South and east coast resorts on Koh Mak include three boutique resorts, some mid-range bungalow resorts, a couple of backpacker or traveller options and even some glamping tents.
Despite this part of the island not having the same quality of beach as found at Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai, the resorts and bungalows are still deservedly popular, with their wonderful seclusion, peace and quiet and ‘away from it all’ feel. This does perhaps mean they are better suited to couples and young families rather than to families with elder children.
Around the resorts, there is very little else going on, with no restaurants or shops, so you will be most likely dining in-house or hire a motorbike to give yourself a lot more flexibility. The resorts too have transport on hand as needed.
Prices given are for the peak Xmas period via booking sites, not the hotel websites. They are intended as guides only.
You can jump straight to to each section:-
East Coast Resorts and Bungalows
For two of Koh Mak’s best boutique resorts, look no further than Koh Mak Plubpla Resort and Villa Allure, both way over on the east coast at Ao Pai and Ao Khanoun respectively, perfectly isolated on small private coarse sand beaches.
Koh Mak Plubpla Resort offers seaview villas from 4,500bt going up to 6,200bt for its deluxe beachfront villa. It does have a swimming pool. Villa Allure starts at 3,500bt for its standard villa, up to 7,500bt for its largest family bungalow (with 2 bedrooms).
On the same coast, but nearer to Ao Nid, Bamboo Hideaway is indeed that, with its bungalows constructed entirely from bamboo, raised up and joined by walkways and a small swimming pool that looks out over the horizon. Fan rooms start from 1,500bt in high season.
Next door, Sea View Resort has 10 or so a/c bungalows from 1,400bt upwards, whilst on the hill beneath Buri Huts attracts mainly Thai packages, prices from 1,200bt for a garden view room.
Further back towards the pier, Sea Breeze is one of the conventional family run south and east coast resorts. Its large rooms – standard from 2,300bt, deluxe seaview at 3,500bt – its pool and the terrific ocean views make it definitely worth a look.
Pricing Code/Per night in Baht (B):
B= under 500; BB= 500 to 1,500; BBB= 1,500 to 3,000; BBBB= over 3,000;
Villa Allure
Per Night: BBBB
Sea-side
Tucked away on the far north eastern tip in an area known as Ao Khanoun, Bangkok style boutique resort with a dozen a/c bungalows on a small beach. Good restaurant, boat trips to Koh Kradat, transport to the beaches. Very secluded with the deserted Laem Son Beach 15 minutes walk away. Used to be Little Moon.
PlubPla Koh Mak Reatreat
Per Night: BBBB
Sea-side
By the sea in the area known as Ao Pai, stylish, slick boutique resort offering well spaced-out a/c ensuite villas, some with jacuzzi, joined together by raised wooden walkways. Restaurant and feature swimming pool. Very private, a quiet space. Transport provided to the main beaches. One of Koh Mak’s premier resorts but do note the beach is east coast style.
Sea Breeze Resort
Per Night: BBB – BBBB
Overlooking the Sea
More central than the above 2 south and east coast resorts, this is a 2/3 star resort up on the hill at Ao Baan Lang, east coast. A/c bungalows, restaurant and nice swimming pool, great views out over the bay. Transport provided to the main beaches, but hiring a motorbike or bicycle gives you more options. Secluded getaway. Own pier, base for M Marine Speedboat.
Bamboo Hideaway Resort
Per Night: BBB – BBBB
Overlooking the Sea
Similar area to Sea Breeze, resort constructed from bamboo, with 8 a/c bungalows, including twins, all on stilts running off a raised walkway. In-house restaurant and bar, swimming pool. Transport provided to get to the beaches or rent a motorbike/cycle. Again, away from it all, affable host too.
Sea View Resort
Per Night: BB – BBBB (Family)
Overlooking the Sea
Next door to Bamboo Hideaway, this Italian/Thai owned resort has 11 large a/c bungalows, doubles or twins, in 2 rows with well kept garden between. Italian restaurant and bar on site, good views, bikes for rent. Good cheaper option in this area.
Buri Huts Resort
Per Night: BB – BBBB
Overlooking the Sea
Long running resort of 30 a/c concrete huts set on the hillside underneath Bamboo Hideaway. Swimming pool, small beach, kayaking, restaurant and cocktail/karaoke bar. Transport to other areas. Thai packages.
South Coast Resorts and Bungalows
On Koh Mak’s south coast, there are a couple of cheaper alternatives to those in the east that might suit backpackers and travellers.
Near Ao Nid, Ao Pong Resort is within walking distance of the pier, so not completely cut off and it also has 6 or so deluxe seaview bungalows. Basic fan rooms start at 1,200bt, going up to 4,500bt per night for the deluxe. Nearby, Coffee and Sweetcake has both B & B rooms on the way to Ao Pong and an appartment in the big house next door to its cafe, prices from 1,300bt.
Pano Resort is wonderfully out of the way in the far south corner, unique stilted rooms from 750bt, whilst the charming Talay Time at the very southern tip overlooking Koh Kood, has various bungalows from 1,200bt to 2,500bt.
Banana Sunset on the same coast offers cute little beach huts in a separate cove to its restaurant and popular bar, as well as its seaview superior bungalows nearer to the action, prices from 1,200bt upwards.
Naivacha Tent offers a real glamping experience in an area know as Ao Daeng, accessed off the road to Banana Sunset. Safari style tents, complete with bathrooms and a/c, start at 2,000bt for a twin and up to 2,500bt for the triple.
Ao Pong Resort
Per Night: BB – BBBB
By the Sea
Polish/Thai resort with standard fan or a/c bungalows alongside deluxe bungalows, all on the slope above a small sandy beach not far from the pier. Restaurant, WiFi. Best to rent a motorbike to get to the main beaches, but you can walk to Koh Mak Seafood, Kohmak Steakhouse, Coffee and Sweetcake. Cozy and quiet.
Pano Resort
Per Night: BB – BBBB
By the Sea
Over in the area known as Laem Chan, a unqiue selection of huge wooden bungalows high up on stilts, which are then split into two halves for the fan rooms. Charming restaurant on an inlet from the sea. Rocky coast, friendly, hang-out atmosphere, great views, sunsets and snorkelling. Transport available, but best with own transport to get to the beaches.
Talay Time
Per Night: BB – BBBB
By the Sea
Off the beaten track in the far south of the island, Thai resort with 15 standard, comfort or deluxe a/c bungalows by the sea, with Koh Kood on the horizon. WiFi, small restaurant, boat trips, can snorkel offshore, kayaking. Would need a motorbike. Good getaway, very friendly.
Banana Sunset
Per Night: BB – BBBB
By the Sea
Hidden away on the south east coast in Laem Chan, a/c bungalows by the sea in the main area, with a further group of fan bungalows in a separate cove behind. Hip bar and restaurant known for its sunset hang-outs, laid-back atmosphere. Expect the odd party, live music. Motorbike and bicycle hire, kayaks, pool table, WiFi.
Naivacha Tent
Per Night: BB – BBBB
By the Sea
On the east coast at Ao Daeng, accessed from the road to Banana Sunset, 10 glamping a/c tents, with fridges, TV’s and ensuite bathrooms. Couple of bungalows too. Small restaurant, kayaks, no beach but nice coastline. Motorbike hire, WiFi.
Return to Koh Mak Resorts, Bungalows and Hotel
