Kho Phayam lies approximately 19 miles (30 km), or about a two- hour ferry ride, from the town of Ranong in southern Thailand, next to the south Burmese border. Ko Phym is only 6 miles (10 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide. The natural island is covered with jungle vegetation, there are no cars and the narrow roads are serviced by motorcycle taxis only. Electricity is delivered by solar energy as well as generators. The local economy is based on cashew nut farming, rubber plantations, fishing and tourism. The main village at the pier offers several restaurants, food stalls, shops selling local products and supplies, as well as diving schools and a motorbike rental station.