Ko Phai
Ko Phai is the largest island in Mu Ko Phai, a small uninhabited archipelago on the eastern seaboard of Thailand. It is about 21 km to the west of Pattaya. It is also known as "Koh Pai". It is also mentioned as "Bamboo Island", the meaning of its name in Thai, in tourist guides.
Geography
Ko Phai is almost four kilometres in length and its maximum width is about one and a half kilometres. It is a craggy wooded island and a great part of its coast is formed by rocky cliffs even if some sandy beaches are present in the northern and eastern sides. The whole island is high, but its highest point is only 150 m and there is not a single peak dominating the others. There is a lighthouse on the summit of the island.This island is at the southeastern end of the Bay of Bangkok, on the east side of the Gulf of Siam. Administratively Ko Phai belongs to the Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chonburi Province.
The closest land to the Ko Phai group is Ko Lan, about 14 km to the east of Ko Phai's eastern shore. These islands can be reached in about two hours by boat from south Pattaya harbor. All these islands are a protected natural area under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Visitors must bring their own food and water. No overnight stays are permitted on Ko Phai.
Adjacent islands
Other islands of the group include:- Ko Luam, or Ko Lueam, is a high rocky island wooded at the top much like Ko Phai. Its highest point is 135 m. It is to the northwest of the main island. Ko Luam has a small islet, Ko Luam Noi, off its east coast.
- Ko Man Wichai , two kilometres in length with a high point of 64 m
- Ko Klueng Badan, highest point 50 m
- Ko Hu Chang a small islet.
Scuba diving