Two Nights in Koh Mak: The Tiny Gem in Trat Province
In February 2025, we explored three stunning islands in Trat Province staying two nights on Koh Mak. In this travel guide, unlike the crowded islands around Phuket, these islands sparkle like gemstones in the Gulf of Thailand. Most importantly, they remind you of how Thailand used to be: quiet, unpretentious, and designed to calm your mind while you soak in the natural beauty.
This is our Travel Guide of Koh Mak, but you might like to see how this island compares with Koh Kood or Koh Chang.
Arriving at Paradise
After leaving the larger island of Koh Kood, the Seudamgo ferry (https://seudamgo.com/) dropped us at Ao Nid Pier mid-afternoon. From there, we paid just 50 baht for the 5-minute journey on an old songthaew pickup truck to Lazy Day Resort. Within minutes, we found ourselves settling into island life.
As previous stays have shown, we don’t chase luxury on islands like these. In fact, Koh Mak doesn’t even have large or deluxe hotels. Instead, we wanted something simpler: a beautiful beach to walk along, authentic local cuisine to savour, and above all, spectacular sunsets to enjoy with a sundowner or two in hand.
Exploring Despite the Weather
Predictably, the weather challenged us once again, just as it had all week. This surprised us since February sits squarely in the dry season. Nevertheless, we managed to explore much of the island between showers. Fortunately, Lazy Day Resort sits at the end of White Sand Beach, which stretches all the way to Ao Kao Beach.
At low tide, you can enjoy a gentle 25-minute stroll along the stunning south shore beaches. Along the route, several bars and restaurants invite you to stop and rest. Alternatively, the more circuitous inland road route offers even more opportunities to stock up on provisions or discover additional dining spots.
Undeniably, Koh Mak delivers exactly the laid-back vibe you’re seeking. If you fancy a spliffing time, numerous cannabis shops dot the island. Furthermore, for those wanting live music and evening entertainment, the local Koh Mak Connect Facebook page regularly posts suggestions and events.
Lazy Day Resort Review
The name “Lazy Day The Resort” creates slightly misleading expectations. Rather than a sprawling resort complex, you’ll find a collection of stilted bungalows, a main reception that doubles as a restaurant, and a small bar area near the beach. However, for a 3-star property costing less than $100 per night on the island’s best beach, it delivered exactly what we needed.
The rooms impressed us with their cleanliness and practical amenities: air conditioning, a fridge, and comfortable beds perfect for relaxation. Additionally, with only a few guests staying at the resort during our visit, peace and quiet surrounded us. The resort also offers free kayaks, though this nearly led to an unexpected adventure on our last morning.
The Great Kayak Rescue
On our final morning, I spotted one of the resort’s kayaks drifting far out to sea. After alerting the staff, I volunteered to help retrieve it in the remaining kayak. What a silly idea that turned out to be! The kayak had floated much further than I anticipated, and both of us paddled hard to reach it before it disappeared around the rocks at the bay’s corner. By comparison, reaching the wayward kayak seemed like a doddle compared to the lung-busting heave back against the currents. Relief flooded through me when we finally reached shore!
Dining Experiences
For our first night, we ate at the hotel restaurant. The menu offered plenty of choice at both breakfast and dinner, and the quality satisfied our expectations. On our second night, however, we walked next door to the White Sand Rooftop Bar & Beach Club.
As its name suggests, this spot treats you to uninterrupted vistas of the beach. Despite the clouds, we caught a decent sunset while enjoying a few beers and a lovely Thai curry. Best of all, we only had to walk a hundred meters back to our resort afterward.
Beach Life
Nothing beats kicking off your sandals and walking along the shore, which we did several times during our short stay. Moreover, I managed to launch my drone and captured some beautiful shots of us both strolling along the beach, with the turquoise water stretching to the horizon.
Two-Wheeled Freedom
For me, nothing compares to feeling the wind on your face as you hit the open road on a moped. Although the hotel had a couple of bikes for hire, my wife felt too anxious about riding. Consequently, I hired one myself to explore the island properly.
Cape Tukata: The Hidden Highlight
The ride to Cape Tukata, at the western end of the island, became my personal highlight. The cape marks itself clearly and the scooter makes getting there effortless. From the marked spot, a short 100-meter climb up a hidden path leads to a narrow precipice.
Suddenly, you emerge into a tiny clearing with space for only 3 or 4 people. Then, looking down, you see a massive vertiginous drop to the ocean below. Incredibly, I found a small flat spot to launch my drone and now have stunning footage of the cliff itself as well as sweeping views of Ko Rayang Nok island.
Once in a while, luck shines on you. That day, the sun broke through and the beach glimmered below, while the remains of an old resort lay scattered beneath the cliffs. This moment alone made the entire bike rental worthwhile.
