Everyone wants a bungalow on stilts over the water. How well-nigh a budget-priced i inwards an otherwise squeamish midrange resort amongst cool puddle etc? Cococape Resort on Ko Mak tin give notice create this.Last visited Feb 2012
Ko Mak has for certain changed over the years. This is a shot I took on my kickoff see inwards 1998 - in that location is at nowadays a paved route along this rail although the surrounds are however palm plantations. Most of the "welll-trafficked" roads are at nowadays paved - although in that location is never much traffic. In '98 all the roads were unsealed. There's a lot to a greater extent than accommodation fifty-fifty compared to my 2nd see inwards 2008, especially inwards the mid-range but budget travellers however have got the alternative of several squeamish places.
Ko Mak oftentimes gets confused amongst Ko Muk over inwards the Andaman. Mak is a long means from Muk - it's inwards the eastern Gulf nigh Kingdom of Cambodia in addition to southward of large Ko Chang. The nearest regional mainland metropolis is Trat (modified Google populace image).It is a pocket-size to medium sized island, hilly at each halt in addition to fairly apartment inwards the middle, largely covered amongst kokosnoot plantations in addition to natural forest. The beaches are quite attractive without beingness mind-blowing. There is at nowadays a proficient gain of accommodation, but overall this is a pretty relaxed isle - in that location seemed to live few longtails, non that many motorcycles, hardly whatever other vehicles in addition to fewer dogs than normal. If I had to compare it I’d nation it is similar to Ko Jum in addition to Ko Phayam. It is for certain a squeamish contrast to a lot of large Ko Chang, giving visitors to this expanse a squeamish diversion.
Map from KO MAK. com A FULL SIZE LATER VERSION can live seen here BENEATH THE "ISLAND - ISLAND MAP" HEADING.
I simplified the inwards a higher identify map on this Google populace image. I haven't tried marker the beaches - they are improve seen below.
THE BEACHES.
All the pop beaches in addition to resorts are located inwards the western one-half of the island. Ao Tookata is the beach at Baan Ing Kho at bottom. Ao Khao northward is at Island Hut in addition to Ao Khao resorts top right. The at nowadays defunct Sunset Resort where I stayed inwards 2008 was beneath the y of Lazy Day top correct (modified oblique Google populace image). Labels may live to a greater extent than clear if y'all click to expand image.
South Coast Beaches.
Ao Kao is the chief beach on the southward coast. It is a long beach (2.7km) in addition to this 300m department due east of Maka Thanee's pier is the most pop component - also Maka Thanee y'all have got TK Hut, Baan Ko Muk, Monkey Island and several others. The beach hither is non bad, a fighting skinny sand wise at total tide. This department seems to live kept set upwards clean of flotsam in addition to jetsam yesteryear the resorts. At lowest tide y'all demand to wade out a fair distance to swim in addition to in that location are periodic rocks.
If y'all click to expand the shot y'all volition improve come across the pier inwards background - on its far side the beach continues some other 500m or so (what I'd telephone retrieve far western Ao Kao0 - similar inwards appearance to the inwards a higher identify central western Ao Khao in addition to amongst some other four or v accommodation place.
Maka Thanee has grown greatly over the years. From retention it was the entirely identify upwards this halt of Ao Yao inwards 1998 - at nowadays it is the biggest in addition to most developed. Actually a lot of the accommodation is inwards attractive garden villas behind the beach but the resort at nowadays has this hotel similar block housing their deluxe rooms amongst a puddle on the beach side.
Maka Thanee's pier which receives plenty of speedboats from Chang, Wai, Kut in addition to the mainland is no longer the rickety affair of 2008. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel impressive reception block has been built at the beach halt of the pier - has a squeamish restaurant/cafe if y'all are waiting for a boat.
Most of the neighbouring resorts hither have got also pushed upmarket - Monkey isle is in all likelihood closest to budget but I noticed it too at nowadays has a pocket-size puddle behind the beach.
A pocket-size trace of piece of occupation organization expanse has grown on the contrary side of the beach route hither starting precisely out of shot - several restaurants, a wearable store, a full general shop amongst motorbike in addition to bike hire etc. Tour booking purpose far correct of pix tin give notice organise speedboat tickets, accommodation on Mak in addition to neighbouring offices, carry dorsum to Bangkok etc.
This is the remaining component of Ao Kao, what y'all could call the cardinal in addition to eastern department - I've precisely spun 180 degrees from the previous beach shot.
There are 2 or three resorts inwards the kickoff 150m in addition to so no accommodation until the furthest 25%. Until this terminal quarter is reached the beach tends to live largely non-existent at highest tide. Water weather condition are much the same equally inwards the Maka Thanee section.
