Koh Mak: A Hidden Gem in Thailand

If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in Thailand, you might want to consider Koh Mak (or "Koh Maak"), a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Koh Mak is one of the few islands that has not been spoiled by mass tourism and offers a glimpse of what Thailand was like 30 years ago. Here are some reasons why you should visit Koh Mak and how to get there.

Koh Mak: A Family-Owned Island

Koh Mak is a family-owned island, which means that the locals have a strong sense of community and care for the environment. The island has a population of about 800 people, who mostly live off fishing, farming and tourism. There are no high-rise buildings, noisy bars or jet skis on Koh Mak. Instead, you will find pristine beaches, lush greenery and friendly people.

Koh Mak: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Koh Mak is surrounded by clear blue water and coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving. You can explore the marine life and see colorful fish, sea turtles, rays and even dolphins. You can also kayak to the nearby islands of Koh Kham, Koh Rayang and Koh Kradad, which are part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy hiking or cycling on the island. There are many trails and paths that lead to hidden beaches, waterfalls, temples and viewpoints. You can also visit the Koh Mak Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the island.

Koh Mak: A Haven for Relaxation

Koh Mak is a great place to unwind and recharge your batteries. You can choose from beachfront bungalows, cozy cottages or luxury villas, depending on your needs. Most of the accommodation options on Koh Mak are family-owned and eco-friendly and offer a warm and friendly service. They also provide amenities such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, hot water, swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Most of them are located near the beach, so you can enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of waves.

You can also pamper yourself with a traditional Thai massage on the beach or join a yoga or meditation class. There are several spas and wellness centers on the island that offer holistic treatments and therapies.

If you are feeling hungry, you can sample the delicious local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes on Koh Mak. You can try fresh seafood, spicy curries, tropical fruits and homemade desserts. You can also learn how to cook Thai dishes at a cooking school.

At night, you can watch the sunset from one of the beach bars or listen to live music at a cozy pub. There are no nightclubs or loud parties on Koh Mak, so you can enjoy a peaceful sleep.

How to Get to Koh Mak

Getting to Koh Mak is not as difficult as you might think. There are several ways to reach the island from Bangkok or other parts of Thailand.

• By Plane: The fastest way to get to Koh Mak is to fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport, which takes about an hour. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Laem Ngop Pier or Laem Sok Pier, where you can catch a speedboat or a ferry to Koh Mak. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes to an hour.
• By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Koh Mak is to take a bus from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal(Ekamai) or Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal directly to Laem Ngop Pier or Trat town. The bus ride takes about 5 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or a songthaew(a shared pick-up truck) to Laem Ngop Pier or Laem Sok Pier, where you can catch a boat to Koh Mak.
• By Car: If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive from Bangkok to Trat via Highway 7 and Highway 344. The drive takes about 4 hours. You can park your car at Laem Ngop Pier or Laem Sok Pier for a fee and take a boat to Koh Mak.
• By Boat: If you are already on another island in the Koh Chang archipelago, such as Koh Chang or Koh Kood, you can take a boat directly to Koh Mak. There are several boat services that operate daily between October and May. The boat ride takes about an hour.

Picture: lemaret pierrick / shutterstock.com

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