Koh Mak

Koh Mak is one of most stunning islands in the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park, inserted from the UK's Sunday Times in the ranking of the 10 most beautiful beach resorts in the world and still unknown to mass tourism. Unlike its larger neighbors, Koh Chang and Koh Kood, the island's landscape is very flat, its highest point is only 150 metres a.s.l., and is covered with beautiful natural forest alternated with some intensive plantations of rubber and coconut trees. Koh Mak has 27 km of rugged coastline dotted with pristine white sand beaches separated rocky promontories, small green hills and small stretches of mangroves. Baan Ao Nid, along the southeast coast is the largest village of island, here live about 50 families and there is also the Ao Nid Pier, the main dock of island. The infrastructures in the island are minimal, there aren't hospitals, but only a small clinic for emergencies, there are no banks or ATMs, remember to bring cash money for small payments, although in most resorts you can pay by credit card. There are some mini markets in Ao Kao, Ao Nid and Ao Suan Yai, selling foodstuffs, drinks and basic necessities. Koh Mak is escaped from mass tourism for long time, but in the last decades the five families which control the territory decided to open the island towards a small market, focused on eco-tourism. Hotels range from small resorts in bungalows without air conditioning, for backpackers, to structures of higher level and costs with every comfort. There are plenty of restaurants offering dishes of Thai and international cuisine. The most beautiful beaches are located along the two island's main bays, namely Ao Suan Yai, on the north-west, and Ao Kao on the south-west. Both beaches are long stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal turquoise waters, a total of about 5 km of paradisiacal coastline. The islands of Koh Rayang Nai and Ko Rayang Nok are nearby and easily accessible by kayak. The accommodations and facilities are located directly on the coast, inside the vegetation behind the beaches or along the narrow paths in the back of beaches.
Getting there - During high season Koh Mak is easily accessible from Koh Chang. Bang Bao Inter Island Ferries, Bag Bao Speedboats and Kai Bae Huts Nor Nou Speedboats provide the link service between the two islands. One large wooden boat and three fast boats depart daily from their piers in Bang Bao and Kai Bae. Journey time is around 2 hours with the large boat and tickets cost 400 THB per person for one way; speedboat trips take only one hour and ticket cost is 550/600 THB. Excursions to Koh Mak must include at least one overnight stay because the companies operate the round trips only in the morning. The speedboat services operate only eight months in the year, during the rainy season is out of service, so if you need to reach Koh Mak from Koh Chang in this period you have to go back first to Laem Ngop on mainland, and then reach Krom Luang Pier just few km south of the piers to Koh Chang.Read More