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Koh Mak Guide
Don’t know about you, but I get slightly emotional every time I hear “paradisiac beaches” and “no crowds” in the same sentence. If that’s you too, this Koh Mak guide will have you reaching for the tissue box, out of SO much emotion.
Life on this small island in Thailand is simple and slow. Spending the day at the beach or visiting nearby islets is pretty much the main plan – perfect if you’re looking to disconnect for a few days without expecting a long list of activities or a busy social scene. That said, don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a “forgotten” island. We were pleasantly surprised by both the variety and quality of services here. Now, let’s jump straight to this Koh Mak guide, so you start packing ASAP.
Koh Mak Guide
Don’t know about you, but I get slightly emotional every time I hear “paradisiac beaches” and “no crowds” in the same sentence. If that’s you too, this Koh Mak guide will have you reaching for the tissue box, out of SO much emotion.
Life on this small island in Thailand is simple and slow. Spending the day at the beach or visiting nearby islets is pretty much the main plan – perfect if you’re looking to disconnect for a few days without expecting a long list of activities or a busy social scene. That said, don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a “forgotten” island. We were pleasantly surprised by both the variety and quality of services here. Now, let’s jump straight to this Koh Mak guide, so you start packing ASAP.
Koh Mak: What to Expect
Koh Mak is tucked away in Thailand’s Trat province, near the border with Cambodia, between Koh Chang (Thailand’s third largest island) and Koh Kood, known for its paradisiac beaches. Due to its size (roughly 10 km from north to south and about 4 or 5 km across at its widest point), and its lower level of developed, Koh Mak flies a bit under the radar, but it certainly doesn’t lack beauty.
Over 80% of the island’s land belongs to 5 local families, heirs of the original settlers. They have largely chosen not to sell land to outsiders or big investors, which helps explain the absence of mass tourism or large developments on Koh Mak.
Let’s make one thing clear: Koh Mak is for the beach lovers. There aren’t many activities or tours that aren’t about lying in the sand, soaking up the sun, or swimming. Jetskis and motorized water activities are also not a thing here, as the island aims to preserve a sense of tranquility.
Most restaurants and shops on the island are gathered along a single street. There are no super fancy beach clubs, high-end resorts, or 7-Eleven, and there is only one ATM on the island (which, for some reason, has some of the funniest Google Map comments ever).
Every restaurant we tried was pretty good, the scooters we rented were basically new, the roads were generally in good condition (with an absurd amount of traffic signs – more than we’ve ever seen on an island in Thailand), and the people were very kind and welcoming. The island feels extremely safe, which makes sense when you learn it’s essentially one big family.
The island also has two great non-profit initiatives you can be part of during your stay: Trash Hero Koh Mak (where you can help clean up the beaches every Saturday), and Koh Mak Animal Clinic (where you can visit and donate to animals under care – make sure to book your visit at least one day in advance).
How to Get to Koh Mak
No matter where you start your journey, to get to Koh Mak you first need to make your way to Trat – where you can catch the boat to the island.
One of the great things about traveling in Thailand is how easy it is to move around. Many companies offer combo tickets that include transport by land all the way to the pier and the boat ticket, making the whole journey a breeze. We always book these online via 12Go*, as the prices are pretty much the same as buying it in person, and for us, booking everything in advance and not having to think about it is the ultimate form of relaxation.
Here are all the ways how to get to Koh Mak:
From Bangkok to Koh Mak
To get to Koh Mak from Bangkok you have several options, which one you choose will depend on your budget and travel style:
Bangkok to Koh Mak By Plane
The quickest option. A short 1 hour flight takes you to Trat Airport, from where you can arrange a transfer to Koh Mak. The average one-way flight price is usually under 100€. You can check available flights and transfers below:
Bangkok to Koh Mak By Car
The most hassle free option. You can arrange this service from Bangkok city center or directly from the airport. You’ll be dropped off at the pier, hop on the boat to Koh Mak, and boom, done! The ride takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you want to make. We chose this option on our last visit, and it was a solid decision – we’d definitely do it again.