The middle department of the shot inwards a higher identify this has no bungalows in addition to no-one to set upwards clean the beach of materials blown onshore yesteryear the frequent dry out flavor sea breezes - therefore the inwards a higher identify mess. Not entirely unsightly - such places are a haven for sand flies in addition to this latest see is the kickoff fourth dimension on Mak I've been bitten. Interestingly when I walked thru hither inwards 2008 mortal had cleared the beach in addition to I had no problems. In 1998 it was messy but no sandflies - precisely equally good for dorsum so this department attracted a handful of nudies. I empathize sand flies tin give notice live seasonal - the '98 see was November, the after ii were inwards February. btw I have got institute kokosnoot petroleum is non a bad sandfly deterrent.
The beach is for certain cleaned at attractive budget Island Hut resort which is well-nigh 25% along the beach from its eastern halt at Ao Kao Resort. I reckon adjacent fourth dimension I supply on a backpacking reason this volition live the place.
People are ever bespeak for a bungalow correct on the sand - this is i identify y'all tin give notice create it. Front rowers 400baht, others 300 inwards 2012, all amongst bathrooms. Nice sea-view eatery amongst prices a fighting lower than the average budget beach bungalow joint.
Beach at Island Hut. Attractive lower-midrange Ao Kao resort is at the pocket-size headland at the halt of the beach. (last 2 images KO MAK com)
Lazy Day beach - this is at nowadays due east of Ao Kao resort (behind pocket-size stone outcrop far background). Many think of this equally a continuation of Ao Koa beach but I'm classing it equally a split upwards beach.
This is in all likelihood the most used, swum expanse on Mak on trace of piece of occupation organization human relationship the former fourth dimension Lazy Days (Dayz) backpacker resort was here. Old fourth dimension Mak visitors volition in all likelihood weep at the modify behind the beach ...
... Lazy Dayz was a Mak budget establishment until they rebuilt - at nowadays it is decidedly midrange - banking concern fit the novel accomm in addition to eatery below.
In 2008 I noticed in that location were however well-nigh one-half a dozen trad vogue huts on the loma which the guy told me were going for 500. But when I returned inwards 2012 these had disappeared. (above icon KO MAK com)
The other southward coast beach worth checking is Ao Tookata - over i km farther due west of the busy component of Ao Kao. More sand at high tide than the improve parts of Ao Kao - maybe a few to a greater extent than rocks.
The actually attractive affair well-nigh this beach is it at nowadays has three backpacker touchstone places (only i when I called yesteryear inwards 2008) - Marvey Beach, Baan Leam Tookata in addition to the master Baan Ing Kao. These joints are run yesteryear brothers - in all likelihood the master landowners.
I thought the original, Baan Ing Kao was most attractive amongst squeamish tree-shaded bungalows on the gradient behind the beach. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 proficient beachfront eatery is out of moving painting to correct of frame. Joint has a squeamish lilliputian beach bar, also to right. Bungalow prices pretty proficient high flavor 2012 at 350-450. This articulation has the disadvantage inwards that it is furthest from the arrivals road. If y'all desire a beachfront bungalow, the others tin give notice create it. tel 087-0539553 - baaningkao.com
The North Coast Beaches.
Ao Pra from the viewpoint inwards a higher identify Cococape Resort with maybe the western-most 20% obscured yesteryear those kokosnoot palms in addition to the northern most 20% also out of frame top left. This is i long beach at 2+km. Some maps label the distant km or so northward of Ko Mak Resort's pier equally Ao Soun Yai.
In 1998 A0 Pra/Suan Yai had the master Ko Mak Resort* (you tin give notice maybe come across the boat at the pier at top left (this moving painting is a 2008 i - doesn't expand) in addition to a pocket-size handful of budget places towards camera. Now all the accommodation along hither is midrange yesteryear Thai toll standards (although I got a less expensive bungalow at Coco Cape - come across below).
This beach is kinda similar Ao Kao - also suffers the depression tide blues - worse towards its western end, maybe non so many rocks about, seemed to have got few problems amongst flotsam in addition to jetsam (the most mutual easterly sea breezes are off the shore hither so junk gets blown the other means - banking concern annotation my 1998 see saw existent potent north-easterlies which are mutual for early on dry out flavor which tended to blow materials onto the beach, in addition to brand things pretty blustery on the sand - maybe caput to the southward coast if y'all are coming inwards November-December).
* Ko Mak Resort is however going potent having extended in addition to renewed facilities over the years. The pier in that location gets speedboats from Ko Chang, Ko Wai, Ko Kood in addition to the mainland piers of Leam Ngop in addition to Laem Sok addition the Bang Bao tiresome boat from Ko Chang.
Ao Lom is the western most northward coast beach. The far headland where Cococape Resort is located separates it from long Ao Pra which tin give notice live seen far left background. This longish beach (1km) suffers the depression tide blues equally seen but if y'all desire seclusion the i budget accommodation articulation hither would create the trick. Problem is I didn't banking concern annotation its call inwards passing (duh) in addition to no Ko Mak website seems to have got it. Access is easiest off the route into Ao Tookata which passes unopen to this beach although a rail suitable for motorcycles in addition to bicycles comes along the dorsum of the beach from Cococape Resort.
