Koh Mak Resort

Koh Mak Resort

Koh Mak Resort stretches along a kilometer of beachfront.  Accommodation ranges from the older, original fan and AC bungalows to newer two bedroom, two floor family bungalows, which have great views from the upper floors.

Most guests arrive at the resort’s private pier where boats from Koh Chang and the mainland drop passengers.  At the end of the pier you’ll see a beach bar and one of the resort’s restaurants but from reception to your room may involve a 5 minute walk as all bungalows stretch along the beachfront and none are more than a stone’s throw from the sand. Couples wanting to splash out might prefer the privacy of the neighbouring Seavana Resort, which is now run separately from the main resort.

Prices at the resort have risen but apart from the newer, larger Family bungalows the rooms have only seen some minor upgrades over the years.  So anyone who has visited in the past will find that the resort isn’t as good value for money as it once was during High Season.  But it has everything you need, a watersports centre with Stand Up Paddle boards and kayaks for rent plus a long safe beach, ideal for kids, great views and a choice of restaurants.

As a sidenote, Koh Mak Resort is owned by a local family, the head of which is the Governor of the island.  His son, Champ, studied architecture and is the driving force behind the re-invention of the aging, rather rundown resort to a unique, modern eco-friendly venture – this has manifested itself in the neighbouring Seavana Resort which is now run by Champ & his wife.

Photos of Koh Mak Resort:

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Pano Resort

Pano Resort

Pano Resort Ko Mak is a nice small guesthouse with a friendly and personal touch.  It is located near the southernmost point of Koh Mak where the only noise you hear is from the wind, the waves and the birds.

The small resort consists of 3 houses with 2 rooms each. Every room has an ensuite bathroom (with warm water) and large private balcony. Underneath the houses, where it is shady, you can relax in a  hammock and feel the sea breeze.  All the houses open onto the sea and behind them is a small restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The beach nearby is a bit rocky but it is only a 15 minute walk to the main beach were you can find other resorts, restaurants, and beach bars.

Recommended if you want to get away from it all and love good Thai food & sunset views.

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Little Moon Villa Koh Mak

Little moon

 

** Please note that Little Moon has now moved.  Thsi review is out of date now **

Little Moon Villa Resort is one of the most private and unique resorts on Mak Island with little seven perfect villas located on private beach and surrounded by natural plantation. Rejuvenate your soul and refresh your mind.  A stay at Little Moon Villa is to embark on memorable journey for your body and soul. All the villas are fully air-conditioned with hot shower, minibar and spacious balcony.

The seven villas comprise of Two Full Moon Villas with Panoramic Sea Views. Perfect for 4 people with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and large private balcony. Plus Five  Half Moon Villas, these are cozy little ensuite studio villas for two people with a small balcony.

Located on Ao Pai Bay, one of the quietest beaches of the island. The chic and hip resort restaurant is open all day providing guests with a laid back place to drink and dine under the sun and stars.

Due to the location, the resort provides a free transport service for guests to get to the main beaches on Koh Mak.  A Free pick up from the ferry pier is also provided. Scooters and bikes can also be rented from the resort.  But the out of the way location means the resort isn’t suited for anyone who enjoys a variety of places to eat and drink within easy walking distance or is travelling with a  young family.

Photos of Little Moon:


 

Koh Mak Holiday Beach Resort

Koh Mak Holiday Beach

Koh Mak Holiday Beach Resort is a budget resort where you’ll get an AC room for  a decent price a stone’s throw from a quiet, sandy beach.  The aging bungalows won’t wow you, but they are clean, bright and all have great views south to Koh Rayang and Koh Kood.  ( The island of Koh Rayang Nai is just offshore and at low tide you can easily walk to this small uninhabited island that is home to a shrine of one of the founder’s of Koh Mak. )

There are two types of rooms, some closer to the beach than others and both have either fan or air-conditioning. A large garden area opens onto the beach, on the right side of which you’ll find the resort’s massage area and also a large restaurant.  The massage is popular not just with visitors but with locals as well who are regular visitors.

At the rear of the resort is Koh Mak Disc Golf course, run by Pom the owner of the resort.  He’s a big frisbee addict and tournaments are often held there.  Good fun even if you aren’t a serious frisbee addict.

Getting to the busier area of the beach is easy enough – it’s only a few minutes walk east along the sand, so at Holiday Beach you’ll get  a quiet place to stay which isn’t too remote.  If you are on a limited budget and your room requirements are limited to ‘something with air-conditioning by the beach’ and you want  a small resort with very friendly, helpful owners then Holiday Beach is a recommended option.

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Koh Mak Cococape Resort

coco

Cococape Resort has something for everyone, which may or may not be a good thing. Accommodation at this extremely well located resort – between Ao Suan Yai and Ao Pra beaches – ranges from small, simple, bamboo huts to the affordable comfort of  Baan Rimsra, the teak  Boat Suites and stylish themed luxury suites ideal for honeymooning couples or large families.

The cheapest rooms get the beachfront location with the more upmarket options built on the hillside behind – giving them uninterrupted views north towards Koh Kham and across the length of Suan Yai beach, Koh Mak. Some of the rooms are built around a man made salt water lagoon that houses numerous fish and is often mistake for a swimming pool by new guests. 

