Gplace > Thailand > Trat > Ko Kut > Koh Mak

“Ko Mak offers unspoiled beaches, calm clear waters, coral reefs, sunrise and sunset views, and a peaceful community — an ideal destination for true relaxation.”

Ko Mak is a large island located between Ko Chang and Ko Kut, about 38 kilometers from the mainland. Covering an area of around 9,000 rai, the island has a star-like shape with mostly flat land covered in coconut plantations. It’s surrounded by scenic bays and beaches such as Ao Tanid, Ao Phai, Ao Prong, Ao Phad, Ao Daeng, and Ao Suan Yai.

The surrounding shores and nearby islets are home to thriving coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. The island also has a number of accommodations for tourists, with the best travel season stretching from October to May.

Ko Mak’s original settlers were Khmer Thais who migrated in 1904 when the nearby Koh Kong area became part of French Indochina. Led by Luang Phromphakdi, the community was formed by a mix of Khmer and Chinese migrants. Today, many of the islanders are relatives engaged in rubber and coconut farming — making the island a major coconut-growing area of Trat Province.

Ko Mak retains its natural charm and relaxed atmosphere. With beautiful beaches, clean seas, and friendly locals, it has become a peaceful destination for those seeking simplicity and nature. A 27-kilometer ring road circles the island, and motorbikes are available for rent at resorts to explore every corner.

Ao Suan Yai, located on the northwest, is the island’s longest and most stunning beach with soft white sand and shallow waters — ideal for swimming. From the beach, you can see Koh Kham and Koh Phi nearby. The area is also shaded with coconut trees and features a post office, internet cafés, restaurants, and beachfront resorts.

Ao Khao, on the southwest, is a quiet beach perfect for watching sunsets. It offers clear views of Ko Kut, Ko Rayang Nok, and Ko Rayang Nai. The beach is peaceful, and its rocky areas attract small fish — making it a good spot for fishing.

Ao Phai and Laem Kadun, on the east coast, have red sandy beaches and thick coconut groves. While they’re not suitable for swimming, they’re excellent for walking and observing local life. Laem Kadun resembles Phuket’s Laem Phromthep and is an ideal sunrise viewpoint.

Ao Na Nok or Ao Ban Yai lies southwest, beyond Laem Tukkata. It's a quiet bay near local villages and connects seamlessly with Ao Suan Yai. Various beachfront areas are named after nearby resorts, such as Ao Holiday Beach, offering calm waters and views of the Rayang islets.

Tourists can charter longtail boats to explore surrounding islands within 5–10 minutes. Lazy Day Beach, next to Holiday Beach, is also walkable and connects to inland roads leading to other beaches.

Ao Nid, on the southeast coast, serves as the island's main pier and transport hub. While it doesn’t have a beach, it offers beautiful sunrise views and houses local shops and communities. It's also a departure point for boats to nearby islands and for accessing new resorts like Ko Mak Panorama in nearby Ao Pong.

How to Get There

By bus & ferry: Take an air‑conditioned bus from Bangkok (Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal) to Trat or Laem Ngop (~4.5–5.5 hours). From Trat town, take a songthaew or taxi to Krom Luang Pier (Laem Ngop). From there, take a speedboat (~50–60 minutes) or slower ferry (~3 hours) to Ko Mak.
By flight & boat: Fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) to Trat Airport (~1 hour). From there, take a taxi (30–40 minutes) to Laem Ngop Pier and continue by boat to Ko Mak.
By direct transfer: Some operators offer combined bus + ferry services from Bangkok to Ko Mak in a single ticket (~8–9 hours).
From nearby islands: Daily boat services connect Ko Mak with Ko Chang and Ko Kut (high season only), with travel times of around 50–60 minutes.