Arrived at Sai Tai (Southern) Bus Terminal on Friday for 8pm VIP (24 seat Tour Bus). Arrived Ranong before 5am. Cost 666 baht.
Eventually found a 'song thaew' (local transport) to first drop off luggage (Suta House) and then to the pier. Suta House consists of a variety of bungalows and appartments. Particularly enjoyed breakfast and diner was reasonable too. The bungalow cost was 390 baht.The visa run was completed by 11am.
The ferry to Koh Phayam left the pier at 2pm on Sunday, arriving before 4pm as the sea was relatively calm. The cost, 150 baht each way. It is most advisable to take some provisions with you as these are expensive on the island. Vijit Resort is on the western side of the island in Ao Kao Kwai Bay. It is the most secluded of the three main bays. Vijit proved not to be the most comfortable. The cost for the larger bungalow was 500 baht.
Arrived at Baan Suan cottage 2, on the northern end of Ao Kao Kwai Bay on Monday and stayed 2 nights. The bungalows were reasonable at 400 baht but the cement road was not complete. Motorbikes are the only practical transport but access here was difficult during wet weather. The motorbike cost 250 baht/day; from the owner of Baan Suan cottage 2.
It was back to the ferry (2pm on Wednesday) and Ranong and Suta House. The weather was not kind but there was a little time to join in the local festival. Just time to buy some cashew nuts in the market. On Thursday took a blue song thaew to the bus station (15 baht). The tour bus 2 to Cha-am was under 250 baht but took 7.5 hours.

Koh Phayam is only 10 km long and 5 km wide with population around 500 people. Koh Phayam is still surrounded by natural environment. Small roads without cars – just motorcycles and bicycle for cruising around. Electricity is delivered by solar energy as well as private generators. Local produce includes cashew nuts, coconuts and rubber but tourism boosts the local economy becoming ever more aparant. There are a few independent shops and restaurants near the pier and also out towards Ao Yai Bay but many rely on the limited resources of the island resorts.