Are you looking for a relaxing and sustainable holiday in Thailand, away from the crowds and noise of the popular tourist destinations? If so, you might want to consider Koh Mak island, a hidden gem in the Marine National Park in Eastern Thailand.
Koh Mak island is a small and peaceful island, with a size of only 16 square kilometers and a population of less than 1000 people. It is surrounded by clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and green coconut groves. It is also home to a rich and diverse marine life, including coral reefs, fish, turtles, and dolphins.
Koh Mak island is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also for culture seekers. The island has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 13th century, when it was part of the Khmer Empire. It was later colonized by the French, the Japanese, and the Thai, and became a refuge for the royal family during the Second World War. Today, the island is still owned and managed by the descendants of the original settlers, who preserve and promote the local traditions, customs, and values.
If you are interested in visiting Koh Mak island, you will find everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide. We will cover how to get to Koh Mak island, what to see and do on Koh Mak island, where to stay on Koh Mak island, and how to explore nearby islands from Koh Mak island. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your trip to Koh Mak island and experience its beauty and charm for yourself.
How to Get to Koh Mak Island
Getting to Koh Mak island is not as difficult as you might think, as there are several transportation options available from Bangkok, Trat, Koh Chang, and Koh Kood. Here are the main ways to get to Koh Mak island:
By Bus: You can take a bus from Bangkok’s Ekkamai or Morchit bus terminals to Trat, which takes about 5 to 6 hours and costs around 250 to 300 baht. From Trat, you can take a songthaew (a shared taxi) or a minibus to Laem Ngop pier, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 50 to 100 baht. From Laem Ngop pier, you can take a speedboat or a slow boat to Koh Mak island, which takes about 45 to 90 minutes and costs around 450 to 600 baht.
By Car: You can drive from Bangkok to Trat, which takes about 4 to 5 hours and covers around 320 kilometers. You can either take Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) or Highway 344 (Bangna-Chonburi-Klaeng). From Trat, you can drive to Laem Ngop pier, which takes about 20 minutes and covers around 17 kilometers. From Laem Ngop pier, you can park your car at a secure parking lot for around 50 baht per day, and take a boat to Koh Mak island as mentioned above.
By Plane: You can fly from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport, which takes about 1 hour and costs around 1500 to 3000 baht. From Trat Airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Laem Ngop pier, which takes about 40 minutes and costs around 200 to 500 baht. From Laem Ngop pier, you can take a boat to Koh Mak island as mentioned above.
By Boat: You can also take a boat from Koh Chang or Koh Kood to Koh Mak island, which is a convenient option if you are already visiting these islands. From Koh Chang, you can take a speedboat from Bang Bao pier or Kai Bae pier, which takes about 1 hour and costs around 600 baht. From Koh Kood, you can take a speedboat from Ao Salad pier or Ao Nid pier, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs around 300 to 500 baht.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get to Koh Mak island, depending on your budget, time, and preference. You can choose the option that suits you best, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. However, keep in mind that the boat schedules and fares may vary depending on the season, weather, and demand, so it is advisable to check and book in advance.
What to See and Do on Koh Mak Island
Once you arrive on Koh Mak island, you will be amazed by the variety of attractions and activities that await you. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, you will find something to suit your taste on Koh Mak island. Here are some of the things you can see and do on Koh Mak island:
Enjoy the Beaches: Koh Mak island has four main beaches, each with its own character and charm. White Sand Beach is the longest and most popular beach, with soft white sand, clear blue water, and a range of resorts, restaurants, and bars. Klong Prao Beach is the second longest and most quiet beach, with golden sand, calm water, and a few resorts and restaurants. Kai Bae Beach is the most scenic and romantic beach, with fine sand, shallow water, and a stunning sunset view. Lonely Beach is the most secluded and wild beach, with coarse sand, deep water, and a few bungalows and restaurants. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing on these beaches, and feel the stress melt away.
Visit the Temples: Koh Mak island has two temples, both worth a visit for their historical and cultural significance. Koh Mak Temple is the oldest and largest temple on the island, located in the center of the island. It was built in 1911 by the first settlers of the island, and houses a large Buddha statue, a museum, and a school. Koh Mak Meditation Center is the newest and smallest temple on the island, located on a hill near Klong Prao Beach. It was built in 2007 by a monk who wanted to create a place for meditation and spiritual practice. It offers a panoramic view of the island, and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and contemplation.
Explore the Fishing Villages: Koh Mak island has two fishing villages, both offering a glimpse into the local life and culture of the island. Ban Ao Nid is the main fishing village on the island, located on the east coast of the island. It is where most of the islanders live and work, and where you can find the pier, the market, the health center, and the police station. You can walk around the village, observe the daily activities of the fishermen and the villagers, and sample some of the fresh seafood and local delicacies. Ban Laem Son is the smaller and quieter fishing village on the island, located on the west coast of the island. It is where some of the islanders have their rubber plantations and coconut groves, and where you can find the Koh Mak Museum, the Koh Mak Resort, and the Koh Mak Divers. You can cycle around the village, admire the natural scenery and the traditional architecture, and learn more about the history and the environment of the island.
Visit the Viewpoints: Koh Mak island has several viewpoints, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings. The most famous viewpoint is the Koh Mak Sky Viewpoint, located on a hill near Kai Bae Beach. It is a wooden platform with a telescope, where you can see the whole island, the nearby islands, and the horizon. The best time to visit this viewpoint is in the evening, when you can witness the spectacular sunset and the starry sky. Another viewpoint is the Koh Mak Viewpoint, located on a hill near White Sand Beach. It is a concrete structure with a sign, where you can see the north coast of the island, the Koh Mak Temple, and the Koh Mak Lighthouse. The best time to visit this viewpoint is in the morning, when you can catch the sunrise and the fresh breeze.
