Koh Mak, an Island which is still quiet and laidback
I was looking for a quiet island in Thailand, which in fact is not that easy these days. I found it! Koh Mak is the place to go if you´re not after Full Moon Partys or getting drunk all day long.
It´s chilled, laidback and there isn´t a lot of traffic so driving is easy and fun!
Sunrise on Koh Mak
I wouldn´t say it´s the perfect place for digital nomads, the internet isn´t that great but you can always use your phone as a mobile hotspot and you are good to go.
Nice place to get some work done…
Not much to do on Koh Mak except relaxing, eating fresh seafood, taking diving lessons (pretty cheap and well organized) or going on a snorkel trip. If you are like me then you´ll enjoy a snorkeling trip on a slow boat visiting the small islands surrounding Koh Mak. There are also some very good Thai massage places who do a great job. Everybody is friendly, and best of all they really mean it!
Snorkel Trip to the surrounding islands of Koh Mak
Crystal clear water and lots of fish…
A handy tool to use while underwater – cheaper to buy upfront…
It´s easy living there if you´re willing to rent a motorbike, otherwise, you have to call a taxi which is 100 Baht per drive.
Nice people, nice vibe, everybody is open to conversations and a beer watching the beautiful sunset. I met so many new people of which some I became good friends in only one week.
Koh Mak is located next to Koh Chang, the bigger brother and Koh Kut the next door neighbor. I tried to take a trip to Koh Kut but I ended up staying on Koh Mak without any regrets. I got a lot of work done – also drank a lot of beer with new friends from all over the world. The vibe makes it easy to sit somewhere and work on serious projects.
After work, you go for a swim, enjoy the sunset or head out for fresh seafood – or just drive around with a motorbike.
Fresh grilled Tiger Prawns – 450 Baht
Going to Koh Mak
You have different options from Bangkok.
You can fly to Trat, take a minivan and a ferry or take a bus from Bangkok (around 4-5 hours) and take a slow boat arriving at the east pear.
I recommend Boonsiri they are located close to Khao San Road. They are professional, you get a great big bus with a good driver and once you are at the shore, you get a nice slow boat (40 minutes) directly to Koh Mak – for 850 Baht!
Recommendation for staying on Koh Mak
I was at a place called Sea View Resort Koh Mak (Facebook) and although the bungalows might not be the best (the owner is working on them all the time, they just opened a year ago), I highly recommend the place. Luca, the owner is very friendly and helpful, also fun to talk to. Check it out, they only have 12 bungalows. The only downside is that it´s not at the beach, but Koh Mak is so small, you drive 5 minutes and end up at any of the beautiful beaches.
Great food at Sea View Resort
I forgot to mention the chef at the Sea View Resort… she has 20+ years experience in cooking. The food there is just amazing! Normally I hate Pad Thai, but I gave it a try there and it was simply delicious!
I definitely go back to Koh Mak next year, working from there and hope to see some of you guys also joining.
Back to Chiang Mai not to bad either…
