Koh Mak

Thailand’s Most Peaceful Island Escape 🌴

Koh Mak (also Ko Mak) is the antidote to overcrowded Thai islands—a serene 16 sq km haven in Trat Province where five local families control development, coconut groves blanket inland areas, and the word “cruise ship” doesn’t exist. Imagine waking to the sound of waves, not traffic; renting a bicycle (฿100/day) instead of a jet ski; and encountering more kingfishers than tourists.

As of December 2025, Koh Mak remains refreshingly underdeveloped—no high-rises, no jetskis, no “party until dawn” energy. Instead, you’ll find hidden beaches, thriving coral reefs (snorkeling 50m from resorts), world-class diving, and a genuine community of families, couples, and soul-searchers seeking slowness. It’s 20 km south of Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand—close enough for easy ferry access, far enough to escape the crowds.

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Overview & Location

Koh Mak is a pristine island that time forgot—privately developed, eco-conscious, and intentionally small. The island stretches roughly 8 km north-south, with five main beaches and interior coconut plantations creating a lush, undisturbed landscape.

Key Facts:

• Size: 16 sq km (small, bikeable)
• Population: ~500 (mostly resort staff + local families)
• Part of Trat Province, Gulf of Thailand
• Privately controlled by five families (ensures conservation)
• No car ferries (maintains island peace)
• Car-free transportation: bikes, scooters, golf carts
• Home to pristine house reefs

Why Visit? Koh Mak rewards seekers of authentic island life with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs (snorkeling from resort shores), world-class diving (macros heaven), genuine Thai hospitality, and zero commercialism. The cool season (November-February) brings perfect weather: 27-30°C, calm seas, visibility 15-25m. It’s the ideal escape for 3-5 days to truly unplug.

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Geography & Climate

Koh Mak’s lush geography features sandy beaches rimmed by coconut plantations, rubber trees, and mangrove forests. Inland paths wind through jungle to hidden viewpoints. The surrounding waters host thriving coral reefs, particularly on the north and east coasts—perfect for house reef snorkeling and macro diving.

Climate (2025 Data):

• Dry Season (Nov-Feb, IDEAL!): 27-30°C (81-86°F), calm seas, visibility 15-25m. Perfect diving/snorkeling. Book early for peak Dec-Jan.
• Hot Season (Mar-May): 30-35°C (86-95°F), still pleasant, fewer tourists, hotel deals 20% off.
• Monsoon (Jun-Oct): 25-28°C, daily rain, rough seas. Many resorts reduce operations. Budget travel opportunity.
• Water Temperature: 27-29°C year-round, warm for swimming.

Best Time: Nov-Feb for optimal conditions. Dec-Feb peak season. Mar-May cheaper. Avoid Jun-Oct for watersports.

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Getting There & Accessibility

Multiple Routes to Koh Mak

From Bangkok (Quickest Option):

• Bangkok Airways Flight to Trat Airport (TDX): 1 hour (1,500-3,000 THB/$47-94), then 30-minute taxi to Laem Ngop Pier (350 THB).
• Bus + Ferry Combo: Ekamai Terminal buses (500-700 THB, 5-6 hours) to Trat/Laem Ngop, then ferry 45 minutes.
• Overnight Train: Scenic, economical (600-1,500 THB sleeper, 8-9 hours) to Trat, then taxi + ferry.

From Koh Chang (Popular Island-Hopper):

• Speedboat: 45 minutes, 350-500 THB (~$11-16). Daily 9am, 1pm.
• Longtail: 1.5 hours, 250-350 THB, more scenic.

From Phuket/Krabi:

• Multi-leg Routing: Fly/ferry to Koh Chang, then 45-minute hop to Koh Mak (1,500-2,500 THB total).

Local Transport (On Island):

• Bicycles: ฿100-150/day (flat, easy to navigate)
• Motorbikes: ฿250-300/day (international license required)
• Golf Carts: ฿400-500/day (resort rentals, fun)
• Longtail Taxis: ฿100-200 per trip (beach-to-resort)

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Beaches & Relaxation 🏖️

Koh Mak boasts five main beaches, all pristine and uncrowded. Umbrella/lounger rentals: 80-150 THB/day ($2.50-5). Island is bikeable—explore freely.

Ao Klong Rao Beach – Long, sandy north-facing beach, main resort hub (calm, good for families). Fishing boats add character. Sunset views stunning. Fresh seafood vendors set up evenings.

Ao Khlong Son – Northeast, quieter crescent cove, fewer resorts. Excellent snorkeling directly off shore. Ideal for couples seeking solitude.

Ao Suan Yai (Big Garden Beach) – South, hidden cove accessed via jungle path (15-min bike ride). Deserted feel, turquoise shallows, perfect for photography. Rocky entry—water shoes helpful.

