Koh Mak Beaches

Koh Mak's Beaches

Koh Mak is one of most stunning islands in the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park, inserted from the UK's Sunday Times in the ranking of the 10 most beautiful beach resorts in the world and still unknown to mass tourism. Unlike its larger neighbours Koh Chang and Koh Kood, the island's landscape is very flat, its highest point is only 150 meters a.s.l., and is covered with beautiful natural forest alternated by some intensive plantations of rubber and coconut trees. Its 27 kilometres of rugged coastline are mostly characterized by rocky promontories, lush vegetation and small stretches of mangroves, while less than half of waterfront line hosts stunning white sandy beaches. Basically there are only two long beaches located along the two Koh Mak's main bays, namely Ao Suan Yai on the north-west, and Ao Kao on the south-west. Both are long stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise waters of an incredible clarity, a total of about 5 km of paradisiacal coastline. Koh Mak's accommodations and facilities are located directly on the coast, inside the vegetation behind the beach or along the narrow paths, in the back of beaches, linking the bays to each other. Baan Ao Nid, along the southeast coast is the largest village of island, here live about 50 families and there is also the Ao Nid Pier, the main dock of island. The infrastructures in the island are minimal, there aren't hospitals, but only a small clinic for emergencies, there are no banks or ATMs, remember to bring cash money for small payments, although in most resorts you can pay by credit card. There are some mini markets in Ao Kao, Ao Nid and Ao Suan Yai selling foodstuffs, drinks and basic necessities. Koh Mak is escaped from mass tourism for long time, but in the last decades the five families which control the territory decided to open the island towards a small market, focused on eco-tourism. Hotels range from small resorts in bungalows without air conditioning for backpackers, to structures of higher level and costs with every comfort. There are plenty of restaurants offering dishes of Thai and International cuisine. Koh Mak is connected to mainland with regular ferry services throughout the year. The ferry service to Koh Kood is managed by four different companies: the Siri White, Koh Kut Express, Koh Kood Princess and Boonsiri Fantasea. All companies operate from Laem Sok Pier located about 35 km south-east of Trat, and each one offers a roundtrip per day. The main dock for departures to Koh Mak is the Krom Luang Pier in Laem Ngop, just south of piers to Koh Chang, which offers six fast boats a day during high season and four in low season, operated by Leelawadee Speedboats, Panan Speedboats and Suansuk Speedboats. Further south of the village of Laem Ngop is the Laem Sok Pier, from which depart daily toward Koh Mak two fast catamarans of Boonsiri Fantasea and a speedboat of Suansuk Speedboats, this service is suspended from May to October. During high season Koh Mak is also connected to Koh Kood, Koh Chang and Koh Wai by other ferry services. For more information on timetable and fares please refer to the pages: Koh Chang Ferries, Koh Mak Ferries and Koh Kood Ferries.Read More

Koh Mak's main Bays

Ao Kao

Ao Suan Yai

This is Koh Mak by Jomtien People

Dinamic Map

Small Coves and Beaches

North-West Coast

Ao Phra and Ao Lom are two small bays divided by a hilly promontory on north-western tip of Koh Mak, just west of large Ao Suan Yai. Ao Phra hosts a long and lovely white sandy beach but very thin, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters. A handful of accommodations are located between the beach and the narrow path linking the north-west coast and the south-west tip of Koh Mak. Ao Lom has not a particularly attractive beach, just two small stretch of white sand, both no long more than 100 meters, placed at opposite edges of bay. The bay is situated just opposite the little Koh Phi, roughly 500 meters away. The tiny uninhabited island is easily accessible with a kayak from the bay, and it is one of most popular spot for snorkelling boat trip.Read More

Eastern Coast

A large bay more then 2km long characterizes the east coast of Koh Mak. To the south it includes Ao Nid, the bay that hosts Baan Ao Nid the largest island's settlement, about 50 families, and the Ao Nid Pier, the main pier on Koh Mak. It is the departure and arrival point of most speedboats and ferries connecting Koh Mak to mainland and Koh Chang. Ao Nid is one of the less developed tourist areas on island, due to there aren't beaches or stretch of coastline that deserve the attention of tourists. However, the village is worth a visit. There are a couple of affordable accommodations, a Buddhist temple, and excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood, it could not be otherwise, given that most of the residents are fishermen. Ao Pai is a charming bay located to north of Ao Nid. The coastline here is sandy, with a quiet and uncrowded beach surrounded by crystal clear waters and a beautiful coral reef, which is a great destination for snorkelers. On the coastline there are a few hotel resorts with their own restaurants serving fresh seafood. Read More

Northern Coast

Koh Mak's northern coast is dotted by several tiny charming coves, however it is the least developed of all island. It extends from the sandy Ao Tao Khai, at west, to Ao Ta Long, Ao Taan and the easternmost Laem Son. The unique beaches worth visiting are those found in Ao Tao Kai and Laem Son. Haad Tao Kai, known as Turtle Beach, is a small secret beach on the northernmost tip of island, just north of Ao Suan Yai and easily accessible with a kayak. The beach in Laem Son is not particularly interesting itself, but it is the closer point to reach Koh Kradad by boat or kayak. The tiny island has a resident population that is dedicated to fishing and the cultivation of plants coconut. In its vegetation inside curiously lives a herd of deer. In this side of Koh Mak's coastline there are only two small resorts in bungalows, one is located in Ao Ta Long and one is in Ao TaanRead More

South-West Coast

Ao Kra Tueng is the bay located on the southwest tip of Koh Mak, adjacent to Ao Kao and its ideal continuation. Its beach, named Laem Tukata, is less beautiful of nearby Haad Ao Kao and hosts only one accommodation for tourists, but it is the ideal starting point to reach with a kayak the nearby Koh Rayang Nai, placed just in front 500 meters away.