🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Mak suits people who want a pretty sea without the chaos. The roads are small and traffic is light, so most people get around on a bicycle or a rented scooter. There are two main beach sides: Ao Kao on the southwest, the longest beach with the most places to eat and drink, and Ao Suan Yai on the northwest, which is quieter and has lovely sunsets. This 3-day, 2-night plan breaks down into a settle-in-and-beach day, a full snorkeling day, and a cycling day before you head back.
Before you go: boat times, prices, and seasons
Most people get to Koh Mak by boat from Laem Ngop Pier (speedboat about 50 min, fares from around ฿450 one way) or Laem Sok Pier, served by Boonsiri and Koh Kut Express (faster, around 30–40 min, roughly ฿500–550). In high season there are several departures from late morning into the afternoon, but check the latest schedule and book ahead, because the actual times shift with the season and the weather.
What to know before you go
During the monsoon, roughly May to October, the Trat sea gets rough — many guesthouses and restaurants on the island close for long stretches, boats cut their runs or stop entirely at times, and snorkeling trips are often cancelled when the swell is up. If you want clear water and easy cycling, aim for November to April.
Bring enough cash
There are few ATMs on the island and they sometimes run out of money. Small shops, island-hopping boat fees, and many bicycle rentals take cash only. Things cost more here than on the mainland because everything has to come over by boat, so bring enough cash to cover food, activities, and island entry fees for the whole trip.
Book the activities in your Koh Mak trip ahead
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.
Rough budget per person (3 days, 2 nights)
- Return boat roughly ฿900–1,100 (depending on the pier and boat type)
- 2 nights' accommodation from around ฿1,500–4,500 per night depending on the level (split if you're a couple)
- 1-day Koh Rang snorkeling trip around ฿800–1,000 + national park fee of about ฿200
- Bicycle rental around ฿150–200 per day, or a scooter around ฿250 per day
- Food budget around ฿150–400 per meal — island prices are noticeably higher than on the mainland
Day 1 — Arrive, settle into Ao Kao, catch the sunset
Settle in + Ao Kao beach side
Pick the right side to stay
If you like having plenty of places to eat within easy reach, stay on the Ao Kao side. If you want the quietest setting and a wide beach, choose the Ao Suan Yai side. Both are within cycling distance of each other on the one island.
Day 2 — A full day snorkeling the islands nearby
The highlight of Koh Mak is the cluster of small islands around it, with clear water and coral for snorkeling. The most popular is Koh Kham, which is close by and reachable by kayak or boat (there's an island entry fee of about ฿200). Boat trips also run out to Koh Rang in the national park, the best snorkeling spot in the area. Most people book a half-day or full-day trip for around ฿800–1,000 per person, plus the park fee of about ฿200.
Snorkeling day — Koh Kham & Koh Rang
Snorkel safely
Check the weather and swell before every trip — if it's rough the trip may be pushed back or cancelled, so don't force it. Listen to the guide about where it's safe to get in the water, and never step on or grab the coral.
Day 3 — Cycle around the island before you leave
Koh Mak covers about 16 square kilometres, with fairly smooth roads and little traffic, so cycling around the island is easy. The route takes you past coconut groves, rubber plantations, and little sea-view spots the tour boats rarely stop at. The last day is a good time to cycle and soak up the atmosphere before catching the boat back.
Cycle the island + travel back
Places to eat and drink people stop at on the island
Ao Nid Seafood (Koh Mak Seafood)
A seafood restaurant in the Ao Nid area with waterside holding tanks, serving fresh fish and prawns and jungle curry — a dinner stop a lot of people make.
Little Red Oven
Thin-crust oven-baked pizza, a good change of pace from all the seafood.
Beach bars on the Ao Kao side
Several beachfront places on this side open from late afternoon into the evening — sit with a drink and watch the sunset.
Restaurant hours on the island are unpredictable, and some places close during low season. It's worth checking with your accommodation or asking locals before cycling far, in case you arrive to find the place shut.
Visiting Koh Mak with the sea in mind
- Bring your own cloth bag and water bottle to cut down on plastic waste, which is hard to dispose of on the island.
- Take every bit of your trash back to the designated bins, especially when visiting the smaller islands nearby.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen, and don't touch or step on the coral while snorkeling.
- Cycle instead of riding a scooter when you can — it cuts down on fumes and noise on the island.
Want a shorter plan, or to look at places to stay before you book?
See the Koh Mak travel guide →