Koh Mak is a small island subdistrict located in Trat province in eastern Thailand. With a population of approximately 9,126, it is part of Ko Kut district and takes its name from the areca nut (betel nut), known locally as "mak." The island sits at coordinates 17.48°N, 102.51°E and experiences a tropical monsoon climate typical of Southeast Asia's eastern coast. The region receives peak rainfall from July to September, with August recording the highest monthly precipitation at 319mm across approximately 26 rainy days. Conversely, the driest months span December through February, making this period ideal for beach activities. The island hosts 26 Buddhist temples within a 10km radius, reflecting its cultural and religious significance. The nearest commercial airport is Udon Thani (UTH), located approximately 31km away, offering primary transport connections for visitors.
Updated 2026-05-03 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia
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Monthly normals (10-year window). Bars show precipitation, lines show average and max temperature.
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
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26
Temples
1
Cafés
1
Hospitals
OpenFlights.org
Udon Thani Airport
Udon Thani
Wattay International Airport
Vientiane
Koh Mak lies in the Gulf of Thailand's eastern region, characterized by a tropical monsoon climate. Monthly average temperatures range from 22°C in January to 28.9°C in April. The dry season runs from November to February, with January and February averaging 22°C and 23.7°C respectively and minimal precipitation. The transition and wet seasons (May–October) bring significantly higher rainfall; July peaks at 286mm and August at 319mm. Humidity remains consistently high throughout the year due to the island's maritime location. The limestone and granite geology typical of the region provides coastal rock formations and sheltered coves.
The optimal travel window is November through February, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor activities. January and February are particularly favorable, with average temperatures of 22°C and 23.7°C and very low precipitation (11mm and 22mm respectively). December offers similarly dry conditions with just 4mm of rainfall. From March onward, temperatures climb steadily, peaking in April at 28.9°C, and the monsoon onset in May introduces heavy rainfall that persists through September. October marks the tail end of the wet season with moderate rainfall of 144mm. Late-season travelers in November benefit from clearing skies and residual warmth.

Koh Mak's spiritual landscape is dominated by Buddhist temples, with 26 temples documented within a 10km radius. These institutions serve as both active places of worship and important cultural sites reflecting Thai Buddhist traditions. Temples typically feature traditional Thai architectural elements including ornate roofs, intricate woodwork, and Buddha statues. Many are accessible to respectful visitors, and several function as community gathering spaces. The island's name itself derives from the areca nut, historically significant in Southeast Asian trade and culture. Local markets and small shops reflect everyday island commerce, though formal commercial infrastructure remains minimal.
The nearest commercial airport is Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), situated approximately 31km away, which offers regional and international connections. Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane, Laos, is located 57km distant and serves as an alternative gateway. From these airports, overland transport to Trat province and onward ferry connections to Koh Mak is required. The island is accessible via ferry services operating from the mainland port at Laem Ngop in Trat province. Travel time from Laem Ngop to Koh Mak varies depending on sea conditions and ferry type. Local transport on the island relies primarily on informal services and personal arrangements given its small population and quiet character.

Koh Mak is characterized as a quiet, undeveloped island destination emphasizing natural environment and cultural authenticity over resort infrastructure. The absence of large-scale tourism development (zero ATMs, zero bars, zero formal hotels documented within 10km) reflects its preservation of a rural, traditional Thai island character. Basic amenities including one hospital and one cafe serve local residents and occasional visitors. The island appeals to travelers seeking solitude, temple visits, and beach environments away from commercial tourism centers. Limited formal commercial services necessitate advance planning and flexibility regarding accommodations and dining.
Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.
This page last refreshed 2026-05-03.