BEACH
Ao Suan Yai is one of our favorite bays on Ko Mak, with beautiful views across the water to Ko Kham. The long beach is lined with palm trees and has fine, pearly white sand and clear blue water. Despite being one of the better-known beaches on the island, it still has the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere that makes Ko Mak so special.
The bay is great for swimming, relaxing and stand-up paddleboarding. One thing to watch out for are sand fleas, which can sometimes be a nuisance here. We recommend using the special oil or spray sold locally to protect yourself. Ao Suan Yai is also the perfect starting point for a day trip to Ko Kham, one of our favorite little islands in the area. Tickets and boat trips can be arranged through many stays on Ko Mak or at the Koh Mak Info Point.
WHERE TO STAY
We love the upper-range Seavana Beach Resort at the western end of the beach. It has lovely bungalows, a beautifully maintained tropical garden and a good swimming pool. Some of the bungalows are tucked away in the garden along a small river. If you are looking for a little more comfort and luxury on Ko Mak, this is our favorite choice.
A good alternative is Koh Mak Resort. Some of its bungalows are quite close together, but the family bungalows are spacious. Happy Days Resort is a relaxed mid-range stay at the northeastern end of the bay, although we find it a little overpriced. You can choose between fan and air-conditioned bungalows.
There are several small restaurants and beach bars along the bay. We especially like I Talay Beach Bar near the pier for a casual meal or a drink overlooking the sea.
