing and other toppings.
  6. Crispy German pork knuckle The dish that gives ten out of ten is also the recommended menu of the shop. If you don't try it, it's a big mistake. It is served with two flavors of dipping sauce and mashed potatoes. It's so delicious.

Get ready to drink after showering.

Relaxing in front of the RV, gazing at the stars, and sharing stories creates an unforgettable atmosphere.



Day 4: April 15, 2017

Good morning from Ranong! We are still at Ratcha Farm.

Additionally, I woke up too early. No one is awake to play with me yet.

The Power of Language: A Journey Through Translation

The act of translation transcends the mere conversion of words from one language to another. It is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and unlocks the treasures of human knowledge. As a journalist translator, I am entrusted with the responsibility of navigating this intricate landscape, ensuring that the essence of the original text is faithfully conveyed while adapting it to the nuances of the target language.

My journey as a translator begins with a deep appreciation for the power of language. Each word carries a weight of history, culture, and emotion. To translate effectively, I must delve into the heart of the source text, understanding the author's intent, the cultural context, and the subtle shades of meaning that lie beneath the surface.

This process demands a meticulous attention to detail. I carefully analyze the syntax, grammar, and vocabulary, ensuring that every element is accurately rendered in the target language. Yet, translation is not merely a mechanical exercise. It requires a keen awareness of the cultural nuances that shape the meaning of words and phrases. A single word can have multiple interpretations depending on the context, and a translator must navigate these complexities with sensitivity and precision.

Beyond the technical aspects, translation is an art form. It demands creativity, imagination, and a deep understanding of the human condition. The translator becomes a conduit, channeling the author's voice and emotions into a new linguistic landscape. This requires a delicate balance between fidelity to the original and the need to adapt the text to the cultural and linguistic norms of the target audience.

As I embark on this journey, I am guided by the principles of accuracy, clarity, and cultural sensitivity. My goal is to create translations that are not only linguistically sound but also resonate with the target audience, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Through the power of language, I strive to bridge the gap between cultures, making knowledge and ideas accessible to a wider audience. This is the essence of my role as a journalist translator, a custodian of meaning and a facilitator of cross-cultural dialogue.

I'm here alone at 9 am, it's breakfast time!

Served hot Breakfast this morning at Ratchada Farm

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We ordered another salad, which was absolutely delicious.

Full of food, I'm feeling sleepy. Let me take a nap before checking out. 😴


Goodbye...Racha Farm Hydroponic vegetable farm with a chic mobile home and a delicious restaurant. Atmosphere !!!! Fresh vegetables from the farm are used to prepare the German pork knuckle recipe...really delicious and many other menus. The owner is lovely, friendly, playful, and takes good care of the customers. If I have the chance to visit Ranong again, I will definitely go back.


Before heading back, we stopped by Khao Ya, another hidden gem of Thailand. The sun was shining brightly! ☀️

The mountain is covered with only bare green grass, which sometimes turns golden yellow.

The area features a long, low wall resembling a horse corral, which also serves as a popular spot for evening relaxation.

Note: Visitors who bring food are kindly requested to dispose of their waste responsibly. During my visit, I observed a significant amount of litter, despite the presence of "No Littering" signs. Let's all do our part to keep this beautiful place clean and ensure its longevity.

On our way back, we passed through Kra Buri district. It would have been a shame not to stop and try the local delicacy, Salapao Thap Li. There were many shops selling them along the roadside, lined up in a row.

Continue driving until you reach Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Take a break to rest the car and the people.

Before returning home, we took the little rascal to the beach. At Wanakorn Beach, there are rows of pine trees and Dipterocarpus intricatus.

The surrounding atmosphere is lush and verdant, making it a popular spot for tourists to pitch tents and enjoy picnics. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind.

The beach stretches out, forming a long line of pristine white sand. The atmosphere is simply superb.

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Let the naughty child play in the water to his heart's content.

Before we head home, let's take a longer route.

Safe arrival home... at around midnight. Total round trip distance for 4 days and 3 nights 1,583.2 kilometers

Expense Summary

Accommodation:

  • Himmapan Resort: 2,188 THB
  • Nitiporn Resort: 2,813 THB
  • Rachcha Farm: 3,205 THB

Transportation:

  • Roundtrip fuel: 3,280 THB
  • Roundtrip expressway tolls: 195 THB
  • Roundtrip speedboat: 2,160 THB
  • 2-day motorbike rental: 800 THB
  • Motorbike fuel: 200 THB
  • Car parking: 200 THB

Food:

  • Joak Mahachai Restaurant: 220 THB
  • Kwang Pipo Resort: 650 THB
  • Krua Khun Kao Restaurant: 470 THB
  • Tukta Restaurant: 450 THB
  • Som Tam Mae Kai Restaurant: 560 THB
  • Burger-Roti Restaurant: 280 THB
  • Nitiporn Resort blended liquor and BBQ: 279 THB
  • Nisra Roti and Hat Yai Fried Chicken: 135 THB
  • Rachcha Farm: 1,009 THB
  • Other snacks and drinks: 1,206 THB

Entrance Fees:

  • Hat Wanakorn National Park: 100 THB

Total: 20,400 THB / 4 people = 5,100 THB per person

Conclusion

Our 4-day, 3-night Songkran trip to Koh Phayam was a whirlwind of fun and relaxation, but it also left our wallets feeling a bit lighter.

This island paradise captivated us with its tranquility, natural beauty, and unspoiled charm. We truly fell in love with its peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of nature. However, we also recognize that development could threaten this pristine environment.

Ranong town itself offered a laid-back pace of life and a variety of interesting attractions to explore. With more time, we could have delved deeper into its offerings.

We are grateful to our travel companions for sharing this memorable experience with us.

Journey Travel With Us concludes its review here.

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