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Koh Mak is the third largest of the Koh Chang Islands, with a size of approximately 16 square kilometers and a local population of around 1,500.

95% of Koh Mak is privately owned by 5 families and over the years, they have kept a tight lid on its tourist development. It’s a working island too, where the mostly very flat terrain of natural forest is extensively planted with rubber and coconut trees.

The island attracts couples and families looking to kick back on the beaches, do some exploring, snorkeling and just relax into the rhythm of life.

All in all, Koh Mak is what you hope for in a classic Thai island. It’s fully aware of the tourist market out there, but buys into that market in a very guarded manner. There’s no manic rush to build, develop and promote, so enabling the island to carry on much as it always has – laid back and unassuming.

At A Glance

  • Accommodation is in smaller scale boutique resorts or bungalow operations rather than larger corporate hotels.
  • Its main beaches, Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai, are on the north west and south west coasts respectively, with the principal village at Ao Nid.
  • Very easily reached from Bangkok by transfers, flights or buses, Laem Ngop Pier was the main departure point with its speedboats, but there are now plenty of options from Laem Sok Pier too. There are no car ferries.
  • Restaurants are low key affairs – mostly standard Thai, but some western and seafood too, great cafes also.
  • Nightlife is very laid back – no strips of bars – but beach bars, live music and there are a couple of annual festivals.  
  • Though not inundated with things to do, diving and snorkeling over at Koh Rang make for a great day out. 
  • Offshore, Koh Mak boasts 5 small islands – all worth a visit, with a private speedboat available to make a day tour.
  • To get around, you can use a bicycle, motorbike or simply walk.  Traffic on the island is at a minimum.
  • In regard to those essentials, it has good internet coverage, an ATM, public health clinic and minimarts. You won’t find any 7-11s or superstores. 

UPDATED 29th May 2026

How to Get to Koh Mak

You get to Koh Mak using speedboats from Laem Ngop Pier, with additional services (catamaran, mini catamarans, speedboat) now also running out of Laem Sok Pier (main pier for Koh Kood).

Private transfers by car or minibus are the easiest way to make either boat connection, with prices starting from 4,200bt for an SUV from Bangkok and 5,200bt for a minibus, excluding the boat tickets.

You can also fly to and from Trat Airport – it’s a 25 minutes by car to Laem Ngop Pier.

For the cheapest option, hop on a public bus from Ekamai Bus Station, in particular the 999 or one of the microbuses to Trat (change at Saen Tung). Alternatively, running from the Khao San Road area to Laem Sok Pier, the Koh Kood boat companies – Boonsiri (all year), Seudamgo (not running via Koh Mak 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) and Koh Kut Express (not running via Koh Mak 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) offer a combined bus and boat ticket.

Koh Mak is a also a great place to start if you want to explore the other islands of Koh Kood, Koh Chang or Koh Wai, with daily speedboat and catamaran connections and a slower wooden boat. Catamaran only in low season

Private Transfers

Head here for all the information and full details on our private transfers.

Having collected you direct from your Bangkok hotel or Suvarnabhumi Airport, we deliver you, relaxed and hassle free, to Laem Ngop Pier, ready for the speedboat or to Laem Sok Pier and the boats there.

Pick-ups from Don Mueang Airport, Pattaya, Ban Phe and Trat Airport are all available too.

Prices for an SUV style car start at 4,200bt or 5,200bt for a private minibus – central Bangkok or BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport to Laem Ngop or Laem Sok Pier. This excludes the cost of the boat tickets but yes, we will organise them too from either pier. We can supply child seats on request (200bt per item).

All transfers are, of course, available in both directions.

Cambodia

We also lay on International transfers from the Cambodian cities like Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Or we meet you as you cross into Thailand at the borders – Had Lek, Aranya Prathet and Ban Pakkad. Since the 25/26 conflict, the land borders between Cambodia and Thailand have remained closed, so this inter-country service is not currently available – May 26 

 

Travel in Style with Us

Flying to Trat Airport

Bangkok Airways flies from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport into Trat Airport.

The PG301 lands at 09.15 (09.10, 25/10/26 to 28/3/27), so you can connect to the 11.30 Koh Mak Ferry speedboat (550bt, 1 hour). From 1/6/26 to 30/9/26, you calI also use the 11.00 Boonsiri catamaran (550bt, 45 minutes) from Laem Sok Pier. That switches to 10.30 from 1/10/26, so its tight as you need to be there at least 30 minutes before departure and travel time is around 50 minutes.

