Tucked between the better-known islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood, the small, quietly enchanting island of Koh Mak feels like a glimpse of an older Thailand: slow-going, peaceful, and framed by calm seas and sweeping coconut groves.

Sitting in the eastern Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border, Koh Mak is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park archipelago, yet it sees only a fraction of the visitors who flock to its bigger neighbours. It’s a place that still feels intimate, unpolished, and warm in that deeply Thai way - welcoming, easygoing, and simply beautiful.

Koh Mak is shaped like a starfish, its coastline wrapped in calm bays, golden beaches, and long wooden piers that stretch into turquoise water. The island is famously family-owned, passed down through generations who remain committed to sustainable tourism. Almost 90% of the island is covered in coconut and rubber tree plantations, an agricultural heart that gives Koh Mak its signature landscape: gentle green groves that run all the way to the sea.

Travelers come here for the quiet. For the soft hush of waves lapping on shore. For long scooter rides under canopies of coconut palms. For the kind of slow travel that leaves you feeling rested rather than rushed.

Its location also makes it an ideal island-hopping base. Koh Chang, bustling with beaches and nightlife, sits just to the north. Koh Kood, known for jungle waterfalls and boutique resorts, lies just to the south. Koh Mak pairs perfectly with both, but it is even more relaxed and laidback than Koh Kood, which is already considered one of Thailand’s most peaceful islands. All of this makes Koh Mak feel like a hidden gem - a phrase that gets overused in travel, but in Koh Mak’s case, still rings true.

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Aerial View — *Koh Kham near Koh Mak*

What We Discovered in Koh Mak

We visited Koh Mak for four nights in the month of February, giving us three full days to explore. It was the perfect amount of time to soak in the island’s laidback energy and fall completely in love with it.

Our trip began with a private shuttle from Bangkok to Chanthaburi (Kat’s hometown). After catching up with family and enjoying the comfort of being back in the east, we continued onward to Trat, the gateway province to Koh Mak. From there, it’s a quick boat ride to the island.

We based ourselves at Little Moon Villa, a quiet boutique resort overlooking the shore. The villas are beautifully designed - airy, lots of natural light, and set with wide ocean-facing balconies that catch the sunrise perfectly. We loved waking up each morning to the soft glow of gold on the water. The rooms were well-maintained and spacious, complete with a large bathtub, which made the stay feel especially romantic.

We ended up eating dinner at the restaurant/eatery most nights, not because we had to, but because the food was consistently excellent and the atmosphere relaxed. Koh Mak doesn’t have a huge dining scene, so staying somewhere with a great restaurant made things incredibly easy.

Each day we hopped on scooters rented through Little Moon Villa and roamed around the island. We wandered through coconut groves, discovered secret beaches, and stopped for slices of cake and Thai milk tea at small roadside cafes. We took a Muay Thai class at Elite Fight Club and found ourselves returning several times to the long wharf connected to the Blue Pearl Bar - one of the most scenic spots on the island.

A day trip to Koh Kham was also a highlight. This tiny neighbouring island is one of the most surreal places we’ve visited in Thailand. It’s a mix of glowing white sand, clear turquoise water, black volcanic rock formations, and the haunting shell of an abandoned luxury resort that has become a photographer’s dream.

Koh Mak is the kind of island that leaves a mark. By the time we boarded the boat back to the mainland, we found ourselves already missing its quiet rhythms and the ease of life there.

Koh Mak - Little Moon Villa Renting Scooters — *Little Moon Villa*

Koh Mak - Wooden Pier to Sea — *Blue Pearl Bar*

Koh Mak - Muay Thai Private Lesson — *Muay Thai Class on Koh Mak*

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Surf Boards — *Koh Kham*

How to Spend 3 Days in Koh Mak

Below is a perfect 3-day itinerary for Koh Mak based directly on our own experiences. It blends relaxation, exploration, food, and slow travel - all the ingredients that make Koh Mak unique.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In & Explore the Beaches

Arriving in Koh Mak

Most travelers reach Koh Mak by speedboat from Laem Ngop Pier in Trat, a quick 30–45 minute ride across calm, shimmering water. As the island draws closer, you’ll start to see the features that make Koh Mak so distinct - long wooden piers stretching into glassy blue shallows, clusters of coconut trees rising behind the shoreline, and a coastline that still feels untouched compared to Thailand’s more developed islands.

