Koh Mak is a small, flat island in Trat province, between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, and the easiest of the three to settle. It consists largely of coconut and rubber plantations, still owned by five families descended from the man who bought the island in 1904. The resorts are located on two main beaches: Ao Kao in the southwest and Ao Soun Yai in the northwest. There are no high-rise buildings and very few cars.

You can get around by scooter, bicycle, or golf cart, swim in calm waters from November to April, and take a boat to the white sandy beach of Koh Kham. Boonsiri's catamaran reaches the island from Bang Bao on Koh Chang in an hour for 550 baht, and speedboats depart from the coast of Trat in about 50 minutes. I would spend three nights there and recommend a longer stay rather than a day trip, as peace and quiet are paramount.

Accommodation in Koh Mak

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Key facts

No airport, no car ferry

Each trip ends with a boat ride to the pier of Ao Nid or a resort pier, from Laem Ngop or Laem Sok on the coast of Trat, from Bang Bao on Koh Chang or from Ao Salad on Koh Kood.

About six hours from Bangkok with a ticket

The Boonsiri bus and catamaran departs from Khao San at 05:00 and arrives at Koh Mak at 11:15 for ฿1,150, with further departures at 07:00 and 09:00.

Bring a driver's license or ride a bicycle.

There is no public bus. Scooters cost approximately 250–350 baht per day, bicycles 100–200 baht, and golf carts approximately 800–1,500 baht. Songthaew taxis charge 50 baht per person with a minimum fare of 100 baht.

Bring cash.

There is only one ATM, which is unreliable, no 7-Eleven, and most restaurants and bars only accept cash. Withdraw the money you need in Trat or on Koh Chang.

November to April

The Trat weather station recorded 85 mm of rainfall in November and 28 mm in December. From June to September, the region is among the rainiest places in Thailand, and fewer boats operate.

Peaceful nights

Some beach bars on Ao Kao stay open late into the night, and that's the nightlife. Come for the beach, the bike rides, and the sunsets.

How to get to Koh Mak

Koh Mak has neither an airport nor a car ferry, so you travel there by boat. Which boat you take depends on your starting point. From the mainland, boats depart from two piers on the coast of Trat. In Laem Ngop, the small port town southwest of Trat, speedboats depart from the Kromluang pier. This is not the same as the pier for the car ferry to Koh Chang in Ao Thammachat. Laem Sok, further south along the coast, is the catamaran pier from Boonsiri for the islands of Koh Mak and Koh Kood.

From Bangkok, a through ticket is the easiest option. The Boonsiri bus and catamaran departs from Khao San Road at 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 AM, arriving at Ao Nid Pier at 11:15, 3:15, and 4:15 PM for 1,150 baht. Boarding at Suvarnabhumi is possible at 5:30 and 9:00 AM for the same price. I would recommend the 5:00 AM connection, as this allows you to spend the entire afternoon on the island. A cheaper alternative is the bus from Ekkamai to Trat departing at 5:00 AM for approximately 315 baht, followed by a songthaew to the pier. However, this route involves spending most of the day transferring.

For travel to Koh Mak, Bangkok Airways offers flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat. The flights departing at 8:10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. connect with Boonsiris vans to the pier, which reach Koh Mak at 11:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. for 1,000 baht. From Pattaya, Boonsiris buses depart at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at Koh Mak at 4:15 p.m. for 1,150 baht.

All boats to Koh Mak compared

Departure times and prices for Boonsiri are based on their own schedule from October 1st to May 31st. The other boats are based on information provided by the operators and a booking agency on Koh Chang for the 2026/27 high season. Speedboat departure times are subject to change throughout the year. Children between 100 and 130 cm tall pay 350 Baht on boats departing from Laem Ngop. Please check the day before your trip, as the sea can be unpredictable.

Book bus and boat from Bangkok to Koh Mak

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From Koh Chang and Koh Kood

Koh Mak is located in the heart of the Trat Islands, making it an ideal stopover between the other two islands. From Koh Chang, Boonsiri's catamaran departs from Bang Bao Pier at the island's southern tip at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, arriving in Ao Nid an hour later for 550 baht. A pick-up service from your hotel on Koh Chang is also available. During peak season, a speedboat also departs from Kai Bae Beach at 9:00 AM, taking you to Makathanee Pier on Ao Kao about an hour later. Return trips with Boonsiri from Koh Mak are at 11:30 AM and 3:15 PM, arriving in Bang Bao an hour later.