Offshore Beaches
Ko Kham is a brusk distance off the north-west coast of Mak (but farther than this - I shot it amongst a telephoto. Actual distance is 1400m from the camera). This identify has a genuine white sand beach in addition to in all likelihood the best coral unopen to Mak. In the yesteryear it had a groovy backpacker resort, but things have got changed .......
... in addition to these real upmarket condo vogue places were nether structure (Feb2012 - looked similar they could live finished yesteryear the start of adjacent high flavor inwards November/Dec). I'm non sure if this is a real upmarket hotel or a pool-villa type evolution for rich dudes.
Ko Kham has a squeamish lilliputian beach gild expanse - blinding white sand, real clear water, okay snorkelling, showers etc. Costs 100baht but my entry ticket from Cococape resort also entitled me to a costless soft drinkable or water.
Cococape charges 100 extra for ii means transfer - y'all specify the times.
When I arrived in that location were 2 large speedboats from Ko Chang in addition to a whole bunch of Russian daytrippers. As I nation elsewhere on this blog, Russian daytrippers are proficient value - lotsa lovely ladies inwards micro-bikinies in addition to g-strings addition beefy blokes amongst large bellies hanging over tiny budgie-smugglers (Speedos).
Beach bar had the green selection of drinks in addition to snacks. I think they tin give notice create uncomplicated meals.
The Russians left after an hr or so - identify real tranquillity amongst fewer than a dozen visitors from Mak. Some of the best snorkelling inwards the Mak expanse to left in addition to behind those rocks inwards background - okay coral in addition to fish. There is a squeamish sand spit to correct of photographic tv camera - at total depression tide it goes out well-nigh 150m towards Ko Mak.
Ko Rayang Nok is a similar distance to the south-west of Mak. The closest I've been is on the passing speedboat to Ko Kut, but the beach sure looks nice, similar to Kham's in addition to similar Kham y'all tin give notice day-visit for a pocket-size charge. There is also a resort in that location - looks to live flashpacker/lower midrange inwards touchstone from the website.
OTHER AREAS ON MAK.
THE SOUTH-EAST PENINSULA
The southward due east peninsula starts at the eastern halt of Lazy Day beach. The peninsula itself has no beaches - it's a representative of swimming off the rocks. I've checked the snorkelling hither - nil to larn excited about.
About midway along the western side of the peninsula is Pano Bungalow amongst a hell of a lot of squeamish looking bungalows built along the hilly side of the peninsula. These would have got fabulous views upwards the isle towards Ao Kao beach in addition to killer sunsets. The articulation looked lower-midrange to me, but KOH MAK com suggests pricing is to a greater extent than flashpacker. The identify seemed largely deserted of tourists when I went past.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 side rail heads dorsum towards Ao Nid pier on the eastern side of the peninsula - in that location were a twosome of accommodation places high upwards hither amongst views dorsum towards the sunrise, but entirely Ao Bong resort seemed to live operating.
Baan Ao Nid is i of the ii villages on the island. It consists of a pocket-size cluster of houses, some businesses including restaurants in addition to pocket-size stores addition the pier itself. This has i speedboat service addition the tiresome boat dorsum to the mainland operating. Close to the pier is Ball Cafe amongst coffee, yummy snacks, internet, trip booking in addition to motorcycle/bicycle hire. Mr Ball is a real helpful guy in addition to runs the rather fantabulous komak.com.
Note in that location is a pocket-size cluster of businesses around the intersection of the route northward from Ao Nid in addition to the chief southern east-west road. These include a wellness centre, gas station, a twosome of minimarts in addition to several restaurants.
A similar set-up is institute a lilliputian farther due west around the turn-off into Island Hut.
THE FAR EAST
I got lazy in addition to didn’t banking concern fit the eastern 3rd of the isle (not fifty-fifty after three trips to Mak). Hell, it’s HOT pedalling similar a madman inwards the mid-day sun!
There are entirely three resorts inwards this large eastern department in addition to they sure facial expression set dorsum on KO MAK com.
The other Ko Mak village, Ban Laem Son is inwards the far north-east of the island. But in i trial once again amongst a population of 124 it doesn't audio especially big.
PLACES I'VE STAYED.
CocoCape Resort - Feb 2012
It's ever squeamish to notice an inexpensive room or bungalow inwards a pretty flash resort. Particularly when it is built over the sea similar our Baan Fa Sai bunglow - the i amongst the materials on the balcony. At 1350 (high season, non peak) inwards such a squeamish identify amongst proficient facilities in addition to including costless pier transports in addition to okay breakfasts non bad value at all.
The 2 bungalows to the correct are also Ban Fasais - the bigger i at left is the fancier Baan Chom Lurn amongst aircon, TV etc. There is an fifty-fifty fancier over H2O Suite Boat 100m to the correct nigh the pier.
