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Tel : (84-8)38302288

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Kok Thai Travel co., Ltd Introduction

We are highly appreciated to have the cooperation with your esteem companies. KOK THAI TRAVEL CO., LTD 12C Tran Phu St. - District 5 Ho Chi Minh City - Viet Nam Tel : 84.8.38302288 (8 Lines) Fax : 84.8.38355845 - 38336088 Hanoi office : Add : 217 Dang Tien Dong- Trung Liet St., Dong Da Dist, Hanoi Tel : 84.4.35377822 Fax : 84.4.35376366 E-mail : [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected]

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Indochina strings.

Address : 140/19 Nguyen Dinh Chinh Str., 8 Ward, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City

Tel : (84-8) 39973833 / 39973832

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Address : 183/12 Tran Phu St.,

Tel : 84-8-38306941

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Address : 268 Cong Hoa St , Dist Tan Binh , Ward 13 , HCMC

Tel : 08.66846427 // 08.62746427

Address : 5 Ly Nam De; Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Tel : (84-4) 22151544

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Address : 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist 3., Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tel : (84-8)9330777

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Address : 190 Pasteur Street, Dist. 3, HCM City

Tel : (84-8)38228898

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Address : 12C Tran Phu Str, Ditrict 5, HoChiMinh City

Tel : (84-8)38302288

Email : [email protected]

Website : http://www.kokthaitravel.com

Overview Kok Thai Travel co., Ltd

We are highly appreciated to have the cooperation with your esteem companies. KOK THAI TRAVEL CO., LTD 12C Tran Phu St. - District 5 Ho Chi Minh City - Viet Nam Tel : 84.8.38302288 (8 Lines) Fax : 84.8.38355845 - 38336088 Hanoi office : Add : 217 Dang Tien Dong- Trung Liet St., Dong Da Dist, Hanoi Tel : 84.4.35377822 Fax : 84.4.35376366 E-mail : [email protected]  / [email protected] [email protected]  / [email protected]

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Tel : 3733 7319

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Tel : 3718 4222/ 3718 4566

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Tel : 3572 5721

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It isn't conventional charm that keeps us coming back to Bangkok. The Thai capital doesn't have an Old Town like Hanoi, the modernity of Hong Kong, or the density of temples like Siem Reap (though few places in Southeast Asia are as spectacular as Wat Arun at sunrise). But in a region filled with metropolises worth the long haul, Bangkok's point of difference is found in the thrills of the unexpected. It's in the fiery display of wok-manship on Yarowat Road, which is absolutely the better place to do dinner than any restaurant (though the oxtail stew at Namh is beyond spectacular). Or in the unassuming Chinese mansions found down nondescript alleys of car parts and old lanterns in central Talat Noi. It's even found in the quiet, calming oases that is this city's epic hotel scene, a wonderful contrast to the heaving and exhilarating urban energy beyond its grand doors. Which is exactly what draws you back out and keeps you exploring.

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Kok Thai Citizens Travel Services Ltd.     Costa

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If place was selected, the businesses with shorter distance from this place would come first in search results.

The Ultimate Koh Mook, Thailand Travel Guide (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: January 21, 2024

Everything you need to know about travelling to Koh Mook, Thailand.

We’ve been lucky enough to spend almost a year travelling around Thailand, from the island hopping in the south to the mountains in the north, and it’s honestly one of our favourite countries.

The diversity of the landscapes, the deliciousness of the food, and of course the warm smiles and kind nature of the local people all make it a place that keeps us wanting to return to again and again.

From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Koh Lanta to Tonsai, everywhere we went we immediately fell in love with.

It’s all too easy though to keep going back to the same places, which is why on our most recent trip we visited somewhere we’d never been to before – Koh Mook, Thailand.

Also known as Koh Muk, this stunning island paradise in the Andaman Sea is far less touristy than its neighbours such as Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, and that is what makes it so special. It’s not in the usual tourist island hopping route.

With postcard-perfect beaches, dense jungle, limestone cliffs, and even caves to explore, it’s the kind of place you come for a day and end up staying a week.

If you’re wondering what to do, where to stay, and which restaurant to eat at, let our Koh Mook travel guide make your trip that much easier!

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete travel to Thailand guide.

Table of Contents

Watch the Sunset at Charlie’s Beach

Explore morakot cave (emerald cave), go on a boat tour to koh kradan, check out the fishing village of baan koh mook, grab a kayak and go for a paddle, catch a sunrise, rent a bicycle and go exploring, hike the koh mook jungle track, snorkelling at koh ngai, relax on the beach, best backpacker’s accommodation – koh mook hostel, best mid-range accommodation – mook ing lay, best luxury hotel – sivalai beach resort, koh mook city centre restaurant and bar, happy restaurant, koyao seafood, getting to koh mook from trang, transfer to koh mook from other destinations, koh mook travel tips, top 10 things to do in koh mook, thailand.

For such a small island, there are quite a few awesome things to do in Koh Mook that will keep you entertained for a couple of days at least.

After countless visits to the country, this island has now become one of our favourite places to visit in Thailand .

You can be as active, or as chill, as you want here. Whether you’re keen on exploring the famous Emerald Cave or Koh Kradan Island, or you’d prefer to kick back on the sand with a beer in your hand, here’s our list of what to do in Koh Mook, Thailand.

The western side of the island has one gorgeous beach called Haad Farang, better known as Charlie’s Beach, and it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

The beach is surrounded by jungle behind it and huge cliffs on either side, giving it a dramatic atmosphere.

There’s a great restaurant on the left side of the beach that is a brilliant spot to grab a few beers and dinner as the sun sets, and the rocks beneath it are a lot of fun to climb around.

A few accommodation options had been built right on the beach but were eventually abandoned, however, there are some other places close by to Charlie’s Beach if you prefer to stay on this side. Nature Hill is highly recommended.

It’s 50THB per person in a moto taxi to get from the main side of the island to Charlie’s Beach.

The biggest Koh Mook attraction, and the spot that put Koh Mook on the map for many tourists, is the stunning Morakot Cave, also known as Emerald Cave.

Only accessible by boat, you get to Emerald Cave by swimming through a narrow chamber in the sea at the bottom of a formidable cliff.

Once you navigate your way through Emerald Cave, the space opens up to reveal a lagoon at the bottom of an enormous sinkhole with a picturesque sandy beach.

It’s the kind of scene you’d expect to find in a movie, and it really is a spectacular spot.

The popularity of Emerald Cave is massive though, and it is visited by hundreds of tourists a day on one of the famous ‘4 Islands’ tours you can catch from other spots around Koh Mook.

As a result, the charm of Emerald Cave can be lost when you’re battling to find space in the cave.

Want our tip for visiting Emerald Cave without the crowds though? Rent a longtail boat from Koh Mook and head over at sunrise before the tour groups arrive. You’ll have it all to yourself!

Note – Access to Emerald Cave is only possible at low tide and in calm seas due to the danger of hitting rocks and roof inside the cave.

As beautiful as Koh Mook is, there are a whole bunch of other epic islands very close by, and it’d be a shame to not grab a longtail boat and go see them.

One of the most stunning islands within an hour from Koh Mook is Koh Kradan , home to pristine white sand and swaying palm trees.

You can easily spend a few hours walking around Koh Kradan. Explore the beaches, go for a swim, and find a vendor selling coconuts or cold beer to quench your thirst.

It’s possible to stay out on Koh Kradan, but there isn’t a lot of infrastructure there so you’d have to be comfortable with having limited places to eat and stay.

We personally think that it’s better to use Koh Mook as a base and rent a private tour out to Koh Kradan, perhaps also including Emerald Cave and maybe Koh Ngai in the mix.

What makes Koh Mook so special for visitors is that it hasn’t lost its old town charm, and this is evident when you walk around Baan Koh Mook.

Walking around the traditional fishing village gives a fascinating insight into how the local Thai people live, away from the normal guesthouses and resorts that most tourists stay in.

The locals in Baan Koh Mook are really friendly, and as long as you are polite and show respect while walking around their village, they’ll often have a chat with you and let you take photos.

There’s no better way to kill an hour than by grabbing a kayak and going out for a paddle on a sunny day. It definitely is one of the best Koh Mook activities!

There are a number of places you can rent kayaks from, such as Sivalai Beach Resort for guests or in town near the pier.

If you’re feeling really fit and hire a kayak for the day you can even keep paddling around the northeast side of the island past the pier, where you may just find some beaches all to yourself…

READ MORE: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Ao Nang.

There’s nothing better than watching the sunrise over the sea, and with Thailand being known for having epic colours painted across the sky, you should make waking up for sunrise a priority.

With most of the accommodation being on the eastern side of the island (and within stumbling distance of the beach), there really isn’t an excuse to not get up for at least one morning.

The streets of Koh Mook are very quiet, making them perfect for exploring on a bicycle.

You could easily see most of Koh Mook in a few hours by renting a bike and riding around, and with so many picturesque spots you’ll see why Koh Mook became one of our favourite Thai islands.

It’s very safe, so chances are the only hazards you’ll have to watch out for are stray dogs and chickens.

If you prefer to ride a scooter, you can rent one in town for 250THB a day. Just make sure you wear a helmet.

There are many interesting and unique things to see in Koh Mook, and there’s no better way to do it than on two wheels.

Not all of the best things to do in Koh Mook are found out to sea – some of them you need to wander through the jungle for!

Koh Mook has a number of hiking trails, with the most popular one leading to Sabai Beach.

The track is thick with trees and mosquitos, and the track can get muddy if it rains, but it’s worth doing if you feel like burning some calories.

Along the way climb up to the viewpoint for some epic views over the island, and when you get to Sabai Beach you might be all on your own!

With all of these stunning islands around the place, it’s only normal to want to dive into the water and see what’s beneath the surface.

There are a lot of good, and not-so-good, places to go snorkelling near Koh Mook, but the best spot we found was around Koh Ngai.

Here you’ll find some reefs touching up against the limestone karsts, sandy bottom, lots of fish, and clear water.

If you didn’t bring your own snorkelling gear most boats will include it when you book a tour.

Last but not least on our list of what to do in Koh Mook is simply relax on the beach!

You’ve come all this way to hang out in a beautiful Thai paradise, and you deserve to kick back with a drink and relax.

There are a lot of spots to chill out, but Sivalai Beach has the whitest, cleanest sand. In particular, the southern part is the nicest for swimming too. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Koh Mook.

Koh Mook Travel Guide

In order to help you make the most of your time on the island, we’ve put together this Koh Mook travel guide filled with all the information you’ll need.

From where to stay, where to eat, how to get there, and some extra tips, all you’ll need to worry about is which Koh Mook tourist attractions you want to do!

Where to Stay in Koh Mook

For such a small island, there are a decent number of great Koh Mook accommodations for you to choose from.

It ranges from simple, budget-friendly hostels right up to one of the nicest resorts in the Andaman Sea, so you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you.

Here are our tips for where to stay on Koh Mook Island.

Travelling as a backpacker or on your own? Then the best place for you to rest your head at night is the Koh Mook Hostel .

It’s only a short 10-minute walk to the famous Sivalai Beach, the rooms are bright and clean, and the entire property has free wifi.

Hard to beat it if you’re travelling in Koh Mook on a budget.

For around USD$45 a night you can get something very comfortable in Koh Mook, and it’s hard to beat Mook Ing Lay when it comes to value for money.

The property offers wonderful private bungalows that are fully sealed, meaning you won’t get any bugs crawling into your room at night.