Boats typically arrive at Ao Nid Pier, where your accommodation will usually arrange a pick-up. When we visited, a friendly porter from Little Moon Villa was waiting to greet us and whisk us away in a golf cart. These little carts are surprisingly common on the island and add an unexpectedly charming touch to the arrival experience. The short (albeit bumpy) ride to the resort took us along quiet, tree-lined dirt roads and past open fields filled with palms - an immediate introduction to Koh Mak’s tranquil atmosphere.

Koh Mak - Little Moon Villa Beach — *Beachfront at Little Moon Villa*

Check In to Little Moon Villa

Little Moon Villa is our top recommendation not just for its comfort, but for the experience it creates. The villas sit right on the shoreline, with sweeping ocean views and plenty of green space to unwind after travel. The large bathtub was a romantic touch, and we loved ending each evening with the sound of waves brushing the shore. Drop your bags, breathe in the ocean air, and give yourself time to settle in - this is a place made for slow arrival.

Koh Mak - Little Moon Villa Rooms — *Little Moon Villa*

Rent Scooters

Koh Mak is most easily explored by scooter, and renting through your accommodation is the simplest option. The island’s roads are quiet, flat, and beginner-friendly. Within minutes, you’ll be cruising through coconut groves, past tiny cafes and local family homes, feeling the breeze as the island comes alive around you.

Koh Mak - Rent a Scooter — *Renting scooters at Little Moon Villa*

Afternoon Swim

Finding a place for an afternoon swim on Koh Mak is incredibly easy. You don’t need to stick to the closest beach to your accommodation, the island is so small that you can cross it in about 15 minutes, making every beach quickly accessible by scooter.

Some of the best options include Ao Kao Beach (the island’s most popular stretch with cafes and amenities), Ao Suan Yai Beach (a wide, peaceful bay ideal for relaxing), and Ao Pra Beach (a beautiful, more undeveloped spot with soft sand and calm water). For something more remote, head to Turtle Beach (considered the most beautiful beach on the island) or Laem Son Beach, where you’ll likely have most of the shoreline to yourself. Wherever you choose, Koh Mak’s beaches are calm, warm, and perfect for washing away any travel fatigue.

Koh Mak - Beaches — *Beaches of Koh Mak*

Koh Mak - Hammock — *Beaches of Koh Mak*

Dinner at Little Moon Villa

For your first evening on the island, settle in with a relaxed dinner at Little Moon Villa, the perfect introduction to Koh Mak’s slow and gentle rhythm. During our stay, the food here was consistently excellent: fresh seafood grilled to perfection, authentic Thai curries, comforting noodle soups, and chilled fruit smoothies that match the warm evening air. The setting is peaceful, with soft lighting and ocean views.

After dinner, take a slow walk around the property beneath a wide, star-filled sky, or return to your private balcony to read a book. If your villa includes a bathtub, this is the ideal opportunity for a long soak while enjoying the views. It’s the perfect way to settle in, unwind from travel, and ease yourself into the relaxed pace that defines the next few days on Koh Mak.

Koh Mak - Little Moon Villa Balcony — *Balcony at Little Moon Villa*

Day 2: Visit Koh Kham - White Sand, Volcanic Rocks & an Abandoned Resort

Morning: Boat to Koh Kham

Start your second day with a trip to Koh Kham, one of the most unique islands in all of Thailand. This tiny speck off the coast of Koh Mak is a photographer’s dream: glistening white sand, unbelievably clear turquoise water, striking black volcanic rocks, and the haunting remains of an unfinished luxury resort that gives the island a surreal, almost cinematic feel. The mix of untouched natural beauty and abandoned structures creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the region.

Reaching Koh Kham is simple. Head to the small pier by Koh Mak Resort, located on Ao Suan Yai Beach, where boats depart for the island throughout the day. The ride takes just 10 minutes, and once you arrive, you can easily spend the day wandering the shoreline, swimming in the shallow water, taking photos, and soaking in the quiet, pristine landscape.

Koh Mak - Boat to Koh Kham — *Boat to Koh Kham*

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Sign — *Koh Kham sign*

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Beach — *Going for swims at Koh Kham*

What To Do on Koh Kham

Walk the pristine beaches, some of the whitest sand in Thailand.
Snap photos of the volcanic rock formations rising from the shallows.
Explore the abandoned resort structures, which feel like an art installation.
Swim in the warm, calm water.
Bring some lunch, snacks and water, as facilities on the island are limited.

