• 
• 

Q: I'm going to Koh Phayam in October. What is the weather like at the time of the year? Also, how big is the island and how are its beaches? Should I expect large crowds?

A: Koh Phayam is in Ranong, the province that receives the highest rain¬fall in the kingdom. October is a quiet month but it's still wet. If you can, wait until the end of October and you have a better chance of clearer skies though you should be prepared for downpours in the afternoons.

Koh Phayam is not as popular as other islands in the southern Andaman. It's adjacent to another small island called Koh Chang both offer terrific beaches along with many budget bungalows for backpackers.

Travel is by ferry from Saphan Pla pier, and it takes about two hours to cover the 33 kilometres from the mainland. A speedboat will get you there in less than 30 minutes for Bt350. 

The island is big, with Ao Mae Mai bay on the west serv¬ing as the main pier. Visitors usually stay at on the two bays on the east of the island, at Ao Khao Kwai or Ao Yai.

Ao Yai is the most popular beach of the two, with good views of the sun¬set over the big Burmese islands further out.

Ao Khao Kwai is about the size as Ao Yai and also offers plenty of bun¬galows but it's quieter and more laid back.

The island is easy to get around by motorcycle on concrete roads , with smaller dirt tracks branching off to other locations.

Q: I've not heard much about islands off the Cambodian coast, although I know there are several lying off its southern shore. Do you have any information about them and can you recommend any accommodation?

A: Cambodia's southern coast boasts more than 60 islands, some of which be reached from the towns of Sihanoukville, Kep and Koh Kong. The nearest island to Sihanoukville is Koh Ru, or Bamboo island, which has two beaches. There are a few bungalows offering rates that don't exceed US$10 (Bt350) a night. A boat leaves from Ochheuteal beach in Sihanoukville every morning.

Koh Tang is another unin¬habited island with good dive sites around. It takes five hours to get there from the mainland, or you go further out to Koh Prin, and dive to the wrecks that litter the seabed. Most visitors go there on liveaboard trips organised through dive shops on the mainland.

Koh Tonsay is located 20 minutes from Kep and has beachside huts, palmfringed beaches and snorkelling sites.

These islands have few facilities for backpackers and will make some seasoned travellers feel nostalgic for Thai beaches of a few decades ago. Perhaps it is best to go now before tourism starts to take off.