Makathanee Resort — the Ao Kao beachfront resort where the boat docks at your doorstep
What sets Makathanee Resort apart from other stays on Koh Mak is simple: speedboats from the mainland, Koh Chang and Koh Kood dock at the resort's own pier — it's under 100 metres from boat to check-in desk. This Ao Kao beachfront resort began as just 8 beach bungalows and grew into a full property with two pools and a wide range of rooms, from beachfront bungalows to family suites. From approx. ฿1,400/night, breakfast included.
Makathanee is one of Koh Mak's pioneer resorts. It started life as just 8 beach bungalows on Ao Kao Beach and gradually expanded into a full property with a hotel block, two pools and rooms across several price tiers. The advantage guests mention most is that the resort has its own pier — speedboats from Laem Ngop, Koh Chang and Koh Kood moor right here, and it's under 100 metres from the boat to the lobby. No need to wait for a shared songthaew into the resort the way you do at many places on the island.
Ao Kao Beach runs along the southern side of the island: white sand and rows of coconut palms the length of the shore. In front of the resort the water shelves in gently, which makes it easy for kids to paddle in the shallows. There are two outdoor pools set in tropical gardens — one with bubble-jet seating — and in the evening the beachfront restaurant and a sand-level night BBQ with a cocktail bar open up. It's a favourite spot for guests to sit and catch the sea breeze.
"The boat pulls right up in front of the hotel — you just wheel your bag a few steps into your room. So easy. In the evening we had the beach BBQ listening to the waves; lovely atmosphere."
There really is a wide choice of rooms: budget-friendly Standard City View, pool- and sea-view rooms in two-storey blocks, beach bungalows that open onto a lawn running down to the sand, Deluxe rooms, Honeymoon Suites with in-room jacuzzis, and two-bedroom Family Suites with a living area. Every room has air conditioning, a fridge, TV, hot water, a safe and tea/coffee facilities. The renovated rooms in the newer hotel block earn praise for being clean and spacious, while the older bungalows have beachfront charm but some are showing their age.
Honestly, from the reviews: the most common complaint is upkeep and consistency between rooms. Some guests note the buildings and certain rooms feel run down and tired, and that staff training and cleanliness aren't always uniform. The other thing to know is that the beach on this side can get very shallow at low tide, with patches of seagrass — a few visitors feel the sand here isn't as nice as on the Ao Suan Yai side. Even so, many feel the beachfront location, the private pier and the approachable prices keep the overall value high.
What guests consistently praise is friendly, welcoming staff, tasty Thai food at the beachfront restaurant, and breakfast included in the room rate. The resort also has a mini-mart, a tour desk and rentals for motorbikes and golf carts, and can arrange diving, fishing and island tours — all in one place. It suits travellers who want a beachfront resort that's easy to reach and isn't chasing luxury, just an easygoing slice of Koh Mak at a friendly price.
The bottom line from real reviews: Makathanee is a sensible pick for families and anyone who values convenience — boat at the door, on the beach, two pools, rooms in many shapes and prices. From around ฿1,400/night for a pool-view or Deluxe room in normal season, rising in high season, with beach bungalows and suites around ฿2,000–3,800. It scores around 8.3 from real guests. If you can accept that some rooms are dated and the beach here is shallow at low tide, the location and value here are hard to find elsewhere on the island.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Has the resort's own pier — walk straight from the boat to your room
- ✓ On Ao Kao Beach: white sand, coconut palms, shallow water good for kids
- ✓ Two garden pools, beachfront restaurant and a night BBQ
- ✓ Friendly, welcoming staff; breakfast included in the rate
- ! Buildings and some rooms feel dated, due for upkeep/renovation
- ! Cleanliness and staff training not always consistent
- ! Beach on this side is very shallow at low tide with seagrass
- ✓ Beachfront location with a pier — easy to get on and off the island
- ✓ Wide range of rooms and prices, from budget to family suites
- ✓ Renovated rooms in the hotel block are spacious and clean
- ✓ Mini-mart, rentals and a tour desk all on-site
- ! Some older bungalows aren't in the same condition as newer rooms
- ! Mosquitoes and bugs in the gardens at dusk, as anywhere on Koh Mak
- ! In low season the island is very quiet and some services close
- 💡If you expect flawless, brand-new rooms — the older bungalows and some rooms feel tired → ask for a renovated room in the hotel block, or the Deluxe/Suite tier, when you book.
- 💡If a beautiful deep-water beach is your top priority — Ao Kao here gets very shallow at low tide with seagrass → time it with high tide, or choose the Ao Suan Yai side if you want sunset views and clear water.
- 💡If you're going in low season (Jun–mid-Oct) — many places on Koh Mak close and the sea can be rough on some days → confirm with the resort that it's open and that boats are running before you book.