When on the summer timetable (29/3/26 to 24/10/26), the PG305 lands at 12.40, so you can connect to the 16.00 Panan (550bt, 1 hour) from Laem Ngop Pier or from 1/10/26, head to Laem Sok Pier for the 14.30 Seudamgo (550bt, 45 minutes) or the 15.00 Boonsiri. The 14.00 Leelawadee from Laem Ngop is suspended indefinitely.

From 25/10/26 to 28/3/27, the airline switches to the winter timetable, with the lunchtime flight PG305 then landing at 13.40 – use either Panan at 16.00 from Laem Ngop or from Laem Sok, Boonsiri at 15.00 (very tight) or Koh Kut Express’s mini catamaran at 16.00 speedboat, 30 minutes, 500bt per person.

The PG307 arriving at 17.15 (all year) is too late for any boats across to Koh Mak, so you would need to stay near Laem Ngop pier or Laem Sok Pier and travel the following morning. In busy months, the 1st boat is the Leelawadee at 10.30 but you always need to check ahead if it is running or not? If not, you fall back on the 11.30 Koh Mak Ferry.

From Trat Airport to BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport

You cannot connect to the morning flight PG302 as there is no boat that can make the connection.

On the summer timetable (29/3/26 to 24/10/26), PG306  departs at 13.10, so you take the 10.00 Panan off the island. When on the winter timetable (25/10/26 to 28/3/27), the PG306 moves to 14.10 – at the moment, you still need to use Panan as the 11.30 Leelawadee is suspended indefinitely.

For the PG308 departing at 17.45, you take the last boats off Koh Mak, which are, in high season only, Panan at 13.30, docking at 14.30 at Laem Ngop Pier or the 14.30 Koh Kut Express to Laem Sok Pier arriving at 15.00. From 1/6/26 to 30/9/26, all boats leave Koh Mak in the morning, so if on the evening flight, move it to the lunchtime one or you will have a 6 hour  wait in the Airport.

Flight prices start at 2,850bt per person excluding taxes for a websaver – it needs to be booked well in advance.

To reach the pier from Trat Airport, you use a private transfer, prices from 975bt for a car or a share taxi at 250bt per person. Note the private car is 1,500bt from Laem Sok Pier to Trat Airport if using the Boonsiri, Koh Kut Express or Seudamgo options above.

Book Transfers to The Pier

Speedboats and Ferry

Between Laem Ngop Pier and the island, speedboats run daily at 10.30 (Leelawadee, suspended till further notice),  11.30 (Koh Mak Ferry), 12.30 (Panan, high season only),  14.00 (Leelawadee, suspended till further notice) and 16.00 (Panan); returns are at 08.30 (Koh Mak Ferry), 09.00 (Leelawadee, suspended till further notice), 10.00 (Panan), 11.30 (Leelawadee, suspended till further notice) and 13.30 (Panan, high season only), all at 550bt per person, 1 hour.  Children are 350bt under 130cm, free under 100cm. Always check the boat timetables in rainy season (1/6/26 to 30/9/26) as more may be dropped.

From Laem Sok Pier (Koh Kood’s main departure point),  Boonsiri, Seudamgo, Koh Kut Express and Chonratee run a catamaran, mini catamarans or speedboats, respectively to Koh Mak, either on the their way to Koh Kood or as a special service (Boonsiri). 

In high season, times from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Mak are 10.00 (Chonartee), 10.30 (Boonsiri), 11.45 (Koh Kut Express), 14.30 (Seudamgo), 15.00 (Boonsiri) and 16.00 (Koh Kut Express); going the other way back to the mainland , times are 09.00 (Seudamgo),  09.00 (Boonsiri), 09.30 (Koh Kut Express), 12.00 (Chonratee), 13.00 (Boonsiri) and 14.30 (Koh Kut Express).  Only Boonsiri runs in the rainy season, 1/6/26 to 30/9/26 with times of 11.00 over and 10.00 back.

Journey time is around 30 to 40 minutes, 500bt (Chonratee, Koh Kut Express) or 550bt (Boonsiri, Seudamgo) per person.

Island Hopping

Formerly Bang Bao Boats, Koh Chang Express (owned by Koh Kut Express) runs their speedboat from Koh Mak to Koh Chang at 12.00 or 15.00, 600bt, 30 minutes and at 10.30 and 13.30 from Koh Mak to Koh Kood, 500bt, 30 minutes. Stops from 1/6/26 to 30/9/26.

From Koh Chang to Koh Mak,  it’s at 10.00 and 13.00 and from Koh Kood to Koh Mak, it’s 11.00 and 14.30. Stops from 1/6/26 to 30/9/26.