There’s a great garden to hang out in, and it’s right next to the pier and beach so the location is just about perfect.

If you want to stay in the absolute best accommodation in Koh Mook, then you really only have one choice – Sivalai Beach Resort .

Sivalai Beach Resort is the iconic beachside resort that you’ve seen in all of the photos of Koh Mook.

It occupies the whole sandy tip of Sivalai Beach that juts out from town and has hands down the best ocean access of anywhere on the island.

The property is spectacular, with two huge pools to enjoy beneath towering palm trees. There’s a tour agency on site, a spa for massages or treatments, and a massive restaurant.

The rooms themselves are simply gorgeous, tastefully decorated, and high quality.

The superior rooms are right on Sivalai Beach, so you can literally crawl out of bed, run out your door and be in the ocean in seconds.

This is where we stayed, and the crazy thing is that this amazing accommodation is actually quite affordable!

Where to Eat

Now that you know what to see in Koh Mook, it’s important to scout out the best restaurants in the area.

There are quite a few nice spots to enjoy a meal in Koh Mook, and whether you’re looking to spend a few dollars for a curry or $30+ for a delicious seafood platter, you’ll find something to suit your tastes and budget.

Here’s where we found to be the best places to eat in Koh Mook, Thailand.

This is a place so good we ate here twice! If you’re looking for seafood, this is the best place in Koh Mook to grab it.

Every night they do a massive barbecue and put the day’s catch out on display, so you can look and pick exactly what you want before they cook it up.

The Thai dishes are also great if you want to stick to something more casual like a curry.

The owners are wonderful people too, very friendly and accommodating.

The lady in particular can’t speak very clearly due to a medical disability, but that doesn’t stop her from cracking jokes and being a real character!

• Address: Straight up from the pier on your right hand side, past the supermarket.

Another great local restaurant, this family-run place serves delicious, classic Thai food with a smile.

Customers rave about the whole fried fish and the cozy atmosphere.

• Address:  2 147/2 Ko Libong, Kantang District, Trang 92110, Thailand

This place is over at Charlie’s Beach on the far left. Walk up some slightly dodgy stairs and you’ll be treated to amazing views over the beach.

They make some really delicious food here, and while we didn’t try the seafood, we can attest to how damn good the massaman and Penang curries are!

• Address: Charlie’s Beach

How to Get to Koh Mook

Koh Mook is a little island in the Andaman Sea, a short boat ride from the mainland.

As such the only way to get here is of course by boat.

The easiest and quickest way to get to Koh Mook is to fly to Trang City and book a combined taxi and boat transfer to Khuan Tung Ku Pier, about 30 minutes away from town. It costs about 250 THB per person.

From there you’ll meet the boat that will take you to Koh Muk.

If you’re not planning on spending any time in Trang, or will be coming to Koh Mook from another place such as Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, or Koh Lipe, you can organise a boat transfer.

The best thing to do is find a little tour agency in the town you’re in and have them book it directly for you. You can also try your luck at the pier, but chances are the prices will be the same.

A speed boat is popular for further destinations, whereas longtail boat can get you to the closest spots around the island.

We loved our 4 days on Koh Mook Island and picked up a few tips along the way that we want to share with you.

• The island is predominantly Muslim. That means there isn’t much nightlife in Koh Mook and it’s a bit more conservative than other parts of southern Thailand. Show respect by always wearing a shirt and pants (no walking around in swimwear) when you leave the beach and head into town.
• It’s more expensive than the mainland. It’s still very cheap by western standards, but do keep in mind that basic items like water, snacks, etc will cost more here.
• The best time to visit is December to March . This is when the weather is mildest, but it’s also when it’s busiest. We travelled in May, and while it was steaming hot and humid during the days, we felt like we were some of the only tourists on the entire island.
• In peak season book your accommodation ahead of time. Especially if you want to stay in one of the nicer resorts or high-quality budget hostels, as they will book up.
• You can rent scooters and bicycles when you visit Koh Mook Island. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get around. But if you prefer to let someone else do the driving (and give somebody a job for a few hours) you can rent moto taxis for very cheap all around the island.
• There is now an ATM on the island ! That means you don’t have to stress if you forgot to bring enough cash when you visit Koh Mook. Credit cards only work in major resorts.

Disclaimer: Our visit to Koh Mook Island was made in partnership with Hug Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. All thoughts, opinions and sunset beers consumed at Charlie’s Beach are, as always, our own.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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When you make these posts, these locations become less touristy! So please think twice before blowing up the island and the government purchasing it for their own benefit! Yes this place is a gem so let’s keep it a gem.

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Koh Mook Island Guide 2024: Thailand’s Paradise Island

One of our favourite destinations in Thailand was Koh Mook Island. It’s a tiny island along the Trang coast in the Andaman Sea that doesn’t see too many tourists. It was brilliant for us as it felt like we were alone, for the most part, in a tropical paradise!

You’ll have to catch a boat to reach it, but once you arrive, expect palm-lined beaches, huge karst cliffs and stunning beaches running into turquoise water. There are some lovely snorkelling spots and a handful of attractions to enjoy, such as Koh Mook’s popular Emerald Cave.

Jack and I extended our stay on Koh Mook, which is also referred to as Ko Muk, since we loved it so much! We couldn’t believe how lucky we were to have found a destination that wasn’t affected by mass tourism. In the end, we spent almost a week exploring the island, walking along dusty dirt tracks and chilling on idyllic beaches.

Koh Mook: Our Favourite Paradise Island In Thailand

In this travel guide, I’ll share our experience of visiting Koh Mook Island and why we believe it’s one of the best islands to visit in Thailand. I’ll also cover topics including:

• The best things to do in Koh Mook include insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
• I’ll discuss how long you need on the island and when the best time to visit.
• The best ways to get to Koh Mook so you can plan your trip!
• I’ll also share three accommodation options on where to stay on the island, depending on your budget.
• And finally, I’ll share with you my favourite places to eat in Koh Mook!

🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.

Is Koh Mook Worth Visiting?

100% Absolutely, Koh Mook is definitely worth visiting. It’s an island I could go back to time and time again, made so much better by the locals living there, who made the experience unforgettable with their warm welcome. They were generally happy to have us visit their tiny island.

Another thing that makes Koh Mook worth visiting is its affordability. As the island isn’t overrun with tourists yet, it’s still great value in terms of both accommodation and food.  And to top it all off, the food is great, and the beaches are stunning – Charlie Beach is one of my all-time favourites! 

⭐ Pro tip >> There isn’t much nightlife happening on the island, and things get very quiet after 9 pm. If you don’t mind this, then it’s the perfect island getaway for you.

Our Time In Koh Mook

Jack and I visited Koh Mook during our 6-week trip to Thailand. It was one of the first destinations we visited; after spending time in Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, we continued our island-hopping adventure to Koh Mook.

It was quite a journey for our Jack, as he really isn’t fond of boats and since Koh Mook is a 3-hour boat journey from Koh Lanta, it took some persuasion to get him there! But once we arrived, we both just looked at each other, and we knew it was going to be worth it!

We ended up staying an extra three nights on Koh Mook Island, as we loved it so much. So, in total, we spent six beautiful days in paradise, but I could have easily stayed longer. We did all the attractions and some extras, like renting kayaks and exploring the crisis-crossing jungle trails. But mostly, we just relaxed on the beach with fruity cocktails.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re looking for a laid-back, tropical island that isn’t overrun with tourists, quiet, and relaxing, then Koh Mook is for you!

Things To Do In Koh Mook Island

Even though Koh Mook is a small island, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fantastic things to do. There are plenty of activities to fill your days, and one of the most amazing attractions in Thailand.

1. The Emerald Cave

The Emerald Cave is actually a sinkhole which has formed a small hidden cave inside the limestone cliffs. There’s a tiny beach inside, which is surrounded by cliffs, trees and vegetation. It’s really a wonderful place to visit, and there are even monkeys in there too!

It’s one of the most popular attractions of Koh Mook and actually gets visited a lot by day trippers from the mainland and other islands.

However, they tend not to stay on Koh Mook Island very long, which is great for you guys as you won’t have to share your little slice of paradise!

There are a couple of ways to visit the Emerald Cave. You can either arrange to go on a boat or take a kayak. We decided to kayak.

The day trippers tend to get there during mid-day as this is when the sun is directly above the cave, turning the water emerald green – hence the name. However, this also means it’s the busiest time.

If you go later in the day as we did, you will get the whole place to yourself. You just have to decide if you want to miss the emerald part or the people part. For us, it was better to have the cave to ourselves!

The Boat Trip

You can organise a boat trip from the island. PK minimart in the village offers daily tours, but there are a few other locations on the island where trips can be organised. Anyone with a small boat will be willing to take you around the island.

🌟 My top pick >> For a pre-booked tour, join this trip to the Emerald Cave, Ko Kradan, and Ko Chueak by private long-tail boat. Explore with a local guide who will take you around the islands while you swim in azure, crystal-clear waters and spot colourful tropical fish.

The Kayak Trip

We rented a kayak from Charlie Beach for 100 baht p/hour for a double seater. The trip takes about 20 minutes to reach the cave from the beach. If you go on the kayak, make sure you check the tides, as you can only get through the cave on a low tide.

⭐ Pro tip >> To reach the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, you have to swim through a pitch-black cave for 60 metres or so. Make sure you take a headtorch if visiting solo.

2. Sapphire Beach

Around the corner from the Emerald Cave is a deserted beach that can only be reached by boat or kayak. It’s a nice little beach to visit if you’re heading to the Emerald Cave and want to extend your trip. 

When we reached the Emerald Cave, we decided to continue to Sapphire Beach as there were boats waiting outside the cave. When we returned an hour or so later, it was empty. We had Sapphire Beach to ourselves, too!

⭐ Pro tip >> It’s about 15 minutes (on a kayak) further along the water’s edge from the Emerald Cave. Keep in mind the water was a little choppy, so keep close to the cliffs, but the views are spectacular. 

3. Charlie Beach (Haad Sai Yao/Farang Beach)

The most beautiful beach in Thailand! There is literally nothing here apart from a couple of restaurants right at the bottom of the cliff. We were told there was a resort here once, which has been completely removed, and only a few bungalows are left at the very far end of the beach.

It’s one of those rare places in Thailand where mass tourism has not yet found it. It’s the perfect tropical beach lined with coconut trees, fluffy white sand and crystal-clear waters. 

The beach is also full of tiny hermit crabs, which you can hear scurrying along the leaf litter and sand. It’s wonderfully shaded with a few beach loungers along one side (belonging to the restaurants, of which there are two).

You will be able to catch the perfect sunset there as well as it’s aligned to fall directly in front of you!

⭐ Pro tip >> It takes 30 minutes to walk to Charlie Beach from the village, but you can grab a tuk-tuk, which will cost you 50 THB one way per person. The walk is nice and takes you through dirt roads which wind along the trees, but be sure to wear mosquito repellant as there are loads.

4. The Pad Thai at Mong Bar

We decided that we would try Pad Thai in every place we visited in Thailand to see where it was best. We were in Thailand for 6 weeks and visited a lot of places; the one on Koh Mook came out third! 

If I’m honest, it was maybe one of the less attractive Pad Thai we were served, coming out quite beige, but it tasted fantastic. It was simple, no-frills cooking, but the flavour was on point, and if you’re heading to Koh Mook, make time to order the Pad Thai at Mong Bar.