Bangkok to Koh Mak By Bus or Minivan
The most budget friendly option. There are several pickup points across Bangkok, and most companies already include the boat to Koh Mak in the ticket price.
As you can imagine, this is the least comfortable option and the one that takes the longest, as you have no control over how many stops are done, or how long they last. Bear in mind that the journey to the pier alone can take up to 7 hours.
Note that most companies advertise a “Koh Mak ferry ticket”, but that’s just a generic term to say boat. There are no actual ferries to Koh Mak, only speedboats or catamarans.
From Pattaya to Koh Mak
When people staying in Pattaya look for a weekend getaway, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak are often the go-to destination. To get there, you can take a bus, minivan, or car to the pier, followed by a boat to Koh Mak. The land journey takes approximately 4 hours.
From Trat to Koh Mak
Getting to Trat from somewhere else? No problem! From here it’s smooth sailing (literally). Get a combo ticket of transfer and boat, or make your own way to the pier and simply catch the boat.
There are two piers in Trat with departures to Koh Mak:
If you get seasick or don’t enjoy the bumpy rides that speedboats in Thailand are known for, head to Laem Sok pier without thinking twice. We traveled with the company Boonsiri, and it was the first time we slept like babies on a boat in Thailand.
Both journeys take less than 1 hour, and prices are very similar (less than a €2.50 difference). The last boat to Koh Mak usually departs between 3 and 4pm, so plan accordingly, and arrive with plenty of time to spare, or you will be spending the night in Trat.
From Koh Chang and Koh Kood to Koh Mak
Are you staying on the neighbouring islands of Koh Kood or Koh Chang? Then getting the catamaran or speedboat to Koh Mak is extremely easy. Most services include hotel pickup along with the boat ticket, which is super handy since these islands don’t have Grab (Thailand’s Uber).
Where to Stay in Koh Mak
Until the early 2000’s there weren’t many accommodations on Koh Mak. Nowadays, most places to stay are locally owned bungalow resorts or boutique hotels. Most of these properties are located near the beaches of Ao Kao and Ao Soun Yai.
Keep in mind that Koh Mak isn’t evenly surrounded by perfect white sand. A big chunk of the coast is made up of rocks or mangroves, so this is something to consider if staying right by the beach is a must for you.
Explore our top picks for where to stay in Koh Mak here:
How to Get Around Koh Mak
If you look at the map of Koh Mak you’ll quickly realize this is a very small island, but don’t be fooled…while we did see some people walking around, we strongly recommend renting a vehicle to properly explore the island and not feel limited by your accommodation’s surroundings.
So what are your options for getting around Koh Mak?
Koh Mak by Scooter
Renting a scooter is our go to on most Thai islands, and Koh Mak was no exception. It allowed us to explore every nook and cranny of the island. You can rent a scooter in pretty much any accommodation (often with a small markup if they source it from elsewhere), but there are also a couple of rental shops around the island – we got ours from one of them for 250 baht (€6.60) per day.
There are a couple of petrol pumps along the roadside, but most of the time you’ll see fuel sold in repurposed bottles.
Koh Mak by Bicycle
Would you rather pedal your way around Koh Mak? Many hotels offer bicycles for free, but you can also rent them around the island for reasonable prices – usually between 150 and 200 baht (€4 to €5.20) per day. So if you’re two, it ends up being more expensive than a scooter.
While the island is generally quite flat, there are a couple of uphill spots where you might see people hopping off their bikes and dragging them uphill, but hey, it’s just a couple of them, you’ll be fine.
Some places also have e-bikes available, but these tend to be significantly more expensive and are often charged by the hour rather than per day.
If you decide to rent a bicycle, consider staying near the Ao Kao beach to avoid tackling those hills every time you head out for dinner.