Cococape has a host of other types of bungalows, rooms in addition to suites.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 fighting to a greater extent than information on our bungalow: former fourth dimension backpackers would have got a deja vu 2nd hither (except for the over-water spot in addition to hot shower) - basically a bamboo thatch box precisely large plenty for a Rex sized bed (hard mattress, squeamish pillow, proficient net) in addition to 2 people's gear. Big bi-fold doors give indoor/outdoor effect, opened upwards out to thought below. Good lights, tranquillity fan. Unexpectedly spacious polished wood dressing room amongst basin in addition to level can - split upwards tiled bath amongst hot water. Serviced daily.
View from our overwater balcony. Hammock a sweetness identify amongst a bottle of rum tardily afternoon. That's Ao Pra beach inwards background. Cococape is non on the beach but has like shooting fish in a barrel access to both Ao Pra (east) in addition to Ao Lum (west). Although swimming off the resort's pier or inwards the rather squeamish puddle meant I didn't bother amongst the beaches.
Mind you, your bungalow isn't ever over water. Super depression bi-monthly tide (get these around Full Luna in addition to no moon: aqua-nerds volition know these are the times for the month's highest tides too) saw the H2O recede a fair bit. Real squeamish for a fighting of fossicking inwards pools to left of exposed sand spit.
Sweet puddle a squeamish identify to pass time. White rim on far side is apartment making this a horizon puddle - department betwixt circular parts has H2O cascading downwardly a steep embankment into a smaller puddle - ideal identify for ix twelvemonth olds in addition to tezza to create the slippery dip thing. Pool bar precisely out of shot to left. Nice sunbathing terrace inwards expanse of camera. Covered expanse at correct had massage lady working most times.
The terminal department of CocoCape's looong pier. Another squeamish identify to pass fourth dimension - sunbathing lounges in addition to fifty-fifty a pocket-size bar inwards background. And although the tide is nigh dead depression here, at higher levels this is a squeamish identify to swim or snorkel amongst crystal clear H2O in addition to some okay coral in addition to fish (maybe the best I've seen on mainland Mak). Hell, Lady Tezza had fun fish-spotting from the pier.
Info board on pier said best snorkelling is 200m out inwards direction of Ko Kham (background left) but I institute H2O gradually deepened in addition to 150m out I could come across the bottom no more. I kept going hoping to spot a shallower reef, but nada.
CocoCape has a large multifariousness of accommodation. Some real modern resort type rooms, traditional Thai type cabanas arranged around a large lagoon, stilt-bungalows similar the i left background in addition to quite a few former hulks (foreground) on the hillside or around the lagoon - some had been converted into accommodation, others similar the i inwards foreground untouched. Every type of accommodation seemed to have got views - many elevated.
CocoCape's restaurant expanse is interesting - it is a brusk distance dorsum from the shore amongst squeamish views addition an extra absolute waterside seating expanse (the opening shot top of page was shot from this terrace). Style is to a greater extent than traditional Thai flashpacker than ultra modern western vogue resort. Prices were maybe 20% higher than typical budget places, nutrient pretty good, service fine.
There is a existent proficient budget eatery well-nigh vii minutes walk away - three minutes upwards the steepish larn out road, plough left in addition to after a brusk distance, plough correct - walk one-half means downwardly the hill. This identify had a handful of expat-type people dining each night, ever a proficient sign in addition to a proficient full general shop where y'all grabbed your dinner drinks from the frig.
Another four minutes gets y'all to some other three restaurants on the chief southern beach route nigh Maka Thani pier.
Bottom-budget at CocoCape are these Baan Talay exterior bath backpacker vogue rooms. 900 baht high flavor 2012 including breakast for a identify on piers over the water. Surrounding mangroves a fighting funky. Bathroom block behind photographic tv camera looked pretty clean.
Sunset Resort - Feb 2008
Sunset was on the south-east peninsula non too far from Pano Resort. It promised sitting platforms over the sea at the halt of its pier which I'm a sucker for so I headed that way. Wasn't disappointed amongst that or the identify inwards full general - it was the sorta articulation which attracts those long fourth dimension travellers, kinda similar Lazy Dayz did inwards the former days. I think that type of people hang around at Ing Khao these days.
Unfortunately Sunset closed downwardly lately after the expiry of the possessor - I got a message proverb his widow is running a identify adjacent to Monkey Island resort upwards nigh Maka Thani pier on Ao Kao.
I simplified the inwards a higher identify map on this Google populace image. I haven't tried marker the beaches - they are improve seen below.THE BEACHES.
All the pop beaches in addition to resorts are located inwards the western one-half of the island. Ao Tookata is the beach at Baan Ing Kho at bottom. Ao Khao northward is at Island Hut in addition to Ao Khao resorts top right. The at nowadays defunct Sunset Resort where I stayed inwards 2008 was beneath the y of Lazy Day top correct (modified oblique Google populace image). Labels may live to a greater extent than clear if y'all click to expand image.South Coast Beaches.
