Ecotourism on Ko Mak

The island of Ko Mak has been a pioneer for ecotourism in Thailand. Located in the Ko Chang archipelago in the east of Thailand, Ko Mak has resisted mass development and has retained its laid-back charm. While there is tourism here, rubber plantations and fishing are still the mainstay of the island’s economy. If you’re seeking a tropical retreat with no high-rise resorts, no wild parties, and no throngs of tourists, add Ko Mak to your Thailand itinerary.  

Ko Mak’s green credentials

Ko Mak has championed low-carbon tourism with a strong focus on sustainability. Residents, hotels and restaurants on Ko Mak have adopted the responsible travel ethos. While the island isn’t perfect, visitors can see the many steps taken to support ecotourism on the island.

60-70% of our population are native to Ko Mak. We live here long-term. Anything that negatively impacts our community, we have to protect ourselves. We estimate that tourism brings in 80,000 to 90,000 visitors annually. Each person leaves behind a certain amount of waste, and this definitely affects our environment. We have come together as a community to create an eight-point charter. Our goal is to protect our environment and preserve our way of life while also allowing tourism to thrive.

Thanin Suthithanakul, business owner on Ko Mak

The Ko Mak Charter

In 2018, the community of Ko Mak developed the ‘Ko Mak Charter’. The charter is a blueprint for responsible tourism on Ko Mak to respect and protect the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Key aims of the charter include:

• Minimise carbon emissions
• Reduce waste
• Preserve the island’s character

Low-Carbon Family
The Low-Carbon concept was introduced to Ko Mak by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). DASTA has developed communities on the island to form a ‘Low-Carbon Family’, incorporating the government sector, public sector, and local people to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 

As part of the drive for low-carbon, there are restrictions on the number of vehicles that can be brought to Ko Mak. To control noise pollution and traffic, there are limits on the number of motorbikes that can be rented. Locals and tourists alike are also asked to refrain from playing loud music and creating noise disturbances. 

To protect wildlife and reduce waste, there are restrictions on harmful packaging materials, with styrofoam banned. To protect coral reefs and marine life, motorised water sports are not allowed on Ko Mak. 

Ko Mak actively promotes a plastic-free environment. The island has introduced initiatives to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging refill stations for drinking water, providing reusable bags at local shops, and banning plastic straws. The local community has also implemented an effective waste management system to ensure that trash is disposed of properly, with ongoing recycling programs.

To support responsible tourism on Ko Mak, visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect local customs.
• Bring reusable water bottles, bags, and containers.
• Dispose of rubbish in designated recycling stations.
• Join in with community-led beach clean-ups.
• Stay at locally owned accommodations.
• Purchase handicrafts and souvenirs from community artisans.
• Choose ethical tour operators who respect local traditions and sustainability.

Organic food

Ko Mak promotes sustainable agriculture through local organic farms, where travellers can learn about permaculture and responsible food sourcing. Under the ‘Eat it Fresh’ campaign, many island restaurants use locally grown produce and fresh seafood from sustainable sources, and avoid plastic packaging.  

What to see and do on Ko Mak

The best way to experience Ko Mak responsibly is to immerse yourself in its natural beauty with minimal impact. 

Cycle around the island

Bicycles can easily be rented on Ko Mak and with its network of scenic cycling routes, riding a bike is a convenient way to explore the island’s beaches, coconut plantations, and fishing villages. 

Go kayaking 

Kayaking is a fantastic way to discover the island’s marine biodiversity without causing harm. Kayak through the serene mangroves or paddle to nearby uninhabited islands like Ko Kradat.

Visit Ko Kradat

If you want to visit Ko Kradat but would prefer not to kayak, you can take a short boat ride across from Laem Son Beach. On arrival on Ko Kradat, you will see the herd of deer that helps make this island so unique. 

During the reign of King Rama V, Ko Kradat was a private retreat for the monarch, and it was he who introduced deer to the island. The island remains privately owned and only sees a limited number of tourists each day so it can feel like having the island to yourself (apart from the deer!) 

Visit Ko Kham

Another nearby island worth visiting is Ko Kham. With a gleaming white sand beach and aquamarine waters, this is a delightful location to spend a few hours relaxing. There were plans to build a luxury resort here, but the project was never finished and the half-finished hotel facing the ocean makes for a surreal sight.

Snorkelling

Ko Mak supports marine conservation through various coral reef protection efforts. Visitors can take part in responsible snorkelling and diving excursions that emphasise eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding contact with corals and using reef-safe sunscreen.

Somchai’s Love Kingdom

Ko Mak is an unlikely setting for risque artwork, but cycle around the island and you will see signs for Somchai’s Love Kingdom. 

The dozens of concrete sculptures — a celebration of women and sexuality — are the work of Khun Somcahi, an artist who originally came to Ko Mak to work as a rubber farmer. The rickety house where he lived and created his work is still in situ. 

Cinnamon Scenic Boardwalk

This boardwalk (and the small resort where it is located) has seen better days, but it provides a striking setting for a walk. Stretching out over the sea for almost 500 metres, you’ll need to watch your footing with broken planks in need of repair, but it’s a serene setting and there is a good chance you will be the only visitor. There is a small entrance fee and despite the faint air of neglect of this corner of the island, it still offers some lovely views.  

How to get to Ko Mak

There is an option to fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport on the mainland and then take the boat across to Ko Mak, but this isn’t ideal for your carbon footprint. A greener way to travel is to use public transport and take the bus from Bangkok (from Ekamai Bus Station or Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Trat and transfer by boat from there.

Once on the island, the best way to explore and minimise your environmental impact is to walk, cycle, or kayak.

Map of Ko Mak