Bangkok to Koh Mak – From Chaos to Paradise

Want to know how to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak?

It’s small and not very popular or busy and thats why going to Koh Mak from Bangkok is going to be a rather contrasting experience. Known for it’s tropical curved beaches, unspoiled nature and laid back vibe, Koh Mak attracts those seeking complete peace and quiet. It’s the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle in Thailand’s capital city.

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Mak involves a combination of land and sea transport, as the island has no airport and is located just off the coast of the Trat region in eastern Thailand.

Where is Koh Mak?

Koh Mak is an island that forms part of the Trat archipelago in the far east of Thailand. It’s a region that borders with Cambodia with a distance of around 320 km from Bangkok.

Koh Mak sits between its sister islands, Koh Kood to the south and Koh Chang in the north and the largest, most popular and most developed of the trio.

Map of journey from Bangkok to Koh Mak

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak?

Getting from Bangkok to Koh Mak is a journey that involves first traveling to Trat and taking a ferry from the mainland to the island. Ferries to Koh Mak depart from Laem Ngop pier and Laem Sok Pier.

There’s regular buses and minivans traveling to Trat with departures from Mochit bus terminal, Ekkamai bus station and even minivans from Khaosan. Travel time is between 5 hours and 7 hours and most bus journeys terminate in Trat city which is around 1 hour drive from the piers. It is up to you then to pay the exorbitant price of a songtaew to take you to the pier for the ferry.

Another easier and faster option is to fly from Suvarnabhumi airport to Trat Airport (TDX) via Bangkok Airways. Once again, it will be an expensive ride to the piers as it is still about 1 hour drive away. An alternative is to book an airport transfer which includes transport to the pier and a hotel transfer in Koh Mak. It isn’t cheap but at least you’ll have both journeys covered.

A better alternative is to reserve a seat on the minivan that goes directly to the pier. This way you’ll avoid the ridiculous cost of a transfer to the pier. → check availability here

Best way to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak?

By far the easiest, most affordable and hassle free way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Mak is to purchase the bus and ferry joint ticket. This ticket is a combo that includes land and sea transport. The company handles and manages both the bus and boat so even in the case of a bus delay, the boat ride won’t be lost. It is best to reserve seats for this option in advance. check availability here

An idyllic beach with trees shading and clear water

Arriving in Koh Mak

Ferries coming the mainland dock in Ao Nid Pier on the southeastern part of Koh Mak. Unless your hotel is nearby and within walking distance, you will need to use one of the songtaews (pick up vans – sort of a taxi) and these can be expensive. Another option to check with your hotel as they may offer shuttle service, possibly it may also be free.

Where to stay in Koh Mak

Below are few hotel suggestions for your trip to Koh Mak. The options go from budget to high-end and are all highly rated. Prices shown are for 1 night for a double room and prices may change depending on seasonality.

Hotel NamePriceRating
Miss You Beach Resort Koh Mak$288.8/10
TK Beach Resort Koh Mak$328.4/10
Sabai Beach Resort$458.5/10
By The Sea Koh Mak Boutique Guesthouse$658.9/10
Koh Mak Resort$828.3/10
Seavana Koh Mak Beach Resort$1459.3/10

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