Ao Kao is the chief beach on the southward coast. It is a long beach (2.7km) in addition to this 300m department due east of Maka Thanee's pier is the most pop component - also Maka Thanee y'all have got TK Hut, Baan Ko Muk, Monkey Island and several others. The beach hither is non bad, a fighting skinny sand wise at total tide. This department seems to live kept set upwards clean of flotsam in addition to jetsam yesteryear the resorts. At lowest tide y'all demand to wade out a fair distance to swim in addition to in that location are periodic rocks.If y'all click to expand the shot y'all volition improve come across the pier inwards background - on its far side the beach continues some other 500m or so (what I'd telephone retrieve far western Ao Kao0 - similar inwards appearance to the inwards a higher identify central western Ao Khao in addition to amongst some other four or v accommodation place.
Maka Thanee has grown greatly over the years. From retention it was the entirely identify upwards this halt of Ao Yao inwards 1998 - at nowadays it is the biggest in addition to most developed. Actually a lot of the accommodation is inwards attractive garden villas behind the beach but the resort at nowadays has this hotel similar block housing their deluxe rooms amongst a puddle on the beach side.Maka Thanee's pier which receives plenty of speedboats from Chang, Wai, Kut in addition to the mainland is no longer the rickety affair of 2008. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel impressive reception block has been built at the beach halt of the pier - has a squeamish restaurant/cafe if y'all are waiting for a boat.
Most of the neighbouring resorts hither have got also pushed upmarket - Monkey isle is in all likelihood closest to budget but I noticed it too at nowadays has a pocket-size puddle behind the beach.
A pocket-size trace of piece of occupation organization expanse has grown on the contrary side of the beach route hither starting precisely out of shot - several restaurants, a wearable store, a full general shop amongst motorbike in addition to bike hire etc. Tour booking purpose far correct of pix tin give notice organise speedboat tickets, accommodation on Mak in addition to neighbouring offices, carry dorsum to Bangkok etc.
This is the remaining component of Ao Kao, what y'all could call the cardinal in addition to eastern department - I've precisely spun 180 degrees from the previous beach shot.There are 2 or three resorts inwards the kickoff 150m in addition to so no accommodation until the furthest 25%. Until this terminal quarter is reached the beach tends to live largely non-existent at highest tide. Water weather condition are much the same equally inwards the Maka Thanee section.
The middle department of the shot inwards a higher identify this has no bungalows in addition to no-one to set upwards clean the beach of materials blown onshore yesteryear the frequent dry out flavor sea breezes - therefore the inwards a higher identify mess. Not entirely unsightly - such places are a haven for sand flies in addition to this latest see is the kickoff fourth dimension on Mak I've been bitten. Interestingly when I walked thru hither inwards 2008 mortal had cleared the beach in addition to I had no problems. In 1998 it was messy but no sandflies - precisely equally good for dorsum so this department attracted a handful of nudies. I empathize sand flies tin give notice live seasonal - the '98 see was November, the after ii were inwards February. btw I have got institute kokosnoot petroleum is non a bad sandfly deterrent.
The beach is for certain cleaned at attractive budget Island Hut resort which is well-nigh 25% along the beach from its eastern halt at Ao Kao Resort. I reckon adjacent fourth dimension I supply on a backpacking reason this volition live the place. People are ever bespeak for a bungalow correct on the sand - this is i identify y'all tin give notice create it. Front rowers 400baht, others 300 inwards 2012, all amongst bathrooms. Nice sea-view eatery amongst prices a fighting lower than the average budget beach bungalow joint.Beach at Island Hut. Attractive lower-midrange Ao Kao resort is at the pocket-size headland at the halt of the beach. (last 2 images KO MAK com)
Lazy Day beach - this is at nowadays due east of Ao Kao resort (behind pocket-size stone outcrop far background). Many think of this equally a continuation of Ao Koa beach but I'm classing it equally a split upwards beach.This is in all likelihood the most used, swum expanse on Mak on trace of piece of occupation organization human relationship the former fourth dimension Lazy Days (Dayz) backpacker resort was here. Old fourth dimension Mak visitors volition in all likelihood weep at the modify behind the beach ...
... Lazy Dayz was a Mak budget establishment until they rebuilt - at nowadays it is decidedly midrange - banking concern fit the novel accomm in addition to eatery below.
In 2008 I noticed in that location were however well-nigh one-half a dozen trad vogue huts on the loma which the guy told me were going for 500. But when I returned inwards 2012 these had disappeared. (above icon KO MAK com)
The other southward coast beach worth checking is Ao Tookata - over i km farther due west of the busy component of Ao Kao. More sand at high tide than the improve parts of Ao Kao - maybe a few to a greater extent than rocks. The actually attractive affair well-nigh this beach is it at nowadays has three backpacker touchstone places (only i when I called yesteryear inwards 2008) - Marvey Beach, Baan Leam Tookata in addition to the master Baan Ing Kao. These joints are run yesteryear brothers - in all likelihood the master landowners.
