Koh Mak Island: Quiet Thai Paradise with Pristine Beaches
Koh Mak is the smallest island between Koh Chang and Koh Kood and is much less visited than its neighboring islands. The island is only 16 km² in size and has about 700 permanent residents. The inland area is peaceful and green, with many coconut and oil palm plantations that most locals depend on for their livelihood.
Koh Mak has an authentic Thai atmosphere, with no tall buildings and weekly beach clean-ups keeping the shores pristine. It’s the perfect spot for peace, nature, and a true local vibe!
Beaches
To be honest, in our opinion, Koh Mak doesn’t have the most beautiful beaches compared to its neighbors Koh Kood or Koh Chang. However, what makes Koh Mak special is its authentic island vibe that draws you in. Of course, you can visit all three since they are easy to combine, and then decide for yourself which one you think is the most beautiful.
In addition to several hidden bays, Koh Mak also has two extensive coastlines: Ao Soun Yai Beach and Ao Kao Beach. The smaller beaches often have only one or two (luxury) accommodations. On a few secluded and more remote beaches, the accommodations are more basic. Here, you’ll mainly find wooden bungalows right by the sea, set in a beautiful natural environment. These are truly the kind of places where you can completely unwind.
Laem Son Beach
In the far northeast of Koh Mak lies a secluded beach. The final stretch of the road leading there is unpaved. The beach is surrounded by a pine forest, providing plenty of shaded spots. There is one restaurant. From Leam Son, you can take a boat to the deer island, Koh Kradet.
Laem Son Beach
Pebble Beach
A small, tiny pebble beach near the Cape Tukata viewpoint. Surrounded by tall cliffs, accessible by a scooter ride followed by a short climb and descent on foot. The beach isn’t suitable for sunbathing, but the water is crystal clear! There’s a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself.
Koh Mak
Ao Soun Yai Beach
The beautiful, long white beach is surrounded by palm trees. It is located near the pier where you arrive and is a popular spot on Koh Mak. But “popular” on Koh Mak means very little—no bars, shops, or promenades. Your peace is guaranteed. This beach, especially loved by families, also offers the possibility to kayak to the paradisiacal island of Koh Kham. There is a small information center where you can book tickets to other islands.
Koh Mak
Laem Tukata
A beautiful golden bay with calm waters, completely surrounded by palm trees—a perfect spot to fully relax and stay much longer than you originally planned. You have a view of the two islands, Koh Rayong Noi and Koh Rayong Nok. This bay is located on the east side of Koh Mak, about a 10-minute drive from the pier.
Koh Mak
Ao Kao Beach
Ao Kao Beach is one of the two longest beaches on Koh Mak. Most of the island’s restaurants are along this beach. Behind the beach, there’s a small street with a few eateries and a local shop where you can rent scooters. Don’t expect too much; it’s mainly a convenient spot to grab a snack or a drink. If you’re looking for the liveliest beach on Koh Mak, Ao Kao Beach is the place to be. Just keep in mind that “lively” here is relative—it still has a calm and relaxed atmosphere compared to busier islands elsewhere.
Koh Mak
Ao Pra Beach
A beautiful, peaceful beach with occasional shady spots and a swing, located on the southern side of the island. Aside from the luxurious Mira Monta Resort, which is the only nearby facility, there are no other amenities, making it perfect for a relaxed, romantic luxury vacation.
Koh Mak
Ao Tan Beach
Ao Tan Beach is best known for its beautiful, long wooden pier. When the tide is low, you can’t swim from the beach itself, which is probably why they built such a long pier—to make it easy to get out into the water. The luxury bungalows at the only resort must be once great but now the look niet goed verzorgd on ten was gesloten, but they were closed when we visited.
Koh Mak
Accommodations
Koh Mak offers a reasonable number of resorts, hotels, and a few hostels. During the high season, many resorts are fully booked months in advance. Since Koh Mak is small, it doesn’t really matter where you stay if you plan to rent a scooter. It’s also an ideal place to fully unwind, especially in one of the smaller bays. When we tried to book, we noticed that many good hotels were already fully booked, limiting our options. Our advice: if you have a specific hotel in mind, book early. Often, you can cancel free of charge up to one day before arrival, helping you avoid disappointment.
Ao Kao Beach
Sabai Beach Resort
Sabai Beach Resort on Koh Mak offers a peaceful getaway with charming bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens. Located steps from the white sandy beach, it’s perfect for relaxation and snorkeling. The friendly staff and laid-back vibe make it ideal for couples and travelers seeking a quiet island escape.
Ao Pra Beach
Mira Montra, The Beachfront Resort
A modern and luxurious resort with a pool and beautiful bungalows right on the beach. It’s the only resort at Ao Pra Beach, so it feels like having your own private stretch of sand.
Ao Kao Beach
By The Sea
Affordable accommodation with clean rooms just 50 meters from the sea. A small pool perfect for a refreshing dip. Cozy and charming restaurant and bar right on the beach. Several restaurants within walking distance.
Koh Mak
Hidden Beach Resort
New and charming bungalows tucked away in a beautifully peaceful spot you’ll want all to yourself. There’s a cozy wooden bar right on the beach—perfect for sipping a drink as the sun sets.
Koh Mak
Plub Pla Koh Mak Retreat
The popular luxury Koh Mak Retreat resort offers stunning sea views and a cool infinity pool. For the lucky ones, there’s even a jacuzzi on the private terrace.
Ao Soun Yai Beach
Seavana Beach Resort
A prime location on a beautiful beach with views of Koh Kahm Island. Spacious bungalows with large terraces, just 10 meters from the sea. Step straight from your bed into the clear blue water. Perfect for a relaxing getaway.
