Koh Mak ( or Koh Maak in some guides ) is located in the Marine National Park in Eastern Thailand, around 40Km from the Trat coast and 20Km south of Koh Chang.   It is around 16km², too big to walk around but easy to see by bicycle.  The roads are very quiet as there isn’t a vehicle ferry to the island.  Koh Mak is also relatively unknown.  This means that it isn’t over run by package tours and and is still a well kept secret for most travelers. Koh Mak is limited to small restaurants, minimarts and a few resorts. It’s growing but at a much slower pace.

Koh Mak is a quiet location for people who are looking for a relaxing holiday.  If you are looking for long deserted beaches then you’ll find them on Koh Mak.  There aren’t any jetskis or beer bars. So it isn’t for someone looking for an alternative to Phuket or Pattaya.  The island has beautiful nature which is perfect for hiking trips. There is also a diving school where you can book diving and snorkeling trips. The nearby Marine Park has the best selection of marine life Thailand has to offer.

Activities on offer include diving – there are a couple of PADI certified dive centres, snorkelling, kayaking, Muay Thai and cycling on the many tracks and trails that lead to remote beaches. Or you could just laze by the beach or get a traditional Thai massage.

Koh Mak resorts and bungalows are located mainly on the beaches of Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai.  Popular resorts include Seavana, Koh Mak Resort, Lazy Day and Big Easy.  All offering a different type of ambience and catering to different types of visitor.   There isn’t a large choice of budget accommodation but you’ll find a friendly welcome and good value rooms at small resorts and guesthouses such as Thaidaho Vista or Koh Mak Holiday bungalows.

And if you are backpacking on a tight budget then the easy going, Island Huts, with little wooden cabins on the beach at 400-600 Baht.

How to Get to Koh Mak

Getting between the island and the mainland is now relatively simple with speedboat servicesrunning year round to and from the mainland pier in Laem Ngop, Trat.

If you are flying on Bangkok Airways you can still get to Koh Mak the same day on either the morning or lunchtime flight to Trat Airport. Although boats  between Koh Mak, Koh Chang and Koh Kood  do stop between June and September.

The beaches on Koh Mak

You’re almost certainly coming here for the beaches.  Take a look at the ‘Koh Mak Beach Guide‘ for photos of what to expect.  There are two main beaches which are home to the majority of resorts.  But you will find smaller beached dotted around the island.  Take time to explore by scooter or mountain bike and follow the dirt tracks to the shore.  You’ll often come to deserted beaches with no resorts or signs of life.

Koh Mak is not a destination for anyone interested in filling their days with noisy activities.  Sure there are some trips and tours you can do but on the whole it is a place to go to do very little except laze and enjoy the local hospitality, clear sea and kilometres of empty beaches.

But if you want some gentle exercise come and join us at Coco Cafe for a 8Km bicycle tour of some of Koh Mak’s lesser seen sights or a game of beach volleyball.  Cycling tours are at 09:00 & 16:00 in high Season. 150 Baht per person. Beach volleyball matches are held every afternoon / evening at Coco Cafe’s ‘sandfly -free’ volleyball court.

“Ban Namchiao” which means torrent village. It is the canal that lead the people to the sea, so what the people make for a living is fishery and this is still how they live today. When you arrive at Ban Namchiao, you will obviously see a lot of fishing boats, big and small, gathering in the canal. Two religions live in harmony In Ban Namchiao, both Buddhists and Muslims live together with no religious boundary. If it is for the common good, they join hands. Religious conflict never happens here. When it is time for religious activities, they just walk their way and follow their faith.

Ban Namchiao: Visit all year round for various activities Thought it is a small community, but the village offers numerous activities almost throughout the year.

• January-February: Camel kite flying in the field and kite crafting
• April-August: Shows of traditional eel catching by hand and diving for catfish trapped in the bamboo flask. Visitors are allowed to watch only because the activities require mastery.
• May-June: Season of various fruits. Visitors can taste fresh ones at the orchards
• June-December: Season of fireflies and sparkling night all over the mangrove forest
• October-November: Pu Paen (leaf porter crab) catching. It is an ingredient in the fish sauce and “Som Tum” (Thai Papaya Salad)
• December: Traditional rowing boat race between villagers and tourists. Here is the only place in Thailand that uses bamboo sticks as the paddles.

Moreover, there are some activities offered throughout the year which are diving for duck’s bill shells, enjoying the scenery of the mangrove forest, bird and eagle watching, taking a boat to watch the red eagles at the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand, catching shrimps, crabs, and fish, and tapping rubber trees. For the last two on the list which are night activities, tourists should stay overnight.