Join the Community: Koh Mak island is not only a place to visit, but also a place to belong. The island has a strong sense of community, where the locals and the visitors share a common vision and mission of sustainability and harmony. The island has several initiatives and projects that aim to protect and improve the environment and the quality of life of the islanders, such as Trash Hero, reusable bags and bottles, organic farming, and solar power. You can join these initiatives and projects, and contribute to the island’s development and conservation. You can also learn from the locals, and participate in their activities and events, such as yoga, Muay Thai, tennis, cooking, and festivals. You will feel welcomed and appreciated, and make some new friends along the way.
Where to Stay on Koh Mak Island
Koh Mak island has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, and from beachfront bungalows to hillside homestays. You can choose the option that fits your budget, location, and preference, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of your stay. Here are some of the best accommodation options on Koh Mak island:
Koh Mak Resort: Koh Mak Resort is one of the oldest and most established resorts on the island, located on White Sand Beach. It offers spacious and elegant rooms and villas, with air conditioning, TV, fridge, and balcony. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, and a library. It is ideal for families, couples, and groups, who want to enjoy the beach and the facilities of the resort.
Good Time Resort: Good Time Resort is a charming and cozy resort on the island, located on Klong Prao Beach. It offers stylish and comfortable rooms and bungalows, with air conditioning, fan, TV, fridge, and terrace. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a swimming pool, a massage, and a garden. It is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends, who want to enjoy the nature and the tranquility of the resort.
Lazy Day The Resort: Lazy Day The Resort is a modern and chic resort on the island, located on Kai Bae Beach. It offers bright and airy rooms and bungalows, with air conditioning, fan, TV, fridge, and hammock. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a beach. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners, and adventurers, who want to enjoy the view and the vibe of the resort.
Baan Koh Mak: Baan Koh Mak is a friendly and homely guesthouse on the island, located near Koh Mak Temple. It offers simple and clean rooms and dorms, with fan, mosquito net, and shared bathroom. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a bicycle rental, and a tour desk. It is ideal for backpackers, budget travelers, and volunteers, who want to enjoy the culture and the community of the guesthouse.
How to Explore Nearby Islands from Koh Mak Island
If you want to extend your adventure and discover more of the Marine National Park, you can easily explore the nearby islands from Koh Mak island. There are several islands that are within a short boat ride from Koh Mak island, each with its own beauty and charm. Here are some of the islands you can visit from Koh Mak island:
Koh Kham: Koh Kham is a small and private island, located just 1 kilometer north of Koh Mak island. It is famous for its powdery white sand, crystal clear water, and colorful coral reefs. It is also home to a luxury resort, where you can enjoy the facilities and services, such as a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a spa. You can visit Koh Kham by renting a kayak or a paddle board from Koh Mak island, or by taking a speedboat from Koh Mak pier. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person, which includes a drink and a towel.
Koh Rayang: Koh Rayang is a tiny and uninhabited island, located just 2 kilometers west of Koh Mak island. It is known for its rocky shore, green vegetation, and secluded beach. It is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, as it has a rich and diverse marine life, including fish, turtles, and rays. You can visit Koh Rayang by renting a kayak or a paddle board from Koh Mak island, or by taking a speedboat from Koh Mak pier. The entrance fee is 100 baht per person, which includes a snorkeling mask and a life jacket.
Koh Kradad: Koh Kradad is a flat and low-lying island, located just 3 kilometers south of Koh Mak island. It is named after the deer that used to live on the island, but are now extinct. It is famous for its long and wide beach, which is exposed during low tide, and creates a natural sandbar. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it has a variety of birds, such as eagles, herons, and kingfishers. You can visit Koh Kradad by renting a kayak or a paddle board from Koh Mak island, or by taking a speedboat from Koh Mak pier. The entrance fee is 100 baht per person, which includes a drink and a snack.
Koh Wai: Koh Wai is a larger and more developed island, located just 6 kilometers east of Koh Mak island. It is famous for its long and curved beach, which is lined with palm trees, bungalows, and restaurants. It is also a paradise for snorkeling and diving, as it has a coral garden, a shipwreck, and a shark point. You can visit Koh Wai by renting a kayak or a paddle board from Koh Mak island, or by taking a speedboat from Koh Mak pier. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person, which includes a snorkeling mask and a life jacket.
These are just some of the islands you can visit from Koh Mak island, but there are many more to explore. You can find the best deals and reviews on Tripoto, and book your island hopping tour with confidence and ease.
Conclusion
Koh Mak island is a hidden gem in Thailand’s Marine National Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing and sustainable holiday. You can get to Koh Mak island by bus, car, plane, or boat, and choose from a wide range of accommodation options. You can see and do many things on Koh Mak island, such as enjoying the beaches, visiting the temples, exploring the fishing villages, visiting the viewpoints, and joining the community. You can also explore the nearby islands from Koh Mak island, such as Koh Kham, Koh Rayang, Koh Kradad, and Koh Wai, and discover more of the beauty and charm of the Marine National Park.
If you are interested in visiting Koh Mak island, you can find everything you need on Tripoto, the ultimate travel platform. You can browse through the best deals and reviews, and book your trip to Koh Mak island with confidence and ease. You can also share your feedback and questions with us, and join our community of travelers. We are here to help you plan your dream holiday, and make it a reality.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing you on Koh Mak island soon. Happy travels!