5. Passion Fruit Smoothie at Miss Island

Another thing that we just couldn’t live without while we were travelling Thailand was a passion fruit smoothie, and there was no better place to buy one than at Miss Islands Bakery in Koh Mook. 

Miss Island’s Bakery was directly opposite our hostel and turned out to be an incredible discovery. Not only was the passion fruit smoothie to die for, but the whole menu was delicious and arguably the best value on the island!

The food was so great and cheap that we didn’t venture too far during our stay there and decided that it was our favourite restaurant in Thailand. Koh Mook holds the record for a lot of our favourites!

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re heading there, make time for Miss Islands Bakery. They have a selection of cakes and fresh baked goods, typical Thai food, and international dishes. We really enjoyed the spring rolls and Thai Green Curry!

6. Sugars Cafe & Restaurant

Of course, there were a few other spots we enjoyed as well, and Sugars is on that list. It’s a little further out of the main strip. If you decide to visit Sugars, then you need to try the bananas in warm, sweet coconut milk dessert. It’s a typical Thai dessert, and Sugars does a great one.

⭐ Pro tip >> The restaurant is quirky too and right by the beach, although not a beach you would want to swim in as all the fishing boats are there. However, it’s a nice place to go and watch the boats, and the floor is sand, so take off your shoes and enjoy!

7. Walk A Loop Of Baan Koh Mook Village

You might have already checked Koh Mook on a map and noticed there is a ring road around the main village. If not, I’ve marked it on the Koh Mook Activity Map below. 

The loop doesn’t take very long, but it’s a lovely walk around the village and the houses. You will pass all of the restaurants on the main strip and find some other hidden gems like Sugars. 

It’s great as you will pass little shops selling fresh produce and food stalls grilling chicken and beef skewers. There are a few smoothie stalls, too, and you can see if there’s anywhere which takes your fancy for some grub later on.

⭐ Pro tip >> Once you’ve done the loop, I would turn towards the pier and walk along the path towards the left once you reach it to explore a little more. You’ll notice a lot of buildings in disappear, which I think was from a previous tsunami or possibly Covid.

It’s sad to see the abandoned buildings; hopefully, they will be rebuilt by the time you visit. But there are some really interesting fishing spots around here, too, and you’ll notice the fishing boats being built and houses on stilts.

Swinging round back to the main strip, you will find a little path almost opposite the larger convenience shop, which takes you to the main beach.

8. The Village Beach / Sivalai Beach (Ao Kham) /Pearl Beach

The village beach has a few names depending on which part you visit, but we were calling it Pearl Beach. At the tip of Pearl Beach is Sivalai Point, which rounds towards the pier and is also known as Sivalai Beach, the most popular point on the island.

You might notice the shallow water when you arrive if you come via the pier; this makes the beach endless at low tide. It’s possible to wade out a hundred metres or so and still not be any deeper than your knees!

⭐ Pro tip >> The beach is easy to get to from the village and somewhere to go if you want a quick and easy beach day. It’s lined with trees, which provide shade, but there are a few restaurants, hotels and resorts along the beachfront, so it’s nice to take a stroll.

Jack and I had the best day walking along the water and following the beach to the point at the far end.  While we were jumping in and out of the water and acting like big kids, we found tons of jellyfish washed up on the beach, saved a couple of baby puffer fish, ran after hundreds of red crabs and found an array of weird shells!

9. Koh Mook Viewpoint

If, after all the exploring, you’re still up for some more adventure, you can continue along the path where the fishing boats are towards Koh Mook Viewpoint.  

This trail will take you through the jungle along muddy winding paths; it’s very humid and sticky with a ton of mosquitos. If you like hiking it’s worth the view, if not, it might not be for you.

⭐ Pro tip >> The hike will actually lead you to Sapphire Beach if you continue to follow it. We just went to the viewpoint and turned back as we had already visited Sapphire on the kayaks.  It took us about 25 minutes to reach the top.

10. Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai Day Trip

There are a couple of smaller islands really close to Koh Mook, and if you fancy it, then I recommend a day trip to Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai. Depending on how long you’re staying at Koh Mook, you could do this in a full day or split it between two days.

We did the full day and loved every minute. We booked a longtail boat from one of the locals while we were in Koh Mook, which took us to Koh Ngai first and then to Koh Kradan.

• Koh Kradan: A secluded island which feels like it’s your own private island. There are even fewer tourists there than in Koh Mook! There are no cars or roads, and only a few resorts dotted along the beach and a tiny minimart. It’s fantastic for snorkelling. 
• Koh Ngai: This is pretty much the same; it’s a quiet, peaceful jungle island great for unwinding. The beaches are stunning, much like Koh Mook, with crystal clear water and white sand.

⭐ Pro tip >> The islands are about 20 minutes from Koh Mook, and the day trip really is worth doing. Both islands are fantastic for snorkelling, but Koh Kradan has an epic coral reef teeming with colourful fish and corals. It was beautiful to see.

Resources For Thailand

Is it your first time visiting Thailand?  We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our  Thailand Page here ,  but below are some of our most popular articles:

• Read this post if you’re thinking about an island-hopping adventure in the Andaman Sea ; Ko Muk is on the itinerary!
• If you’re exploring south Thailand , visit the old town of Phuket for a few days for a hit of culture.
• Don’t forget to book your snorkelling tours and ATV adventure rides while you’re on the mainland!
• Read this if you’re looking for national parks to explore , or this post if you want to stay the night on floating bungalows.
• For a mountain escape, head to the cultural centre of Chaing Mai , visit elephant sanctuaries , go trekking and explore the city on an epic bike tour .
• Finally, add some history to your trip with a visit to Kanchanaburi and the infamous Burma-Thai railway.

Planning Your Trip To Koh Mook

Since Koh Mook is still an off-the-beaten-path destination, there aren’t as many facilities as you would find on other paradise islands, but it is becoming more popular.

That said, here are some tips to help you plan your visit.

• There aren’t any ATMs on the island. However, you can get cashback from the PK minimart, although there is a 5% commission. They will waive the commission if you purchase something from their tour office, such as a boat trip or scooter rental.
• Never drink tap water from the island; make sure you always buy bottled water or use a water filter bottle. We have a Grayl purification bottle, which works well.
• There are plenty of stray dogs and cats in Koh Mook. Most of them are harmless; however, it’s important you have your rabies shots before you visit Thailand.
• We didn’t rent a scooter as the island is small enough to walk, but if you wanted to explore further, rentals are about 250 baht per day. You’ll also need to top-up the fuel.
• For minor injuries, there is a medical clinic in the village. Keep in mind, that the main hospital is 2 hours away…so no backflips off the cliffs! Other than that, Koh Mook is safe, and within a few days, you will be on a first-name basis with a lot of the locals.

How Long Should You Stay In Koh Mook?

If you’re looking for a holiday spot in Thailand and are happy with chilled vibes, cocktails and beach days, then it’s easy to spend a couple of weeks on Koh Mook. Keep in mind that there isn’t much there other than tropical beaches and jungles. You could take boat trips to the nearby islands, too.

However, for those of you on an island-hopping adventure or if you’re just visiting a few islands, you’ll definitely want at least 4 days on Koh Mook. It’s tiny, but there are a few fun bits to do!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Koh Mook?

The best time to visit Koh Mook is during the dry season between November and February. Something to keep in mind is that visiting at this time does bring more tourists to Thailand; however, as Koh Mook is less crowded, it shouldn’t affect it too much. 

The Andaman Sea is also at its calmest during these months, which makes it perfect for exploring the nearby islands. If you’re worried about crowds, you could visit towards the tail end of the rainy season; you might also be able to grab a better deal!

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re heading over to the west of Thailand to visit Koh Samui after the southern islands,  the best time to visit is around March as the area gets hit by the northeastern monsoon from October to January.

Rainy Season: July to October : The warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean creates a lot of rainfall during these months. Generally, it will only rain for a few hours a day, getting heavier and more persistent towards the end of the rainy season. However, with the high humidity, it becomes uncomfortable to visit during this time.

Dry Season: November to May : These are sometimes split in two: hot and cool. The Hot Season affects the north more, where the temperature changes are more noticeable; however, in the south, expect temperatures around 33°C. The Cool Season brings perfect cooler temperatures and dry air with less humidity.

How To Get To Koh Mook?

There are a few ways to reach Koh Mook, depending on where you are coming from. 

We came from Phuket via Koh Lanta as that’s where we flew in, and I think it’s a good location to start (or end) if you’re planning to go island hopping because it has an international airport and is closer than Bangkok. It’s also possible to get there from Bangkok, but it will require flying to Trang. 

⭐ Pro tip >> There is no direct way to reach Koh Mook. You’ll have to catch a boat. However, there are a few popular locations you can depart from.

If you’re planning to backpack and want to save as much as possible, it’s sometimes better to book tickets on the islands. You run the risk of not getting a ticket, so unless you have time to wait around, I’d advise pre-booking.

Nevertheless, below are some prices we grabbed from our last visit to help you estimate a budget.

How To Get To Koh Mook From Phuket

The easiest way to get to Koh Mook from Phuket is to catch the ferry or a speedboat from Rassada Pier. We actually went from Phuket to Phi Phi to Koh Lanta and then Koh Mook, but you can continue through without the stops. 

You can book your boat tickets in Phuket at a number of tourist offices. However, it does sometimes work out cheaper to book them on the islands as you work your way along, especially if you’re island hopping! 

⭐ Pro tip >> If you prefer pre-booking to save hassle once you arrive, you can use BookAway to find tickets. Search for Phuket to Koh Mook.

How To Get To Koh Mook From Krabi

You can also get to Koh Mook from Krabi via Koh Lanta. At the time of writing, all transfers were connecting from Krabi to Koh Lanta via land only, but there is sometimes a ferry that goes from Krabi to Koh Lanta to Koh Mook.

⭐ Pro tip >> The same goes for Krabi to Koh Mook. We have used and trusted BookAway to book similar journeys online.

How To Get To Koh Mook From Bangkok

If you are flying into Bangkok, you will have to make your way south. There are a few options, the easiest being another flight to Trang, but you could also go by sleeper train, which is quite a cultural experience!

• Flying to Trang: There are a number of daily flights from Bangkok to Trang with AirAsia and Thai Lion. Be sure to check your baggage allowances as these airlines tend to only quote for carry-on. The flight takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Sleeper Train to Trang: This type of travel will take a long time, around 12 hours, and is a good way to go if you have a long time in Thailand and stop in a few places. Some fantastic places to stop at while you make your way south are Kanchanaburi and Khao Sok National Park and Krabi, namely Railey Beach.
• Bus to Trang: As the sleeper trains, you can find overnight buses to take you to Trang; again, they will take a full day and are really not advisable unless you are stopping along the way.

Best Flight Searcher: SKYSCANNER

We use SKYSCANNER to book and compare flights. Book your flight tickets in advance and you should be able to find great deals ! ✅ Top Tip: Air Asia is a good airline for internal Indonesian flights.

How To Get To Koh Mook From Trang

Once you arrive in Trang, the only way to reach Koh Mook is to arrange a car to take you to the port, where you will be transferred onto a boat which will take you to Koh Mook. 

If you catch the morning flight from Bangkok, it will get you into Trang in time to catch the late morning boat transfer to Koh Mook. In total, it should take around 4 hours from Bangkok to Koh Mook if you plan it right. 