Koh Mak by Golf Cart
Yeeees you read that right: Golf cart!! This one caught us by surprise, but it’s actually a great option for families or larger groups who prefer to ride together. That said, these aren’t 4×4 jeeps, so don’t go all Dakar on them! If you’re planning to explore more off the beaten path areas, a scooter is still your best bet. Expect to pay for your golf cart around 1000 baht (€26.50) per day.
Koh Mak by Songthaew
Not keen on driving? No problem, the local taxis have you covered! You’ll find them waiting at the pier if your hotel doesn’t offer pickup, but they can also pick you up anywhere on the island. Just ask your accommodation for their latest whatsapp numbers.
These taxis are actually songthaews, a common form of public transportation in Thailand – which are basically open sided trucks.
Prices are 50 baht (€1,30) per person during the day (regardless of distance), with a minimum charge of 100 baht per ride. So, if you’re traveling solo, you can either cover the full fare or wait for others to join. After 10 pm, the price doubles to 100 baht per person.
You can also arrange a full-day tour with a driver, which might be particularly interesting if you’re in a group (they usually fit around 8 people).
What to Do in Koh Mak
If you’re still wondering what to do in Koh Mak, well, we’ve already hinted a few times to the fact that this is a “beach and relax” kind of island, without a long list of must do activities. That said, what kind of Koh Mak travel guide would this be if we didn’t highlight pretty much all of them, so you can decide whether it’s worth rolling off your towel? So let’s get down to business:
Relax at Koh Mak Beaches
Out of all the things to do in Koh Mak, this has to be number one! There are two main beaches on the island, along with a bunch of smaller ones scattered around. It’s up to you whether you’d rather stick to your favorite the whole time or explore a few of them. Most beaches offer soft white sand, beautiful palm trees providing shade, and calm shallow waters.
Like on many tropical islands, sandflies are not uncommon in Koh Mak, Koh Chang, and Koh Kood. You might not notice them at all, but it’s a good idea to apply mosquito repellent (higher DEET works best) when spending time at the beach. Coconut oil can also help, as they don’t like the sticky feeling.
The main Koh Mak beaches:
Other popular beaches in Koh Mak:
From time to time, ocean currents bring a bit of waste from the nearby islands, and mainland onto Koh Mak. On the more secluded beaches, especially those without resorts, you might notice some debris depending on when you visit. But when the beaches are at their best, they’re every bit as dreamy and picture-perfect as you’d imagine.
Kayak to Koh Kham
Don’t start rolling your eyes at me because of the kayaking part, before you give up on this activity, know that you can also get to Koh Kham by boat. Now…why should you even care about visiting this tiny island just off Koh Mak?
Koh Kham is a small private island with unreal white sand (reportedly imported… fancy), striking black volcanic rocks, and a half built luxury resort (Ananya Hideaway) that nature has slowly taken over.
There’s a 200 baht (€5.30) entrance free to this island, which includes a drink. You can either rent a kayak from your hotel (if you’re staying near Ao Suan Yai Beach) or directly from the beach. If you’d rather go by boat, it costs 350 baht (€9.25) round trip from Ao Soun Yai Beach pier – that price already includes the entrance fee.
There’s no real infrastructure on the island, just the little shack where you’ll get your drink upon arrival.
There are a few other small islands off Koh Mak that you can visit by kayak or boat:
Visit The Koh Mak Museum
This was such a surprise, and this Koh Mak guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning it. This tiny free museum is located in one of the oldest houses on the island and is run by the island’s “founding” family. Inside, you’ll find photographs dating back to the early 20th century, along with personal family relics.
Visit at 11am to have someone from the family walk you through the island’s history, share fun facts, and talk about their plans for the future. We were the only ones there, and it was incredibly informative, while still feeling light and fun. That is why this is one of the top things to do in Koh Mak!