See & Do
Even though Koh Mak is a small island, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a few days. If you also want to explore, you need about 3 to 4 days to see and discover the island, especially if you want to visit the highlights. Although some will say that this is far from enough.
Koh Mak
Koh Wai
Discover Koh Wai near Koh Mak: snorkeling, kayaking, and stunning bays. Stay at Koh Wai Beach Resort with basic facilities and limited electricity.
Koh Mak
Cinnamon Scenic Boardwalk
The Cinnamon Scenic Boardwalk is a half-kilometer-long wooden pier overlooking the blue sea of Ao Tan Beach in northern Koh Mak. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a romantic str […]
Koh Mak
Somchai’s Love Garden
Somchai’s Love Garden is a unique, partly decayed sculpture garden in the Koh Mak forest, featuring detailed nude female figures, penises, and animals. Not suitable for children, […]
Koh Mak
Koh Rayang
Koh Rayang is a small, beautiful, and charming island with an even smaller white sandy beach, located just off the coast of Koh Mak. On the island stands a small, now dilapidated resort that once had only three rooms. What a paradise this must have been! You can still reach the island by boat; rent a kayak from Sabai Beach Resort at Ao Kao Beach.
Koh Mak
Viewpoint Cape Tukata
For those who like to take in the sights from a bit of a distance, this is, as far as we know, the only viewpoint on Koh Mak. You can reach it by following a narrow uphill path in about 10 minutes. It’s a great spot to visit alongside the nearby Pebble Beach.
Eat & Drink
Koh Mak has plenty of great restaurants, mostly along the road by Ao Kao Beach, where there’s also a small local supermarket. There is no 7-Eleven store at Koh mak, and the local community wants to keep it that way. More restaurant are spread across the island and worth exploring by bike or scooter. You can usually only pay by card at fancier places. There’s just one ATM in the middle of the island, so bring enough cash in case it’s out of order.
Here are some of our top picks for places to eat on Koh Mak!
Koh Mak
Banana Sunset Bar
Banana Sunset Bar: The best place for cocktails on Koh Mak. With its wooden deck, cozy lounge cushions, and hammocks, you can relax while watching the sun sink into the sea. Enjoy […]
review
Koh Mak
Blue Pearl Bar
A small but super charming bar built on a pier above the sea— the perfect starting point for your snorkeling session or a relaxing way to end your day with a cocktail at sunset.
Ao Kao Beach
White Sand Rooftop Bar & Beach Club
Rooftop bar in island style belonging to a small-scale resort, not very high up, but offering a breathtaking view of the sunset, delicious food, and a romantic atmosphere by the sea. The only one of its kind on Koh Mak.
Koh Mak
Food Art Hut
By far our favorite if you’re looking for Western dishes—especially the (vegan) breakfasts you don’t want to miss!
Koh Mak
Kohmak Seafood & Museum
The most popular seafood restaurant on Koh Mak. The restaurant is located between the mangrove and the harbor. There is an museum renovated traditional wooden house with a nice record of the early history of the island’s inhabitants .. although 99% in thai, there is also a tlitte bakey for some pasterys
Koh Mak
Set Sail for Sips and Pirate Vibes
This bar is part of Hidden Beach Resort, so you’ll find it right next to the resort. The vibe is super relaxed, making it a great spot to hang out at Ao Prao Beach. The cocktails are tasty, though a bit on the pricey side, but you can always opt for a beer instead. Be sure to check out the large wooden pirate ship on the beach and stay for a sunset drink!
Koh Mak
Clay Pot Restaurant
Delicious Thai food with vegetarian options and authentic family recipes, run by two friendly sisters.
Transportation
Getting around
Traffic on Koh Mak is light, and unlike Koh Chang, there are no sharp turns. This makes Koh Mak ideal for those with limited scooter experience. The island is mostly flat with a few higher hills, so cycling is also a great choice. There are signs indicating bike routes throughout the island.
To rent a scooter or bike on Koh Mak, you don’t need to pay a deposit or give your passport. A copy of your driver’s license is enough. They just trust customers. To rent a scooter or bike on Koh Mak, you don’t need to pay a deposit or give your passport. A copy of your driver’s license is enough—they simply trust their customers.
Unlike other islands, Koh Mak also offers golf carts for rent to explore the island. They come in various sizes, from 2 to 6 people, making them ideal for groups or families!
Taxi’s
Pick-up trucks serve as taxis on the island, charging 50 baht per person from the pier to hotels. They drop off passengers individually while driving around. Some hotels offer free shuttle service from the pier. To get around the island, ask at a restaurant or hotel for a taxi. Private taxis cost more. Grab and Bolt aren’t available here.
Getting to Koh Mak
Trat, near the Cambodian border by the Gulf of Thailand, is where boats depart for Koh Mak. From Bangkok, you can take a bus, hire a taxi, or fly—the fastest and often affordable option if booked early.
Combine Koh Mak with Koh Kood and Koh Chang
Koh Mak is close to Koh Chang and Koh Kood, so a lot of people just visit all three during their trip. That way, you get to mix it up and enjoy a bit of everything each island has to offer! Here is the route with approximate distances between islands and Trat:
Koh Kood → Trat: ~45 km (about 1.5 hours by boat)
Trat → Koh Chang: ~30 km (about 30-45 minutes by boat)
Koh Chang → Koh Mak: ~25 km (about 1 hour by boat)
Koh Mak → Koh Kood: ~15 km (about 30-45 minutes by boat)
Best route summary: Trat → Koh Chang → Koh Mak → Koh Kood → Trat
This route sticks to the islands’ order and distances, so you don’t have to zigzag around. That way, you can see all the islands without wasting time.
How much does it cost?
For the most up-to-date boat, bus, and flight schedules and costs to Koh Mak, visit 12Go or enter your departure date and location in the table below.