Transportation: Namchiao is about 8 kilometers from Trat Province, on Highway No.3148. It is on the same way to Ko Chang.

Accommodation: There are several homestays provided for travelers who want to know Namchiao more profoundly.

For more information: Mrs. Surattana Pumimanoch (Noi), Head of the Ban Namchiao Community-based Tourism Club, Tel. +668 6 777 5033, +668 4 892 5374

This is no ordinary mangrove forest. Ban Tha Ranae is a fishing village that was once severely affected by mining. However, the mangrove forest grew and the ecosystem was restored. Since then the villagers have been working hard to conserve nature and promoting the eco-friendly way of life.

After learning the local stories, go on a boating trip along the river to Lan Taboon, where beautifully intertwined mangrove trees’ roots are revealed at low tide.

Kradad Island

Kradad Island is like a nature park because there are thousands of deer living here freely. Some people call this island The Safari of the Gulf of Thailand. Kradad Island is an island in the group of Mak Island which is about 35 kilometers from the mainland and just one kilometer from Mak Island. Tourists can travel there by ferryboat and it takes just 10 minutes. Koh Kradad is a private island with no inhabitants. Most of the island is so flat that it looks just like a floating sheet of paper in the sea. This is the origin of the name “Kradad (paper in the Thai language)

For tourists who visit Mak Island and want to go to Kradad Island, you can call Koh Kradad Resort to ask for a boat to pick you up at Laem Son. You can travel around Kradad Island within 2-3 hours and spend time seeing the flock of deer. The best time to see the flock of more than a thousand deer is around 4-5 pm or in the morning when the sunlight is not strong. After seeing the deer a tractor will take you to the beach at the back of the island. Here, inclining coconut trees are the symbol of the island. You can take a rest at the beach and swim in the clear blue sea.

Another of the activities that you should not miss is diving. The undersea world of Trat is as attractive as other well-known islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Here you can find a place to read a favorite book, relax, and have a night party here. There is just one resort, the Koh Kradad Resort that provides food and refreshments for visitors arriving on daytrips and overnight accommodation for those wishing to stay longer.

How to Get There

Kradad Island is located in the East of Mak Island, Koh Kood District, Trat Province. You can go there by taxi to Laem Son, Mak Island. Then, take a long-tailed boat provided by Koh Kradad Resort.

High season: winter and summer

Kham Island, volcanic rock

Even though Trad province has the large and well-known Koh Chang, there are also other smaller beautiful islands in this province worth mentioning. Koh Kham (Kham Island) is a small isle located next to Mhak Island and it is the only one comprised of volcanic rock among all the small islands in this area. It has white delicate sand and it is considered as “the heritage of Trad”, which comes from the beauty of the clear seawater. The island has 300 meters of coast on the east side and south side, whilst the other side is mountains and cliffs. The beach on the east side is the most outstanding since the sand is very white and black volcanic boulders litter the shore. When the water level reduces, there is a beautiful white sandy ridge separating the sea. The area around Kham Island has an abundant coral reef. Visitors can go diving, snorkeling or kayaking to see the coral and there is a path for people to walk around the island. On the west side of the island, there is a path leading up to the viewpoint where you can see a great panorama of the islands.

For those who are waiting for the fascinating sunset, can also contact the officer at the bar in order to let them prepare a pick up boat.The most suitable time to stay on this island is 2 days, one night. There are many types of accommodation for visitors to choose but the most convenient one is Koh Mhak Resort located one kilometer from Koh Kham. There is also an all day boat service for the tourists. It is not too hard to get to Kham Island and it is suitable for a short stay since it takes only one to two hours to see the whole place. The most suitable time to come here is winter and summer.

Kood Island

If nature lovers have a chance to visit Trat just once, please do not forget to think about Kood Island close by Chang Island. Fine white sand and clear blue sea represents the magic of nature. Since Kood Island is not overly disturbed by development, numerous people from all over the world pour in to visit the diamond of the east. Kood Island is the last island of Eastern sea that connects to Cambodian territorial waters. Some call the Andaman the Eastern Sea because of the blue sea, fine sand, natural features, and undersea ecosystems. This place is suitable for people who love peace and relaxation amongst eye-catching nature. On Kood Island, there are several attractions well worth a look. Chak Bay is a small peaceful cove with shady rows of coconut trees. This is also the centre in terms of the fishing village, port, and seafood market. Tourists like to come and camp here to see the sunset. However, you will have to contact the administrators for more details.