I thought the original, Baan Ing Kao was most attractive amongst squeamish tree-shaded bungalows on the gradient behind the beach. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 proficient beachfront eatery is out of moving painting to correct of frame. Joint has a squeamish lilliputian beach bar, also to right. Bungalow prices pretty proficient high flavor 2012 at 350-450. This articulation has the disadvantage inwards that it is furthest from the arrivals road. If y'all desire a beachfront bungalow, the others tin give notice create it. tel 087-0539553 - baaningkao.comThe North Coast Beaches.
Ao Pra from the viewpoint inwards a higher identify Cococape Resort with maybe the western-most 20% obscured yesteryear those kokosnoot palms in addition to the northern most 20% also out of frame top left. This is i long beach at 2+km. Some maps label the distant km or so northward of Ko Mak Resort's pier equally Ao Soun Yai.In 1998 A0 Pra/Suan Yai had the master Ko Mak Resort* (you tin give notice maybe come across the boat at the pier at top left (this moving painting is a 2008 i - doesn't expand) in addition to a pocket-size handful of budget places towards camera. Now all the accommodation along hither is midrange yesteryear Thai toll standards (although I got a less expensive bungalow at Coco Cape - come across below).
This beach is kinda similar Ao Kao - also suffers the depression tide blues - worse towards its western end, maybe non so many rocks about, seemed to have got few problems amongst flotsam in addition to jetsam (the most mutual easterly sea breezes are off the shore hither so junk gets blown the other means - banking concern annotation my 1998 see saw existent potent north-easterlies which are mutual for early on dry out flavor which tended to blow materials onto the beach, in addition to brand things pretty blustery on the sand - maybe caput to the southward coast if y'all are coming inwards November-December).
* Ko Mak Resort is however going potent having extended in addition to renewed facilities over the years. The pier in that location gets speedboats from Ko Chang, Ko Wai, Ko Kood in addition to the mainland piers of Leam Ngop in addition to Laem Sok addition the Bang Bao tiresome boat from Ko Chang.
Ao Lom is the western most northward coast beach. The far headland where Cococape Resort is located separates it from long Ao Pra which tin give notice live seen far left background. This longish beach (1km) suffers the depression tide blues equally seen but if y'all desire seclusion the i budget accommodation articulation hither would create the trick. Problem is I didn't banking concern annotation its call inwards passing (duh) in addition to no Ko Mak website seems to have got it. Access is easiest off the route into Ao Tookata which passes unopen to this beach although a rail suitable for motorcycles in addition to bicycles comes along the dorsum of the beach from Cococape Resort.Offshore Beaches
Ko Kham is a brusk distance off the north-west coast of Mak (but farther than this - I shot it amongst a telephoto. Actual distance is 1400m from the camera). This identify has a genuine white sand beach in addition to in all likelihood the best coral unopen to Mak. In the yesteryear it had a groovy backpacker resort, but things have got changed .......
... in addition to these real upmarket condo vogue places were nether structure (Feb2012 - looked similar they could live finished yesteryear the start of adjacent high flavor inwards November/Dec). I'm non sure if this is a real upmarket hotel or a pool-villa type evolution for rich dudes.
Ko Kham has a squeamish lilliputian beach gild expanse - blinding white sand, real clear water, okay snorkelling, showers etc. Costs 100baht but my entry ticket from Cococape resort also entitled me to a costless soft drinkable or water.Cococape charges 100 extra for ii means transfer - y'all specify the times.
When I arrived in that location were 2 large speedboats from Ko Chang in addition to a whole bunch of Russian daytrippers. As I nation elsewhere on this blog, Russian daytrippers are proficient value - lotsa lovely ladies inwards micro-bikinies in addition to g-strings addition beefy blokes amongst large bellies hanging over tiny budgie-smugglers (Speedos).
Beach bar had the green selection of drinks in addition to snacks. I think they tin give notice create uncomplicated meals.
The Russians left after an hr or so - identify real tranquillity amongst fewer than a dozen visitors from Mak. Some of the best snorkelling inwards the Mak expanse to left in addition to behind those rocks inwards background - okay coral in addition to fish. There is a squeamish sand spit to correct of photographic tv camera - at total depression tide it goes out well-nigh 150m towards Ko Mak.
Ko Rayang Nok is a similar distance to the south-west of Mak. The closest I've been is on the passing speedboat to Ko Kut, but the beach sure looks nice, similar to Kham's in addition to similar Kham y'all tin give notice day-visit for a pocket-size charge. There is also a resort in that location - looks to live flashpacker/lower midrange inwards touchstone from the website.OTHER AREAS ON MAK.
THE SOUTH-EAST PENINSULA
The southward due east peninsula starts at the eastern halt of Lazy Day beach. The peninsula itself has no beaches - it's a representative of swimming off the rocks. I've checked the snorkelling hither - nil to larn excited about.
