🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're planning to explore Koh Kood by rented motorbike or car, looping around the island, the Giant Makha Tree is an easy place to pull over along the way. It sits on the inland side of the island, on the same road that leads to Ao Salat. It's an old Makha Mong tree, and locals say it stood here long before people ever settled on the island. It's roughly 30–40 metres tall, with a trunk so wide that one person can't reach around it — you need several people working together.
There are actually two old Makha Mong trees in this spot. The first is right by the path and the easiest to reach, while the larger one — the one most people call the Giant Makha Tree — takes another short walk into the forest, about 5 minutes more. Both are around 200–500 years old, an estimate that several sources put in roughly the same range.
What Is the Giant Makha Tree, and Why Stop Here?
The Giant Makha Tree is a Makha Mong, a hardwood that grows in Thailand's rainforests and is very slow-growing, so a tree this size takes hundreds of years to reach what you see today. The appeal of the spot is the quiet, shady forest, the light filtering down through the leaves in patches, and the feeling of being small as you stand under a tree many times older than you.
- A trunk it takes several people to hug — the base is wide, with buttress roots fanning out to the sides. People love standing next to it for a sense of scale in photos.
- Set in the rainforest — it's surrounded by natural forest, cooler than the beach, and a nice place to step out of the sun.
- Free to visit — there's no official entry fee. It's an open natural spot you can stop by and see.
- Some offerings left here — some people come to pray for a long life, leaving coins or tying cloth at the base. Islanders treat the tree with respect.
Watch for the Sign
The turn-off to the tree branches from the inland road heading to Ao Salat, and there is a sign — but it's small, and parts of the road are narrow. If you're driving yourself, slow down and keep an eye out so you don't sail past the entrance.
Want more out of Koh Kood? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
How to Get to the Giant Makha Tree
The Giant Makha Tree is on the inland side of the island, on the road to Ao Salat. Most people get here by rented motorbike or a resort vehicle. From the popular accommodation areas like Klong Chao or Ao Tapao, head along the island's inland road, then turn off following the sign for the old tree. Once you park, the walk in to the first tree is short, while the larger tree is about another 5 minutes through the forest.
- Rent a motorbike — the most popular way to get around the island. Rental runs about 250–350 THB a day, and you top up fuel yourself from the roadside bottle stalls. Some stretches of road are narrow and hilly, so ride carefully.
- Resort vehicle or a car with driver — more comfortable and a good choice if you'd rather not drive yourself. You can ask your accommodation about a day rate.
- Island tour — some resorts and tour shops offer packages that cover several land-based spots in one day, including the tree, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
Before You Head to Koh Kood
Koh Kood is remote — you reach it by boat from Laem Sok pier in Trat province, a trip of about 1–1.5 hours depending on the boat type. During the monsoon season, roughly May to October, the seas get rough, some boat departures are cancelled, and many resorts close. Always check the boat schedule and book your accommodation ahead before you travel.
What Else Is Worth Stopping For Nearby
The nice thing about visiting the Giant Makha Tree is that it sits on the same route as other natural spots on the island, so it's easy to fold into a half-day land tour without driving far.
Klong Chao Waterfall
The island's largest waterfall, with a pool you can swim in. It's the spot most visitors stop at.
Huai Nam Khiao Waterfall
A small, quiet waterfall further into the forest past the old trees, good for anyone who likes fewer crowds.
Ao Salat
A fishing village at the tip of the island, with seafood restaurants and a sea-gypsy way of life. A good place to stop for lunch.
A Koh Kood Land Tour Built Around the Giant Makha Tree
If you want to see the Giant Makha Tree along with the island's other natural spots, here's an easy 2-day plan. Adjust the timing around the boat schedule and the weather.
Arrive on the Island + Waterfall and Old Trees
Giant Makha Tree + the End of the Island
Prep Before Walking Into the Forest
The path to the trees is dirt and tree roots, and it gets slippery in the rainy season, so wear shoes with good grip. Bring drinking water and mosquito repellent, and carry your trash back out — this is natural forest with no shops nearby.
Plan a full Koh Kood trip — beaches, waterfalls, and places to stay
See the Koh Kood travel guide →