By Kylian Dev
1
Ao Kao beach
The long south-west beach lined with coconut palms, with the best sunsets.
Destination guide · East
Koh Mak: the best things to do, where to stay and budget
A small, flat island of coconut palms and rubber plantations between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. No jet skis, few cars and a community that has bet on quiet tourism: you cycle from one beach to the next.
- Best: November to April
- €35 - 65 / day
In short
Koh Mak (East) — Coconut palms, bikes and empty bays between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 29°C. Budget: about €35 - 65 / day. Weather: 29°C • Sheltered little bays and glassy sea in the dry season
RegionEast
TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature29°C
Budget / day€35 - 65 / day
Suggested stay3 to 4 days
Thai nameเกาะหมาก
Must-sees
Things to do in Koh Mak
Coconut palms, bikes and empty bays between Koh Chang and Koh Kood
2
Koh Rang day trip
Offshore marine park with some of the best snorkelling in the Trat archipelago (dry season).
3
Koh Kham
A neighbouring islet reached by kayak or boat from Ao Suan Yai, with clear water and white sand.
More things to do in Koh Mak
- 4
Cycling around the island
ActivityHalf dayKoh Mak is small and flat, with rubber and coconut plantations. A bike is the ideal way to get around.
- 5
Ao Suan Yai
BeachHalf a day or moreA long, quiet beach on the north coast with shallow water, perfect for families.
- 6
Kayaking to Koh Kham
Sea & islands2 to 3 hKayak across to the islet of Koh Kham for snorkelling (entry fee to the private island).
- 7
Snorkelling trips to Koh Rang
Sea & islandsFull dayBoats take you to the reefs of the national marine park, with some of the best coral in the east.
- 8
Sunset from the jetty
ViewpointAbout 1 hThe wooden piers of Ao Nid and Ao Suan Yai are ideal for sunset.
- 9
A cooking class
FoodHalf dayA few resorts and family restaurants offer Thai cooking classes.
- 10
Dive to Koh Rang
Sea & islandsFull dayDive centres organise fun dives to Koh Rang's reefs, suitable for beginners.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingDiving & ReefsYoga & Wellness
Weather
When to go to Koh Mak?
29°C • Sheltered little bays and glassy sea in the dry season. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Koh Mak: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €35 - 65 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
35–65 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~20 €
Food
~13 €
Activities
~10 €
Local transport
~8 €
Transport
How to get to Koh Mak
Transport tip
Speedboat (about 45 min–1 h) from Laem Sok or Ao Thammachat (Trat), or inter-island boats from Koh Chang and Koh Kood in the dry season.
From Bangkok → Koh Mak
Road
~395 km · ~8 h by road
Nearest destinations
Koh Mak → Koh Kood
Boat
30–45 min
Koh Mak → Koh Chang
Road
~39 km · ~3.5 h by road
Koh Mak → Koh Samet
Road
~181 km · ~5.5 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → Koh MakPartner link
Where is Koh Mak?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Koh Mak
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Ao Kao
The main beach, sunsets and the widest choice.
Ao Suan Yai
Big calm bay in the north, boats to Koh Kham.
Ao Nid
Pier side, practical and cheap.
Food
What to eat in Koh Mak
Whole fish grilled with salt and lemongrass
Green papaya salad (som tam)
Green curry with coconut milk
Combine with
Similar destinations
Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Koh Mak
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Island health centreClinic
Serious cases are transferred to Trat, about 1.5 h by boat and road.
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Koh Mak
What are the best things to do in Koh Mak?
The must-sees are Ao Kao beach, Koh Rang day trip, Koh Kham. Also worth your time: Cycling around the island, Ao Suan Yai, Kayaking to Koh Kham, Snorkelling trips to Koh Rang.
How many days should I spend in Koh Mak?
3 to 4 days
Build an itinerary with Koh MakWhat is the best time to visit Koh Mak?
The best season is November to April. 29°C • Sheltered little bays and glassy sea in the dry season. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Koh Mak?
Plan on roughly €35 - 65 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Koh MakHow do I get to Koh Mak?
Speedboat (about 45 min–1 h) from Laem Sok or Ao Thammachat (Trat), or inter-island boats from Koh Chang and Koh Kood in the dry season. From Bangkok, Koh Mak is about 304 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to Koh ChangWhich area should I stay in, in Koh Mak?
The most popular areas are Ao Kao, Ao Suan Yai, Ao Nid. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Koh MakPlan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Koh Mak
Compare with the other destinations
Koh Mak is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.