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Koh Mak is definitely worth a visit.
It is a mid size island, increasingly popular with families. Rather
than try to have an extensive Koh Mak section on this site I've included a
page of basic info . . .
. . for more details on Koh
Mak, visit both
www.kohmak.com
&
www.kohmak-island.com Two sites that are
full of all the info you need to know about the island, where to stay and
what to do. The map below is taken from KohMak.com
Koh Mak is a relatively small, island, far more the typical desert island
model than the mountainous Koh Chang and Koh Kood. It lies
approximately 20 kilometres south of Koh Chang and covers an area of 16
square kilometres. So no matter where you stay you are always within
a walking or cycling distance of wherever you want to go . . . which is just as well as
you can't expect much in the way of public transport. Coconut palms, rubber
plantations and
dusty dirt roads account for 90% of the scenery on the island with which
equates to this not only being a beach destination but one that's also suitable
for people wanting to explore by mountain bike.
Accommodation
Although there are
now over 20 resorts on the island, mainly clustered
on the two main bays, one on the northwest of the island and the other on
the southwest, the island never seems crowded and it is easy to get away
from the crowds and have a beach to yourself. Some can now ben booked
online in advance. The better accommodation fills up quickly in high
season. The resorts below can be booked in advance online.
Around the Island
Most ferry services connecting Koh Mak with the outside world, dock at the
pier located outside Koh Mak Resort on the northwestern beach.
In the northwest of the island to Suan
Yai Beach which offers sun worshippers the chance to toast themselves along
a 2 kilometre stretch of white sand beach. (For a good photo op. head
up the small hill behind the beach, to Koh Mak Villa for a view of offshore islands - the
nearest being Koh Kham, the next Koh Phi and the furthest, Koh Chang.) The long bay on the southwestern shore of the island
'Ao Kao', the northern stretch which is the busiest area on the island with
several small resorts built on the long beach.
Around the
island . . .
Ao Nid Pier - Located on the east, Ao Nid
Pier is the main cargo pier and has good views south to Koh Kood. From
the pier, a pavedroad leads to the centre of the island and then branches
off to the various beaches. Call into 'Ball Cafe' by the pier for internet,
bike here and the lowdown on what's happening on the island. The temple
overlooking the bay - Wat Samakkeetham - can be visited and you'll
notice that the Buddha images have definite feminine curves and features -
in tribute to the founder of the temple who used her own money to build it.
Ao Pai - Located near Ao Nid Pier, and the beach is
quite different with more red sand and stones. You can walk here but not
suitable for swimming.
Laem Son - An area of pine trees in the north east of the
island with good views to the nearby island of Koh Kradad. This is a good
area for fishing.
Nearby islands:
Koh Kham
Located to the north of Ao Suan Yai, getting to Koh Kham is easy - either by
boat service or by kayak from Koh Mak Resort. There is one resort on
the island and the main attraction is the black volcanic rocks that stand in
contract to the white sand beach
Koh Kradad
Koh Kradad, located on the northeast of Koh Mak, is a flat island.
This island also has only one resort - Koh Kradad Resort. It is also
home to a herd of deer and a good spot for diving and snorkelling.
Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok
On the west of Koh Mak, are the two small islands Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok are also a
small island. On Koh Rayang Nai, there is nothing to see except one shrine
and you
can walk there from Koh Mak at low tide. On Koh Rayang Nok, there is one
resort, Rayang Island Resort. The island offers white sandy beach and good
snorkelling.
Koh Pee
Koh Pee, located on the northwest of Koh Mak, is one of the smallest islands
in the area. Nothing to see above water but a good snorkelling and diving
spot.
Getting to Koh Mak
*In the rainy season, June - September,
not all services will run - they depend on the weather and also demand.
However the slow boat from the mainland will run daily except in extreme
weather.
From Laem Ngop
By slow boat: Daily departure at 1500,
return from Koh Mak at 0800. Takes around 3 hours. 300 Baht ( in
2007-08 high season)
By speedboat: Daily departures at 0930,
1000,1400 & 1600. Return at 0745, 0800, 1100 and 1300. Takes
around 45 minutes. 450 Baht ( in 2007-08 high season )
From Koh Mak to Koh Kood
By speedboat: From Ao Nid pier dail at
0950 and 1350. Return at 0930 and 1300. Takes around 20-30
minutes. 350 Baht ( in 2007-08 high season )
From Koh Chang to Koh Mak
By slow boat: Daily departure at 0900
from Bangbao. Return at 1200. Takes 2 hours. 400 Baht ( in 2007
- 08 high season )
By speedboat: Daily departure at
1200. Return at 1030. Takes 40 minutes. 550 Baht ( in 2007 - 08 high
season )
Photos of Koh Mak - See the Photo gallery for beach and island views
Book Accommodation on
Koh Mak - Koh Mak Villa, Rayang Island Resort & GoodTime Resort
The history of Koh Mak. This was
initially written by the current Governor of Koh Mak and I edited it down a
bit for a series of articles in a local tourist magazine ' Koh Chang &
Beyond'
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