Ko Mak: Discover Thailand’s low-carbon island

While many Thai islands have embraced large-scale tourism, Ko Mak has deliberately taken a different path. Situated in the tranquil Ko Chang archipelago in eastern Thailand, this small island has earned a reputation as one of Thailand’s leading destinations for sustainable travel. You won’t find towering beachfront hotels, all-night beach parties or heavy traffic here. Instead, Ko Mak offers quiet beaches, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a community determined to preserve its island lifestyle.

Although tourism plays an important role in the local economy, it exists alongside agriculture and fishing rather than replacing them. The result is an island that still feels authentic, making Ko Mak an excellent choice if you want to enjoy Thailand while minimising your environmental impact.

A community committed to sustainability

One of Ko Mak’s greatest strengths is that many of the people working in tourism were born and raised on the island. Because residents have a direct stake in protecting their home, environmental issues are viewed as long-term community priorities rather than marketing opportunities.

As local business owner Thanin Suthithanakul explains:

“Around 60 to 70% of our population are native to Ko Mak. We live here long-term, so we have to protect anything that affects our community. Tourism brings around 80,000 to 90,000 visitors each year, and every visitor creates waste. We’ve worked together to develop a charter that protects our environment and our way of life while allowing tourism to benefit the island.”

This community-first philosophy is visible throughout Ko Mak, from local businesses promoting reusable products to restrictions designed to preserve the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

The Ko Mak Charter

In 2018, island residents introduced the Ko Mak Charter, a shared commitment to responsible tourism that guides future development.

The charter focuses on three core objectives:

• Reducing carbon emissions
• Cutting waste and encouraging recycling
• Preserving Ko Mak’s natural landscape and local character

Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, the emphasis is on maintaining a balance between tourism, the environment and community life.

Leading Thailand’s low-carbon tourism movement

Ko Mak has become a recognised example of low-carbon tourism through initiatives supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). Government agencies, businesses and residents have worked together to encourage more environmentally friendly practices across the island.

Several measures help reduce Ko Mak’s environmental footprint. Restrictions limit the number of vehicles brought onto the island, helping to reduce congestion, pollution and noise. Rental motorbikes are also controlled to prevent excessive traffic.

Environmental protection extends beyond transport. Single-use foam packaging has been banned, refill drinking water stations are widely available and many shops encourage customers to use reusable bags instead of disposable plastic.

Marine conservation is equally important. Jet skis and other motorised water sports are prohibited, helping to protect coral reefs, reduce fuel pollution and maintain the peaceful atmosphere that attracts visitors in the first place.

Explore Ko Mak at a slower pace

One of the pleasures of visiting Ko Mak is that there’s no pressure to rush. The island naturally encourages slower, lower-impact travel.

Cycle through plantations and coastal villages

With quiet roads and gentle terrain, Ko Mak is one of Thailand’s best islands for cycling. