Koh Mak lives up to its reputation as a "hidden gem." There are no 7-Elevens or large hotel chains here; instead, the landscape is dotted with sleepy little street cafes and cozy, family-run hotels. The absence of mass tourism is immediately noticeable as soon as you step off the boat and head to your accommodation in a songthaew or golf cart – the journey winds along bumpy dirt tracks and through lush coconut palm groves.

A fascinating fact about Koh Mak is that the island is primarily owned by five families, all descended from a man named Luang Prompakdee, who acquired it in 1904. Over the years, these families have joined forces to combat commercialization and promote sustainability. Koh Mak is largely covered in coconut and rubber plantations, which keeps the island green. Local initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and lower carbon emissions have helped the island remain relatively unspoiled.

Koh Mak offers everything you could wish for in a tropical island paradise: golden beaches, swaying palm trees, long wooden piers stretching out into the sea, and some of the calmest waters we've ever seen in Thailand. While the neighboring islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood are certainly worth a visit, Koh Mak has something truly special. Perhaps it's the relaxed atmosphere, the complete absence of crowds, or simply the sheer pleasure of riding a scooter under a canopy of coconut palms. Whatever brings you to Koh Mak, you can be sure that an unforgettable experience awaits.

What it's like to visit Koh Mak

We had the opportunity to spend four nights on Koh Mak in February – one of the best months weather-wise for the Thai islands. From Bangkok, our route took us east to Chanthaburi (Kat's hometown) and then to Trat, before we boarded the boat to Koh Mak. We had found a fantastic boutique resort online called Little Moon Villa, which truly made our stay unforgettable.

The villas were breathtaking, perched high on a grassy hill with balconies overlooking the sea. Watching the sunrise or sunset from our balcony every day became a cherished tradition. The rooms were also very spacious, with comfortable beds and a huge bathroom. We ate dinner at the Little Moon Villa restaurant almost every night—not because we had to, but because the food was so delicious! One drawback of Koh Mak is the limited number of restaurants, so staying in accommodation with a good restaurant is a real advantage.

We rented scooters at the resort and went exploring every day. We relaxed on pristine beaches, got lost in coconut palm groves, and stopped at small, cozy street cafes to enjoy banana cake and Thai milk tea. One morning, we even took a Muay Thai class to work off all that cake! One place we kept coming back to was the Blue Pearl Bar, a rustic beach bar on a long wooden pier. It became our favorite spot on the island.

Another highlight was our day trip to Koh Kham. This tiny island is just a stone's throw from Koh Mak and offers a truly unique experience: incredibly white sand, shimmering turquoise water, black volcanic rocks, and an abandoned luxury resort. We spent almost an entire day on Koh Kham, relaxing on the beaches and photographing the resort, which, to be honest, looked like an art installation.

All in all, we found Koh Mak to be a true delight. The island was relaxed, beautiful, and full of charm. We were never bored, but three full days were probably enough to fully enjoy this small, star-shaped island. Anyone looking for an island that evokes the Thailand of yesteryear will find it on Koh Mak.

Muay Thai course on Koh Mak

The ultimate 3-day itinerary for Koh Mak

Day 1: Arrival, check-in & exploration of the beaches

Arrival in Koh Mak

Getting to Koh Mak is very easy. Simply head to Laem Ngop Pier in Trat Province and book the 50- to 60-minute speedboat ride. The waters around Koh Mak are known for their mirror-like surface (especially during the dry season), so the boat trip should be mostly calm and comfortable.

The main arrival point is Ao Nid Pier on the east coast. Your accommodation should arrange for a porter to pick you up. That's what happened to us when we booked Little Moon Villa. He loaded our luggage into a golf cart, and off we went! Golf carts and songthaews are more common than cars on Koh Mak. The journey takes you across the island, along paved and unpaved roads, until you reach your destination.

Beachfront location at Little Moon Villa

Check in at the Little Moon Villa

We had a wonderful time at Little Moon Villa and highly recommend it to other couples, families, or groups of friends. Officially, it's a 3-star hotel, but in our opinion, it feels more like a high-quality 4-star hotel. The villas offer breathtaking sea views, and the entire property is surrounded by lush greenery. The large bathtub was a particularly romantic touch. If you choose to stay here, simply drop off your luggage, enjoy a drink or lunch in the restaurant, and feel right at home. This place is perfect for a relaxed arrival.