Ao Wai Beach – East coast, rocky with small sandy patches. Dramatic limestone backdrop. Good for sunset photos; limited resort presence maintains serenity.

Ao Klong Prao – South quieter option, mangroves frame shoreline. Kayaking heaven (rent 300 THB/hour).

Beach Tips: Water shoes recommended (rocks/coral). Snorkel directly offshore (house reefs). No lifeguards—swim at own risk. 2025 tip: Carry reef-safe sunscreen (200 THB); sunscreen bans enforced.

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Diving & Snorkeling 🤿

Koh Mak’s waters are a macro-lover’s paradise. Visibility 15-25m, water 27-29°C. No massive pelagics, but endless small-creatures heaven.

Snorkeling (Free/Cheap Thrills):

• House reef snorkeling directly from beaches (free, 200 THB gear rental)
• Spot: clownfish, parrotfish, rays, morays, nudibranchs
• Best dawn/dusk for activity
• Day tours to nearby reefs: 1,500-2,000 THB (lunch included)

Diving:

• Koh Mak Divers + Easy Divers: Local PADI ops
• Local dives: 2,500 THB/single ($78), 4,500 THB/two-tank ($141)
• Discover Scuba: 3,500 THB ($109, beginner-friendly)
• Macro specialists; nudibranch/critter heaven
• Small groups (max 6 divers), personalized attention

Top Dive Sites: Koh Kradat (turtles), Koh Lao Yai (macro bonanza), Hin Khone (reef wall).

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Things to Do: Activities & Attractions 🎯

Koh Mak’s motto: “Relax or explore—your call!”

Top Activities (2025 Prices):

1. House Reef Snorkeling (Free-200 THB) – Walk into crystal water from any beach; snorkel endless tropical fish. Best 6-9am.

2. Island Bike Tour (Self-Guided, Free) – Rent bike (฿100/day), explore coconut plantations, jungle paths, secret beaches. Flat terrain; 2-3 hours loops.

3. Sunset Kayaking (300-400 THB/hour) – Paddle mangrove channels, limestone backdrops. Magical golden hour views.

4. Diving Courses (3,500-8,000 THB) – Discover to Advanced Open Water certifications. Macro specialists.

5. Fishing Trips (1,500-2,500 THB) – Join local fishermen at dawn; learn traditional methods; cook catch for lunch.

6. Beach Yoga/Spa (400-700 THB/hour) – Beachfront yoga, massages, wellness retreats.

7. Mangrove Exploration (600-1,000 THB/tour) – Guided kayak through ecological mangrove channels; bird spotting.

8. Cooking Classes (1,500-2,000 THB) – Learn Thai basics; market tour + meal included.

9. Stargazing (Free) – Zero light pollution; lie on beach at night for meteor showers (best Aug-Dec).

10. Island-Hop Day Trips – Koh Kradat (nearby, 400 THB), Koh Kham (snorkeling, 600 THB).

Recommended 3-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Beach/snorkel. Day 2: Dive/kayak. Day 3: Bike tour/relax.

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Food & Dining 🍽️

Fresh seafood rules. Limited fine dining; authentic local fare dominates. No street food stalls—resorts handle meals. Premium pricing (island tax: +20-30% vs mainland).

Top Restaurants (TripAdvisor 2025):

• Koh Mak Seafood Restaurants (฿฿, 4.3/5): Grilled fish 300-500 THB ($9-16), tom yum 150 THB.
• Barracuda Restaurant (฿฿, 4.4/5): Italian/Thai fusion, pasta 350 THB, sunset views.
• Koh Mak Coconut Bar (฿, 4.1/5): Thai-vegan fusion, smoothie bowls 200 THB, fresh coconuts 50 THB.
• Beach Shack Dinners (฿, 4.0/5): BBQ grilled fish 250-400 THB, relaxed setting.
• Sunrise Cafe (฿, 3.9/5): Thai breakfast, eggs, coffee 80-150 THB.

Dining Tips: Restaurants mostly resort-based. Pre-order dinners (fish must be fresh daily). Vegetarian options available with advance notice. Daily budget: 400-800 THB food (including resort meals).

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Accommodation: Eco-Resorts & Bungalows 🏨

~15 resorts on island. Book via Booking/Agoda for deals. High season +20% (Dec-Jan).

Budget (under 2,500 THB/night ~$78):

• Koh Mak Camping Bungalows (฿800-1,500, basic, beach-adjacent)
• Bamboo Huts Resort (฿1,200-2,000, eco-bungalows)
• Sam Roi Resort (฿1,500-2,500, fan rooms, garden setting)

Mid-Range (2,500-5,000 THB ~$78-156):

• Koh Mak Resort (฿2,500-4,000, beachfront bungalows, pool)
• Ao Klong Rao Cottages (฿3,000-4,500, garden villas, dive shop)
• Koh Mak Divers Bungalow (฿2,800-4,200, dive-focused, friendly)

Eco-Luxury (>5,000 THB ~$156+):

• Koh Mak Island Resort (฿5,500-9,000, beachfront, spa, restaurant)
• Lazy Days Resort (฿4,500-7,500, pool, eco-conscious)

Tips: Beachfront pricier; garden bungalows cheaper. Long-stay discounts 20-30%. Pools at mid-range+. No nightlife—early sleepers paradise.

