Only 12km square the tiny island of Koh Mak is a beautiful piece of paradise. More or less undisturbed by commercialism it has just a handful of locally run hotels and restaurants. The quaint island is a sheer delightful find. It’s just a short boat trip from Koh Kood, or come straight here from Trat or Koh Chang. If you are after a bustling atmosphere then Koh Mak island isn’t not for you. However if you are after peace & quiet in a beautiful beach setting you need to come here. One day I read my book on the beach and not one person walked past me in over an hour! Where else can you have that kind of experience? I hope this Island stays like this for along time to come. Here is my list of the top 10 interesting things to do on Koh Mak Island.
Just Relax and Take In the Scenery
Well you are in paradise after all so what could possibly be better than to chill out with a beer and enjoy your surroundings. We stayed in a bungalow with a fantastic roof terrace right on the beach front. Being so tricky to find barely anyone walked past; a true secluded piece of paradise.
Kayak or take a boat to Koh Kham
Koh Kham was purchased to be a luxurious hotel, amazing! However it seems to have run in to financial difficulty and building work has ground to a halt. So much so that wild plants have started to take over the deserted buildings, growing up and cleverly camouflaging them. The locals came up with an idea to set up a bar, toilets and charge tourists to come over. The island is then kept clean and the views aren’t wasted! Why would you want to do this? We enjoyed a few hours here while our hotel room was being prepared for us, Koh Cham was literally opposite.
Go Snorkelling around Koh Mak
There are several sites around the island where you can snorkel, in this trip we went to three different areas. We had a lovely lunch picked up from a local restaurant before we departed. You will need to be a bit confident in the sea although you do get a life jacket. We had a lovely day out with Koh Mak Divers who accommodated both divers and snorkelers excellently. Check out these other companies who also do amazing snorkelling and diving trips on the island here.
Visit The Kingdom of Somchais’ Affection
This is a weird one I wont lie, the ‘Kingdom of Somchais’ Affection is something you won’t have seen before. I stumbled across this whilst trawling the internet for unusual things to do. Even though I knew roughly where it was it was very well hidden. A local artist called Mr Somchai created giant figures of people and decorated his garden with them. They are naked, and some have a purpose, such as holding a toothbrush or a satellite dish up! See I told you it was a bit weird! The artist died a few years ago but it seems his neighbours keep his garden open for visitors for free. It was full of biting insects so we took some photographs and left before we were eaten alive!
Hire a Paddle Board
Another way to view Koh Mak is from the sea. What could be more relaxing than paddling up and down on a board! However, do watch out for the fish below if your balance isn’t good. I was paddling over Puffa Fish who would take umbrage to being fallen on and sting you!
Stay local
We stayed at Seavanna and cannot recommend it enough. It’s unique feature is the roof terrace where you can watch the world go by as the sun sets. This family run Koh Mak business goes the extra mile for a bargain price. Your own detached villa on the beach, a jacuzzi in the rear garden and of course the roof terrace. What a fantastic idea! The restaurant is amazing for breakfast & we eat there most nights too. Read more about this hotel in my new post and see what other accommodation is available on the island.
Relax with a Sundowner
This was a little gem of a bar which we stumbled upon. Built on stilts with planked walkways out to sea this is very unique! Gin and a sunset in an unforgettable location – what is not to like? You will find this off the black outside Koh Mak Cococape Resort.
Hire a moped
With hardly any vehicles being allowed on the island it is so safe for you to hire a moped. This is a cool way to get out and see the beautiful sights. Speak to your accommodation regarding where to hire.
Eat on the beach
Along the beach we stayed on were more than enough restaurants dotted around to fulfil our lunch and dinner needs. There is nothing quite like freshly cooked local Thai food made to order, all washed down with a cool beer! Get stuck in!
The Koh Mak Shop
What are you after? Water, snacks, beer, petroleum, laundry service, an inflatable doughnut ring for the pool? Then right around the corner from. The hotel is the shop which can fullfill all your needs. I love places like this! Also being locally run you will be giving back to them by purchasing a few items here. There are several shops dotted all over the island for all your needs.
Rubber Tree Plantations
Koh Mak is covered in rubber tree plantations even though it is tiny! Many farmers grow this valuable product and it is actually quite pretty to walk around.
Where To Find These Attractions?
Where Can You Stay On Koh Mak?
Look no further!