Koh Mak - Koh Kham White Sand Beach — *White sand beaches of Koh Kham*

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Volcanic Rocks — *Volcanic rocks on Koh Kham*

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Abandoned Luxury Resort — *Abandoned resort on Koh Kham*

Dinner at Koh Mak Seafood

After returning from Koh Kham and freshening up at your villa, head out for dinner at Koh Mak Seafood, the most popular seafood restaurant on the island and an experience you shouldn’t miss. Set over the water near the pier in Ao Nid, the restaurant sits between mangroves and the harbour, giving it a rustic, atmospheric charm as the tide moves gently beneath the wooden deck.

The menu is extensive and reasonably priced, offering all the Thai seafood classics - steamed whole fish, fresh squid, plump prawns, oysters, and an excellent house special jungle curry that comes either with or without coconut milk. Everything is cooked simply and beautifully, letting the freshness of the ingredients shine.

Koh Mak - Singha Beer — *Singha at Koh Mak Seafood*

Day 3: Muay Thai, Cafe Hopping & Sunset at Blue Pearl Bar

Early Morning: Muay Thai at Elite Fight Club

Start your final day on Koh Mak with an energising Muay Thai session at Elite Fight Club, the island’s well-equipped and professionally run Muay Thai gym. The trainers here are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about the sport, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced fighters.

We booked a one-hour private class, which turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. Our trainer (small in stature but incredibly powerful) guided us through technique corrections, pad work, boxing combinations, kicking drills, and a series of intense stretches that were painful in the moment but left us feeling amazing afterwards.

Finishing the session, we left the gym buzzing with energy - sweaty, tired in the best way, and genuinely impressed by the quality of training on such a small island. It’s a refreshing, motivating start to the day and a surprisingly memorable addition to any Koh Mak itinerary.

Koh Mak - Muay Thai Session at Elite — *Elite Fight Club, Koh Mak*

Koh Mak - Muay Thai Class — *Elite Fight Club, Koh Mak*

Koh Mak - Muay Thai Lesson — *Elite Fight Club, Koh Mak*

Cake & Thai Tea at a Roadside Cafe

After training, make a beeline for one of Koh Mak’s many charming roadside cafes. The island is dotted with little family-run spots selling homemade cakes, banana bread, Thai milk tea, and strong coffee. We stumbled upon one right after our Muay Thai class and enjoyed some banana cake and Thai tea while sitting beneath the shade, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of island life.

There are plenty of these cafes scattered around Koh Mak, each with its own character. So hop on your scooter, explore a little, and stop wherever feels inviting. It’s one of the island’s simplest, and sweetest, pleasures.

Koh Mak - Cake & Tea — *Banana cake and Thai tea*

Explore Coconut Tree Groves

One of the most beautiful aspects of Koh Mak is its abundance of coconut plantations, which blanket much of the island’s interior and spill all the way out toward the coast. Riding through these groves is a genuine highlight: rows of tall palms stretching toward the horizon, their long shadows shifting gently across the ground as the light changes throughout the day.

Many of the most scenic groves sit inland, but you’ll also find impressive clusters along the shoreline, especially near Ao Kao Beach, where palms lean dramatically over the water, and around Laem Son Beach, a peaceful area framed by coconut trees.

The best way to experience this landscape is on two wheels. Whether you’re exploring by bicycle or motorbike, shady trails and narrow roads weave through the plantations, offering a slow, serene glimpse into the island’s agricultural heart. It’s quiet, refreshing, and quintessentially Koh Mak.

Koh Mak - Coconut Groves — Coconut tree groves, Koh Mak

Koh Mak - Palm Trees — *Coconut tree groves, Koh Mak*

Blue Pearl Bar: Swim, Drink & Relax

In the afternoon, make your way to the long wooden wharf near Koh Mak Cococape Resort, where Blue Pearl Bar sits perched above the ocean at the very end of the pier. Order a cold beer, cocktail, or fresh coconut, sink into a chair, and let the sea breeze do the rest. It’s the kind of place where a quick stop easily turns into hours.

