Looking for the best hidden islands in Thailand? Meet Koh Mak —an untouched paradise in the eastern part of the country, nestled between the more famous Koh Chang and Koh Kood. With crystal clear beaches, a slow island lifestyle, and zero crowds, it offers a level of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Despite being relatively unknown, it’s surprisingly easy to reach, with buses and flights connecting from Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and even Cambodia.
Compared to its big neighbour Koh Chang, Koh Mak is by far the calmest. If you’re after absolute relaxation, empty beaches, and a slow island lifestyle, this is your spot. There are no wild parties, no massive hostels—just family-run restaurants, a handful of cozy accommodations, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I ended up staying here for a whole month, slowing down from fast travel and focusing on fitness and self-care. If you’re looking for a slice of paradise where you’ll know the locals within a week, Koh Mak should be on your radar.
What You’ll Find In This Post
Why Koh Mak Feels Like Home: Nature, Beaches & Local Life
Originally a coconut plantation island, Koh Mak has evolved into a destination focused on ‘sustainable tourism’. Unlike Thailand’s more commercialized islands, this little gem remains authentic, with boutique resorts instead of high-rise hotels and a slow-paced lifestyle that lets you truly disconnect.
One of the things I loved most was how quickly I became part of the island community. Riding my bike around, locals would wave and chat with me like I was an old friend. Despite the occasional language barrier, their kindness and willingness to help made my experience even more special. Koh Mak isn’t just about beaches and palm trees—it’s about the people who make the island feel like home.
How to Get to Koh Mak: Best Routes & Budget Travel Tips
Reaching Koh Mak is easier than you might think, even though it’s a relatively remote island. Depending on your starting point, there are multiple ways to get there:
From Bangkok: You can either take a direct flight to Trat Airport (the nearest airport) or hop on a bus. Flights are the fastest option, taking about an hour, but they can be pricier. If you’re traveling on a budget, buses are a great alternative. Companies like Boonsiri and Suvarnabhumi Burapha offer daily routes from Bangkok to Laem Ngop Pier, which is the main jumping-off point for Koh Mak. The bus ride takes around 5-6 hours, and if you book with Boonsiri, they even throw in a decent fried rice!
From Pattaya: I personally took the bus from Pattaya, and it was a super smooth journey. The trip took about 4-5 hours, and the buses were comfortable.
From Trat to Koh Mak: Once you reach Trat, you’ll need to take a boat to Koh Mak. There are both speedboats and slow ferries available, but if you don’t want to waste time bobbing around in the sea, I’d recommend going for the speedboat. It gets you there in about 45 minutes, while the slow ferry can take over 2 hours.
Tip: I personally always book my transport via 12Go Asia—super easy, reliable, and they offer great service. It saves a lot of hassle and anger when planning your trip in advance!
Island Hopping Thailand: Koh Chang, Koh Mak & Koh Kood Compared
One of the great things about Koh Mak is that it’s part of the same island group as Koh Chang and Koh Kood, making it a perfect stop for an island-hopping adventure. Many tourists explore all three islands in one trip, as each has something different to offer, here a quick breakdown for you:
Koh Chang – The largest and most developed of the three. It has a lively nightlife, waterfalls, jungle trekking, and a mix of quiet and party beaches. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, this is the place to start.
Koh Mak – The peaceful middle ground. If Koh Chang is too busy and Koh Kood is too quiet, Koh Mak is the perfect balance. Great for a laid-back experience with fewer crowds.
Koh Kood – The most untouched and scenic of the three. If you want deserted beaches, waterfalls, and an even slower pace of life, this is your island.
Island-hopping tours are widely available, and many speedboat companies offer daily transfers between these islands, so you don’t have to stick to just one. Whether you want to stay overnight or just visit for a day, hopping between these islands is easy.
Best Things to Do in Koh Mak: Beaches, Snorkeling & Activities
Koh Mak isn’t the kind of place packed with endless activities, and that’s what makes it special. It’s the kind of island where things are so peaceful you might even find yourself wondering what to do next—but in a good way. Everything is within a five-minute scooter ride, and renting one is effortless, making it the ultimate way to explore the island. Here, you get to embrace a slower pace, forget about fully packed schedules, and fully relax. If you’re up for it, here are my personal experiences to check out:
- Beach hopping: Ao Kao Beach, Ao Suan Yai Beach, and Hidden Beach are must-visits. Almost every beach here is stunning, but I prefer the sandy ones over the rocky ones. The water? Warm.
- Snorkeling & diving: Koh Mak Divers is the go-to company for underwater adventures. Even if you’re a beginner, their snorkeling or diving tours to nearby islands are an unforgettable experience. The tour includes visits to three nearby islands, all well-organized with decent equipment, and even a great meal included. Plus, the team is a mix of friendly Brits and Dutchies who make the trip fun and laid-back.
- Muay Thai Training: Elite Muay Thai Gym offers daily classes. This is where I trained for a full month, and while it’s a nice gym, the training felt a bit more relaxed compared to other Muay Thai gyms I’ve been to. They switch trainers every month, which keeps things fresh, but since many visitors only train for a few days, the sessions don’t go as deep as I would have liked. The trainers were skilled but sometimes a bit too “chill” for my taste. Still, it was a great way to stay active, and if you’re new to Muay Thai, this is a solid place to get started without feeling intimidated.
- Wellness & relaxation: Thai massages are everywhere, but if you want the best, head to Jan Jao. After five months of traveling through Asia, this is still the massage I had.
Where to Eat & Stay in Koh Mak: The Best Local Spots
Despite its small size, Koh Mak has a surprising variety of restaurants. I tried almost all of them, so here are my personal favorites:
- Cha Cha Beach Club: This is a nice and slightly fancier spot right on the beach. Prices are a bit higher here, but the beachside setting makes it more than worth it. They serve a mix of Western food and Thai classics with a Western twist. If you’re on a budget, you might want to skip it, but if you feel like treating yourself, definitely go here. And please, do yourself a favor and order a calamansi mojito—it’s the absolute best!
- Koh Mak Seafood Party: My second home. I ate here twice a day because the portions were huge, the prices were great, and they always had enough protein (essential when training twice a day!). The owners basically became my Thai mom and dad.
- Food Art Hut: A mix of Thai and Western dishes, quick service, and a nice local vibe. Always busy, but worth it.
- Chill Café: If you’re craving vegetables (which can be tricky to find in some Thai dishes), this is your spot. Cheap, healthy, but don’t expect great service or (any) atmosphere.
Koh Mak Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Koh Mak isn’t just another Thai island—it’s a rare, untouched paradise where time slows down, and you can truly disconnect. Whether you’re looking to train, explore, or simply relax, this island has something special to offer.
Have you been to Koh Mak? Or do you have a favorite hidden Thai island? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for my next island escape! And if you’re curious how I stay energized on slow island days, check out my morning routine—no 5AM alarms, I promise.