Just a few kilometres south of Ko Chang yet a million miles from its heavy urbanisation lies Ko Maak, undoubtedly an overlooked gem in Thailand’s lavish crown. A tropical haven for those who like the quiet life, it has so far escaped the grasp of the major developers and remains a small slice of paradise locked in time.
With stunning white sandy beaches adjoining crystal clear water it is fast becoming famous for its scenery; British newspaper The Sunday Times recently included Ko Mak as one of their ‘Top Ten Beaches in the World’, and the past few years has seen the island’s beauty also attracting film makers looking for an authentic tropical location.
A single track road meanders through the island and offers the chance for the explorative to find their own deserted beach, or perhaps take in the sights and sounds of the jungle. If you’re searching for your own slice of ‘Robinson Crusoe‘ then this is possibly about as close as it comes.
Coconut and rubber tree plantations cover a vast proportion of the island, interspersed with patches of lush virgin forest. The population of the island is created from two parameters; one group being the land owners, descendants of Chao Sua Seng, a Chinese Affairs Officer and Coconut Baron who owned the island a century ago, and the other being the workers who have settled and live on the plantations. The population now numbers upwards of 600 people.
Until the 1990’s there were only a few package hotels on the island; today there are more than 20, ranging from modest backpacker accommodation to luxury boutique resorts. The often misleading rumour that Ko Maak only caters to pre-booked tours can be no further from the truth, the majority of places welcoming walk-in trade.
With three piers currently in operation serving speed boats and ferries to Ko Chang and the mainland there’s plenty of options for getting to and from the island, and most places send a representative to the piers to tout for business and bring you to their resort for free.
Outside of the resorts there’s not much to do except soak up the splendour of nature, and perhaps take a snorkelling or diving trip to the nearby Marine Park which offers easily the best selection of marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. Days are spent lazing around on the beach, in a hammock, or perhaps taking advantage of the newly designed bicycle tracks around the island. Nightlife is virtually non-existent except for a few cosy bars and restaurants; if you’re looking for disco’s and a bit of company then neighbouring Ko Chang will far better suit your needs.
Ko Maak is that tranquil place that many people come to Thailand looking for, and those who find it usually stay far longer than planned. As to how long it will remain this way we will have to wait and see — for now though, it truly is a slice of heaven.
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