Resorts Archives - Koh Mak Island Travel Guide

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.

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Check prices and availability at Ao Kao Resort on Booking.com

Koh Mak Cococape Resort

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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Check prices and availability at Cococape Resort on Agoda.com

Makathanee Resort

Makathanee Resort on Ao Kao Beach , Koh Mak has expanded rapidly from the original eight beach bungalows a few years ago to a fully fledged beach resort complete with pool, hotel block and a wide range of rooms to suit couples and families in search comfort by the beach.

Makathanee Resort should be one of the best beachfront resorts, however although the location is ideal, the resort has relied on that, rather than training staff or renovating rooms in order to gain guests. This is reflected in the reviews. The resort offers several types of rooms. These comprise the original beach bungalows which open onto a grassy lawn leading down to the sand.

The two storey blocks housing pool view rooms on the ground floor and pool & sea view rooms on the upper floor. And the new hotel block which houses the Deluxe rooms plus the spacious Queen suites which come complete with jacuzzi and the even larger family suites that comprise two bedrooms and a living room.

Rooms are all bright and tiled floors and light colours are used throughout. They are also well equipped and include all the amenities you’d expect in a luxury resort i.e. air conditioning, a refrigerator, a TV, hot water shower, safe and tea & coffee making facilities.

On the beachfront the resort’s restaurant is open from early morning until late night and down on the beach a night-time BBQ restaurant and cocktail bar opens up allowing guests to dine under the stars on the sand.

Makathanee Resort has it’s own pier where speedboats from the mainland, Koh Chang and Koh Kood moor . From getting off the boat to walking into reception is less than 100 metres.

The resort also has it’s own mini-mart and tour agency so buying snacks or sun lotion or arranging onward travel is a breeze. There are several other resorts close by and the main road at the rear of the resort also has numerous small restaurants so you never have to venture far for a good meal.

The downside is that maintenance, staff training and cleanliness of the rooms are often mentioned negatively by guests in reviews. It could and should be rated much higher than it currently is.

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Check prices and availability at Makathanee Resort on Booking.com

Cinnamon Art Resort and Spa

Cinnamon Art Resort and Spa boasts 26 Thai-style boutique houses that are fully equipped with international standard facilities plus an additional 20 hotel style rooms.

The resort is set on a huge private beachfront plot with bungalows built overlooking the beach or pool. The two storey beachfront restaurant is the centerpiece and the outdoor terrace is a great place to dine under the stars in the evening. Inside the restaurant on the upper floor you’ll see a small art gallery with some interesting pieces.

The bungalows are similar in size to small houses with the smallest being 85sqm in size including bedroom, dressing room area, bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower areas and a balcony/sundeck with great views. As you’d expect the bungalows are very tastefully decorated with natural materials, rather than concrete used wherever practical.

The hotel rooms are at the rear of the resort but all have sea views and are spacious and modern. They are better value for money than the bungalows.

There is no noise, the resort is located in the northeast of Ko Maak – away from the busier beaches. The only signs of life are from a hamlet close by which is inhabited by local fishermen. The sea here is very shallow so at low tide you can walk for several kilometres along the sand.

The resort is expensive compared to others on the island and also a long way from the busier beaches, which do have more white sand, so isn’t ideal for a two week stay or a trip with a family with young kids. And as many reviewers note the staff aren’t as attentive as at some other similarly priced resorts plus some rooms seem to have maintenance issues.

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Monkey Island Resort

Monkey Island Resort has expanded over the years and now has around 40 bungalows. These range from 500 Baht / night Fan huts to 3,000 Baht/night AC Family rooms.

It’s a nicely designed bungalow resort, with room types all based on primates. Book a two bedroom Gorilla Hut if you’re a family or Baboon Hut for a simple bungalow with shared bathroom. You’ll see murals of rasta monkeys on walls and the resort is known for it’s late night music bar. This is the main spot on the island for anyone wanting to stay up after 9pm.

The restaurant is a bit pricey, but is also one of the best on the island. The owner originally ran several Thai restaurants in Bangkok before heading to Ko Maak for a quieter life.

Monkey Island Resort is the type of place people either love or hate, it you want a cheap bungalow, good beach, handy location then it ticks all the boxes. It even has a small pool, although this is more for cooling off in than for swimming. But, if you want attentive staff and more peace & quiet then it might not be for you.

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Check prices and availability at Monkey Island Resort on Booking.com