Driving to the island’s opposite end, I visited the Cinnamon Boardwalk. However, I chose not to pay the 50-baht entrance fee just for a photo opportunity. Besides, dark clouds threatened rain, so I headed back to Lazy Day Resort instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Mak
How Much Do Hotels Cost in Koh Mak?
Accommodation in Koh Mak ranges from budget-friendly to mid-range options. Basic bungalows start around 800-1,200 baht ($23-35 USD) per night. Mid-range resorts like Lazy Day Resort cost between 2,500-3,500 baht ($70-100 USD) per night. The island doesn’t have luxury 5-star properties, which actually preserves its authentic charm. Peak season (November-February) sees prices increase by 20-30%, while low season (May-October) offers excellent deals.
What Does Bike Hire Cost?
Motorbike rental typically costs 250-350 baht ($7-10 USD) per day. Most resorts have their own rental bikes, or you can find rental shops near the main piers and along the main road. A full tank of petrol costs around 100 baht and should last you several days of exploring. Always check the bike’s condition before renting and confirm whether insurance is included. Remember, you’ll need an international driving permit to legally ride in Thailand.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Mak?
The dry season (November to February) offers the most reliable weather, though as we experienced, occasional showers can still occur. December and January provide the best weather with calm seas and sunny days, making them ideal for beach activities and snorkelling. March to May brings hot weather with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F), but fewer crowds. The monsoon season (June-October) sees many resorts close, though September and October can offer great deals if you don’t mind occasional rain. For the perfect balance of weather and value, visit in November or February.
How Do You Get to Koh Mak?
Getting to Koh Mak requires a ferry from the mainland. From Bangkok, take a bus or drive to Trat (about 5-6 hours). From Trat, head to either Laem Ngop Pier or Ao Nid Pier. Several ferry companies operate daily services:
- Seudamgo Ferries (https://seudamgo.com/) – Most reliable, multiple departures daily
- Koh Kood Princess – Comfortable speedboats
- Centrepoint Ferry – Budget-friendly option
Ferry tickets cost 350-600 baht ($10-17 USD) depending on the type of boat. Journey time ranges from 45 minutes (speedboat) to 90 minutes (regular ferry). Book tickets in advance during peak season. Many resorts offer package deals including ferry transfers.
Is Koh Mak Suitable for Families?
Absolutely! Koh Mak’s calm beaches, shallow waters, and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for families. The island’s small size means you can easily explore by bike or on foot. Most resorts welcome children and several offer family bungalows. The lack of jet skis and party boats creates a peaceful environment. However, nightlife is minimal, which suits families perfectly but might bore teenagers seeking entertainment.
What Activities Are Available on Koh Mak?
Despite its small size, Koh Mak offers several activities:
- Snorkelling and diving trips to nearby reefs
- Kayaking around the coastline (many resorts provide free kayaks)
- Island hopping tours to Koh Kood, Koh Wai, and Koh Rayang
- Motorbike exploration of hidden viewpoints like Cape Tukata
- Beach hopping along the southern shore
- Visiting the Cinnamon Boardwalk and rubber tree plantations
- Sunset watching with sundowners at beachfront bars
Are There ATMs and Shops on Koh Mak?
The island has limited facilities compared to larger Thai destinations. You’ll find a couple of ATMs near the main piers, but they sometimes run out of cash during peak season. Bring enough cash from the mainland to avoid issues. Several small convenience stores sell basics, and a few minimarts near Ao Nid offer more variety. Most resorts accept cash only, though some larger ones now take cards. Stock up on sunscreen, snacks, and personal items before arriving, as prices are higher on the island.
How Long Should You Stay in Koh Mak?
Two to three nights offers the ideal stay for most travellers. This gives you enough time to explore the island by bike, visit key spots like Cape Tukata, enjoy the beaches, and experience the relaxed pace without getting bored. Travellers seeking pure relaxation might enjoy 4-5 nights. However, if you’re island hopping in Trat Province (combining Koh Mak with Koh Kood and Koh Chang), two nights strikes the perfect balance, as we discovered during our visit.
Had we had more time on our entire trip, I would have added an extra night as moving every two nights can be tiring.
Final Thoughts
Koh Mak delivers an authentic slice of old Thailand that’s increasingly rare. The island refuses to compromise its character for mass tourism, instead offering travellers a genuine escape. Whether you’re walking along pristine beaches, exploring hidden viewpoints by motorbike, or simply watching the sunset with a cold beer, Koh Mak reminds you why you fell in love with Thailand in the first place. For those seeking peace, natural beauty, and authenticity, this tiny gem in Trat Province deserves a spot on your itinerary.
If you want something a little more lively, then Koh Chang might fit your travel style.
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