Rent a scooter

There are several ways to get around Koh Mak: scooters, bicycles, golf carts, and songthaews (local taxis). Although the island looks small on a map, cycling from one side to the other in the midday heat can be tiring. Golf carts are often slow, and songthaews are rather unreliable. Therefore, scooters are the best mode of transport and can be conveniently rented through your resort or hotel. The roads on Koh Mak are quiet, flat, and (in many areas now) paved. Some are still bumpy, old dirt tracks, but that only adds to the adventure!

Scooter rental at Little Moon Villa

Afternoon swimming at the beach

Koh Mak's small size and flat terrain make beach hopping a breeze in the afternoon. The island is so small that you can cross it by scooter in 15-20 minutes. Among the most popular beaches are Ao Kao Beach, with its high concentration of restaurants and bars, and Ao Pra Beach on the northwest coast, known for its exceptionally fine sand. For a quieter experience, try Turtle Beach – considered one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches, though accessible only via a challenging dirt track – or the completely untouched Laem Son Beach, famous for its pine forests.

Dinner at the Little Moon Villa

The Little Moon Villa's restaurant, officially Little Moon Dine & Cafe, delighted us. After our first visit, we knew we had to come back! This beachfront restaurant boasts a relaxed atmosphere in an open pavilion, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical gardens. It's especially beautiful during the golden hour and offers delicious, authentic Thai cuisine. Be sure to try dishes like the pineapple curry, green curry, or spicy noodle soup.

After dinner, you can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and along the beach, admiring the starry sky, or return to your villa for a relaxing bath. The next morning, you can enjoy homemade baked goods like bagels, croissants, and brownies, as well as specialty coffees such as espresso and cappuccino, at the café – the perfect way to start your day. The baristas are known for their latte art, which they create in stylish glasses – a real eye-catcher for your Instagram stories.

Sunrise at Little Moon Villa

Day 2: Koh Kham & Seafood Dinner

Take the boat to Koh Kham

We recommend setting aside a full day to visit Koh Kham, one of Thailand's most unique islands. Getting there is easy: you can either take the 10-minute boat ride from Koh Mak Resort or rent a kayak at Ao Suan Yai Beach. Please note that there is an entrance fee of 200–300 THB for this private island.

The main attractions of Koh Kham are the black volcanic beaches and the abandoned luxury resort Ananya Hideaway. We had only planned a few hours on the island, but ended up staying almost the whole day, relaxing on the beach and exploring the abandoned resort buildings, which are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.

Swimming in Koh Kham

Things to do on Koh Kham

  • Relax on the pristine beaches, which are among the whitest sandy beaches in Thailand.
  • Photograph the black volcanic rocks at low tide when they look most impressive, and take photos of the beach hut with its vintage surfboards.
  • Explore the various skeletal structures of the unfinished resort, including the villas, stairwells, and empty pools.
  • Enjoy a swim in the calm, crystal-clear water.
  • Bring your own food, snacks and water, as supplies on the island are limited.

    • Read more: Koh Kham: Explore the abandoned resort and the beautiful beaches

    White sandy beaches of Koh Kham

    Volcanic rocks on Koh Kham

    Abandoned resort on Koh Kham

    Dinner at Koh Mak Seafood

    After returning from Koh Kham and freshening up at your villa, be sure to visit Koh Mak Seafood, just a 10-minute scooter ride away. It's the island's most popular seafood restaurant, featuring aquariums filled with live seafood where you can see the day's catch – a testament to the freshness of the dishes. Located directly over the water near Ao Nid Pier, nestled between mangroves and the harbor, the restaurant exudes a rustic charm as the tides flow beneath the wooden deck.

    The menu features all the Thai seafood classics: steamed whole fish, fresh squid, prawns, oysters, and a famous jungle curry. Kat ordered her favorite seafood salad, spicy, while Cam relaxed with a Singha beer and some spring rolls. Arrive before sunset to secure a waterfront table and watch the twilight paint the sky in vibrant colors.

