The beaches on Koh Mak
On a scooter I was around most of the island. A wonderful trip in the most beautiful nature through coconut and rubber plantations, through roads covered with mangrove trees, swaying palms in abundance and here and there a few local shops (it was minimal though).
I visited countless beaches – some very small and private, others several kilometers long. What most of them have in common is that they are largely deserted.
In the north you will find more reddish beaches, which are a mixture of coarse sand and volcanic rock – here the water is often very shallow during the day. In the southern and most popular area, it is white flour sand and without the great attraction of the sea.
Also read >> Here’s where to stay on Koh Mak COMING SOON
Ao Kao Beach – southwest coast
Ao Kao Beach, located on the southwest coast, is the most popular beach on Koh Mak. The beach is approx. 5 km long and with beautiful powdery white sand and turquoise blue water.
As one of the few places on the island, this beautiful tropical area has quite a few small cozy restaurants, a few bars, a dive shop and some mini markets.
It is along Ao Kao Beach that you have the most resorts to choose from. I visited, among other things, Baan Koh Mak Resort – super charming resort located at the northern end of Ao Kao, and Lazy Day resort a quieter resort located at the southern end of the beach.
Ao Kao Beach
Ao Suan Yai Beach – North West Coast
Ao Suan Yai Beach, on the northwest coast, is known for its calm and crystal clear waters – perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
The beach is wide and long and on a clear day you can look over to the nearby island of Koh Kham.
Ao Suan Yai Beach is a beautiful and peaceful beach with a breathtaking view – an absolute must-see on Koh Mak.
The area has a few individual restaurants and sunset bars on the beach.
Ao Suan Yai Beach
Ao Suan Yai Beach has a number of resorts spread over the long beach, including Seavana Koh Mak Beach Resort which is a delicious resort and where you can rent a kayak and row over to Koh Kham.
Koh Mak Resort is located on the opposite end of this beach, just up the arrival pier. The resort is among the island’s oldest resorts.
Ao Pai Beach – East Coast
Ao Pai Beach is a small, secluded beach.
This beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and has an almost deserted atmosphere.
The water is calm and thus ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Ao Pai Beach
Due to its remote and extremely quiet location, the beach/area is an obvious opportunity to go on a retreat Plub Pla Koh Mak Retreat. I drove past the resort – it looked amazing!
Ao Thalong Bay – northeast coast
Ao Thalong Bay is located on the northeast coast. The area is very little affected by tourists and a wonderfully quiet place.
The beach here is a mixture of coarse sand and volcanic rock – at low tide the water recedes far back.
Everywhere you see mangrove trees and palm trees in this area.
Ao Thalong Bay (Beach)
If you walk along the beach in Ao Thalong Bay, you will not see one resort after another, but only Little Moon Villa (read the review) – a fantastic resort that I stayed at during the 4 days I was on Koh Mak, as well as the neighboring resort The Mak Resort with the beautiful round tropical bungalows.
There are many other beaches than the ones I have described here, you can read more about them in my blog post:
Also read >> Here’s where to stay on Koh Mak COMING SOON
Which beach should you choose?
Completely square, then you have to choose the beach according to how you feel about being either in total peace and quiet, or whether you feel better with few people around you.
If you want to live a little, then you should live in the south. Here there are more people, restaurants and small shops.
If you are into complete silence and fantastic nature, then you should head north.
You won’t find party and color anywhere on Koh Mak.