Tickets can be bought in advance or at numerous ticket offices when you reach Trang airport. There will also be boat sales at the port if you prefer to buy the tickets separately; however, it does make it easier if you have pre-arranged tickets.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF 12GO?

A great company to use to get around Indonesia is 12Go . They aim to help travellers from around the world get from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee ! So, if you’re coming from other areas in Indo, you might want to use these guys!

Where To Stay On Koh Mook

Even though Koh Mook is a small island, there are still quite a few hotels and resorts to choose from. There is also budget accommodation in the style of Koh Mook Hostel, which is directly opposite Miss Islands Bakery and a great place if you’re looking for a cheap few nights.

In terms of more luxurious resorts, Koh Mook has a couple of options which look amazing! Most are beachfront villas looking out over the blue waters at Savali Beach, and really close to the village.

Budget-Friendly Suggestion: Koh Mook Hostel

It is the only hostel (so far) on the island and is great if you want cheaper accommodation. It does get booked up, so booking in advance is necessary!  They have shared rooms with and without air-con and private rooms too. There is a communal shower block and a small kitchen and fridge with free coffee, tea and biscuits. 

Mid-Range Suggestion: Mook Montra Resort Seafront

Mook Montra is a lovely mid-range option on the island. It’s set up in wonderful wooden bungalows along the beachfront, which are connected by grassed terraces and paving stones. It’s a really relaxing place with a calm atmosphere, perfect for disconnecting. The breakfast is good, plus the hotel is kept very clean.

Luxury Suggestion: Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort

One of the top-rated places to stay while you’re in Koh Mook is Sivalai Beach Resort. Although we didn’t stay there, we did walk past it a number of times, and it looked lovely being right on the beachfront with gorgeous bungalows. Due to its location and the way the bungalows are arranged on the beachfront, it’s very private and secluded. It’s the perfect location for a luxury island getaway!

The reviews are exceptional. Many people are saying the rooms are beautiful and you will fall asleep listening to the waves.

Where To Eat & Drink On Koh Mook

One thing we did do a lot of was eating. Jack and I both love food and trying new dishes. Thailand is full of new flavours and dishes, and Koh Mook is no different. 

Expect to find the normal meals such as Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry. However, there are a few more local dishes to Southern Thailand and the Trang district that are also found on Koh Mook, like marinated fried fish dishes in special sauce and gravy noodles served with pork.

Below are some of our favourite places to eat in Koh Mook.

Miss Island Bakery

Our favourite place is Koh Mook. The find was always on point, and the fact we could get little French pastries was incredible, especially for me as I have a huge sweet tooth. Locals loved this place, too, as the prices are ridiculously good!

Mayow Thai Restaurant

Mayow is where we tried the fried fish in a special sauce, and it was incredible! It wasn’t very busy when we visited, but the staff were really chatty, helpful, and happy, which made the atmosphere really nice.

Sugars Cafe and Restaurant

As mentioned previously, Sugars is a great little find. It’s small but has delicious, freshly cooked meals and juices. They were always playing some reggae, and the decor was rather quirky, with a sandy floor.

Perfect Bar and Restaurant (Great for Vegetarians)

This place is right on the village beach with lovely views over the water. We had really good service, and the food was great. Try the Massaman Curry.

There’s a large selection of cocktails at Mongs, and they serve decent food, too; the Pad Thai is great but also try their Thai Curry. The prices are good too.

Conclusion: Koh Mook Island Guide

If you’ve read this and you’re thinking Koh Mook is somewhere you’re going to love, you have to go. Take it from us: we loved our time there, and so will you!

It really is the perfect island getaway in Thailand; with fantastic views, beaches and affordability, I wouldn’t blame you if you never want to leave!

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Abigail Dalton is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure, a blog which helps travellers find unique destinations worldwide. She focuses on budget travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect trips and make the best memories. She also helps travellers plan their dream holidays with bespoke travel services where she creates fun-packed itineraries. When she isn't writing about her travels you'll find her on long country walks foraging for mushrooms or enjoying a cool fruity white under the sun, toes tucked in the sand.

Koh Kradan, Thailand Travel Guide [Everything you Need to Know!]

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Home » Koh Kradan, Thailand Travel Guide [Everything you Need to Know!]

Koh Kradan, one of Thailand’s many beautiful islands, is known for its white sandy beaches and incredible views.

Koh Kradan is peaceful, quiet and perfect for a day or two of sunbathing and relaxing. Apart from the beaches and ocean, there are few activities to do on this little island.

But don’t worry, that shouldn’t strike this serene island off your itinerary. You’ll never be too far from a speedboat that can whizz you off in a flash to another island for a day of fun and adventure.

How to get to Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan)

The island is located in the Trang province of Thailand .

We recommend taking a speedboat or ferry from one of the nearest islands to Koh Kradan. Koh Ngai and Koh Mook are a mere 30 minutes away, while Trang island is an hour away.

Traveling to Koh Kradan from some of the more popular islands like Phuket would take you 3 and a half hours, while traveling from Phi Phi island would take 2 and a half hours.

We love checking transfers on 12Go.Asia to get us from point A to point B. Click to find your speedboat transfer here .

Once you arrive at the beach of Koh Kradan, you will find your accommodation transport trolley ready and waiting.

There are no cars on Koh Kradan, so the poor guy from your hotel will have to drag this trolley with the luggage all the back to the hotel (do give him a small tip for the hard work).

Koh Kradan Accommodation (Ko Kradan)

Koh Kradan is yet another one of Thailand’s incredibly beautiful islands, however, accommodation on this island is a bit pricier than that of the other islands.

This is due to the fact that there are a small number of hotels or resorts competing against each other.

1. The Reef Resort

This phenomenal location right on the beach is a great setting to spend the day watching the sunset and going for walks along the shore.

Just a 5-minute walk to the nearest speedboat, you’ll be able to island hop from this resort fairly quickly. The restaurant located inside the resort serves great food at a reasonable price. And the manager and staff are all friendly and courteous.

Although Koh Kradan’s accommodation is generally overpriced, The Reef Resort is where you’ll get the most value for your money on the island.

>>> Check prices for this resort on Booking.com here .

2. The Seven Seas Resort

The Seven Seas Resort is a luxury resort located right on the beachfront in front of crystal clear waters. The service and the facilities here are great. Although in our opinion, this resort is a little pricey, if you have some cash to spend, it’s worth the visit.

The food here is slightly repetitive as the same menu is served for lunch and dinner. The food is not quite up to a luxury standard, so we recommend heading someplace else at meal times.

3. Coral Garden Resort

The Coral Garden Resort is idyllically located in an undeveloped part of the Koh Kradan island. If you’re looking for an escape to a quiet and remote area, this is the place to go. While wandering the area, you’ll get the feeling that this is an untouched place, made just for you.

We stayed at this resort ourselves, and whilst I wouldn’t class it as luxurious, our little house was comfortable, lovely and large in size and was located right at the beach. ( Tip: ask for the beach house furthest away from the restaurant).

Friendly staff and clean, well-kept rooms add to a great experience. If you’re planning a trip to  Koh Kradan, this is a great resort to check out.

Watch our Video on Koh Kradan

Here is a lovely easy-to-watch video on our few days on Koh Kradan Island in Thailand.

Click Here to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Things to do in Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan)

Many people recommend snorkeling on Koh Kradan but we found it to be less enjoyable than other dive sites.

There were plenty of fish to be seen but there was limited colorful coral (but then we are from Australia and our underwater life here is AMAZING).

What we did love, was the beautiful clear water, and the totally gorgeous backdrop of the surrounding islands.

All the activities in Koh Kradan revolve around the beaches.

There are really only two beaches in Koh Kradan. The main Koh Kradan beach is the long beach where all the hotels and resorts are located. You will also find some beach furniture on this beach as well.

Spend the day drinking cocktails at one of the resorts located along the seashore.

Later on in the day, take a Kayaking trip through the shallow waters that surround the island. Most of the resorts provide kayaks as a free added extra, so why not take advantage of it?

In the evening, visit Chonglom Bay Beach also known as Sunset Beach, and there’s no question as to why.

Just a short walk through the islands lush jungle will bring you to this little piece of paradise that will be well worth the walk.

Be sure to get there before sunset, so you can get a marvelous view from this lovely beach (and take some mosquito spray and a flashlight with you for the walk back).

NOTE: It’s important to note that the island almost fully shuts down in the quiet season, so be sure you’re going between December and February.

Where to Eat in Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan)

While there is much to be said about the good things about Koh Kradan, the food isn’t one of our favourites. We found it to be below average standard in comparison to the rest of Thailand.

While the food isn’t terrible, we recommend hopping on a boat to the nearest islands (Koh Ngai & Koh Mook) to fill up on a tastier meal.

There aren’t any shops to buy any supplies, so be sure to bring some snacks etc. with you.

Koh Kradan Final Thoughts

This island is nothing but gorgeous, tranquil and peaceful, however, if you’re looking to make the most of your money, we recommend exploring one of the nearby islands like Koh Mook or Koh Ngai as well.

Koh Kradan is definitely worth a day trip, and if you have time we highly recommend staying for a few nights. We totally enjoyed the quiet island where we the only item on our itinerary was relaxation.

Jolene Ejmont

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Koh Chang Guide for Independent Travelers

Koh Chang, ('Elephant Island' in Thai) is the third largest island in Thailand and part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park.

Compared to the bustling Phuket and Samui islands, Koh Chang offers a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to avoid the crowds. With a good range of accommodations, some excellent restaurants, and numerous bars, Koh Chang provides a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

This means Koh Chang is definitely worth visiting if you want to avoid mass tourism.   During covid-19 times many small businesses closed. However, a lot have returned and many more new ones have opened on the island. As of early 2024 the island is pretty much back to normal. Although visitor numbers are still lower than pre-covid times.

Plan Your Holiday on Koh Chang

You're almost certainly coming here for a beach holiday.  (Even if you're a digital nomad , you'll want to spend some time at the beach)

So, here's a brief run down of the island's main beaches.  These are all on the west coast, with White Sand beach in the north and Lonely beach in the south.  In between, you have Klong Prao  - the longest beach on the island and Kai Bae beach.

Bear in mind that each beach has a different atmosphere. So there isn't necessarily a best beach on Ko Chang. Everyone has their own opinion about that. :-)

There are other, quieter, beach areas on the island and you'll learn more about them in the Island Guide  which covers all corners of the island, not just the main beaches.

White Sand Beach

The closest to the ferry piers and by far the busiest & most touristy beach on the island. Everything you need is within easy walking distance of your resort. Accommodation is mostly 2-3 star resorts on the beach, the exceptions being KC Grande Resort and Kacha Resort .  There's a wide choice of restaurants, plus beer bars, sports pub and numerous other watering holes.

Klong Prao Beach

The longest beach on Koh Chang and cut in three by a large river estuary in the centre of the beach and a much smaller one near the south.  Here you'll find accommodation mostly in larger resorts.  

The south end of the beach is home to some of the best family friendly resorts on the island Dinso Resort and Villas ( which is managed by IHG), Centrara Tropicana and The Dewa .  In the centre of the beach there are two longstanding, basic budget options - KP Huts and Tiger Hut.  

There are relatively few resorts for the length of beach and so it's easy to walk a few minutes and find a quiet spot to swim even in peak season.  The village is a few minutes walk from the south of the beach.  Near the north end, you'll find plenty of small shops and restaurants clustered on the roadside.

Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae is also a beach of two halves.  The south having by far the best stretch of sand.  But the northern half having three of the islands best resorts adjacent to each other - The Chill , Gajapuri Resort and AWA Resort . All are excellent places to stay but the actual beach outside them isn't great..  

The southern section is where you'll find locally owned bungalow resorts eg KB Resort, Kai Bae Hut, Kai Bae Beach Resort.  These have expanded over the years and now offer a good 3* standard of accommodation. The main road lies at the back of the resorts and is lined with small shops and restaurants.  But unlike White Sand beach, it has a bit more charm and is less commercial. And at the far southern end of the beach is Sylvan Resort , another good 4 star option.

Lonely Beach

The original backpacker beach on Koh Chang.  Although it is now moving more upmarket.  There are only three places to stay actually on the beach itself.  Most accommodation is a few minutes walk south in a busy built up area.  This is also home to a lot of cheap guesthouses and huts.  

But the area is moving more upmarket with Nest Sense and Warapura Resort being the picks of places to stay.  And the longstanding Oasis and Little Eden which are very popular with 'flashpackers'.

Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Wai

Finally, if you plan on doing some island hopping, there are also extensive guides to Koh Wai , Koh Mak and Koh Kood .

These include include essential information on boats to the islands, the best beaches, accommodation and what to see and do on the islands. They are all worth visiting if you have time and all have a very different vibe than Koh Chang.

Hit The Beaches . . .

Koh Chang Beach Guide – Updated for 2023

Where to Stay on Koh Chang? Koh Chang isn’t a small island and all the beaches have a different vibe. So deciding which beach to stay on is the most important choice once you have desired to visit the island. So before you...read more...

Where to Stay?

I've mentioned a few places to stay above. But I've also written some handy guides on accommodation on Koh Chang which cover different types of places.

If you want to avoid reading through the hundreds of reviews on this site then just go to this extensive rundown of the best accommodation on Koh Chang. This covers everything from 5 star resorts and pool villas to guesthouses and simple beach huts.

You'll find all types of accommodation on the island. For visitors on a tight budget there are some great hostels .

Or for those of you who want to avoid the larger resorts but enjoy some home comforts, Koh Chang has a growing number of boutique resorts. Take a look at some of the best boutique stays.

Airbnb rentals were taking off on Koh Chang before coronavirus and they are sure to be even more popular now. Expect more space than a hotel room and better value for money. Plus privacy and all the comforts of home. So, I've also got some picks of the best Airbnbs on the island.

Where to Stay on Koh Chang?

The Best Places to Stay on Koh Chang

My Picks for the Best Hotels, Resorts, Pool Villas and Bungalows There are reviews of around 100 places to stay on Koh Chang in the Accommodation section. This page is about helping to narrow the choice.  Just a selected...read more...

Transport to Koh Chang

Having decided on a holiday on the island and checked out a few hotels, all that remains is to figure out how to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok or elsewhere. Whether you plan on travelling by bus, plane or private car or minibus, you'll find all the information you need in the Transport section.

In brief, if you are on a budget then there are regular bus services from Ekamai Bus Station, Bangkok to the mainland ferry piers. Or you can book tickets for a shared minibus that would pick you up from your hotel in Bangkok or Pattaya and drop you off at your hotel on Koh Chang.

Private transfers by car or van are also easy to arrange for couples, groups or families who want to get here with the minimum of hassle.

If you plan on flying, Bangkok Airways has 3 or 4 flights a day to Trat Airport , from where Koh Chang is a short minibus and ferry ride away. As you'll see from the guide, passengers can easily take a minibus direct from Trat Airport to their hotel on Koh Chang.

There's also a useful page on getting around Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, which is the entry point to Thailand for most western tourists. Learn the layout of the airport and the best place to exchange money, how to get into the city centre or direct to Koh Chang etc.

As Koh Chang is an island, with no bridge or airport, you'll have to take a boat to get here. The boats to Koh Chang are all large car ferries. These run from 06:00 - 19:30 daily throughout the year and depart from two piers on the mainland.

Detailed timetables and information can be found on this bus and boat timetable page.

From Cambodia

An ever increasing number of people are combining Koh Chang with a trip to Cambodia, either to Angkor Wat or the islands in the south. Fortunately, getting to Koh Chang from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh is relatively simple nowadays. You'll find more on this in the transport section.

How to Get to Koh Chang

How to Get to Koh Chang by Bus and Boat

Bus Timetables and Boat Schedules to Koh Chang Koh Chang Bus Timetables   Before you email to ask, there are no trains due to the lack of railway tracks in this part of Thailand. The bus...read more...

Private Transfers to Koh Chang by Car and Minibus

Affordable, Door-to-Door Transfers to Koh Chang Trusted Koh Chang Transfer Service for over 18 years As an independent traveler trying to avoid the overcrowded islands in the South of Thailand...read more...

How to Get From Siem Reap to Koh Chang

Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide

What to do on koh chang.

For many people a holiday is just about lazing in the sunshine and enjoying sunset cocktails. But there's plenty to do away from the pool and beach.

There are numerous activities to keep you occupied when you aren't sunning yourself. Including jungle trekking, snorkeling trips, jungle trekking, cooking classes, ATV riding, treetop adventure park, massage, scuba diving courses and elephant trekking .

And if you want to explore the interior of the island, grab a scooter and head off to discover various waterfalls which can easily be reached on foot.  Or take a tough trek to the top of one of the mountains.

Afterwards, you may well need and inexpensive Thai massage to soothe your aching limbs.

Activities, Trips and Tours

Jungle Trekking Trips

Jungle Trekking on Koh Chang Surprisingly, few people bother making the effort to head into Koh Chang’s interior on a trek. But if you need some exercise whilst on holiday jungle trekking is...read more...

Snorkelling Trips to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and Other Islands

Koh Chang Snorkelling Guide Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Koh Chang.  The best snorkelling sites rival those you’ll find in the south of Thailand...read more...

22 Thai Fruits You Should Try on Holiday

Koh Chang Waterfall Guide – Which to Visit?

About this site.

We've lived on the island since 2003 and in addition to running this site also have a small guesthouse, 'Baan Rim Nam' on Klong Prao beach which we rebuilt during covid.

I also post updates and snippets of info, photos and random ramblings on Facebook,com/iamkohchang

Message me if you need any specific information you can't find on the site.

Travel Blog

Visiting Thailand Solo: A Safety Guide for Female Travelers

Venturing Alone: The Allure of Solo Female Travel in Thailand The thought of solo travel has captivated the hearts of many adventurers around the world. In recent years, there has been a significant...read more...

The Future of Koh Chang

During the 2023 low season, there’s been quite a lot of chatter on Thai Line groups about how quiet the island has been recently and the lack of budget allocated to promote the island or do...read more...

Koh Si Chang Guide

Are There Squirrels in Thailand?

The Rainy Season on Koh Chang

Koh Chang in the 1989 Lonely Planet Guide

How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya By Bus, Taxi and...read more...

A Guide to Exploring Thailand by Bus

Koh Kood: The Prettiest Island in Thailand

I almost didn’t go.

After spending  three beautiful days on Koh Mak , I was convinced I’d found the best island in Thailand. It had everything you could need from a place to call paradise. The food was delicious, the locals were welcoming, the beaches were gorgeous, the views were spectacular, and there were hardly any tourists around. When you throw in getting to stay in one of my new favourite guesthouses — Bamboo Hideaway — I had a solid case for cancelling the rest of my plans in the country.

The one thing that convinced me to leave?

Knowing my next destination was supposedly home to the best beaches in all of Thailand.

How could I pass up on an opportunity like that?

My first impressions were surprisingly poor.

After arriving in Koh Kood, we were assigned to a songthaew with some of the most obnoxious travellers I’d ever come across. For the next half an hour, we wound our way down the west coast of the island to our guesthouse, listening to them shriek and snort as they ignored the views around them. I crossed every finger I had in a desperate prayer that they weren’t staying in the same place as us.

When we pulled up beside a fancy resort to let the shriekers out, I was blanketed in an odd blend of jealousy and relief.

Because, guys, girls and non-binary readers? The beach beside their resort looked incredible.

This beach would give  the South Pacific a run for its money, and I was in awe of its pristine shores. It looked like a Photoshopped scene, all perfect white sand and turquoise blue water, and I immediately made a note to return.

Ten minutes later, we were pulling up outside Gumm Lonely Club . And yes, that is a random name for a guesthouse.

I had been convinced to book at Gumm’s after reading the incredible reviews online  — a whopping 97% of reviewers on TripAdvisor give it 5 stars — and I couldn’t find a single criticism of the place. And while $60 a night is a little more than I was hoping to pay, when I saw the photos and read about how wonderful the place is, I was convinced to splurge.

From the moment I stepped foot in this chilled-out hangout, I was thrilled we’d decided to stay there.

Gumm and Jang, a Thai couple from Bangkok, converted this old fishing house into a homestay-guesthouse mash-up five years ago, and now offer three rooms for guests to stay in. We’d lucked out with the best one, as our room was the only one with a balcony and hammock over the water. As I padded around the jumble of deck chairs, hammocks, and benches, jazz drifted through the air from a record player and the river lazily passed by.

“Oh my god, I want to stay forever,” I said to Dave, and a woman lounging in a nearby deckchair let out a laugh.

“I’ve been coming back here since it opened,” she confessed to us. “Staying for months at a time. It’s paradise.”

We introduced ourselves to Gumm and our fellow guests, grabbed a couple of beers and some Penang curries, then settled down beside the water to take a deep breath and relax.

Later that afternoon, when we finally managed to drag ourselves from our roti-induced stupor, we wandered down to the nearest beach.

Fortunately, it was just 200 metres from Gumm’s, and when we reached it, there was just one other couple out on the sand. If you remember my posts from Koh Wai and Koh Mak , you’ll know this wasn’t a rarity in this part of Thailand.

Dave’s face lit up with excitement.

“This is the perfect place to do it,” he told me.

“You know! That thing I’ve always wanted to do on a beach?”

I racked my brains for ideas, then shrugged.

“Shave my head!” he grinned.

“Um, you have definitely never told me that before.”

While Dave ran back to his room to collect his clippers, I clambered into a nearby rope hammock that was swinging over the waves.

It was the perfect afternoon. 

I discovered that beach hammocks are the best if you happen to be swinging in one at the perfect time, when you’re low enough that the sea continually splashes your back to keep you cool, but not so low that you’re on the verge of drowning.

I placed my hands behind my head and drifted off to sleep. 

The following day, we set off in search of the best beaches on the island. The beach we’d spent the previous afternoon on had been nice enough, but I suspected there were prettier spots and I was determined to hunt them down. 

Koh Kood is a decent size for a Thai island — it’s the fifth largest in the county — so, for us, getting around required donning our helmets and heading out on two wheels. We arranged to rent a scooter from Gumm for the day, then bumped our way over the gravel track to the island’s main road.

When I say main road, I’m making it sound as if there’s traffic , but the reality is, we saw about three other scooters and a single songthaew during our entire day of exploring. On an island that’s home to around 2,000 people, and where most visitors opt to stay within the confines of their resort, we felt as though we were the only people on the island who weren’t spending all day on the beach.

As we wound our way up a small hill, I let out a giggle when I realised we’d seen more monkeys than humans on Koh Kood so far.

We stopped off at Ao Yai viewpoint.

A working fishing village on the southeast coast of the island, Ao Yai is known for having great seafood, stilt houses, and the opportunity to see a super-local way of life.