From Koh Kood, Boonsiri departs from Ao Salad pier at 11:00 AM and 2:45 PM, reaching Koh Mak 30 minutes later for 400 Baht. Boats in the opposite direction depart from Ao Nid at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This schedule is valid from October 1st to May 31st. From June to September, Boonsiri operates only once a day between the islands. Some travel agencies report that boats to Koh Chang do not run at all during this period. Therefore, please check directly with Boonsiri before planning your trip.

The beaches of Koh Mak

The two main beaches face in different directions. So choose according to what you prefer at 6:00 PM: a beach bar or the sunset over Koh Kham.

  • 1. Ao Kao, Southwest Coast – Ideal starting point: The long beach on the southwest side offers calm, shallow water, and most of the island's accommodations, restaurants, and bars are located behind it. To the west, also known as Ao Baan Yai, you'll find hostels, bars, and cafes. This area is therefore easiest to explore without a scooter. Ao Kao Beach: 4.0 (97) – Open 24 hours daily – Getting there
  • 2. Ao Soun Yai, Northwest Coast: Sunsets and Swimming. Nearly 2 km of sandy beach on the northwest coast overlooking Koh Kham. Enjoy the sunset over the water and calm swimming conditions during the season. The Koh Mak Resort pier is located here, from where boats depart for Koh Kham. Ao Soun Yai Beach: 4.6 (405) Directions
  • 3. Koh Kham, off the northwest coast. The most beautiful sandy beach. A small island just minutes from Ao Soun Yai, with white sand, black rocks, clear water, and the ruins of an old resort. There is no accommodation on the island. See below for boat and fee information. Koh Kham 4.7 (252) Getting there
  • 4. Turtle Beach, North Coast: A quiet, natural stretch of beach on the north coast with few facilities – ideal for an afternoon bike ride around the island. Bring water. Turtle Beach 4.1 (55) Open 24 hours daily. Directions
  • 5. Ao Tan and the Cinnamon Promenade, Northeast Coast: A walk over the water. A promenade approximately 500 meters long leads from Ao Tan beach in the northeast into the water. Entry costs around 50 baht and is better suited as a short stop on a scooter tour than for a full day at the beach. Cinnamon Promenade (4.0 out of 57 stars). Open 24 hours daily. Directions.

    • Things to do on Koh Mak

    Koh Mak is an island ideal for beaches and cycling, and most days consist of swimming, cycling, and a leisurely lunch. Here's my daily schedule.

    Take the boat to Koh Kham

    Everyone spends half a day there. Boats depart from Koh Mak Resort on Ao Soun Yai; the journey takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately 350 baht per person for a round trip, island entry, and a soft drink. The last boat returns around 4:00 to 4:30 PM. Only drinks are sold on Koh Kham, so bring your own lunch and take your trash with you. If the water is calm, you can also rent a kayak and paddle across in about half an hour.

    Drive around the island

    Koh Mak is flat and can be crossed by scooter in 15 to 20 minutes. This makes it one of the few Thai islands that are well-suited for exploring by bicycle. A circular route takes you to Cape Tukata, a free viewpoint with a pebble beach; the Cinnamon Boardwalk in Ao Tan; the pier and village of Ao Nid; and the Love Garden in Somchai, a garden of handcrafted folk art that is free to enter. Petrol is available in bottles at the shops, so fill up before heading to the other side of the island.

    Snorkeling around Koh Rang

    The most beautiful reefs nearby are located in Mu Ko Chang National Park around Koh Rang, about a 20-minute boat ride from Ao Nid. Koh Mak Divers offers half-day snorkeling trips for approximately 1,200 baht per person (park fee, equipment, and lunch included); diving trips are more expensive. Koh Mak itself is outside the park, but excursions to Koh Rang incur a 200 baht park fee, so check if this is included in your price.

    A drink on the Blue Pearl Pier at sunset

    The Blue Pearl Bar is located at the end of the pier in Koh Mak Cococape, in Ao Pra between Ao Kao and Ao Soun Yai. Entry to the pier costs approximately 200 baht, including a soft drink. The bar is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; I would recommend visiting in the last hour before sunset.

    The Koh Mak Museum and the temple in Ao Nid

    The small community museum near Ao Nid tells the story of the plantation families and fishing life on the island. Admission is free. The stated opening hours are 10:30 am to 8:00 pm, but at least one visitor found this to be incorrect. It's best to check with your hotel beforehand. The Koh Mak Temple with its dragon staircase is just a few minutes away. Please cover your shoulders and knees.

    Seafood on the water in Ao Nid

    Koh Mak Seafood is located in Ao Nid Bay by the pier and is open from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm. It's the most popular restaurant on the island, so reservations are recommended during peak season. On Ao Kao, Food Art Hut, Dum Noodle, and the cafes along the beach promenade offer further culinary delights.

