Getting to Koh Mak

Koh Mak is just 20 kilometres from Koh Chang in the Eastern part of Thailand. This is a fairly reently developed area of the country but has been a favourite destination for Thai families for many years. The nearest major mainland town in Trat (sometimes Trad), which has a small airport operated by Bangkok Airways.

By Air to Trat

Bangkok Airways flies out of Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok has two flights a day to Trat in the low season and three in the high season, November to May.

By Bus to Trat

Coming from Bangkok, there are regular buses leaving Ekamai Eastern Bus terminal . To reach the bus terminal, the easiest route is on the Skytrain,  if there is not too much luggage. The Sukhumvit line will take you directly to the bus station – the Skytrain station is the same name.  Otherwise a taxi to the bus station from the city centre is about 200 Baht.

It is almost certain that if the taxi driver is taking you to Ekamai bus station he will assume you are going to Pattaya and offer to take you there. It could be worth asking how much to Trat. In some cases the taxi drivers will settle for a 2,000 Baht fare, so with a group of 4 this is a viable option. The fare on the bus is just under 200 Baht for the five hour journey. This is on an air conditioned bus with plenty of leg space, although the plastic covered seats can become a bit uncomfortable after a few hours. It is also worth bearing in mind that many Thai buses have the air con set to freezing so it’s as well to have something to keep you warm on the journey, ironic as this may seem!

By Van to Trat

The shared van cost from Bangkok is about 200 Baht and well worth the money. The vans leave from the Vieng Thai Hotel, near Khaoshan Rd in Bangkok from 9am.

Boat To Koh Mak

From Trat  - the ferry departure point is Laem Ngob which is 17 kilometres from Trat  but with plenty of pick up trucks available in the town centre and at the airport. There is a boat service to Ao Suan Yi on the north eastern side of the island, and to Ao Nid on the south western side. In between these two locations, on the south western side at Ao Kao there is a third boat arrival and departure point. On the main route from Laem Ngob there is a choice of normal ferry which takes 3 hours or a speedboat which is a 45 minute ride.

Another departure point is Koh Chang, with regular boat services to Mak arriving at Ao Soun Yai..

There are no viable rail services to Trat