Koh Rayang Nok – Koh Mak Islands

Koh Rayang Nok is a gem of a little island, with an abandoned resort and a beautiful white sandy beach. A small wooden bridge did connect it to a rocky outcrop at its northern end and from the island’s western shore, Koh Rang dominates the far horizon.

Kayaking across takes 30 to 45 minutes from Laem Tukkata or Ao Kao, rates normally at 100bt an hour – try Laem Tukkata Beach Resort, Hidden Beach, Big Easy or TK Huts.

The island charges a 100bt entrance fee, payable to the caretaker on arrival. Note, there is nothing to buy once there so take all drinks and food with you.

You can also charter a little wooden fishing boat, maybe 200bt to 250bt from Laem Tukkata – ask at old bungalows by Laem Tukkata Beach Resort.

Koh Kham

Situated off Ao Suan Yai on the the north west coast of Koh Mak, this is a very pretty private island with entry of fee of 200bt.

Boats leave at 10.30, 13.30 and 15.00 from the pier at Koh Mak Resort for 350bt with the fee included, returning 3 hours later. You can book this at Koh Mak Information Point behind the pier. Thai Sabai at Prompakdee, just down the beach, also has a boat for charter and kayaks at 100bt an hour, 500bt a day – it’s a very gentle paddle.

On the island, a shack serves drinks and snacks, the 1st drink free with the entrance fee. There are a few deckchairs too.

Koh Kradat – Koh Mak Islands

Off the north east tip of Koh Mak, Koh Kradat is a very flat low lying island, thought to resemble a sheet of paper floating on the waves, hence the name, Koh meaning island and Kradat = paper.

It is very much a working environment with a population of about 20, who farm the coconuts and go out fishing. There is a Thai style package resort, a restaurant, small inlet for the boats and most curiously, a herd of deer.

The entrance fee is 150bt which is payable as part of the boat fee, itself normally around 350bt per person return and bookable at the usual spots on Ao Suan Yai and Ao Kao or at Villa Allure at Ao Pai. You can also just turn up at Laem Son in the very north east of the island and negotiate with one of the locals.

Once on the island, there is a tractor which will take you round in a loop to see both the deer and the general topography. If the tide is low (May to June), you can also walk across to the two tiny islands at its northern tip – Koh Nok Nok and Koh Nok Nai.

Koh Pii

Koh Pii is a tiny uninhabited island, (rock in truth), off Ao Lom bay at the north western end of the island.

Its claim to fame is the reef which encirles it, ideal for snorkeling. Half day boat trips will take you out there and the surrounding area at around 1,000bt for a few hours.

Mira Montra Resort and Cococape Resort are the nearest resorts, with kayaks also available at the usual day rates of 500bt. Or you can visit on a private charter too together with Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok.

For details on how to get to Ao Lom by feet or wheels, check out our trails page here.

Koh Rayang Nai – Koh Mak Islands

Off Ao Kao or Ao Kra Tueng beach on the south west side of the island, this is an uninhabited island with just a small shrine at its northern end.

You can kayak across in no time and even walk over on the sand ridge at low tide. Art of Ocean, an abandoned project of underwater elephant sculptures, lies submerged at 7 metres down just nearby – just about visible.

For kayaks, try any of the resorts at that end of the beach or have a day down at Laem Tookata in the far south west and go across from there.