How to Get to Koh Mak: The Complete Island Guide (2025)
How to get to Koh Mak: A complete travel guide to this tiny Thai island
Small but mighty, Koh Mak is a beautiful island in eastern Thailand. Nestled between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, many question 'how to get to Koh Mak?'.
Fear not, I have just completed a three day trip from Bangkok to Koh Mak and Koh Mak to Koh Kood so I am here to tell you all the logistics!
Where is Koh Mak?
Koh Mak is located in the Gulf of Thailand close to the Cambodian mainland, it is nestled between the larger islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood.
Koh Mak was originally established as a coconut plantation before being marketed as a tourist destination. Today the island is still much less developed than others in Thailand.
Due to its location and its small size, I always recommend adding Koh Mak to a wider Thai island hopping itinerary with Koh Chang and/or Koh Kood, you can read my island hopping guide here.
Koh Mak is just 35km from the mainland, its lack of airport means you will have to arrive to the island by ferry or speedboat from Trat Province on the mainland.
Bangkok will most likely be your starting point on your journey. Despite its rural location, it is pretty easy to get to Koh Mak from Bangkok, you can get there one of two ways which I will discuss further below.
How to get to Koh Mak from Bangkok
Bangkok is the main starting point when figuring out how to get to Koh Mak. You can get there by taxi/minibus/bus followed by a ferry, or you can fly into Trat and take the short transfer from Trat Airport to Laem Sok Pier.
Flying from Bangok to Koh Mak (Trat)
As previously mentioned, Koh Mak doesn't have an airport, so you must fly into Trat. The flight from Bangkok to Trat takes just 1 hour and is serviced by Bangkok Airways who also own Trat Airport.
With just a couple of flights a day, it is extremely important to book your flights as far ahead as possible to ensure you get a space on the plane! In high season, flights book up weeks, and some dates even months, in advance.
The flight tickets aren't the cheapest. Of course it depends on what time of year you travel though, I visited in February (high season) and a return flight was around £200.
Bangkok Airways uses ATR 72 planes, these are twin-engine, turbo-prop planes, great for short haul flights. If you have a fear of flying or get claustrophobic, flying probably shouldn't be your first choice, the planes are small and a little noisy.
Taking the bus from Bangkok to Koh Mak (Trat)
For those who don't like flying or who want to save money, there is an option of taking a bus from Bangkok or Bangkok Airport to Trat. I did this one way last year and it wasn't half as bad as I was expecting.
You can pay for a private taxi (starting from £85) or you can get a cheap ticket on a bus or minibus. The minibus' are very comfy with chilled water available, and a refreshment stop along the way.
The journey from Bangkok to Trat takes 4-5 hours and it is a pretty smooth run. Once you factor in checking into flights, waiting for the flight, landing at the airport and getting your luggage, it really doesn't take too much longer!
If you would rather take the bus then I recommend booking this through 12Go Asia, they have never failed me yet! You receive a ticket QR confirmation and all the timings are looked after to ensure you make it to the ferry to Koh Mak (more on that below).
You can even book a coach if you want to be in something bigger than a minibus, they will also make a stop along the way. The coaches take anywhere between 4.5 and 5.5 hours, you can book your space for as little as £7 here. Please note that some buses take you to Trat itself, and some take you to the pier.
Please note on 12Go they have the option of booking a public bus, minivan/minibus, or a taxi, you just need to check the filter at the top.
Getting the ferry from Trat to Koh Mak
Okay so you have successfully arrived into Trat Province (I hope), but your final destination should be Laem Sok Pier.
If you book a transfer from Bangkok or Bangkok Airport with 12Go Asia, it is much better to put your end destination as Laem Sok Pier so you don't have to transfer in Trat.
In fact, even better, you can search Bangkok/Bangko Airport (depending on which you are coming from), all the way to Koh Mak, and the transfer will include the ferry too!
The ferry to Koh Mak takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes, The fastest option is the KoKut Express Speedboat which departs the pier at 11:30am. This costs around £14, where as the Boonsiri Catamaran which is slightly bigger, starts at £13 per person.
The Boonsiri catamaran takes 45 minutes and departs at the same time (11:30am).
In high season there are multiple services a day, they are usually timed with the flights landing into Trat from Bangkok. You can search ferry times on 12Go here.
Do the ferries to Koh Mak run all year?
Yes and no. The ferries from the mainland at Trat to Koh Mak run all through the year, they do have to serve the locals after all.
However, the inter island ferries such as the speedboats from Koh Chang to Koh Mak and Koh Kood to Koh Mak only run from 1 November to 30 April. This is really important to note if you are wanting to island hop, because if you visit outside these times, you will have to go back to the mainland from one island, to then get a ferry to the other, taking way more time.
