🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're staying on Koh Mak and want a day with clearer water than the beach in front of your room, Koh Kham is the closest answer. It's a small private island with white sand, black volcanic rock lining the shore, and shallow reef not far off the beach. It suits both people who want to snorkel properly and those who just want to soak in clear water and lounge by the beach all day.
The upside is you don't have to charter a boat for a long trip. It's under 15 minutes by boat from Koh Mak and you can jump straight into the water — no waking up before dawn or sitting on a boat for an hour like other outer-island trips.
How to get to Koh Kham — boats, times, prices
The easiest way is to use the small boats at the tourist service point behind the Koh Mak Resort pier at Ao Suan Yai. Boats run a few times a day. You ride over, get dropped on Koh Kham, then arrange your return time as agreed.
- Scheduled small boats — depart from Ao Suan Yai pier, around 3 times a day (morning, midday, afternoon). Roughly 300–350 THB per person, usually including the island fee and one cold drink at the shop on the island.
- Private boat / speedboat charter — for groups who want to stop at several islands (such as Koh Kradat or Koh Rayang). Prices start in the low thousands up to around ten thousand THB depending on boat size and number of islands. The Koh Kham island fee is paid separately on top.
- Kayaking — Koh Kham is only about 1 km from Ao Suan Yai, so fit paddlers can make it. Rent by the hour or day from your accommodation, but watch the wind, waves, and currents carefully — it's not for beginners.
About the island fee
Koh Kham is a private island with a separate entry fee of around 200 THB per person (often redeemable for a drink). Most small-boat packages already include this, but if you charter your own boat, budget for the extra payment at the island, and bring cash — there's no ATM on the island and the signal is patchy in places.
Want more out of Koh Mak? 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.
Snorkeling and swimming at Koh Kham
The highlight of Koh Kham is the shallow reef that sits not far from the beach. Most of it is shallow, around 3–5 metres deep, so you can easily see coral and schools of fish. It's great for beginners just learning to snorkel — pop on a mask and float along comfortably without going into deep water.
- Reef off the beach — the side with reasonably healthy coral is on one side of the island; swim out from the beach just a little and you're there.
- White sand + black volcanic rock — good for walking around and photos; the water is very clear on calm days.
- Sandbar linking to Koh Mak — at low tide a long sandbar emerges that you can walk along, especially photogenic when the tide is out.
Bring your own gear
Rentals on the island are limited and pricey. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bring them. Strap-back sandals or water shoes help a lot because of the volcanic rock and stones along the shore. Don't step on or grab the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the reef.
Planning a day trip from Koh Mak
Koh Kham is easy to do in a single day. Here's a rough plan that actually works without rushing.
Koh Mak → Koh Kham → back
If you want a full day hopping several islands, charter a boat so you can carry on to Koh Kradat or Koh Rayang in one trip. It costs more but makes sense when you go as a group.
When to go and when to avoid
The sea around Koh Mak and Koh Kham is at its best in the dry season, roughly November to early May — calm water, clear visibility, and you can see the coral well. During the monsoon from May to October the wind picks up and waves get high; some boat operators stop running and many places on Koh Mak close for the season. If you come during this time, check ahead whether any boats are going out.
- Nov–early May — the best window: calm sea, clear water, great for snorkeling.
- May–Oct (monsoon) — strong wind, high waves, many boats/accommodations closed, and the water is less clear.
- Always check first — call or message your accommodation or the boat operator to ask about the weather and that day's boat schedule before you travel.
An honest note on getting here
Koh Mak is far out. You drive to Laem Ngop / Laem Sok pier in Trat, then take a boat to Koh Mak that runs about 45 minutes to an hour. So a trip to Koh Kham is something you do once you're already staying on Koh Mak — not on your first travel day. Budget your time and money accordingly. Travel low-carbon too: carry your rubbish back to Koh Mak, because Koh Kham has no waste management system in place.
What to prepare before going to Koh Kham
Cash
There's no ATM on Koh Kham and access on Koh Mak is limited too. Bring cash for the boat, the island fee, and food.
Snorkeling gear
Your own mask and snorkel save money and are cleaner; water shoes protect against the volcanic rock.
Reef-safe sunscreen + water
The sun is strong and supplies on the island are expensive and limited. Pack your own water and snacks, and choose a sunscreen that won't harm the coral.
Check the weather
Snorkeling and boat rides depend on wind and waves. Push your trip back on rough days — safety comes first.
See the full guide to things to do, where to stay, and where to eat on Koh Mak
See the Koh Mak guide →