Koh Mak,
the word Koh in English means Island, if you want
to get formal about the whole thing...but what Koh Mak should really
be translated to is Island of complete isolation and relaxation. Koh
Mak is situated in the Thai province of Trat which is Thailand's
Easternmost province less than 400 klicks from the metropolis of
Bangkok.
As the third largest island in the archipelago that plays
such a huge role in Trat and indeed Thailand's tourism scene,
the Island, mostly flat, consists of
only about 27 kms in
circumference.
However what the island lacks in size, it
makes up for in
scores of great, white, sandy, beaches. Hey whaddya expect?
It is an Island for goodness sakes!!! As most of the Island
is, well, jungle, it may be best to check out the services
and facilities your resort or bungalow has to offer.
Most
have jeep tours or boat tours on and around the Island. The
latter are to be especially recommended as swimming and dive
sports are especially attractive on Koh Mak.
A word to the
wise tho-if you are looking for the raunchy night scene of
some of the Kingdom's resorts you better think again. This Island
is for lovers of nature, the sea and it's creatures.bsp;
Now
before you can enjoy this secluded tranquility you have to
get there; If you want to fly (we do) then Bangkok Airways
has two daily departures to Trat airport, one in the Am and
one in the afternoon. There is always the bus if you have
lots of time and less money, this is about a 4 hour trip.
Once in Trat get yourself to Kom Luang pier and get ready
for another journey, this one about 3 hours by boat. The
slow boat (the 3 hour jobby) costs 230 Baht (about $5.00 one
way) and it leaves at 3PM daily.
A faster version is
available at 9AM. This costs 300 Baht one way and takes
about 90 minutes. So you see, it's a long way to paradise-but
worth it.
Once there most resorts will pick you up as part of the
service. And Wait 'til you see what a wonderful service
and scenery and completely relaxing environment mother
nature has waiting for you.
