The island has a total land area of approximately 35 square kilometers with a population of only 500 people many of whom makes their living on fishing, growing cashew nuts and farming rubber. There are mainly two seasons here, the summer season (January to April) and rainy season (May to December). Hereby the average temperature hovers at 26-32 C. The suggested best time to visit this beautiful natural ground is from November to April, where the sea and weather conditions permits visitors to relax and explore this little visited island. Koh Phayam is under the responsibility of Phayam National Park.

To get there takes 2 hours by long-tail boat from the Ranong Pier or 20 minutes by speedboat from Ton Son Pier. It is also only 4 kilometers from Koh Chang. Ao Yai , on the western side, is Phayam’s most beautiful beach famous for its long (2-3 kilometers) fine white sand and for the growth of delicious cashew nuts. Koh Kam, Koh Khang Khao and oceanic island group of Surin can be spotted from the beach of Ao Yai. Furthermore, it is a breathtaking scene during the sunset. Bungalow accommodations are available for visitors of Ao Yai such as the Baan Suan Kayoo Bungalows (for more information please visit www.gopayam.com).

Ao Mae Mai is located on the eastern side of Koh Phayam; from which visitors can see the mainland of Ranong. Visitors can also travel to surrounding islands using Phayam’s Pier at this beach. Disregarding the few resorts situated here, the rest of Ao Mae Mai is covered with coconut gardens and cashew nut farms. One would describe the beach as lustrous fine golden sands extending 300-400 meters.

There are also other interesting beaches on Koh Phayam, such as the Ao Khao Kwai, Ao Hin Khao, Ao Phai and Ao Muk