THE SATELLITE ISLAND
KOH
RAET
Koh Raet is located at the west side of Koh Kood, opposite Klong Jek Ki. It is the small island which covers an area of 2.03 sq km with a short sandy beach. It is blessed with abundant coral reef around the island only 400 metres away from Koh Kood; so you can swim between Koh Raet and Koh Kood. You will be impressed with the wonderful sunset viewpoint.
KOH
MAAK (Koh Mak)
Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, about 40 km from the mainland is a group of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Maak. Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Maak, Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Maak, with an area of only 16 sq km and a 27-km coastline, is the third largest island of the Marine Park. It has a flat terrain with plenty of coconut and rubber plantations with long beaches and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here, most of them related.
In order to get there from Koh Chang, there are daily trips leaving early in the morning from Bang Bao Pier. These are usually large boats offering snorkelling excursions to the four main islands of Koh Maak, Koh Wai, Koh Kradang and Koh Kham. They can drop you off at your place of choice. A one-way trip to Koh Maak from Bang Bao costs 300 Baht (about 8 USD). Boat leaves twice a day during high season at 8:00 a.m. and at noon. It takes around 2 hours. From November to April, one boat a day leaves from Laem Ngob Pier to Ao Nid on Koh Maak’s southeastern coast. Koh Maak is an island with shores of soft sand beaches, with a particularly scenic beach on the northwest. Inland, there is a vast area of rubber and coconut plantations. Visitors get around by renting motorbikes on days when they’re not at the beach.
There are about 10 resorts mostly situated on the northwest or southwest of the island. The resorts are sold either on full board packages with sightseeing trips and transportation or, on room and breakfast only basis.
Koh Maak is shaped like a cross. The best beaches are on the southwest coast at Ao Khao, and the northwest coast at Ao Suan Yai, where the tiny Koh Kham lies in the distance. The main pier to Laem Ngob is the Ao Nid Pier, east of the island. Infrastructure is limited but there is a road system that conveniently links up the island. Ao Suan Yai to the northwest has the longest and most beautiful beach where you can view Koh Raet, Koh Phee, Koh Kham as well as the captivating sunset. The beach is lined with lazy coconut trees. There are some fine restaurants here too. During low tide, a sand dune appears between Koh Maak and Koh Kham allowing you to walk across.
Ao Khao on the southwest is another spectacular site of fine beach with clear waters and great views of Koh Kood, Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Rayang Nok and the beautiful sunset. There are some reefs teeming with plentiful fishes and is a favourite site for the anglers.
There is no public transport on the island. Visitors walk or rent bikes to get around. Some of the resorts have cars for quick trips at a minimal fee.
Page
1 / 2 / 3
/ 4 / 5