How to Get There

By car from Bangkok: Take Route No. 3 (Bang Na-Trat) passing Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, and Trat. This route is about 390 kilometers. Drive along Route No. 7 (Motorway) which is connected to Rama IX – Sri Nakharin. Drive until you see Route No. 344 (Ban Bueng Klang), Klang District. Then follow Route No. 3 passing Khlung District, Chantaburi ProvinceGo over Welu Bridge, passed Khao Saming District, and go straight to the city of Trat. This route is about 315 kilometers.

By bus from Bangkok: Take a daily bus at transport stations (Ekamai or Mo Chit). The transport co. Ltd. 02-391-6846 Cherd Chai tour co. Ltd. 02-936-0043

By wooden boat:Leave from Dan Kao Pier at 10am and arrive at 2pm at Saphan Nam Luek Pier, Kood Island. Return to Dan Kao Pier at 10am also. For more information, please contact 08 9069 1031.

By speedboat:Departs Laem Sok Pier and stops at Bang Bao Pier once a day at 1pm. Return from Kood Island to Laem Sok Pier at 10am. For more information, please contact 08 6126 7860.

By ferry:Departs Dan Kao Pier once a day around 8-10.30am. Return from Kood Island at 10am. For more information, please contact 08 6126 7860.

Chang Island

If we talk about the seas in western Thailand, Chang Island is one of the most popular attractions for sea lovers. Chang Island has a complete ecosystem and tourists can visit here all year round. There are several attractive places around the island such as White Sand Beach (Sai Kao Beach) offering fine and soft sand perfect for relaxing. There is something for all tourists; stylish resorts, great restaurants, and chic bars. Not far from Chang Island is Klong Prao Beach is one of the best places for water activities because it is such a long beach without a slope or strong waves. This is also a viewpoint for watching the beautiful sunsets. There are other beaches and bays which are quite popular such as Kai Bae Beach, Klong Son Bay and Sapparod Bay (Pineapple Bay)

How to Get There

By car from Bangkok: It is about a 390 kilometers drive along Route No. 3 (Bang Na-Trat) passing Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, and Trat. Alternatively take Route No. 7 (Motorway) which is connected to Rama IX Sri Nakharin. Drive until you arrive at Route No. 344 (Ban Bueng Klang), Klang District. Then, move to Route No. 3 passing Khlung District, Chantaburi Province. Cross Welu Bridge, go by Khao Saming District, and go straight to the city of Trat Province. The total distance is about 315 kilometers.

By bus:Take the daily bus at Ekamai or Mo Chit transport stations. The transport Co Ltd 02-391-6846 Cherd Chai Tour Co Ltd 02-936-0043

By plane:Bangkok Airways provides flights connecting Bangkok–Trat– Bangkok daily. For more information, please contact 02-270-6699, 02-265-5678

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace known as the palace of love and hope,  This palace is a must-see spot in Hua Hin. Go for the architecture, history, gardens, tranquility. There are many reasons to visit this beautiful palace.

If you’re into history, architecture and gardens, you’ll love this destination in Hua Hin. Get a glimpse into royal life. See how the royal family lived in their summer palace. It’s easy to imagine as not much has changed.The grounds and the buildings are the same as what they were when the kind and his family rested and relax there for summer in the 1920S.

The palace itself is one of the longest teak buildings in the world. It was designed by the king who brought in an Italian architect to complete the designs. The king was also a poet and had an area where he would write in the palace. Be inspired.

To eat and drink:

There’s a tearoom located within the grounds of the palace. Sit on wicker chairs, as you look out over manicured lawns that roll into the sand and then the sea. Sip tea, drink coffee and eat a Thai-inspired high tea at Mrigadayavan Palace Tearoom open from 10AM – 4PM.

Khao Tabiab’s prominent rocky mountain marks the southern end of Hua Hin’s 20 kilometres of straight, almost uninterrupted beach. The steep, pointy outline of this mountain dominates the area, and can be seen from all Hua Hin beaches to the north. The mountain is home to a famous Buddhist monastery that many visit, and a huge troupe of monkeys (crab-eating macaques) that are an attraction in themselves. A small estuary and canal run behind the mountain, providing a harbour for a fleet of small artisanal fishing craft.

The beach on the north side of this mountain is generally referred to as Khao Takiab Beach, while the name of the beach on the southern side is sometimes confusing. Some also call this Khao Takiab, for easy recognition, while others refer to it as ‘Suan Son’, the name of the long beach to the south, which also ends at the mountain.

Suan Son, on the south side of the mountain, is usually recognized as the beach area controlled by the military and accessed through the military camp a few kilometres down Phetkasem highway. This is open to the public, and is the only beach in the area left in a natural state, without walls or buildings along the sand. Anyone wishing to see what Hua Hin looked like before development transformed, and often ruined, its beaches, should come here to enjoy the wide, park-like forest of casuarina trees behind the beach.