The beach bar is known for its stunning panoramic views of the ocean and neighbouring islands, especially as the sky starts to glow at sunset. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, with the gentle sound of water beneath the wooden planks. You can even hop straight into the sea for a swim or snorkel directly from the pier, making it a perfect late-afternoon and sunset spot.

Koh Mak - Blue Pearl Bar — *Blue Pearl Bar*

Koh Mak - Blue Pearl Bar Pier — *Swimming spots at Blue Pearl Bar*

Koh Mak - Signs — *Views at Blue Pearl Bar*

Best Time to Visit Koh Mak

The best time to visit Koh Mak is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for beach days, scooter rides, and island-hopping. We visited in February, which is considered one of the ideal months: calm seas, clear skies, and warm but comfortable temperatures. During this period, conditions are at their best across the whole Mu Ko Chang National Park, making it easy to explore nearby islands like Koh Kood and Koh Chang.

From May to October, the region enters the monsoon season. The islands in Mu Ko Chang National Park typically receive more rainfall than other parts of Thailand, such as Phuket, which sits in a different weather system and stays comparatively drier. On Koh Mak, heavy rain and rougher seas are common, and many resorts and boat services scale back operations. If you want the full experience, it’s best to avoid this season and plan your visit during the dry months.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Koh Mak

For most travelers, three to four days on Koh Mak is the perfect amount of time. It gives you enough space to unwind into the island’s slow rhythm while still fitting in the highlights: visiting Koh Kham, exploring the coconut groves by scooter, enjoying local cafes, trying a Muay Thai class, and relaxing on the beaches without ever feeling rushed. Koh Mak is small, peaceful, and easy to navigate, so a few days here naturally feels restorative.

If you’re planning an island-hopping trip, consider staying even longer. Koh Mak pairs beautifully with its neighbours Koh Chang and Koh Kood, each offering a different pace and atmosphere. Together, they create one of Thailand’s best slow-travel circuits: Koh Chang for nightlife and activities, Koh Kood for waterfalls and pristine beaches, and Koh Mak for pure calm. You could easily spend a week on each island and not get bored.

Tips for Visiting Koh Mak

Bring Cash: ATMs are limited, so it’s best to bring enough cash for meals, scooters, cafes, and small purchases. Many places still operate on a cash-only basis.
Book Accommodation in Advance: During the high season, accommodation can fill up quickly, so book your preferred hotel or resort well in advance to avoid missing out.
Protect your Skin from the Sun & Bugs: The island’s climate means sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essentials, especially if you’ll be riding scooters or spending time near the water at dusk.
Rent a Scooter: Scooters are the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the island: cheap, convenient, and perfect for discovering cafes, beaches, and coconut groves at your own pace.
Download Offline Maps: Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and phone coverage can be patchy, so download offline maps before arriving.
Be Eco-Friendly: Koh Mak is deeply committed to sustainability, so avoid single-use plastics and support eco-friendly local businesses.
Live in the Moment: Most importantly, don’t rush. This is an island designed for slow, mindful travel.

Koh Mak - No Plastic Straws Sign — *Sign at Blue Pearl Bar*

Koh Mak - Little Moon Villa Flowers — *Flowers at Little Moon Villa*

Final Thoughts on Koh Mak

Koh Mak is one of those rare Thai islands that still feels untouched, a place where time slows right down, days stretch out for longer and the world seems to soften around you. It’s quiet without feeling empty, charming without trying, and full of the small details that make travel meaningful: wooden piers leading out to still water, birds chirping in rows of coconut trees, quiet cafes serving homemade cakes, and beaches where you can swim for hours without seeing another soul.

Koh Mak isn’t an island built for parties or packed itineraries. It’s built for breathing, for slowing down, for noticing the small joys that get lost in the busier destinations. Spend enough time here and your worries start to dissolve - the island has that effect on people. We imagine the few expats who settled here long ago have fully surrendered to this slower pace, and it’s easy to see why.

Three days in Koh Mak is more than enough time to fall in love with its seascapes, its rhythm, and its effortless charm. But don’t be surprised if you leave wishing you had stayed longer, or are already planning your return. If you’re searching for a Thai island that still feels authentic, peaceful, and wonderfully relaxing, Koh Mak is exactly where you’ll find it.

Koh Mak - Koh Kham Palm Tree Beaches — *Koh Kham*

How to Spend 3 Magical Days in Koh Mak