About midway along the western side of the peninsula is Pano Bungalow amongst a hell of a lot of squeamish looking bungalows built along the hilly side of the peninsula. These would have got fabulous views upwards the isle towards Ao Kao beach in addition to killer sunsets. The articulation looked lower-midrange to me, but KOH MAK com suggests pricing is to a greater extent than flashpacker. The identify seemed largely deserted of tourists when I went past.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 side rail heads dorsum towards Ao Nid pier on the eastern side of the peninsula - in that location were a twosome of accommodation places high upwards hither amongst views dorsum towards the sunrise, but entirely Ao Bong resort seemed to live operating.
Baan Ao Nid is i of the ii villages on the island. It consists of a pocket-size cluster of houses, some businesses including restaurants in addition to pocket-size stores addition the pier itself. This has i speedboat service addition the tiresome boat dorsum to the mainland operating. Close to the pier is Ball Cafe amongst coffee, yummy snacks, internet, trip booking in addition to motorcycle/bicycle hire. Mr Ball is a real helpful guy in addition to runs the rather fantabulous komak.com.
Note in that location is a pocket-size cluster of businesses around the intersection of the route northward from Ao Nid in addition to the chief southern east-west road. These include a wellness centre, gas station, a twosome of minimarts in addition to several restaurants.
A similar set-up is institute a lilliputian farther due west around the turn-off into Island Hut.
THE FAR EAST
I got lazy in addition to didn’t banking concern fit the eastern 3rd of the isle (not fifty-fifty after three trips to Mak). Hell, it’s HOT pedalling similar a madman inwards the mid-day sun!
There are entirely three resorts inwards this large eastern department in addition to they sure facial expression set dorsum on KO MAK com.
The other Ko Mak village, Ban Laem Son is inwards the far north-east of the island. But in i trial once again amongst a population of 124 it doesn't audio especially big.
PLACES I'VE STAYED.
CocoCape Resort - Feb 2012
It's ever squeamish to notice an inexpensive room or bungalow inwards a pretty flash resort. Particularly when it is built over the sea similar our Baan Fa Sai bunglow - the i amongst the materials on the balcony. At 1350 (high season, non peak) inwards such a squeamish identify amongst proficient facilities in addition to including costless pier transports in addition to okay breakfasts non bad value at all.The 2 bungalows to the correct are also Ban Fasais - the bigger i at left is the fancier Baan Chom Lurn amongst aircon, TV etc. There is an fifty-fifty fancier over H2O Suite Boat 100m to the correct nigh the pier.
Cococape has a host of other types of bungalows, rooms in addition to suites.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 fighting to a greater extent than information on our bungalow: former fourth dimension backpackers would have got a deja vu 2nd hither (except for the over-water spot in addition to hot shower) - basically a bamboo thatch box precisely large plenty for a Rex sized bed (hard mattress, squeamish pillow, proficient net) in addition to 2 people's gear. Big bi-fold doors give indoor/outdoor effect, opened upwards out to thought below. Good lights, tranquillity fan. Unexpectedly spacious polished wood dressing room amongst basin in addition to level can - split upwards tiled bath amongst hot water. Serviced daily.
View from our overwater balcony. Hammock a sweetness identify amongst a bottle of rum tardily afternoon. That's Ao Pra beach inwards background. Cococape is non on the beach but has like shooting fish in a barrel access to both Ao Pra (east) in addition to Ao Lum (west). Although swimming off the resort's pier or inwards the rather squeamish puddle meant I didn't bother amongst the beaches.
Mind you, your bungalow isn't ever over water. Super depression bi-monthly tide (get these around Full Luna in addition to no moon: aqua-nerds volition know these are the times for the month's highest tides too) saw the H2O recede a fair bit. Real squeamish for a fighting of fossicking inwards pools to left of exposed sand spit.
Sweet puddle a squeamish identify to pass time. White rim on far side is apartment making this a horizon puddle - department betwixt circular parts has H2O cascading downwardly a steep embankment into a smaller puddle - ideal identify for ix twelvemonth olds in addition to tezza to create the slippery dip thing. Pool bar precisely out of shot to left. Nice sunbathing terrace inwards expanse of camera. Covered expanse at correct had massage lady working most times.
The terminal department of CocoCape's looong pier. Another squeamish identify to pass fourth dimension - sunbathing lounges in addition to fifty-fifty a pocket-size bar inwards background. And although the tide is nigh dead depression here, at higher levels this is a squeamish identify to swim or snorkel amongst crystal clear H2O in addition to some okay coral in addition to fish (maybe the best I've seen on mainland Mak). Hell, Lady Tezza had fun fish-spotting from the pier.Info board on pier said best snorkelling is 200m out inwards direction of Ko Kham (background left) but I institute H2O gradually deepened in addition to 150m out I could come across the bottom no more. I kept going hoping to spot a shallower reef, but nada.
