Ko Mak is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, just a 30 minute boat ride from Koh Chang and Koh Kood. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and sunset views as well as lots of coconut and rubber plantations.
With 10 km in length and 5 km in width, Koh Mak has several peaceful beaches to explore. Popular beaches are Ao Kao, Ao Suan Yai, Ao Pra, and Laem Son Beach. These beaches are known for its white fine sand and crystal clear water, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and kayaking.
For more pristine beaches, you can consider taking boat trips to nearby islands such as Koh Kham, Koh Kradat, Koh Rayang Nok, and Koh Rayang Nai.
You can explore some cultural attractions such as Koh Mak Temple or Somchai’s Love Garden. There are some nice beach bars and restaurants scattering around the island. Koh Mak Walking Street has high concentrations of restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and lots of other tourist amenities.
To reach Koh Mak from the mainland, you need to drive to either Laem Ngop Pier or Laem Sok pier first, then take ferry or speed boats to the island. Laem Ngop Pier is the closest pier to Bangkok, around 5 hours by car. You can also take flight Trat Airport, then bus to Laem Ngop Pier for ferry.
You can check out the detail of my itinerary and how I get around Koh Mak in these articles:
If you are already in nearby Koh Chang or Koh Kood, you can easily take direct boats from these islands to Koh Mak in the peak season. In the low season, if there is no direct boat, you need to travel to the mainland pier first then take a boat to Koh Mak.
Once in Koh Mak, you can get around on foot, bicycle, golf cart, scooter, or songthaew. I explored all the islands on foot and bicycle, just using Songthaew to travel between the piers and the hotels.
Here are the best activities and attractions in Koh Mak:
16 Best Things to Do in Koh Mak
Beaches
There are two main beaches on Koh Mak, Ao Kao Beach on the southwest and Ao Suan Yai Beach on the northwest. These beaches are easily accessible from the main road. Other smaller beaches such as Laem Son Beach and Ao Lom Beach are quite difficult to access through the dirt road.
#1. Ao Kao Beach
Ao Kao is one of the main beaches on Koh Mak, located on the south west coast of Koh Mak. Even though it is located within walking distance to Koh Mak Walking Street, it still offers a tranquil atmosphere with lots of shady places.
The beach has fine sand and crystal blue water. It is a perfect place for swimming, relaxing, sunbathing, reading books, and kayaking. It has nice views of Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Bok in front of it. You can reach these islands from Ao Kao by kayaking.
There are few resorts, beach bars, restaurants, and massage shops on the beach. The beach is home to Leelawadee Speedboat pier, located next to Makathanee Resort.
#2. Ao Suan Yai Beach
Ao Suan Yai is one of the main beaches on Koh Mak. This is the first place I see when taking a wooden boat from Koh Chang to Koh Mak. It is home to the Panan Speedboat pier, where you can also book a boat to Koh Kham Island.
The beach has white fine sand and crystal clear water. It is lined with coconut trees. There are a few big resorts on the beachfront including Koh Mak resort, Seavana resort, and Happy Days Resort. Located on the northwest coast of the island, it is a great place to watch the sunset.
From Ao Suan Yai Beach, you can kayak or take a boat ride to Koh Kham. There are few nice beach bars and restaurants on the beach. I visited Ao Suan Yai on a windy day at high tide, nothing much to do, just chill on the beach shore.
#3. Ao Pra Beach
Ao Pra Beach is a quiet beach located just south of Ao Suan Yai Beach. The beach is home to one resort called Mira Montra, which offers a more peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. There are lots of shades on the beach and you can have beautiful views of Koh Kham.
#4. Laem Son Beach
This is a nice beach located in the north-east. The road access to the beach is still a dirt road. To reach . Laem Son Beach, you need to head to the road to Cinnamon Pier, and follow the sign on the side of the road that says “Laem Son Beach”. I came with a bicycle and drove all the way on the beach.
If you follow Google maps, you will end up disappointed because the road access to the beach is now private property and you cannot access the beach from there anymore.
The beach is home to only one restaurant, which created a more secluded atmosphere. When I visited the beach, there were just a few people there. You can book the boat from this beach to get to Koh Kradet, the island of deers.
#5. Koh Mak Walking Street
The walking street is the central area of the island,right next to Ao Kao Beach. It is home to all kinds of tourist amenities.
You can find many restaurants, massage shops, mini marts, travel agencies, and laundry shops. There are some good restaurants and massage shops on the walking street.
#6. Explore Koh Mak on a scooter or a bicycle
Koh Mak is a small island and it is possible to walk around the island within 2-3 days. It is better to rent a bicycle, a scooter, or even a golf cart for more leisure exploring.