We had a look around, then I urged Dave back on the scooter. Koh Kood, after all, is famous for its beaches, and I was itching to see the best Thailand has to offer.

Our first stop: Klong Hin beach.

Damn, damn, damn.

We parked our scooter and walked down a small slope to a perfect beach that was fringed with palm trees.

It was spectacular.

I jumped up on to a rope swing dangling from a palm tree while Dave snapped some photos.

I mean, I know I’ve said over and over that I came to Koh Kood because I’d read it had the best beaches in Thailand, but I was still shocked by just how beautiful this place was.

And did I mention we had this amazing beach all to ourselves?

What even is my life?

Klong Hin was easily the best beach I’d ever been to in Thailand, and I just couldn’t get my head around why it wasn’t overrun with tourists. I believe it’s down to several things.

Koh Kood kind of seems like it could be a pain to get to.

Not many tourists bother to venture over to the islands near the Cambodia border unless they’re travelling overland across Southeast Asia. Its location alone makes it seem like it’s too much hassle to get to. In our case, we’d taken a five-hour bus from Bangkok to Trat, a 30-minute ferry to Koh Chang, a 30-minute songthaew across the island, and then a two-hour ferry to Koh Kood. It sounds annoying, but that’s mostly because we made it annoying, as we wanted to travel as cheaply as possible.

In reality, you can fly from Bangkok to Trat in an hour, and there are speedboats from there to Koh Kood that also take an hour. Koh Kood may seem like it’s a pain in the ass to get to, but it’s really not.

Koh Kood also has a reputation for being full of resorts and high-end tourists, keeping the backpacker crowds away. 

Much of the accommodation options on the island are expensive resorts — Soneva Kiri charges an incredible $1,400 a night for a stay there — and it’s been branded as a popular destination for package tourists. But in reality, there are plenty of budget options on the island — they’re just not as well known.

You can get yourself a genuinely nice-looking tent for $12 a night on Koh Kood and the cheapest private rooms on the island go for $15 a night for a two-person chalet — both properties receive an average of 9+ on Booking. While there aren’t dozens upon dozens of cheap options, there are some and they do receive excellent reviews.

And finally, Koh Kood is rarely written about online.

I’ll be honest with you: I hadn’t even heard of Koh Kood before this year.

Thanks to starting a travel blog , and using it to fund a decade of full-time travel, I consider myself to be pretty well-informed when it comes to places on this planet. I’ve spent over a year travelling in Thailand, subscribe to over a hundred travel blogs, have read over 250 travel memoirs, and spend much of my spare time researching potential dream travel destinations.

And I’d still never heard of it.

Perhaps there aren’t many travellers on Koh Kood simply because there isn’t a huge amount of information about it online.

Our next destination was Klong Chao Beach.

Klong Chao is the most popular beach on the island, so I knew it would also be the most crowded, but this is Koh Kood, so we also knew it was hardly going to be packed.

We drove for another ten minutes, then parked beside the embarrassingly-named Tinkerbell Resort and meandered on to the sand.

What a surprise! It was another ridiculously beautiful beach!

There was definitely more people, as you can see from the photos but it was far from packed, and the beach was so lovely that we simply didn’t care.

This felt like the perfect time for a break, so we wandered inside — cringe — Tinkerbell Resort for a smoothie and a dip in their pool.

If it sounds like my life is simply too perfect and you’re hating me for it, hold those thoughts because our day of bliss was about to turn into one of tragedy.

While Dave and I sipped our mango smoothies, we toasted to yet another wonderful day in Thailand. It had been a joy to explore Koh Kood so far, and I knew we’d be reminiscing about this day for years into the future. I felt so fortunate that this was how I was able to spend a random Wednesday morning — that this was my job .

We finished our drinks and headed back to the scooter, ready to hop on and find even more paradise. Dave got on first, then twisted back to hand me his daypack.

I grabbed it with one hand just as his elbow made contact with my other. That would be the hand with which I was holding his phone.

I let out a gasp as Dave’s brand new phone clattered on to the rocky ground.

When I reached down to grab it, I winced.

The screen was smashed.

And I mean smashed .

His phone had been hit so hard that the circuitry underneath was exposed.

This was, for many reasons, a disaster.

Dave was travelling with a Pixel 2 phone, which at the time, had one of the best smartphone cameras on the market — it was so great that for this six-month trip around the world, Dave had decided not to pack a physical camera with him. We were now facing the prospect of two more months of travel with no way of him being able to record anything he did. This is kind of a problem for a travel blogger.

On top of that, the Pixel phone isn’t manufactured in many countries, and in none of the ones that we were going to be visiting, so there was no way he would be able to get his phone repaired either. There wouldn’t be any authorised repair shops, and any dodgy repair centres wouldn’t have access to the parts needed to fix it.

And in the very short-term, we were using his phone to navigate Koh Kood and suddenly had no idea where we were on the island. We didn’t even know if we’d be able to make our way back to Gumm’s without getting lost.

We thought about giving up.

Neither of us were feeling in an exploratory mood anymore. It felt pointless to scooter aimlessly around the island when all  we really wanted to do was head back to the room and order a couple of Long Island Iced Teas.

In the end, though, our love of travel won out.

It usually does.

We decided to spend the rest of the day doing we’d do if we’d been travelling decades before, without technology. We hit the road in a random direction and waited to see what we came up against.

A gigantic tree was the unexpected answer.

Koh Kood is home to several enormous trees that have been tucked away in the rainforest for hundreds of years, and funnily enough, they had been the next stop on our planned itinerary.

They were fairly impressive — y’know, as far as trees go — and we spent the rest of the afternoon scrambling around the island’s interior in search of waterfalls and more giant trees.

Back at Gumm’s, we were overjoyed to discover he had just what we needed.

A big football match was on that evening, and he’d decided to barbecue up a feast for all his guests. Despite Dave and I having close to zero interest in football, it was a fun evening with everyone spent huddled around an old laptop, watching the game, drinking and smoking, chatting about travel, and, in mine and Dave’s case, attempting to forget about the terrible event of that morning.

That evening was yet another reason why I was so happy we chose to stay at Gumm Lonely Club, and I can’t recommend this guesthouse enough.

We chose to spend five days on Koh Kood in total and — yes, I sound like a broken record at this point — I wish we could have stayed for longer. Just like with every other island I’d visited on this Thailand trip, I had fallen in love and didn’t want to leave.

Gumm’s guesthouse was one of those places where it was impossible to feel stressed.

There was always relaxing music playing from the turntable, books to read, and hammocks to lounge out in. And while we could have set off on the scooter for another day of beach-hopping, we were far more content to laze beside the river and soak up the relaxed vibe instead.

Our next stop after Thailand was set to be Brunei — a destination I was certain would pale in comparison to the time we’d just spent on Koh Kood.

But flights were booked — expensive flights — and we couldn’t change our mind now.

Had our plans been more flexible, we would have likely hopped the border into nearby Cambodia, returned to Thailand with a fresh stamp in our passports, and repeated the past two weeks again.

What to Know Before You Go

Where to stay:  As you can probably tell from this post, I absolutely adored my stay at Gumm Lonely Club . This was one of those guesthouses that you find yourself talking about forever — Dave and I are even talking about returning next year as a side-trip to our annual flight to Australia. The only real downside to staying here is its location — public transport doesn’t exist on Koh Kood, so if you can’t ride a scooter, you’re either going to have to hang out at Gumm’s for your entire stay or charter a songthaew to take you around the island.

You’ll want to book really far in advance, as there’s only three rooms and they get booked out quickly.

Getting there is easy.  I mentioned above that it’s super-easy to get to Koh Kood, if not a little time-consuming if you’re trying to do so on a budget.

You’ll want to make your way to Trat by bus or plane, then jump on a ferry/speedboat to Koh Kood. You can choose to island-hop your way there via the Koh Chang island chain, stopping off in Koh Chang, Koh Wai, and Koh Mak, as I did, or head straight there.

A note on scooters:  As with most places in Southeast Asia, it’s easy to get your hands on a scooter, and you don’t need a license to rent one. I realise I’m always pretty blasé when I talk about Dave and I hiring them around the world, but I do want to stress that riding bikes in Thailand is dangerous and backpackers do get seriously injured. I’m sure you’ve seen the GoFundMe campaigns in the past.

It happened to an old friend of a school friend last year, and I saw all the crowdfunding and the desperation to get them back to the U.K. — all of which could have been avoided if they hadn’t jumped on a scooter without a license.

If you don’t have a motorbike license, you will not be covered by travel insurance if you get into a nasty accident and need to be airlifted home. It’s part of the reason why Dave decided to get his license in Australia a few years ago — now, we’re fully protected by insurance.

But, of course, regardless of all that, you need to get travel insurance if you’re going to be travelling in Thailand. I use and recommend SafetyWing . It costs just $1.50 a day .

Does Koh Kood sound like your kind of place?

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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26 comments.

Looks like the perfect spot to relax but how about bugs? Specifically the bitey kind like mosquitoes? I hate them with a passion and they love me with an equal passion.

Nothing except bathing/drinking pure DEET had any effect so I’m curious to know if there were loads – can’t imagine there wasn’t.

Mosquitoes weren’t a problem! Didn’t see any and didn’t get bitten once while we were there. I wasn’t wearing repellent, either.

I love that Dave’s dream of shaving his head on a beach came true! Those beaches are stunning. I’m seriously hoping to visit a beach soon. I live so close and yet so far from one (5 or 6 hour drive, but through a dangerous state).

That stinks so much about Dave’s phone! I drop my phone at least once every. single. day. So, I told my husband to get me the strongest case in existence. However, his phone only has a regular case. This could totally happen to him, too!

Thanks for sharing these stories!

Lauren, gorgeous. Noted for future Thailand trips. Koh Lanta was beyond stunning; Kood looks more pristine. Way off the tourist beaten path. Love your pictures. Tweeted.

I wasn’t a fan of Koh Lanta but I know that so many people love it. I need to return when I’m next in Thailand and give it another chance :-) Thanks for tweeting!

I laughed so hard when Dave decided that this was the perfect place for him to shave his head. I’ve been waiting so long to read this post! It sounds amazing there! And I am super glad those loud fellow tourists weren’t staying at the same place as you. I’ve also never heard about Koh Kood before your blog so I am delighted to have now learned about it! Awesome post, as always!

What an incredible stay! I wonder what it is about beaches like those that’s somehow *so* relaxing even just to look at in pictures? Anyway, thanks for sharing this place with us :) Hopefully I’ll be able to make it there, too.

I’m having a very hard time not laughing over that photo of Dave shaving his head.

I’m super inspired by your Thai island hopping stories. I’d love to get out to Thailand soon and check out these amazing beaches!

That makes me so happy to hear! They’re so worth visiting :-)

Gumm Lonely Club sounds like just the kind of hotel I would pick haha :-) There are so many islands I have never heard about in Thailand. What a waste if everyone only keeps visiting the same islands, it’s good that you’re bringing a bit of diversity.

Yes, exactly! I’m going to be heading to four new islands in Thailand in 2019 that are even lesser visited than the ones I checked out on this trip. It’s always good to bring publicity to other islands away from the big hitters :-)

Which 4 new islands did you/have you traveled to this year? I am planning our trip right now and “beach” is definitely a part of it……..your blogs are amazing!

Thank you! I went to Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, and Koh Libong. Loved all of them — maybe even more than Koh Kood!

