THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES ON KO MAK

Ao Saunyai

Ao Khantuang

Ao Pai

Ao Ka Noon

Ao Kao

ISLAND
Ko Mak is located in the Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. This small island, covering only 16 square kilometers, is known for its peaceful palm-fringed beaches and beautiful natural surroundings.

You won’t find mass tourism or large-scale stays here. Instead, Ko Mak offers small-scale stays and a good selection of restaurants. The atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back, although there is some development along the two main beaches. With its palm-fringed beaches, laid-back atmosphere and small-scale character, Ko Mak is a true TreasureBeaches island for us.

For information about the island and transportation, visit the friendly lady at Koh Mak Info Point, located right next to Koh Mak Resort. For diving, you can visit BB Divers or Koh Mak Divers. There is only one ATM on the island.

WHAT TO DO
Ko Mak has an idyllic landscape filled with coconut groves and fruit orchards, while the coastline is dotted with picturesque bays and small coves. The island is perfect for exploring by bicycle. The roads are mostly flat and in good condition. Along the way, you can visit viewpoints, follow nature trails and explore a fishing village to get a glimpse of local island life.

We also recommend visiting some of the small islands around Ko Mak. On Ko Kradat, you can enjoy beautiful walks and have a drink in the small village. Ko Rayang has a lovely sandy beach where you can relax, swim and snorkel. The coral isn’t particularly impressive, but you can still see plenty of beautiful fish. You can even paddle to Ko Rayang by kayak. Remember to bring some cash, as you may have to pay a small entrance fee.

The only downside of Ko Mak is the presence of sand fleas on many of its beaches. Fortunately, Ao Ka Noon and Ao Pai are usually free of them. Not everyone reacts to sand flea bites, but if you are sensitive to mosquito bites, it’s wise to be extra careful. Special oils and sprays are available locally to help protect yourself. Despite this drawback, we return to Ko Mak regularly and always enjoy our stay here.

TRANSPORT
From Bangkok, there are several bus and minibus connections to Trat, with a journey time of around 5 hours. From Trat, a taxi or minibus will take you to Laem Ngop Pier in around 20 minutes, where several boats depart for Ko Mak. Another option is to fly from Bangkok to Trat.

Boat services also connect Ko Mak with Ko Chang, Ko Kut and Ko Wai. Make sure to check the latest timetables before traveling. Once you arrive on Ko Mak, most stays offer a free pick-up service from one of the island’s three piers. Otherwise, a taxi costs between 50 and 100 baht. As boat schedules and prices may change, we recommend checking the latest information before traveling.

Bicycles and scooters are easy to rent and are a great way to explore the island at your own pace.