UPDATED for 2018/19 Season
Accommodation on the south and east coasts of Koh Mak includes three boutique resorts, some mid-range bungalow resorts, a couple of backpacker or traveller options and even some glamping tents.
Despite the south and east coasts 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.
Koh Mak Resorts and Bungalows – East Coast
For two of Koh Mak’s best boutique resorts, look no further than Koh Mak Plubpla Resort and Little Moon Villa, both way over on the east coast at Ao Pai and Ao Khanoun, 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. Little Moon Villa starts at 2,500bt for its standard villa, up to 5,900bt for its largest family bungalow.
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 1,300bt upwards, whilst on the hill beneath Buri Huts still attracts a mix of Thai and Russian packages.
Further back towards the pier, Sea Breeze is a conventional family run bungalow resort, with large rooms, which together with its pool and terrific ocean views, makes it also definitely worth a look. Standard rooms from 2,300bt up to deluxe seaview bungalows at 3,500bt
The new concrete roads which criss cross the island have made access to all of these resorts much easier.
Recommended Resorts and Bungalows – Koh Mak East Coast
Recommended
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;
Little Moon Villa Resort
Ao Pai/Ao Kanoun- North East Coast
Per Night: BBB-BBBB
Tucked away on the far north eastern tip, 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.
PlubPla Koh Mak Reatreat
Ao Pai/Ao Kanoun – North East Coast
Per Night: BBBB
Stylish and slick boutique resort on the bay with well spaced a/c bungalows, some with jacuzzi. Restaurant and swimming pool. Very private, with transport provided to main beaches.
Sea Breeze Resort
Ao Baan Lang – East Coast
Per Night: BBB-BBBB
Tucked away on the eastern coast with great views out over the bay. A/c bungalows, restaurant and swimming pool. Transport provided to the main beaches, but motorbike or cycle gives more options. Secluded getaway.
Bamboo Hideaway Resort
Ao Baan Lang – East Coast
Per Night: BB-BBBB
Constructed from bamboo, with 8 a/c bungalows, including twins, all running off a raised walkway, Mexican restaurant and swimming pool. Transport provided to get to the beaches or rent a motorbike/cycle. Again, away from it all.
Koh Mak Resorts and Bungalows – South Coast
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 750bt, going up to 2,500bt per night for the deluxe.
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 2,000bt. 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 750bt to 1,500bt.
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.
Recommended Resorts and Bungalows – Koh Mak South Coast
Ao Pong Resort
Ao Nid – South East Coast
Per Night: BB-BBB
Polish/Thai resort with standard fan or a/c bungalows and deluxe bungalows, all on the slope above a small sandy beach not far from the pier. Restaurant, wifi. Speedboat trips to offshore islands. Would need a motorbike, but can walk to Koh Mak Seafood, Kohmak Steakhouse, Coffee and Sweetcake.
Banana Sunset
Laem Chan – South East Coast
Per Night: BB
Hidden away on the south east coast, 4 a/c bungalows by the sea in the main area, with a further 6 fan bungalows in a separate cove behind. Hip bar and restaurant Laid-back atmosphere, the odd party. Motorbike hire, kayaks, pool table, excellent wifi.
Pano Resort
Laem Chan – South East Coast
Per Night: BB
3 huge wooden bungalows on stilts split into two halves, with restaurant on inlet from the sea. Rocky coast, friendly, hang-out atmosphere, great views and snorkelling. Transport available, but bets with own transport to get to the beaches.
Talay Time
Laem Chan – South East Coast
Per Night: BB-BBB
Off the beaten track in the far south of the island, tiny Thai resort with 8 or so standard a/c bungalows by the sea, Koh Kood on the horizon. Wifi, small restaurant, boat trips, can snorkel offshore. Would need a motorbike.
From all places, free transport is usually offered to Ao Kao Beach or Ao Suan Yai, though being able to ride a motorbike would definitely make the island seem that much more manageable.
Other Bungalows and Guesthouses on South and East Coast
Naivacha Tents
Ao Daeng
Per Night: BBB
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. Small restaurant, kayaks.
Buri Huts Natural Resort
Ao Baan Lang
Per Night: BBB-BBBB
30 a/c huts set on the hillside underneath Bamboo Hideaway. Swimming pool, transport to beaches. Restaurant and cocktail bar. Russian packages twice weekly.
Sea View Resort
Ao Baan Lang
Per Night: BB-BBB
Next door to Bamboo Hideaway, this newly renovated resort has 10 large a/c bungalows in 2 rows with well kept garden between. Restaurant on site, expansion planned.
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