Koh Mak Island

Koh Mak Island is located on the East side of Taj Bay between two islands: Koh Chang and Koh Kood, approximately 350 km away from the capital city - Bangkok. It is a small, tropical island with the area of 16 km2. Koh Mak is shaped vaguely like a four-pointed star, with the longest beaches and majority of resorts located to the west. The island's three piers are found at Ao Nid, Koh Mak Resort on Ao Suan Yai and Makathanee Resort at the center of Ao Kao, with nearly all visitors arriving at one of the latter two. If your chosen resort is not on the beach where you land, pick-up truck taxis can take you across the island for 50 baht per person.

Almost the entire island is owned by relatively few descendants of Luang Prompakdii, who purchased Koh Mak from Chao Sua Seng; the Chinese-Thai tax collector, who was working these days for Thai King Rama V.  Nowadays the island is dominated by coconut and para rubber trees plantations. Islanders mostly work in agriculture and tourism business which still is not as commercialized as in other popular regions of Thailand. With such a deep-rooted agricultural tradition, it’s no surprise that Ko Mak’s landscape is distinct from its larger and more rugged neighbors, Koh Chang and Koh Kut.It looks like, as a result of natural awareness of the human relation to the nature, the people of Koh Mak found the right balance between business and happiness. Such attitude reflects in overwhelming hospitality, understanding of co-operative friendship and environmental awareness of islanders. Consequently, the development strategy of this islands administration is based on respect to the nature. The island is being promoted as a “Low Carbon Destination”. So, you will not find here tall, concrete hotels on the beach, supermarkets, seven/eleven shops, night clubs, noisy watersports equipment, banks or even ATMs – so better be prepared and brink some cash with you.

For people who plan to spend holiday in Thailand and want to relax in tranquil environment, unspoiled by mass tourism and really get away from it all Koh Mak is a perfect place.The island has something for everyone, from cheap bamboo backpacker huts to a variety of mid-range bungalow resorts and upmarket boutique establishments. There are about 30 tourist resorts here but many of them are filled up during high season so advanced reservation is a good idea from December to February.

Attractions on the island mostly includes relax on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, diving on the nearby located coral reef and National Marine Park, fishing, trekking, bike cycling, visiting local organic farms, coconuts and rubber tree plantations, kayaking and boat excursions to other islands around: Koh Wai, Koh Kood, Koh Kam, Koh Rayang, Koh Kradad and many others. Scuba diving trips can be arranged by two Diving Centers located on the Island.

Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at an office near the info center, just inland from the pier at Ao Suan Yai. This is also where you’ll find the post office. The local health center is located next to the school in Ao Nid, but anything marginally serious would require a trip to Trat.There is a pharmacy on the island, where you can buy some medications. The electricity is provided to the island by new undersea cable that was laid in 2016 connecting the island to the Thailand’s national grid. 

Koh Mak, as one of the undiscovered islands of Thailand is considered to be a well-kept secret of this region. Due to beautiful beaches and crystal clear water The Sunday Times newspaper included Koh Mak in its list of the worlds ''Top 10 Secret Beaches'' in October 2006. You are welcome to check it yourself.