The rainy season starts mid to late April and runs all the way through to November. The sea during this time can be rough and cancellations are expected throughout this period. If you can only travel during this season, I recommend booking a buffer night in Trat at the end of your trip just incase of any cancellations, then it means you won't risk missing your flight home or wherever you go on to next!
Is Koh Mak worth it?
Of course! Getting to Koh Mak might seem a bit tricky but that's what makes this island so wonderful - there are many travellers put off by the journey so don't go at all.
Due to this, the island remains pristine and largely undeveloped. Visitors can enjoy the authentic Thai lifestyle, you won't even find a branded resort here!
If you have any questions about getting to Koh Mak, please drop them below!
FAQ: How to Get to Koh Mak
1. Where is Koh Mak?
Koh Mak is a small island in Thailand’s Trat province, located between Koh Chang and Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand.
2. How do I get to Koh Mak from Bangkok?
The most common way to reach Koh Mak from Bangkok is:
- By Air: Fly from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat Airport (TDX), then take a taxi to Laem Ngop Pier, followed by a speedboat to Koh Mak.
- By Bus/Minivan: Take a bus or minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai, Mo Chit Bus Terminal, or Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat, then transfer to a boat at Laem Ngop Pier.
- By Private Car: Hire a private driver to take you to the pier for a more comfortable journey.
3. Which pier should I go to for boats to Koh Mak?
Most boats to Koh Mak depart from Laem Ngop Pier, which is about a 20-30 minute drive from Trat town or Trat Airport. Some boats may also leave from Krom Luang Pier.
4. What types of boats go to Koh Mak?
- Speedboats: The fastest and most common way, taking about 30-45 minutes.
- Catamarans: A comfortable and stable option, also taking around an hour.
- Slow Ferries: Rarely used for Koh Mak but may be available at certain times.
5. Can I take a boat from Koh Chang or Koh Kood to Koh Mak?
Yes! There are speedboats and ferries connecting Koh Mak with both Koh Chang and Koh Kood. These services typically operate during high season (November to April).
6. How much does the boat to Koh Mak cost?
Prices vary depending on the boat type, but expect to pay around £10-£15 for a speedboat.
7. How often do boats run to Koh Mak?
Boats generally operate several times a day, especially in high season. However, schedules can change based on weather conditions. It’s best to check with boat operators in advance. Many of the boats are timed with inbound flights from Bangkok.
8. Is it possible to take a car to Koh Mak?
No, there are no car ferries to Koh Mak. The island is small and best explored by scooter, bicycle, or on foot.
9. What happens if the weather is bad?
Boat services may be delayed or cancelled due to rough seas, particularly during the rainy season (May–October). If this happens, you might need to stay in Trat overnight and wait for the next available boat.
10. When is the best time to visit Koh Mak?
The best time to visit is November to April, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. The monsoon season (May to October) brings more rain and occasional rough seas.
11. Are there ATMs on Koh Mak?
There are very limited ATMs on Koh Mak, and some may not accept international cards. It’s best to bring enough cash before arriving. Some resorts and restaurants accept credit cards but may charge a fee. The majority of taxis on Koh Mak and many cafes/restaurants are cash only.
12. Do I need to book my boat ticket in advance?
In high season, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you have a tight schedule. In low season, you can often buy tickets at the pier on the day of travel.
13. Can I book a combined ticket from Bangkok to Koh Mak?
Yes, many travel agencies and transport providers offer joint tickets that include a bus or flight, a transfer to the pier, and a speedboat to Koh Mak. I recommend using 12GO Asia.
14. What should I pack for Koh Mak?
- Light clothing and swimwear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Cash (as ATMs are limited)
- Mosquito repellent
- Dry bag for boat transfers
15. How do I get around Koh Mak?
The best ways to get around are:
- Renting a scooter (the most popular option)
- Renting a bicycle
- Walking (as the island is small)
- Using local songthaews or taxis (limited availability)
- Many hotels also offer electric buggies to rent.
16. Can I do a day trip to Koh Mak?
It’s possible, but not ideal. The journey from Bangkok takes several hours, and boat schedules can be limiting. It’s best to stay at least one or two nights to fully enjoy the island.
However, if you are staying on Koh Chang or Koh Kood, it is possible to do a day trip to Koh Mak.
17. Can I visit Koh Mak during the rainy season?
Yes, but be prepared for occasional heavy rain and possible boat cancellations. Many hotels and restaurants also close during low season, so options may be limited.