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Getting to Islands & Ferry Booking 🚢

Book Your Ferries via ThailandBoatTickets.com

Koh Mak is part of the Trat Province island cluster (Koh Chang, Koh Kham, Koh Kradat). For seamless island-hopping:

👉 Use ThailandBoatTickets.com for:

• Real-time ferry schedules from Trat/Laem Ngop to Koh Mak
• Inter-island routing (Koh Chang → Koh Mak → Koh Kham combinations)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden markups
• Instant booking confirmation
• Hotel pickup from Trat/Laem Ngop Pier
• Weather-adjusted schedule updates

Virtual Ticket Assistant - Your Island Expert 🎫

Connect via:

• WhatsApp: Direct messaging for Trat island route questions
• Instagram DM: Quick booking inquiries and travel planning
• Facebook: Community support and group bookings

The VTA specializes in Trat Province island routing and can coordinate your complete Koh Mak + island adventure.

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Best Time to Visit

Prime: Nov-Feb – Dry, calm seas, perfect diving. Book early; prices +20%.

Shoulder: Mar-May – Hot but pleasant, fewer crowds, deals 20% off.

Low: Jun-Oct – Monsoon, many resorts close. Budget travel paradise.

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Practical Information

Visa (2025)

• 60-Day Exemption: Most nationalities (passport valid 6+ months)
• TDAC Digital Card: Complete online 3 days before (free, mandatory)

Money

• Currency: Thai Baht (1 USD ≈ 32 THB as of Dec 2025)
• ATMs: None on island! Bring 10,000+ THB cash. Some resorts accept cards (3% fee).
• Daily Budget: 2,500-3,500 THB ($78-109, excluding accommodation)

Safety & Health

• Safety: Super safe (low crime, tight community)
• Medical: Small clinic on island; serious cases to Trat (ferry 45 min)
• Water: Bottled only (20 THB/bottle, available everywhere)
• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid advised
• Dengue Risk: Low; mosquito repellent recommended

Connectivity & Essentials

• SIM Cards: 4G spotty (True/DTAC best), 300 THB data
• WiFi: Free at resorts; speeds variable
• English: Moderately spoken; staff helpful
• Power: 220V, Type A/C plugs

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Local Tips & Insider Advice 💡

• Cash Strategy: Stock THB in Trat; ATM-free island = self-sufficiency
• Bike Paradise: Flat terrain, quiet roads; rent day 1, explore daily
• Snorkel Secret: Dawn swims (6-8am) = fish frenzy, no boats
• Dive Macro: Bring macro lenses/GoPro; nudibranch-filled reefs
• Eco-Mindset: Community-run; respect locals, reef-safe sunscreen mandatory
• Extend Magic: 3-4 nights minimum for true island bliss
• Budget Beat: Camping + street eats = ฿2,000/day. Splurge: Beachfront + diving
• 2025 Update: New eco-lodge opened; fuel prices up slightly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Koh Mak family-friendly?
A: Yes! Calm beaches, safe swimming, no party scene. Kids love beaches + snorkeling.

Q: Worth it vs Koh Chang/Samui?
A: For peace/diving, yes. Koh Chang busier; Samui touristy. Mak = authentic escape.

Q: Solo traveler safe?
A: Super safe, but couple-skewed. Join dive groups for mates.

Q: Can I rent a car?
A: No cars allowed on island (preservation policy). Bike/scooter only.

Q: Internet for digital nomads?
A: WiFi spotty; not ideal for work. Better Koh Chang if remote working.

Q: Best for honeymooners?
A: Absolutely! Romantic, quiet, pristine.

Q: Vegetarian/vegan?
A: Limited—request ahead. Resorts accommodate with notice.

Q: Ferry canceled?
A: Weather-dependent; flexible dates essential. Resorts hold rooms.

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Koh Mak in a Nutshell

Koh Mak is where time slows and souls recharge—an untouched island that rewards slow travelers with pristine beaches, thriving reefs, genuine hospitality, and blessed silence. No high-rises, no jetskis, no party energy; just bicycles, coral gardens, and that rare feeling of discovering a place untouched by mass tourism.

Pack light, embrace the bikes, and let island magic happen at Koh Mak’s pace.

Sawasdee kha! 🌴🐠✨

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Last Updated: December 2025 Information sourced from official Trat tourism, resort guides, and current traveler reviews.