Koh Mak
เกาะหมาก · Trat Province
Population
600
Budget / Month
$481
Internet
10 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season, calm seas)
About Koh Mak
Koh Mak sits in the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Chang and Koh Kood yet receives only a fraction of their visitors. At 16 square kilometers, the island is small enough to cycle around in a few hours. There are no cars for rent, no ATMs, no 7-Elevens, and no party scene — just palm-fringed beaches, warm shallow water, and the gentle rhythm of island life.
The island is dominated by rubber and coconut plantations owned by a handful of Thai families who have lived here for generations. These families also run most resorts and restaurants, giving Koh Mak a distinctly local, family-run atmosphere. Beaches along the northwest coast offer the best swimming and sunset views, while the southern coast is rockier and more rugged.
Koh Mak has positioned itself as Thailand's first low-carbon destination with initiatives to reduce plastic and promote sustainable tourism. Bicycles and motorbikes are the only transport, and the flat terrain makes cycling easy and pleasant. The island's charm lies in what it lacks — no crowds, no noise, no pressure.
Historical Note
Koh Mak has been privately owned by Thai families for over a century, primarily for coconut and rubber plantations. Tourism began in the early 2000s and the island has deliberately pursued low-impact eco-tourism to preserve its character.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season, calm seas)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะหมาก
Province
Trat
Region
Eastern
Population
600
Area
16 km²
Elevation
60 m
Postal Code
23000
Airport
TDX
Local Language
Central Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month17,300 THB
~$481 USD
comfortable
/month40,200 THB
~$1,117 USD
luxury
/month75,500 THB
~$2,097 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple meal | 70 | 120 |
| Restaurant meal (Thai) | 120 | 300 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 50 | 80 |
| Beer (bottle) | 70 | 100 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 20 | 30 |
| Fresh fish meal | 150 | 350 |
| Pad Thai | 80 | 120 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget bungalow | 500 | 1,000 |
| Mid-range resort | 1,200 | 3,000 |
| Best resort on island | 3,000 | 6,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle rental (day) | 100 | 200 |
| Scooter rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
| Speedboat transfer (one way) | 450 | 600 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Island hopping tour | 800 | 1,500 |
| Massage (1 hour) | 250 | 400 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
5% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry weather and calm seas. December to February is peak season. The island shuts down June to October when monsoon rains halt boat services and most resorts close.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 23 | 15 | 70% |
| Feb | 32 | 24 | 15 | 68% |
| Mar | 33 | 25 | 50 | 70% |
| Apr | 34 | 26 | 100 | 74% |
| May | 33 | 26 | 250 | 80% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 330 | 84% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 350 | 85% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 340 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 320 | 84% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 260 | 82% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 80 | 74% |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 25 | 70% |
Things to Do
Cycle Around the Island
The island way of life. Flat terrain and quiet roads through rubber and coconut plantations make for an easy, scenic 3-4 hour loop.
Kayaking to Koh Kham
Paddle to the photogenic twin islands of Koh Kham connected by a sandbar. Crystal-clear water and excellent snorkeling.
Ao Suan Yai Beach
The longest beach on the island with gentle shallow water perfect for swimming. Over a kilometer of white sand.
Sunset at Ao Kao Beach
West-facing beach with the best sunset views on the island. Golden light over the Gulf of Thailand.
Rubber Plantation Walk
See rubber tapping in action before 7 AM. The island's main industry before tourism arrived.
Stargazing
Minimal light pollution creates incredible night skies. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible.
Food & Dining
ปลาเผา
Pla Pao
Whole fish packed in a thick salt crust and grilled over coals. Crack open the crust to reveal perfectly moist fish inside.
150-300
Beachfront restaurants
ต้มยำกุ้ง
Tom Yum Goong
Hot and sour prawn soup made with fresh local shrimp. The island proximity to fishing boats means exceptional freshness.
120-200
Resort restaurants
ผัดกะเพรา
Pad Krapao
Stir-fried meat or tofu with holy basil over rice, topped with a fried egg. Thailand's everyday comfort food.
80-120
Local food stalls
ไอศกรีมกะทิ
Fresh Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut milk ice cream made from the island's own coconut trees, served in a coconut shell.
40-60
Market stalls near the pier
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
400 - 700
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,200 - 3,000
THB / night
Luxury
3,000 - 6,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
10,000 - 18,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
14,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
No ATMs on the island — bring all cash from the mainland. Some resorts accept cards but add a 3% surcharge. Most resorts close June-October.
Getting There from Bangkok
Trat Airport
Airport Code: TDX
Flight to Trat + speedboat
1 hour flight + 1 hour boat
3,000-4,600 THB
Bus to Trat + speedboat
5-6 hours + 1 hour boat
500-700 THB
Getting Around
Bicycle
WidespreadThe island way. Flat terrain and quiet roads make cycling easy.
100-200/day
Scooter
LimitedFaster alternative for covering the whole island.
200-300/day
Neighborhoods
Ao Kao (Northwest Coast)
Quiet tropical resort stripThe most popular tourist area with the majority of resorts and restaurants. West-facing for spectacular sunsets with a gentle sandy beach.
Best for: Sunset seekers and beach lovers
Ao Suan Yai (West Coast)
Relaxed and spaciousThe longest beach on the island stretching over a kilometer. More spread out with excellent calm, shallow swimming water.
Best for: Families and swimmers
Festivals & Events
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Intimate beach celebration with floating krathongs launched into the calm gulf waters.
Koh Mak Eco Day
Community beach cleanup and eco-awareness events celebrating the island's low-carbon commitment.
Practical Info
Hospital
Very basic first aid only; emergencies require boat to Trat Hospital on mainland
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai with limited English. Bring a translation app and enough cash for your entire stay.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only. Available at resorts and small shops.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Kham
Iconic connected twin islands with crystal-clear water and excellent snorkeling. Reachable by kayak in 15 minutes.
Koh Kood
Larger island with jungle waterfalls, pristine beaches, and traditional fishing villages.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really no ATMs?
Correct. No ATMs and no banks on the island. Bring all cash from the mainland. Some resorts accept cards with a 3% surcharge.
Is there nightlife?
No. A few resort bars stay open until 10-11 PM. Most people are asleep by 10 PM. This is a digital detox destination.
Can I work remotely?
Internet is unreliable at 5-20 Mbps with frequent drops. Not recommended for video calls or uploads.
How long should I stay?
3-5 days is ideal. The island is small and relaxation-focused. You can see everything in 2-3 days but the slow pace rewards longer stays.
Is it good for children?
Excellent. Shallow calm beaches and car-free roads make it very safe for families. Bring a first aid kit as there are no medical facilities.
Can I drive a car?
No cars available for rent. The island is explored by bicycle or scooter on flat, quiet roads.