And as if that wasn’t enough, the Koh Mak Museum just happens to have the best cakes on the island! Free tour and delicious cake and coffee? Yeeees please!
Hike Cape Tukata
Koh Mak doesn’t have a lot of elevated points, so big viewpoints aren’t really a thing. The closest you’ll get is Cape Tukata. It took us maybe 5 minutes from the parking lot to the top (officially the shortest hike ever), where you will stumble upon two tiny viewpoints with great views to Koh Raying. It’s free to visit.
Be careful when approaching the viewpoints, they’re extremely small, and it’s a straight drop down. People tend to gather here at sunset, so while the views are magical at that time, there isn’t exactly space for you to sit back and enjoy “the show”.
Enjoy Sunset at Blue Pearl Bar
In need of a cocktail right as the sun starts to set? Head over to Blue Pearl Bar, located at the very edge of Ao Pra Pier. There’s a one time fee of 200 baht (€5.30), which gives you unlimited access to the pier during your stay in Koh Mak, and includes a drink at the bar. This place gets packed at sunset, so make sure to arrive early to get a nice spot.
The Ao Pra Pier is also a nice place for snorkeling at high tide, so once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you can come back as many times as you like to simply swim and snorkel.
Other Things To Do in Koh Mak…
(But not worth going out of your way for)
Koh Mak Cat Shrine
Located on Cape Kradun, you’ll find the Koh Mak Cat Shrine – and as a cat lover, I had to visit. The path to get there is fairly straightforward if you follow Google Maps, taking you through rubber tree plantations until you reach the cape – which offers calm, pleasant views, but nothing mind blowing.
The shrine itself is quite small, displaying hundreds of tiny cat statues in all shapes and styles. Unfortunately, it had been partially burned when we visited, and we didn’t see any real cats…buhhh!
Somchai’s Love Garden
This is now an abandoned looking garden that showcases the life’s work of a man named Somchai. Here you’ll find dozens of concrete sculptures, mainly of women in very explicit positions.
There’s a website explaining who Somchai was and how this garden came to be, so if you decide to visit make sure to check it out (the QR code is at the entrance). That said, full honesty…this place wasn’t our cup of tea. The statues seemed to have been moved around and pushed together, many of them damaged. The whole place felt slightly creepy, and it was infested with mosquitoes (the only time we got bitten on the island).
Best Time to Visit Koh Mak
The best time to visit Koh Mak is hands down November to March – the dry season. During this time, the sun is out, the weather is dry and the humidity is low. The conditions are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Even though this is technically peak season, we honestly didn’t feel it – Koh Mak is one of the few Thai islands that still flies under the radar.
Even without crowds, it’s worth booking accommodation in advance, as options are somewhat limited.
April to May is still mostly dry and sunny (with a shower here and there), so visiting is not off the table. Just be prepared for intense heat and humidity – you will probably want to be in the water 24/7, so forget long explorations, or extended kayak trips.
During the rainy season, from June to October, the sea gets rougher and boat services are reduced (some periods to no boats at all). Many hotels and restaurants also close or operate on reduced hours.
Koh Mak FAQ
Is Koh Mak worth visiting?
Absolutely! But it might not be for everyone. Koh Mak is worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back island, with beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and read a good book. If you’re after nightlife and need a bunch of activities to stay entertained, it might feel a bit too quiet.
How long to spend on Koh Mak?
We believe that 3 nights is the sweet spot to properly switch off, while still exploring Koh Mak’s highlights. If you are short on time, 2 nights will still give you a good feel for the island’s vibe, and probably leave you wanting to come back.
What is the Koh Mak snorkeling scene like?
Most accommodations on the island can connect you with great Koh Mak snorkeling trips, with several stops in and around the island. If you prefer to go independently, Ao Pra Pier is a great option – it’s long enough to let you jump straight into deeper water where the fish are, instead of walking far out from the beach. You can also grab a kayak and check the nearby island of Koh Pi.
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