WOWZA! Koh Kood sounds amazing! Klong Hin looks so beautiful! We’re going to Thailand in February and I really want to find a way to add this to our itinerary. So sorry about Dave’s phone :(

I hope you make it there, Riana! It’s easily one of the prettiest spots in Thailand and so few people know about it.

Beautiful pictures Lauren! Koh Kood looks truly amazing. I have never been thought this part of Thailand. I almost covered the Thailand’s best places, but few of them left. And I will cover those in my next Thai trip & would definitely go for Gumm Lonely Club guest house :)

Sweet! I think Koh Kood will end up being one of your favourite spots in the country :-)

I went to Koh Kood in 2014 and loved it – as you say so quiet, beautiful beaches, I really need to get back there.

Koh Kood – So Good!

So good! It’s one of those places that I can’t imagine changing too much in the future, too, which is nice to see in Thailand.

Love your post! Wonder how you can charter a songthaew to take you around the island. is that something that can be arranged ahead of time? We will only be on Koh Kood for one day. Thanks for any feedback! Lisa

Hi, What a great blog! Love the pictures. I was wondering if you could help me, I’m going to Thailand in November and will spend 4 days in Bangkok – and then either a week or 10 days in one or two islands. Because of the weather at that time of the year, I think Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak look like they’ll be perfect. Which one would you recommend? Do you think it is possible to do two of them in that amount of time? Thanks in advance for all the info! Paula

Lauren, your blog and personal story are stunning ! Thanks for sharing it all (from anxiety to 100% passive income linked to travelling the world), hugely inspiring ! We are coming to Thailand with our two kids (12 and 10 end December). We are nature and sport lovers (hike, kayak, snorkel), and are hesitating between Krabi …and Koh kood. Not the same thing , right ? Would love to see pristine landscapes and authentic thailande. Yet, off course the kids cannot ride scooters and I am wondering if we would be able to explore koh kood as a family ? What do you think ?

HI there, thank you so much for your blog. We are staying on Koh Mak now and wanted to go to Koh Kood after 2 more weeks on Mak. Do you think we have to go there earlier? Is Koh Kood much prettier than Mak? Can you compare both islands?

Thank you very much! Julia and family

Hi Lauren, have you been to the Cambodian islands like Koh Rong? Is Koh kood better? Can you advise. I will be in Thailand in December.

Yes! I prefer Koh Kood to Koh Rong. It depends what you’re looking for, though — Koh Rong is very backpackery and party-party these days; Koh Kood is more sedate and chill.

My husband and I are traveling to Thailand with two friends in January. We have done Bangkok several times but will finally be in the country long enough to explore! We would like to spend 3 or so days on an island but are having trouble deciding. We like a more laid back atmosphere with fewer tourists, ideally an island we can explore by motorbike then relax the on the beach with a cold beer.

I have read your articles on Ko Yao Noi and Koh Kood, which both seem like they would be a good fit. Would love to know your thoughts on deciding between the two!

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Koh Lipe, the most beautiful island

Koh lipe travel guide.

Until not many years ago, Koh Lipe was a non well known island with almost no resort nor hostels, that was inhabitated mainly by Chao Le people, and visited by some local and very few backpackers who arrived there by some of the few boat which used to go occasionally from the continent during high season.

Nowadays, however, Ko Lipe is part of the tourist route for Thailand. Despite of being far in the south and it is not among the most famous island of the country, it is very visited during high season.

Ko Lipe is a very beautiful island, with white sand beaches surronded by clear seawater with a large variety of sea wildlife and coral reef. This island is also surrounded by many (almost) virgin island which, together, shape Koh Tarutao National Park.

When you are about to arrive to Ko Lipe coast you realize that you have chosen a perfect destination. Koh Tarutao national Park has very clear water wthe whole range of blues one expects to find in a marine paradise, from astonishing turquoise to a very intense dark blue color, creating an idyllic landscape.

ℹ️ Top Things to Do in Koh Lipe

Boat trip around koh tarutao.

Diving in Koh Lipe

Enjoy the view from Koh Adang

Enjoy Thai food

Let’s helps the island

🏨 Where to stay in Koh Lipe

Best areas & beaches in koh lipe:.

Koh Lipe has more than hundred options of all sort of accommodation to stay in. Due to it is a small island, its main advantage is that the location of your hotel does not matter that much. Wherever you stay in, a little stroll is enough to get almost any beach on the island.

Sunrise beach

Accommodation available: Mostly 3 to 5 star resorts.

Advantages: ✔️ Nice beach with transparent water. ✔️ There is 2 islets in gfront, good for snorkelling. ✔️ The beach is good for swimming. ✔️ You can enjoy beautiful sunrises.

Pattaya Beach

Accommodation available: Cheap accomodations and 3 to 5 star resort.

Advantages: ✔️ beautiful white sand beach with quiet and clean water. ✔️ it is the most lively area in the island. ✔️ The beach is good for swimming. ✔️ Have a walking street with several bar and restaurant that make an active nightlife.

Sunset beach

Accommodation available: few bungalows and resort.

Advantages: ✔️ perfect place to enjoy sunset. ✔️ most accomodation aren’t next to the beach, so they don’t affect its landscape. ✔️ Very calm place.

Inside the island

Accommodation available: Hostels and 3 to 4 star hotels.

Advantages: ✔️ better price-quality ratio (except location). ✔️ many economic option of accomodation. ✔️ You are still near the beaches. ✔️ Many good restaurant to eat local and foreign food.

🏖️ Best places to enjoy the beach in Koh Lipe

We’ve been to all of them, these are the best:, 1️⃣ sunrise beach..

This pretty beach with transparent water is the largest one in Koh Lipe, and it extended along the east coast of the island. In front of it you can there are two islotes than can be reached by swimming or by kayak.

2️⃣ Pattaya Beach

This is the most famous beach of Koh Lipe. This white sand beach is located in the center of Ao Bundhaya Bay and It is the most libelo place of Koh Lipe with many bar and restaurant to enjoy night Life.

3️⃣ Sunset Beach

This beach is orientated to north west Side of the island. Despite it is not as beautiful as the two beaches previously mentioned, it is a very tranquil place where you can enjoy very nice sunsets.

4️⃣ Koh Tarutao island

It is an authentic wild island, with huge beaches, mangroves, caves, karst rock cliffs and a mountainous interior covered with dense jungle vegetation with peaks that reach 700 meters in altitude.

5️⃣ Koh Adang

This island has pretty white sand beaches with transparent water and beautiful coral reefs. It is at the north of Koh Lipe and also has some path to do hiking inside the island.

6️⃣ Koh Rawi

Here you can find some of the best beaches of Koh Tarutao Maritime National Park. They have very clear water, wonderful coral and a lot of different kind of fish and submarine wildlife. Great place to do snorkelling!

✈️ Arriving to Koh Lipe

You can get there by boat. depending of your route in thailand, you first have to take a flight, bus or train:, from bangkok.

➡️ Can get there by flying to Hat Yai or Trang, and then go to Pak Bara pier to board the ferry to Koh Lipe. Some airlines sell the whole pack to reach the island. ➡️ You can get Trang and Hat Yai by train or bus, but be aware that it takes at least 14 hours (and more if you go by train) . ➡️  From Pak Bara pier, the trip takes about 2 hour. In high season, it makes 5 trip, but during low season, only one.

From other island

➡️ You can get Koh Lipe from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi , Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Muk, Koh Kradany and Koh Boulon. ➡️ Depending on the route, trip can cost between 600 and 2.400 THB. ➡️ Some of these route might not available during low season.

From Langkawi island (Malaysia)

➡️ It is an option to enter to Thailand by the south of the country. Immigration formalities can be done on pattaya beach ➡️ Trip available during high season only. ➡️ They make 3 trips per day and the travel takes about 2 hours.

🚇 Where to go next?

Most common destinations after koh lipe:, langkawi, a malaysia’s island, koh ngai, a little paradise, let us design your trip to thailand. find out more, ➡️ tailor made holidays to thailand ⬅️.

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The Ultimate Koh Mak Island Travel Guide

By Author Roxanne & Maartje

Posted on Last updated: August 25, 2021

Koh Mak is a small tropical island in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia. The island is a well-kept secret for most travelers.

It’s (still) a quiet place with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s located south of ‘big brother’ Koh Chang, and north of Koh Kood – they all are completely different! Koh Mak is a relatively undeveloped island, it feels like Thailand from 20 years ago.

That’s slowly changing though, the island is developing. Nowadays, you might be able to get cash at a resort or at the only ATM on the island – but no guarantees – and there are still no 7-elevens anywhere on the island.

It’s a great island to visit if you don’t want to follow the big crowds. Koh Mak is a great island for couples and families, there aren’t many parties going on, though there are a few bars.

The best part of Koh Mak though: gorgeous, empty beaches!  We’ve visited many more Thai island and Koh Mak still is one of our favorites to visit. Continue reading for all our best Koh Mak tips!

Koh Mak Weather & When to Visit

It’s possible to visit Koh Mak all year round but the best time to visit Koh Mak is between December to March.

• Best season From December to March. It’s dry and sunny in Koh Mak. It’s peak season, yet it’s the best moment to enjoy a relaxing sunny holiday.
• OK season April and November. These are ‘in-between’ months.
• Meh season From May to October. The rainy season starts in May and heavy rains continue all through October. So it rains a lot, it’s less sunny, and some shops/restaurants/resorts close during these months. Fewer boats drive to Koh Mak, so it can also be more difficult to get to and leave the island. Usually, we’re fans of traveling in the low season, but we don’t recommend it for Koh Mak!

The temperatures in Koh Mak are almost the same (hot & humid) the whole year-round!

How to Get to Koh Mak

Koh Mak is located about 40 kilometers from mainland Thailand (Trat-Laem Ngop) and 300 kilometers from Bangkok.

From mainland Thailand, speedboats travel between the Krom Luang Pier in Laem Ngop (close to Trat), to Koh Mak and back. One way tickets are 450 baht and the ride takes about 45 minutes.

Boats usually leave from 10.30 AM till 4 PM every day in high season, depending on the weather. There are different boat companies that travel between mainland Thailand and Koh Mak.

They use different piers on Koh Mak. For more information about the boats and to which pier they go to, click here .

It’s also possible to travel between Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak. Wooden boats, speed boats, and catamarans travel between Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak.

They often stop in Koh Wai too. It’s easy to book boat tickets with your accommodation or at a travel agency on the islands.

Fewer boats drive from and to Koh Mak during the rainy season, from May till October!

Bangkok to Koh Mak

There are 4 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak: by plane, public transport, shared minivan, or private car/van. With every option, you need to go by boat from Laem Ngop.

The fastest way to get to Koh Mak is to fly to Trat. Bangkok Airways has daily flights from Bangkok to Trat.

From Trat Airport you need to take a taxi to the pier in Laem Ngop and from there you can take the boat to Koh Mak.

The cheapest, yet the slowest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak is by public transport. From Ekamai Bus Station in Bangkok, there’s a bus that goes to the pier in Laem Ngop.

For shared minivans or private cars/minivans, we recommend going to a travel agency, your hotel in Bangkok or to the website 12go.asia . The drive from Bangkok to the pier takes at least 4.5 hours.

Looking for the most magical festival ever?! Head to Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival .

How to Get Around the Island

Koh Mak is a small island, so it’s easy to get around. If you want to explore the whole island, we recommend renting a bicycle or motorbike.

The island is pretty flat, so it’s easy to drive around. Most of the time you can rent a bicycle or motorbike at your accommodation.