    Getting around on Koh Mak

    There is no car ferry or public bus, so cars are few and far between, and most people get around in small vehicles of two to four. Scooters cost around 250–350 baht per day, bicycles around 100–200 baht (often less at your resort), and golf carts around 800–1,500 baht per day. Golf carts book up quickly during peak season, so it's best to book one at the same time as your room. If you drive a scooter, you'll need a motorcycle license for your insurance to cover you.

    Songthaew taxis wait at the boats and depart on request. The fare is approximately 50 baht per person per trip, with a minimum of 100 baht. Prices are higher after 10:00 PM. Most resorts offer a pick-up service from the pier if you inform them which boat you are taking.

    Accommodation on Koh Mak, beach after beach

    There are no hotel chains. Ao Kao offers the largest selection of hotels and bars, Ao Soun Yai the most beautiful sunsets, and the east coast is quieter and closer to the Ao Nid pier.

  • 1. Seavana Beach Resort, Ao Soun Yai – Prime location on Sunset Beach. Beachfront rooms with pool, bar, and open-air restaurant. One of the island's top-rated resorts. Relaxed beachfront resort, not a flashy luxury hotel. Seavana Beach Resort Koh Mak, 4.7 (622), open 24 hours daily. Directions. Hotels on Koh Mak.
  • 2. Koh Mak Resort, Ao Soun Yai. The Koh Kham boats. Bungalows with terraces right on the beach, pool, and private jetty where the Panan speedboats from Laem Ngop dock and the Koh Kham boats depart. Koh Mak Resort 4.4 (429) Directions
  • 3. Koh Mak Cococape Resort, Ao Pra, between Ao Kao and Ao Soun Yai. There's something for every budget: from thatched huts to suites, a pool, and two bars, including the Blue Pearl at the end of the pier. Koh Mak Cococape Resort 4.3 (823) Getting there
  • 4. Makathanee Resort, Ao Kao (Baan Yai Beach) – Easily accessible from Koh Chang. A garden resort with a pool at the lively end of Ao Kao and its own jetty where the Kai Bae speedboat from Koh Chang docks. More casual than luxurious. Makathanee Resort Koh Mak 4.1 (673) Open 24 hours daily. Directions
  • 5. Mira Montra, Ao Kao, western end. Couples and small families. A beachfront resort at the western end of the beach with sea views and ideal swimming conditions during the season. Mira Montra, The Beachfront Resort Koh Mak. 4.4 (790). Directions.
  • 6. Big Easy, Ao Kao, western end: Beachfront bungalows. Airy bungalows with private terraces, restaurant and breakfast included, and a relaxed atmosphere. Big Easy 4.7 (119) Daily 8:00 AM–10:30 PM. Directions
  • 7. Lazy Day The Resort, Ao Kao, eastern end. Small and quiet. A small, quiet resort at the eastern end of Ao Kao, away from the bars. The reception is open from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly. Lazy Day The Resort, Koh Mak. 4,6 (349). Open daily 7:30 am–8:00 pm. Directions.
  • 8. Ao Pong Resort, East Coast, near Ao Nid Pier: Sunrise and snorkeling. Simple, east-facing beach bungalows, just minutes from the main pier, with snorkeling equipment for guests and an open-air restaurant. Ao Pong Resort, 4.4 (157), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 9. The River Retreat, Ao Kao, near the bars. Ideal for backpackers and night owls. Rooms and tents near the island's liveliest bar strip, open from 7:00 am to midnight. Early risers should consider other accommodations. The River Retreat Koh Mak 4,6 (41) Daily 7:00 am–midnight. Directions
  • 10. Baan Talay Hostel, Ao Kao, Walking Street – Cheapest beds. A sociable hostel in the pedestrian zone behind Ao Kao, just a short walk from restaurants and the beach. Baan Talay Hostel, 5.0 (71), Directions

    • When should you travel to Koh Mak?

    Koh Mak follows the calendar of Koh Chang, which is more in line with that of the Andaman coast than that of Samui. The peak season runs from November to April. The weather station in Trat records 85 mm of rainfall over seven days in November, 28 mm over two days in December, and 51 mm in January. Maximum temperatures reach around 32°C, the sea is calm, and all boats are operating. December and January are the busiest months, and the weeks around Christmas and New Year's are quickly booked up. March and April are warmer, and the rainy season intensifies.