I didn’t drive a scooter on Koh Mak, but explored the island on foot and bicycle. A walk between the two main beaches is around 30 minutes. It can be tiring on a hot day though.
Cultural attractions
#7. Koh Mak Temple
This is a nice and peaceful temple located right next to the sea and close to Ao Nid Pier. It is around 40 minutes walk from the island’s main town. The temple has a small ground with lots of Buddha statues, the ancient trees, and a naga staircase overlooking the ocean.
Admission is free. You can spend 20-30 minutes at the temple, walking around, talking with the monks, or just enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.
#8. Somchai’s Love Garden
This is a small garden with bamboo forest and naked female statues created by local artists, Somchai. It is located just a few minutes from Koh Mak Resorts. There is a sign on the side of the road that says “Love Garden”. From there, you walk for a couple of minutes to reach the garden.
You can spend 5-10 minutes walking around the place. It is not very well maintained with lots of Mosquitos. So bring your insect spray with you.
Viewpoints
#9. Cape Tukata
Cape Tukata is one of the best viewpoints on the island. You can go here by scooter or bicycle. From the parking areas, you need to walk for 5-10 minutes to get to the top of the cliffs (viewpoints). It has beautiful views of the sea, Koh Rayang Nai, and Koh Rayang Nok.
On the way back to the parking area, you can check out the pebble beach. It is a nice quiet place to relax. There was a rope to help you go up and down from the beach.
#10. Cape Kradun
Cape Kradun is a nice viewpoint area located on the east coast of Koh Mak. It is a rocky area that has beautiful views of the beaches. I came across this viewpoint when getting back to the town center from Laem Son beach.
You can reach Cape Kradun by scooter or bicycle. You will drive on both paved and dirt roads through the rubber plantation. You can park your vehicle somewhere in the rubber forest, and walk to the viewpoint. There is a cat temple located in this area.
#11. Cinnamon Scenic Boardwalk
This is a 450 wooden pier located on the northeast coast of Koh Mark. It is part of the Cinnamon Resort property. It is a nice place to take photos.
The entrance is 50 baht. If you don’t want to pay, you just take a quick photo of the pier at the entrance. Otherwise, just skip it, as it’s just an ordinary pier.
Restaurants and Beach Bars
There are many delicious local restaurants and beach bars all around Koh Mak. I personally like to check out Banana Sunset Bar for sunset views and Mong Kitchen for meals.
#12. Banana Sunset Bar (Coral Club)
Banana Sunset Bar is one of the best spots to watch the sunset on Koh Mak. The bar has a nice setting and stunning sunset views. You can have a cold beer, a fresh coconut, or pizza while watching the sun go down.
If you come to the bar with a bicycle, I recommend coming back to your hotel before it gets dark. You will need to drive though the dirt road area and the rubber plantation. There are not many lights on the road.
#13. Mong Kitchen
This is a good restaurant in the walking street of Koh Mak. I had a few meals here for lunch and dinner. I tried noodle soup and shrimp fried rice. The food was delicious.
The German couples that I met a few times on Koh Mak also agree that it is a good restaurant. Since Koh Mak is such a small island, you’ll probably bump into the same people over and over.
Island Hopping & Boat tours
#14. Koh Kham
Koh Kham is a small island located just a 10 minute boat ride from Koh Mak. It is known for its crystal water and white sand beach. It is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and chilling. There are toilets on the beach and a small beach bar.
You can reach Koh Kham by buying a boat ticket near Panan Speedboat pier at Koh Mak resort. The two way boats are 350 baht. It is possible to rent a kayak to reach Koh Kham from Koh Mak. It is around 30-45 minutes kayaking. This is a private island, so you need to pay a 200 baht entrance ticket.
#15. Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok
These are two small islands in front of Ao Kao Beach. Koh Rayang Nai is an uninhabited island and easily reached from Ao Kao by kayaking. Ko Rayang Nok has white sandy beaches, good for swimming and snorkeling.
#16. Koh Kradat
Koh Kradat is a small and quiet island located in front of Laem Son beach. You can easily reach this island by taking a boat from Laem Son. The boat is around 400 baht. You can see many deers on Koh Kradat.
Check this: Should You Stay Koh Mak or Koh Kood?
These are the 16 amazing things to do and see in Koh Mak. You have tranquil beaches, delicious food at local restaurants, and beautiful sunset views at many beach bars. Additionally, you can explore several cultural attractions and island hopping to Koh Kham or Koh Rayang.