CocoCape has a large multifariousness of accommodation. Some real modern resort type rooms, traditional Thai type cabanas arranged around a large lagoon, stilt-bungalows similar the i left background in addition to quite a few former hulks (foreground) on the hillside or around the lagoon - some had been converted into accommodation, others similar the i inwards foreground untouched. Every type of accommodation seemed to have got views - many elevated.CocoCape's restaurant expanse is interesting - it is a brusk distance dorsum from the shore amongst squeamish views addition an extra absolute waterside seating expanse (the opening shot top of page was shot from this terrace). Style is to a greater extent than traditional Thai flashpacker than ultra modern western vogue resort. Prices were maybe 20% higher than typical budget places, nutrient pretty good, service fine.
There is a existent proficient budget eatery well-nigh vii minutes walk away - three minutes upwards the steepish larn out road, plough left in addition to after a brusk distance, plough correct - walk one-half means downwardly the hill. This identify had a handful of expat-type people dining each night, ever a proficient sign in addition to a proficient full general shop where y'all grabbed your dinner drinks from the frig.
Another four minutes gets y'all to some other three restaurants on the chief southern beach route nigh Maka Thani pier.
Bottom-budget at CocoCape are these Baan Talay exterior bath backpacker vogue rooms. 900 baht high flavor 2012 including breakast for a identify on piers over the water. Surrounding mangroves a fighting funky. Bathroom block behind photographic tv camera looked pretty clean.Sunset Resort - Feb 2008
Sunset was on the south-east peninsula non too far from Pano Resort. It promised sitting platforms over the sea at the halt of its pier which I'm a sucker for so I headed that way. Wasn't disappointed amongst that or the identify inwards full general - it was the sorta articulation which attracts those long fourth dimension travellers, kinda similar Lazy Dayz did inwards the former days. I think that type of people hang around at Ing Khao these days.
Unfortunately Sunset closed downwardly lately after the expiry of the possessor - I got a message proverb his widow is running a identify adjacent to Monkey Island resort upwards nigh Maka Thani pier on Ao Kao.
Chez tezza at Sunset Resort. Most of the bungalows facial expression northward to the sea, some due east over Ao Kao beach.Ao Khao Resort - Nov 1998
This identify had some inexpensive exterior bath bunglows dorsum so in addition to costless carry from the Leam Ngop (mainland) tiresome boat which was the entirely means to access Mak at that time.
Very squeamish spot at the improve eastern halt of Ao Kao beach - the entirely other articulation around was Lazy Dayz adjacent door where I spent considerable fourth dimension because its squeamish nutrient was mabye 20% cheaper than Ao Khao's fantabulous stuff.
Ao Kao Resort's eatery is inwards a panoramic spot on a pocket-size headland at the due east halt of Ao Kao beach amongst Lazy Day beach a similar distance behind. Bungalows are inland from the eatery in addition to beach. Bungalows upgraded, at nowadays firmly inwards the midrange - cheapest was 2500 when I called inwards in Feb 2012 but the website is at nowadays showing a 1500 toll inwards mid-March: maybe that was taken inwards Feb - this identify is real pop amongst Euros. Restaurant prices at nowadays a proficient 50% over typical budget bungalows prices - but i cheaper fifty-fifty than the latter, Island Hut, is entirely 300m behind camera.
Basically in that location are speedboats in addition to a slowboat from ii piers on the mainland - Leam Ngop in addition to Leam Sok, addition a large gain of speedboats running from Ko Chang, Ko Wai in addition to Ko Kood. There is also the Bang Bao tiresome boat from Ko Chang via Ko Wai. There is at nowadays a largish fast catamaran running from the mainland - details are on the Coco Cape Resort website from memory.
The diverse boats become far at whatever of the three chief piers on Mak - Ko Mak Resort's on the northern beach, Maka Thani's on the southern beach in addition to Ao Nid pier inwards the hamlet to the due east - depending on the company. Transport is waiting to have got y'all to your resort - many non- basic resorts have got a costless shuttle if they know y'all are coming in.
Times etc are best left to Resort in addition to full general Mak websites, most of which create a proficient labor of keeping upwards to appointment amongst whatever changes.
KO MAK com has an fantabulous Getting There section (click ISLAND tag - then HOW TO GET THERE sub-tag). This covers ferries in addition to speedboats from the mainland in addition to Kut. Plus buses, vans, taxis, from Bangkok (including airport) to Trat in addition to straight to Leam Ngop pier.
And flights into Trat..
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If y'all are visiting Mak, maybe y'all volition live interested inwards nearby:
KO WAI
KO KUT
KO CHANG
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If y'all come across mistakes or have got extra info, delight postal service below. If y'all have got questions, delight set them on the Forum, accessed via the Index - I don't larn to banking concern fit each isle page each solar daytime but I endeavour to banking concern fit the Forum when non travelling.