A motorbike costs around 250 baht per day. There’s not much traffic, there are many empty roads on Koh Mak. A taxi is 50 baht per person, but they don’t drive around everywhere.

There are taxis at the piers, and you can always ask your accommodation to arrange one for you. There’s no public transport on the island.

Koh Mak Things to Do

What to do in Koh Mak? Koh Mak is the perfect island to relax, but besides laying in a hammock or swinging on a swing there are more things to do!

Something we really like to do is kayaking. At the Steakhouse & German Bakery, you can rent glass bottom kayaks. That is awesome, but there’s a catch: you can only kayak on the east side of the island.

We wanted to kayak on the west side – to the island Koh Kham. So we rented a kayak at the Koh Mak resort, on the west side of the island.

Koh Kham is a pretty, small island. To enter the island you need to pay an entrance fee. Nobody had told us before, so we didn’t bring any money. But upon asking nicely and explaining, we were allowed to enter.

If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, do the same as we did, or enter the island from the west side.

The water at Koh Kham is amazing! People say you can walk to Koh Kham from Koh Mak during low tide, but we didn’t see people doing that.  It’s also possible to kayak to other small islands in the area, like Koh Phi.

Our other favorite activity on Koh Mak is beach hopping. It’s amazing to drive around the island on a motorbike or bicycle and finding the best beaches. Later on, we’ll tell you about the best Koh Mak beaches !

Eating is also a great activity in Thailand. But how about learning to cook Thai? We have had a great experience with our Smile Cooking class in Chiang Mai, so we’d recommend trying the one on Koh Mak !

Koh Mak Diving

Thailand is a great country for exploring the underwater world. And it’s one of the cheapest places in the world to learn how to dive!

If you like to dive, there are two dive schools on Koh Mak-  BB divers & Koh Mak divers . Both are great dive schools that organize dive and snorkel trips. At both dive schools, it’s possible to take lessons and get certified.

Koh Mak Snorkeling

You can also go on a snorkel trip, we didn’t do a tour but we snorkeled ourselves. If you go to the Koh Mak Cocoscape pier you find a great snorkel spot.

Also, there’s a bar on the pier, which is pretty cool! The pier at the Cinnamon Art resort is even cooler, it’s super long & has a great spot for drinks.

Koh Phi is a great little island for exploring the underwater world. So if you hop in a kayak, don’t forget to bring a snorkel set.

You can’t go to Thailand without exploring Bangkok! Read all about our best tips . 

Koh Mak Beaches

Koh Mak has many beautiful beaches. Most of them are very quiet, or completely empty! But what’s Koh Mak’s best beach? It depends on what you want!

Ao Kao is the most popular beach on the island. So if you are looking for restaurants, cafes and a lively atmosphere, this is the beach to go to. There are also some very cool hammocks and swings on Ao Kao and at the resorts.

We really like the Lazy Days resort side of the beach. Ao Suan Yai is also a popular beach with a beautiful view of Koh Kham.

Laem Son is a wonderful beach to go to but our absolute favorite beach on Koh Mak is Ao Phra! Beach hopping on Koh Mak is amazing, you can find the most amazing beaches.

Best Sunset Spots

The Banana Sunset Bar is a great place to see the sunset and to have a drink and some food. Be on time to claim the best spot! It’s a laid back place with views over the sea.

The atmosphere here is the best. There are tables with Thai-style mattresses to fully relax while the sun goes down. The best beach to see the sunset from is Ao Suan Yai.

Koh Mak Hotels

Koh Mak has around 40 accommodation options, varying from basic bungalows to luxurious resorts. It’s possible to find accommodation when you arrive at the island, though during high season it’s recommended to book in advance.

Especially if you want to stay in one of the popular places. If you are looking for more bustle, then it’s best to stay in the Ao Kao area. Below, we will tell you all about the best places to stay on Koh Mak, for every budget!

• Bamboo Hideaway Bamboo Hideaway has great authentic bamboo bungalows, perfect for backpackers. Its location is not at the beach and not in the busy area of the island. So it’s best to rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around. Bamboo Hideaway is the perfect spot to see stars at night and there’s a swimming pool to relax. The staff is very friendly and can help you with everything you need.
• Ao Pong Ao Pong Resort is a very quiet place to stay at. The resort has a private beach and is located in the South East, far away from the busy area of the island. There are multiple bungalows, from basic to more luxurious.
• Islanda Resort Hotel Islanda offers stunning views over the beaches Ao Suan Yai and Ao Kai, and the island Koh Kham. Its location is on top of a hill, so it’s a bit secluded. A motorbike or bicycle is handy to get around and to go to the beach. The infinity pool of Islanda Resort Hotel is the best!
• Banana Sunset You remember this great spot to go to and watch the sunset? That’s Banana Sunset Bar. They not only have a restaurant and bar, but they also have bungalows. The bungalows are quite basic, though some have great views on the ocean. It’s a fantastic spot to meet people and to enjoy the laidback vibes of the island. There’s often live music in the restaurant. To go to other spots on the island, like beaches and restaurants, you need to organize transportation.
• Monkey Island Resort Koh Mak Monkey Island Resort is a resort with basic bungalows perfect for backpackers. Its location is perfect, right at the beach and close to restaurants and a mini-market. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere and a nice garden. Every bungalow has a little balcony with a sea view.
• Lazy Day The Resort The Lazy Day resort is a peaceful resort with great bungalows, some located right at the beach. It’s located at the end of the Ao Khao Beach, and therefore very quiet. The resort offers a free shuttle from and to the pier and the staff is super friendly and helpful. This resort is perfect for families and couples.

Koh Mak Resorts

Koh Mak has the most beautiful luxurious resorts for the ultimate relaxing holiday.

• Seavana Koh Mak Beach resort One of the most luxurious places on the island to stay is at Seavana Koh Mak Beach resort. It’s the best beachfront resort you can find on Koh Mak. This resort has everything you need, a beach, a beautiful swimming pool, great food at its restaurant, massages, kayaks and so much more. As it’s a peaceful resort, it’s the perfect place to relax.
• Koh Mak Ao Kao White Sand Beach Ao Koa White Sand Beach Resort is a beautiful resort on the quieter side of Ao Kao beach. The resort is right on the beach and has beautiful luxurious bungalows with great views of the ocean. Also great, they are very environment-friendly and do clean-ups on the island! The resort is great for couples and families.
• Mira Montra Resort Koh Mak Private beach, beautiful villas with views on the sea, fantastic pool, green nature: Mira Montra Resort Koh Mak has it all. The resort is a bit secluded, so we recommend staying here if you want to relax and enjoy the peace. Mira Montra isn’t far from the bustle of the island, but you need to get transportation to go there.
• Koh Mak Cococape Resort Koh Mak Cococape Resort is a great resort to stay at if you are looking for activities. Snorkeling near their pier is great and they have bicycle and kayak rental. The Ao Soun Yai Beach is a 200-meter walk away, but the resort itself is overlooking the ocean.
• Koh Mak resort Koh Mak is a big resort right next to the pier on Ao Soun Yai Beach. The resort has a swimming pool, there are some swings and hammocks and the beach bar has great drinks. It’s located right on the beach, and it’s a great resort if you are looking to relax but also for some bustle.

The Red Lotus Lake in Thailand is one of the most romantic lakes ever!

Good to Know

There’s an ATM on the island, but don’t rely on it! It’s often out of cash or it doesn’t take your card. So make sure to bring enough cash.

In case of emergency, you might be able to get money from one of the bigger resorts with your credit card, but that’s also not guaranteed.

Some resorts do offer money exchange. Also: there are no 7-elevens or big supermarkets on the island. There are some small shops that sell basic things like sunblock, mosquito repellant, toothpaste, some snacks, etc.

But if you really want some specific things – bring it with you!

Sandflies can be a big problem on the beaches, though we haven’t experienced any problems with sand flies. So maybe it depends on the season. We heard there are more sandflies during and just after the rainy season.

Sandflies tips: don’t sunbath directly on the sand. And if you are bitten, tiger balm should help!

Also, there can be jellyfishes in the waters of Koh Mak, also the dangerous box jellyfish, so be careful and just to be sure: bring vinegar with you.

Wounds are rare, but if you pour vinegar on the sting immediately, it’ll give you a lot more time to seek medical help. Lastly: download Maps.me ! It shows all the roads offline – also the narrow ones!

Map of Koh Mak

Enjoy this amazing Thai island.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. If you liked this article don’t forget to share! Want to follow our travels? Check out our Instagram ,  Facebook , and  YouTube .

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Monday 12th of December 2022

Thank you for your wonderful report, that sounds absolutely marvelous!

Just out of curiosity, are snakes an issue at Koh Mak? :)

Roxanne & Maartje

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Hi Markus! We have no idea, sorry!

Saturday 27th of July 2019

looks lovely!

Monday 29th of July 2019

It totally is!

Friday 26th of July 2019

I didn't hear about Koh Mak, looks like really great island to visit

It is really amazing!!!

Friday 17th of August 2018

Sweet!!! I love the little map too :)

Saturday 18th of August 2018

Thank you!!

Friday 10th of August 2018

The water sure looks amazing! I love your photos and the little map, it's so adorable. Such a nice guide, it makes me want to pack and go!

Monday 13th of August 2018

Thank you!! Hope you get to see it :D

Klook Plans Partnership with Thailand as the Country Skyrockets in Popularity

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 25th, 2024 at 2:33 PM EDT

Thailand remains a strong destination post Covid. Tour operators are flocking to the country and playing a significant role in how travel evolves.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Klook, a leading platform for travel experiences in Asia, signed a letter of intent with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to boost experiences in the country. The company is hoping to double the number of bookings it has for tourism packages to Thailand this year.

Klook says it is focusing on events, from Muay Thai matches to music festivals to Michelin visits and river cruises. The collaboration should have a particular impact on ticketing, as it allows the company to offer an integrated booking experience to major festivals and top attractions. 

Klook is also planning to promote the less obvious attractions and support small to medium operators by providing digitalization tools that can bring offerings online and showcase them to a global audience. 

Thailand Gaining in Popularity

Thailand is a long-time travel favorite and it bounced back strong after COVID. Klook says the country has had a 44% growth in foreign tourist arrivals over the past year and a Travel Pulse survey shows that travelers are looking to increase their target budgets for Thailand in 2024 by up to 50%. 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand conducted its own survey echoing these results . They found that tourists are spending more on luxury accommodations despite higher airfares and that the use of online platforms for travel arrangements is rising, with tour operators “still playing a significant role.”

Other tour operators, such as EF World Journeys, which offers educational tours, say Thailand is a growing favorite for North American travelers and that it remains one of the top three most popular destinations in Asia. 

“Year-to-date, EF Go Ahead Tours has realized nearly 60% year-over-year growth in bookings to Thailand, adding several new tour offerings in the country to meet the demand in the region,” says Heidi Durflinger, President of EF World Journeys which operates two of their offerings.

“Based on our trending destinations data, which is based on thousands of demand indicators amongst younger adult travelers (18-35), tours in Thailand have been a consistent top 5 destination for bookings during Spring Break, but we are also seeing strong demand for Thailand from travelers seeking international beach vacations all year round,” said Heather Leisman, President, EF Ultimate Break.

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Tags: Klook , thailand , tourism

Photo credit: Klook & Thailand Tourism Authority Tuk Tuk at Wat Ratchanadda and the Loha Prasat, Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Source: Klook