    The monsoon season begins in May, and June through September are among the wettest months in Thailand. In June alone, Trat received 777 mm of rain, and in July, a staggering 1024 mm fell over 25 days. The sea becomes rough on open ferry routes, speedboats run less frequently, island boats operate only once a day, and some resorts close. Regular boat service resumes in October, with 338 mm of rainfall. If you can only travel during the rainy season, the larger catamaran from Boonsiri is recommended instead of a small speedboat.

    Costs on Koh Mak

    After accommodation, travel is the biggest expense: approximately 550 baht each way from the coast of Trat or Koh Chang, and 1,150 baht for a through ticket from Bangkok. On the island, you should budget around 250–350 baht per day for a scooter, 350 baht for a trip to Koh Kham, and about 1,200 baht for a half-day snorkeling trip to Koh Rang. Accommodation ranges from hostel beds in Ao Kao to beach villas. The hotel search on this page will show you prices for your travel dates.

    Bring enough cash for your entire stay. The only ATM is unreliable, there's no 7-Eleven, and the smaller shops only accept cash.

    Koh Mak, Koh Kood or Koh Chang?

    Koh Chang is the large, tourist-developed island with the most hotels, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, as well as a car ferry and hills. Koh Kood is larger and hillier than Koh Mak and boasts waterfalls and beautiful bays. Koh Mak is the small, flat, and relaxed island – ideal for cycling, swimming, and simply enjoying the scenery. Boonsiri's boats connect all three islands, allowing you to, for example, split a week on Koh Chang with three overnight stays here, or travel the island chain from Koh Chang to Koh Mak and then on to Koh Kood.

    Is Koh Mak worth a visit?

    Yes, if you're looking for a quiet, easy-to-explore beach island. There aren't any major tourist attractions, the nightlife is limited to a few beach bars, and the really impressive reefs are just a boat ride away at Koh Rang. But the water is calm and clear during the season, the island is flat enough to explore by bicycle, and an afternoon on Koh Kham is as lovely as almost anywhere in the Gulf. I'd plan on three nights, two if you're passing through between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, and I'd avoid the island from June to September.

    Plan the remaining Trat islands.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Koh Mak travel guide.

    By boat. Speedboats depart from Kromluang Pier in Laem Ngop near Trat (approx. 50 minutes, 550 baht). Boonsiris catamaran also departs from Laem Sok Pier and Bang Bao on Koh Chang (550 baht). From Bangkok, Boonsiris bus and catamaran depart Khao San at 5:00 AM and arrive at 11:15 AM (1,150 baht).

    Boonsiris catamaran departs from Bang Bao Pier at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, arriving in Ao Nid an hour later for 550 baht. During peak season, a speedboat also departs from Kai Bae at 9:00 AM. From June to September, there is a maximum of one departure per day, so you should confirm in advance.

    Koh Kood offers larger, more beautiful bays, waterfalls, and more accommodation options. Koh Mak is a small, flat island that can be explored by bicycle, with two simple beaches and the offshore island of Koh Kham. The boat trip between the two islands takes 30 minutes, making it easy to combine visits.

    Yes. The ferry from Boonsiri at 9:00 AM from Bang Bao arrives at 10:00 AM, and the return ferry at 3:15 PM lands at 4:15 PM. That gives you about five hours. I would stay at least one night, as the island is most beautiful in the evening.

    Three nights are sufficient for a day on Koh Kham, an island tour, a snorkeling trip to Koh Rang, and some free time. Two nights are enough if you are passing through between Koh Chang and Koh Kood.

    There is a way to do this, but it's unreliable. Most shops only accept cash, and there are no 7-Elevens, so bring enough money for your stay in Trat or Koh Chang.

    You can get around by scooter (approx. 250–350 baht per day), bicycle (approx. 100–200 baht), or golf cart (approx. 800–1,500 baht). Songthaew taxis cost about 50 baht per person, with a minimum fare of 100 baht. There is no public bus service.

    The return boat trip, island entrance fee, and a soft drink cost approximately 350 baht per person from Koh Mak Resort on Ao Soun Yai. The crossing takes about 10 minutes, and the last boat departs between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.

    From November to April, when the Trat weather station records less than 100 mm of rainfall per month from November to February, all boats operate. From June to September, it is very wet, with 1024 mm of rainfall in July, and fewer boats operate.

    A little bit. Some bars on Ao Kao stay open late, and the Blue Pearl Bar at Cococape Pier is a popular spot to watch the sunset, but most of the island goes to sleep early. Koh Chang offers a much more diverse nightlife.

    Where to stay on Koh Mak

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    Best time to travel to Thailand

    The best time to travel is from November to February; the rest of the year is best on the east coast.

    I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.

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