Clean, unfussy restaurant with genuinely tasty food right by the beach. Reliable for any meal of the day.

Both serve generous western-style breakfasts — a great start to the morning.

Walk east along the beach for about 30 minutes and you'll reach a string of seafood restaurants — identifiable by the live-fish aquariums displayed out front. Our favourite is Nongnuch Seafood.

Head right (west) along the beach for fewer crowds and no road running alongside — a more secluded stretch.

Highly recommended — a short ride away. Well worth the trip if you have a motorbike.

Our favourite bar. Continue east past Nongnuch Seafood. It's a long walk — best reached by motorcycle.

A rooftop bar with views — a great spot for sundowners.

A well-regarded dive centre nearby. Ask specifically for Alhambra Rock — one of the best dive sites in the area.

Best reached by kayak or a shaded boat trip. Also an easy and scenic motorcycle ride. If going by kayak, bring plenty of water and sun protection — there is little shade on the water.

The residential settlement has a communal pool — rarely busy. From the main entrance walk straight ahead, passing our villa; at the end of the road turn right onto the footpath. A restaurant operates poolside during the season.

A short loop walk through mangroves starting at Ruksame Bridge. The landscape changes noticeably between low and high tide — worth visiting at different times if you can.

Another mangrove boardwalk in the area — scenic, though currently under renovation with a large section closed. Check conditions before making the trip.

Day trips depart daily from Ao Makham Pom Pier (a short drive from the villa) visiting three islands: Koh Talu (a natural arch through limestone cliffs — the highlight), Koh Man Klang (shallow reef, excellent snorkeling) and Koh Man Nai (Queen's sea turtle sanctuary). Equipment, lunch and water included. Note: foreigners pay a 200 THB national park fee in cash at the gate.

A hike through jungle to a beautiful waterfall — less than an hour's drive from the villa. A great half-day excursion.

Features sharks and an underwater tunnel. Located in Ban Phe. At the time of writing the aquarium is closed for maintenance — check rayongaquarium.com for current status before visiting.

The nearest shop — good for snacks, drinks and daily essentials.

For better choice at lower prices, ride to Kram: WTK Supermarket, CJ MORE and Lotus's Go Fresh are all there.

An authentic Thai market a short drive away. Great for fresh fruit and street food — worth an early-morning visit when it's most lively.

A Muay Thai training school is located nearby — drop in to watch or sign up for a session.

The hotel gym is open to visitors. You may also use the swimming pool — either order drinks from the poolside bar, or pay a 100 THB entrance fee.

The beach at Laem Mae Phim is safe to walk on barefoot. Near reefs, always wear water shoes — there may be venomous fish or sea urchins on the seabed.

Snakes can be present in areas of tall grass. Stay on paths and watch where you step — particularly off-road and in vegetation.

Heading right (westward) along the beach you will pass a building that appears abandoned. It belongs to the King of Thailand — do not enter or trespass.

Do not drink tap water without boiling it first. A filtered water dispenser is available in the kitchen — use this for drinking and cooking. Let Anna know when you need it refilled.

Most places do not accept Visa or Mastercard. QR code payments are widely used but require a Thai bank account. Always carry enough cash — ATMs are available in larger towns.

Line is the dominant messaging app in Thailand — locals, businesses and service providers all use it. Useful for contacting Anna, taxi operators or local restaurants.

Pointing the soles of your feet towards another person is considered disrespectful in Thai culture. Be mindful when sitting — especially in temples and near images or statues of the King.

The King's image appears on all banknotes and coins, which must be treated with respect. Do not place them on the floor or step on them. If a banknote blows away in the wind, do not stop it with your foot.

Remove shoes before entering. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered. Avoid pointing feet towards Buddha images or monks.