The pool however, is near the pier and comes complete with a small waterslide and ornate fountains.  The pier itself must be one of the most photographed in Thailand. Simply amazing views along it looking out to sea and it is a great place to sun yourself or fish.  There’s a small cocktail bar at the end with a sunset Happy Hour.  Try it even if you aren’t staying at Cococape.

The resort provides all manner of amenities for guests eg. Coffee Shop, Pool Table, TV, Badminton Court, Volleyball Pitch, Basketball, Internet Access, Thai Massage, Boat Rental, Tour Desk, Safety Boxes and a Library.  It’s a quiet spot so dining options are limited, but Goodtime Resort and Thaidaho Vista are only 5 minutes walk away, up the rather steep resort access road and if you can manage a 15-20 minute walk then its easy enough to head over the ridge to Ao Kao beach where there are plenty of restaurants

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Lazy Day Resort

Lazy Day Resort

Lazy Day Resort is set in a fabulous location at the far southeastern end of Ao Kao Resort. All of the brilliant white, tastefully designed bungalows have sea views and spaced well apart to ensure privacy for guests.

For anyone returning to Koh Mak after visiting a few years ago this may not seem like the Lazy Day Resort they remember, this is because the original low budget hut resort was torn down and replaced with these very well maintained and well equipped new air-conditioned bungalows a few years ago. 

The trappings of a more upmarket resort such as free wi-fi internet access, in-room safe, minibar etc are all included and with only eight bungalows you can be sure that the staff are never too busy to help guests.  In addition the resort has around 150m of beachfront so finding a quiet spot to put your deckchair is never a problem.

The one downside for some might be the location but whilst it is at the quiet end of Ao Kao beach, there are other resorts nearby and so guests can dine elsewhere. A ten minute walk along the access track will bring you to the area close to the school where you’ll find a minimart, clinic and several cheap eateries by the main road.

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Sea Breeze @ Koh Mak

Sea Breeze @ Koh Mak

Sea Breeze @ Koh Mak is a small, stylish bungalow resort located on a ridge overlooking Ao Nid bay on Koh Mak.

There are a total of nine modern bungalows which have all the expected home comforts. They aren’t the most spacious rooms on the island, but are immaculately clean and well maintained.  Plus they have amazing views south towards Koh Kood.  

For the best views book one of the Panorama rooms, well worth the extra if you enjoy watching the sun go down in the evening from your terrace.  Also on site are an infinity pool and excellent Thai restaurant, which draws in guests from across the island.

Sea Breeze guests will find everything they need for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.  The staff have earned a reputation for being some of the most efficient on the island and the resort itself is regarded as a hideaway for an inexpensive, peaceful vacation on Ko Maak.

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PlubPla Koh Mak Retreat

Plub Pla Resort

PlubPla Koh Mak Retreat Resort aims to provide guests with a luxurious hideaway on the secluded Ao Pai Beach, Koh Mak.  This resort is one of the newest on Koh Mak, it’s 18 bungalows are located on the quiet south-east coast of Koh Mak with great views south towards Koh Kood. 

It is a little remote, so if you are looking for nightlife then this isn’t the place to be.  But if you want to unwind, enjoy the sounds of silence, laze on your balcony or in your jacuzzi at sunset without noise from bars, traffic or restaurants then it is for you.

The resort restaurant and infinity pool look out over the private white sand beach, dotted with some black volcanic rocks which lies only a few metres offshore.

Accommodation is in spacious bungalows, all of which have sea views and which are all similar in design, the main difference being their location in relation to the beach.  All have floor to ceiling doors which fold back to give uninterrupted views and windows that can open up to allow the  cool breeze in.  In all there are five Grande Deluxe Beachfront Jacuzzi Bungalows, eight Superior  Sea View Bungalows and the five  Deluxe Sea View Bungalows.

Scooters and mountain bikes can be hired, and if you are here for a length of time you will probably want to avail yourself of them.  But highly recommended if you need a few days away from the hustle and bustle of the real world.

Photos of PlubPla Koh Mak Retreat:

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Seavana Resort

Seavana Resort Koh Mak

Seavana Resort, on Koh Mak’s Ao Suan yai beach, is the island’s newest luxury resort.

If you need a place to stay then for a bit of 4 star luxury, I recommend Seavana Resort, which is the upmarket annex of the longstanding Koh Mak Resort. They may share the same beach, but that’s where the similarities end. Seavana offers just 22 spacious, brand new rooms and a friendly, efficient and informal atmosphere.  This makes it ideal for couples who want to get away from it all.

The bungalows are all far larger than most, in fact just the bathroom is larger than most hotel bathrooms.  You definitely won’t feel cramped, the beachfront villas have two floors – the upper floor being an open air terrace and covered seating area.   This is along with the bedroom, bathroom and shady sun loungers downstairs.

The resort’s restaurant serves up Thai and western food and the pool bar lays on some excellent Happy hour cocktails.  Staff are very personable without ever being intrusive.  You probably won’t notice them but they are around when you need them.  Free bicycles and kayaks are available for guests to use and the usual trips, tours and boat tickets can all be booked on site.   There’s also a massage and spa if you need extra relaxation.

Overall, the ideal combination of location, friendly service and great value accommodation  – which is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive reviews guests give the resort. Highly Recommended resort on Koh Maak.

Photos of Seavana Resort:

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