    Day 3: Muay Thai, Cafes & Blue Pearl Bar

    Muay Thai at Elite Fight Club

    Unlike the crowded Muay Thai studios in Phuket and Koh Samui, the tranquil Elite Fight Club in Koh Mak offers the opportunity to take group or private lessons without the usual jostling. We arrived at 10:00 AM for our private lesson and practically had the studio to ourselves – simply fantastic! Our trainer guided us through various exercises, including technique tips, boxing and kicking combinations, and intensive stretching. Cam thought his leg was going to break at one point, but after the stretching, we all felt great.

    We were drenched in sweat, but full of energy for the rest of the day. We highly recommend the Elite Fight Club, especially if you've never trained in Muay Thai or seen a Muay Thai fight. The trainers are friendly and incredibly passionate, making the club ideal for ambitious athletes and beginners (like us).

    Elite Fight Club, Koh Mak

    Cake and Thai milk tea in a street cafe

    One of the reasons we decided to take a Muay Thai course was all the cake and Thai milk tea we consumed on Koh Mak. These charming, family-run street cafes are scattered all over the island, so you won't have any trouble finding them. They offer homemade cakes, banana bread, Thai milk tea, and coffee. They're the perfect places to stop and relax in the shade while listening to the gentle sounds of the island. It's one of the best things to do on Koh Mak.

    Explore the coconut groves

    The first thing you notice upon arriving on Koh Mak is the coconut palm groves that stretch across the entire island. They cover almost the entire interior and extend all the way to the sea. Riding a scooter through these groves is an experience in itself. Simply follow the dirt tracks and let yourself drift – you will undoubtedly lose yourself in the coconut and rubber plantations that form the agricultural heart of Koh Mak.

    Coconut palm groves, Koh Mak

    Blue Pearl Bar: Relax, Swim & Drinks

    In the afternoon, we continue to Koh Mak Cococape Resort, where the Blue Pearl Bar awaits you at the end of a long wooden jetty. Order a cold beer or a fresh coconut and enjoy the spectacular view of the sea and the surrounding islands. A short stop here can easily turn into a stay of several hours. Those who want to spend the whole afternoon here can even swim and snorkel directly from the jetty.

    Swimming areas at the Blue Pearl Bar

    Best time to visit Koh Mak

    The best time to visit Koh Mak is from November to April, during Thailand's dry season. The skies are clear, the sea is calm, and temperatures and humidity are lower. We were there in February and the weather was simply perfect – except for a few hazy/cloudy hours around sunset one evening.

    From May to October, during Thailand's rainy season, Koh Chang experiences significantly more rainfall than other islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. Short but intense downpours and rough seas can disrupt travel plans, and many resorts close during this time. However, those willing to accept the rain in exchange for lower prices should consider visiting in May or October.

    Tips for visiting Koh Mak

  • Bring plenty of cash: There's only one ATM on the island, and it's not always reliable. We've often been in Thailand where our card disappeared from the machine. Bring enough cash for food and activities, and some in reserve. During our stay, Little Moon Villa accepted card payments, so many of our meals were simply added to the bill.
  • Protect your skin from sandflies: Koh Mak's beaches are all beautiful in their own way, but keep in mind that sandflies are common, especially on more secluded beaches like Turtle Beach. Be sure to pack coconut oil to help prevent your legs from getting bitten so often!
  • Download offline maps: Mobile network coverage on Koh Mak isn't always great, especially if you're not using 4G/5G data from providers like AIS. Downloading offline maps solves this problem. Don't worry if you get lost – on Koh Mak, you're never far from home.

    • Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip

    Final thoughts on Koh Mak

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Koh Mak and highly recommend the island. For such a small island, we were overwhelmed by its charm: from deserted resorts and quaint street cafes to top-notch Muay Thai studios – it truly has everything! Koh Mak offers just the right amount of amenities to make you feel lively while maintaining its peaceful atmosphere.

    If we had to choose between Koh Mak and Koh Kood, we would choose Koh Kood, simply because we've made so many wonderful memories there over the years. This isn't meant to diminish Koh Mak in any way. On the contrary, we recommend combining both islands in one trip. On Koh Kood, you can unwind and relax, and then on Koh Mak, you can truly unwind. Feel free to read our Koh Kood travel guide to learn more about this tropical paradise.

    Flowers at Little Moon Villa