Kai Bae Nor Nou’s speedboat is at 12.00 to Koh Chang, 1 hour 800bt and 10.00 to Koh Kood, 1 hour 600bt. In reverse, it’s at 09.00 from Koh Chang to Koh Mak and 11.00 from Koh Kood to Koh Mak. Stops from 1/5/26 to 31/10/26.

Boonsiri’s  inter-island catamaran (600bt, 1 hour) from Koh Mak to Koh Chang is at 11.30 or 15.00 (not running 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) or from Koh Mak to Koh Kood (400bt, 30 minutes) at 10.00 (not running 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) or 14.00. 

Going the other way, it’s at 09.00 (not running 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) or 13.00 from Koh Chang to Koh Mak and at 11.00 or 14.30 (not running 1/6/26 to 30/9/26) from Koh Kood.

Koh Mak to Koh Kood Extras

Koh Kut Express’ mainland mini catamaran calls in at Koh Mak on its way to and from Koh Kood. Times are 11.45 and 16.00 from Laem Sok Pier, reaching Koh Mak at 12.15 and 16.30. In reverse, it leaves Koh Kood at 09.00 or 14.00, 500bt, arriving at Koh Mak at 09.30 or 14.30 and then onto the mainland, 30 minutes. Stops calling at Koh Mak from 1/6/26 to 30/9/26 and only the 11.45/09.00 run.

Seudamgo’s service is at 14.30 from Laem Sok (15.15 at Koh Mak, 16.00 at Koh Kood) and 08.30 from Koh Kood (09.15 at Koh Mak, 10.00 at Laem Sok). It’s 550bt between Laem Sok and Koh Mak, 400bt between Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Stops calling at Koh Mak from 1/6/26 to 30/9/26.

See the page here for other options to move between the islands in the rainy season period.

Public Bus, Share Minibus

In this section, we provide all the information and full details on buses from Bangkok.

Look out for the 07.45 999 from Ekamai Bus Station to Ao Thammachat Koh Chang Pier, from where you simply hop in a songthaew cab, 60bt per person (300bt charter), for the 20 minute journey to Laem Ngop Pier. The bus too may drop you there directly, ask the staff.

The return is at 14.30. Check on booking if you can board it at the bottom of Laem Ngop Pier or you need to get to Ao Thammachat. In either case, take the 10.00 Panan speedboat off the island – the 11.30 Leelawadee is suspended indefinitely.

Boonsiri runs a bus from the Khao San Road area at 05.00 (for the 10.30 boat, arriving at Koh Mak at 11.15) and 08.00 (15.00 boat, 15.45 at Koh Mak).  It’s 1,100bt per person, kids 5 and over full price. From 1/6/26 to 30/9/26, only the 05.00 runs for a revised boat at 11.00.

Going back the other way, boat times are at 09.00 and 13.00 from Koh Mak to connect to the buses, which leave from their office near the pier. From 1/6/26 to 30/9/26, there is a revised time of 10.00 boat only from Koh Mak for a bus at 11.00.

Seudamgo’s service also leaves from Khao San Road at 07.00, collecting at Rama 9 at 08.00 and BKK Airport at 08.30. This connects to its mini catamaran at 14.30 from Laem Sok Pier, 45 minutes to Koh Mak and then onto Koh Kood. The return is 09.00 boat off the island, which links to its bus at 10.30. The price is again 1,100bt per person. In low season (1/6/26 to 30/9/26), the buses run but there are no Koh Mak connections.

Koh Kut Express has a bus at 05.00, again from Khao San (06.00 at BKK Airport), which links to its 11.45 mini catamaran reaching Koh Mak by 12.15 – 1,100bt per person. It continues onto Koh Kood for 12.45.  The return is with the 09.30 boat (09.00 from Koh Kood) connecting to the bus at 10.30. In low season (1/6/26 to 30/9/26), the buses run but there are no Koh Mak connections.

On the main bus page, you can find a full round-up and accompanying timetables for the public buses and microbuses from Ekamai and Morchit Bus Stations to Trat.

Resorts and Bungalows

Koh Mak resorts, bungalows and hotels are centred on the two principal beaches at Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai, with other resorts also found on the more remote south, east and north coasts.

Top end resorts include The Mak, Seavana Resort, Plubpla Resort and Mira Montra Resort. Rooms here start from 3,500bt rising up to 13,600bt for the deluxe family options.

Koh Mak does have two small hotels at Makathanee Resort and Islanda Hotel with the cheapest rooms at 2,500bt going up to 5,000bt and more.

By The Sea, Little Moon Resort, Koh Mak Resort and White Sand Beach Resort serve the boutique market – rates from 2,500bt to 6,200bt (family).

