Ko Mak Island, Thailand whoa
Why Ko Mak?
Have you always secretly dreamed of a perfect island in Thailand? For no apparent reason but you know it exists? It’s an unrelenting fantasy…
Add the beaches of Ko Mak…!
Ko Mak, also known as Koh Mak, is a stunning island located in East Thailand in Trat Province of the Gulf of Thailand. The island is a tranquil, remote spot, for genuine island-loving explorers.
(Cover image by William Burtt)
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Ombre ocean of the island
All About It
The thing that’s special about Ko Mak are the huts by the beach, huts on stilts, A-frames, more spacious cottages...These are almost all uncrowded beaches. Some have lounging swings hanging along them, and horizontal palm trees for climbing and relaxing on. It’s the vista: rustic, clean, and beautiful.
There is also a lack of built-up or exploited party scene, unlike some other bigger islands of the nation. The island is mysterious yet so locally kept, literally. It’s owned by a handful of families, there is a conviviality of the island. When I visited there was a relative night celebrating the notion of family.
Eco-Tourism
A further intrigue of Ko Mak is its commitment to eco-tourism. The island embraces sustainability practices and strives to preserve its natural resources and way of life. It has a dedication to becoming a carbon-neutral destination and has even implemented initiatives inclusive of minimizing its usage of plastic and reducing plastic waste. It promotes the usage of renewable energy sources, and overall responsible tourism practices. Some stays on the island utilize solar power and practice composting.
A part of the sustainability is likewise conservation of its home marine ecosystem. The island is host to diverse coral reefs, marine life, and mangrove forests. Conservation efforts seek to protect these strong yet delicate ecosystems and encompasses coral reef restoration projects and strict regulations to monitor overfishing and boating activities.
The major reason Ko Mak drew me into its magic is that it is fairly untouched by mass tourism, especially compared to some of the more popular Thai islands. This means that it’s a tranquil and authentic in island escape compared to some of its commercialized counterparts. You can explore the island's lush interior, soak in the ambiance on largely secluded beaches, and immerse in laid-back local culture.
Ko Mak's dedication to sustainability, its pristine natural environment, and its commitment to preservation make it a unique destination.
Getting There
To get to Ko Mak you can journey a few ways. These all include getting a boat specifically to the island but to get to that pier, you can fly, take the bus, or hire a car. Laem Ngop is the pier south of Trat and boats will service easily from there to this island.
Image by Nopparuj Lamaikul
Activities
The thing that’s a must once on Ko Mak is renting a motorbike. The island is host to palm oil and rubber production and it feels almost as if being in a palm tree basket or in a lost post-Impressionist realm. There is something about motorbiking a sparsely populated island that gives a feel of conquering as well as familiarity. In terms of organized marine activities, snorkeling and diving can be done on-site as well.
Where to Stay? Mak Trat
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, a fun stay is at the Mak Trat with huts that give design fashion of round villa rotunda and mini balconies roof-top style. With a private beach, pool, and restaurant in the mix, it’s the grand scheme on this paradise of an island with attention to detail.
Image by Simon O’Sullivan
Image by Milada Vigerova
*Safety tip
ATM and exchange places are sparse as it’s really a down-and-local island. Bring as much baht to avoid running out and having ATM issues later on.
Palms, Image by Oleg Nabrovenkov
Bottom line
Ko Mak is a highest-rated and unassuming go-to for Thailand. If you’re the kind of traveler who relishes more rustic untouched culture, and also appreciates sustainability, Ko Mak is for you without a doubt.
