Koh Mak nightlife is not going to set too many pulses racing, it’s not that kind of island, but there are a couple of places where you can kick back, have a cocktail and a natter, listen to some music and meet fellow travellers.
You can jump straight to each category:-
Around the Beaches
On Ao Suan Yai Beach, Talay by Koh Mak Resort Pier and Thai Sabai Bar @ Prompakdee, just down the beach to its right, are great spots to sip a mojito or two. At the other end, Cococape has a unique thatch bar, Tide-Top at the end of the little pier in front of the resort – good for pics as well as a drink but it seems they do now have an entrance fee of 200bt per person (including a drink of value up to 80bt).
On Ao Kao Beach, Talay Bar at Baan Koh Mak is a cute beach bar worth a look as is the chilled-out atmosphere of a drink at the boutique guesthouse, By The Sea. Meanwhile, at the northern end, roadside near The Island Shop, Q Bar, has earnt a sterling reputation for its cocktails. Monkey Bar on Ao Kao Beach, formerly the place to head for the serious party action and live music, has now closed.
Talking of live music, you should hunt out Art House opposite the entrance to Good View on the back road running from Makathanee Resort towards Ao Suan Yai Beach – nice atmosphere.
Last but not least, Banana Sunset over on the south east coast is great for many things but in particular, you guessed it, the sunsets are superb – settle back on their deck by the sea and have the camera ready.
Festivals
Once a year, normally towards the end of March, the Koh Mak nightlife scene does break free of its shackles with the arrival of Thaibreak, a German clubbing festival. Running for 3 days, top European DJs including headliners from the German Stil vor Talent label (electronic/deep house) move from venue to venue throughout each night ending at sunrise and later. Thai Sabai, Banana Sunset and even Koh Rayang Nok are all part of the action.
Fly to the Moon too holds annual festivals with jungle and beach parties hosted by leading Bangkok Djs from the hip nightclubs and bars of Thonglor, Ekamai and Kolour in Phuket. Venues are similar to above, with the party at Sabai @ Prompakdee in particular the one to look out for. Daylight hours are set aside for daily yoga and boat trips.
On all the major holidays, you can safely assume that there will be a proper party on one of the beaches, late loud and bacchanalian.