Mid Range and Budget

For mid range bungalows and rooms – assume prices from 1,500bt to 3,500bt (family) – Happy Days, Prompakdee Resort, Good Time Sport Resort, Palm Beach, Lazy Day The Resort, Sabai Bungalows, Miss You Resort, TK Huts, Big Easy, Baan Koh Mak, Villa Allure, Talay Time, Sea View, Corsita, Bamboo Hideaway, Hidden Beach and Laem Tukkata Beach Resort are just some of the resorts worth a look.

Meanwhile, if you are on a stricter budget, you should try the accommodation at places like Hanoi House, Yo’s Corner Hostel, Baan Talay Hostel, The Hammock Hostel, Koh Mak Garden View, Green View Bungalows, Twocans, The River Retreat,  Pano, Corsita, Koh Mak Homestay, Homehug Homestay and Island Huts – bungalows and rooms range from 350bt to 2,500bt.

In the main page of our resorts section, we provide recommendations in all the different budget categories – from luxury to traveller. In addition, we bring you our detailed snippet accommodation guides for each area.

You can then explore further by going to that individual area page for the full run-down. Choices made, all that remains is for you to head over to our affiliate at Agoda.com to make the reservation.

Ao Kao Beach – South West Coast – Koh Mak Beaches

Ao Suan Yai Beach, Ao Pra Beach and Ao Lom – North West Coast – Koh Mak Beaches

South and East Coast – Ao Nid, Ao Baan Lang, Ao Pai, Laem Chan, Laem Son – Koh Mak Beaches

North Coast – Ao Taan and Ao Ta Long – Koh Mak Beaches

Beaches

The main beaches on Koh Mak are Ao Kao Beach and Ao Suan Yai Beach on the south west and north west coasts respectively. Both are lovely long stretches of sand with shallow, clean blue waters.

Ao Kao has resorts and bungalows spread out along its length, with a narrow little road running behind offering a few restaurants and shops, everything very laid-back.

The beach at Ao Suan Yai is home to just a few of resorts at the southern end and near the pier, with its northern end wild and undeveloped. Ao Pra Beach, its neighbour, has become better known with the arrival of Mira Montra Resort.

Ao Nid is the island’s administrative area, with a clinic, school, temple and the main pier.

The other coasts – south, east and north – are more remote affairs, but they do still have some great resorts scattered about, as well as a couple of fabulous untouched beaches.

Things to Do in Koh Mak

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Koh Mak, both on the island or out on the water.

At sea, activities range from snorkeling trips and diving over in the Marine Park of Koh Rang or further afield at the wreck near Koh Chang. There’s also a 1/2 day snorkeling trips to Koh Pii, the tiny offshore rock or you can kayak out to the offshore islands such as Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok.

Back on land, renting a bicycle or motorbike is fun way to explore the island, with its maze of tracks, trails and a couple of deserted beaches.

If you want a proper work out, you can pop in the island’s Muay Thai gym, join a yoga class, enjoy a few sets of tennis or try the unique sport of  disc golf.

Alternatively and less energetically, there’s a very interesting local museum down near the main pier or a cooking school nearby. 

Islands Near Koh Mak

5 small islands – Koh Rayang Nok and Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Kham, Koh Kradat and Koh Pii – lie just offshore from Koh Mak. 

You can kayak to them all, though bear in they do have entrance fees; Koh Kham at 200bt per person, Koh Kradat and Koh Rayanag Nok at 150bt per person.

Both Koh Rayang Nok and Koh Rayang Nai are located off Ao Kao Beach, with accommodation available at Rayang Phurin Resort on the former (check ahaead if open for 24/25 season). Its sister island is uninhabited.

Koh Kradat has accommodation too though it’s only used by Thai packages . Koh Kham, which lies off Ao Suan Yai beach, boasts an unfinished luxury resort. 

Meanwhile, Koh Pii is just a rock but known for its excellent snorkeling.

Full details over on the page.

Koh Mak Weather

For the full guide to the climate and seasons on Koh Chang Islands, please head here.

Restaurants

Our Koh Mak restaurant guide takes you round the island, picking out the best places to eat and drink on the island, whether it be Thai food, western alternatives or coffee shops.

Thai

For Thai food, Ao Kao has plenty of choices along the strip behind the beach, with for us, the best of them, Kon Ginsen. Look out too for Food Garden (Ka Ta), Mong, Nuchzabmachs (Issan), KohMak Party Seafood (Ka Ta also) and Mong.

You can find cheap and cheerful diners for one dish meals along the Ao Nid road down to the pier – Peaw, Om and Dum Noodle or on the connecting road between Makathanee and Good Time Sport Resort – Krua Khun Mam Seafood and C’est Bien. There’s also a few no-frills restaurants on the north coast road (near to The Mak) such Maruey, Baan Ingkhao and Pimjai, all good for grabbing a quick bite whilst out and about exploring.

Koh Mak Seafood in Ao Nid is the island’s premier seafood restaurant, with tables out over the water and a few very interesting local choices among the usual fare.

Or for a simple Issan lunch by the sea, make a beeline to the wooden shack in Laem Son in the far north east corner of the island overlooking Koh Kradat – somtam, sticky rice and laab .

Western

If you fancy a pizza, Little Red Oven at the far eastern end of Ao Kao Beach, knocks out a great thin crust or try The Coral Club on the south east coast, which also boasts its own wood fired oven.

Near to Makathanee Resort, the tiny M.A Bistro offers a Mediterranean fusion menu of beef, vegetarian and fish dishes alongside its daily specials. Its offshoot, Pivo across the road, dishes up smash burgers and craft beers.

Pak Pak, in the same area, is the island’s vegan restaurant and a stylish one at that, whilst Blue House is known for its pop-ups – pasta, taco and burgers. Cha Cha Beach Club has become the go-to bistro on the sand, but the By The Sea remains as reliable (and hip) as ever,

12 Bars just down the hill from Islanda Resort brings a full Japanese experience to Koh Mak – sushi, sashimi and more. 

Cafes

In Ao Kao, the stylish Coble opened in 2026 at the Makathanee end – breakfasts, foccaccia and much more. Behind it, at the top of the connecting road to Ao Suan Yai, Terraria Cafe, complete with its neo-colonial style  of wooden interior, ceiling fans and terrace, is in a similar vein. 

Vela Cafe, the long running Ball Cafe and By The Sea (roadside) give you other great options in the centre of Ao Kao but head to the Island Huts end for Food Art Hut, an island stalwart, which also has lots of craft and community stuff too.

Down in Ao Nid, Sweetcake has a lovely vantage point over the pier to go with its own cakes and brews and over on the beach at Ao Suan Yai, Pineapple has lovely spot for its homemade desserts. 

Finally, next door to Coble, Island Gelato is the go-to spot for ice creams but Table Tales also makes its own to accompany the coffee and bakery.

Resorts

For resort dining, The Mak is open to non residents – fabulous views and all very photogenic. Day Beds at Seavana too has a prime spot on the beach as does the in-house diner at White Sand Beach Resort and indeed Mira Montra.

Finally head to Talay Time in the far southern corner of the island for its hilltop restaurant which serves up a  menu of Thai standards and a few western dishes to go with the amazing views.

Nightlife

Koh Mak has two sides to its nightlife; on the one hand, laid back, beach bars, bit of live music and pool, the odd party; on the other hand, two annual clubbing festivals.

Starting with the everyday, over at Ao Suan Yai Beach, head to the pier area for two relaxed spots, sunsets and happy hours – I Talay is bang in the middle or just up the sand to the right, Thai Sabai.

On Ao Kao Beach, the reggae inspired Monkey Bar sits roadside for live music whilst its other outlet, Monkey Shocks, is down by the beach. The popular, very chic Cha Cha Beach Club is little further down, a bistro during the day, great bar into the night (22.00), with some DJ music nights from time to time. 

Next to Cha Cha, Little Bear is open till midnight for live music, bar and food or at the other Makathanee end near TK Huts, Sips, known especially for its gin, opens at 16.00 till late into the night – DJs, fireshow, happy hour. Meanwhile, the bohemian live music venue, Art House, near Good Time Sport Resort is another under-the-radar venue, which is worth an evening.

Finally, Hidden Beach, the small boutique bungalows resort in the south west of the island, is also home to a quiet, beach bar and restaurant but keep your ear to the ground for their highly rated DJ parties (half moon, full moon). 

For sunset again, as well as a pool table, live music, try The Coral Club over on the south coast or Terraria on the Ao Nid Pier road is open late, with 2 pool tables and live music. 

And returning to Koh Mak having tow sides to its nightlife, the two annual clubbing festivals are:-

  • The German curated Thaibreak runs from dusk till dawn for around 10 days each year in the middle of March.
  • Fly To The Moon, a Thai event attracting the hipster Bangkok crowd, cranks up the volume for 4 days leading up to and including New Year (a huge party at Little Moon Villa).
  • Tickets only for both – see online. Venues include The Mak, I Talay, Thai Sabai, Hidden Beach and Cha Cha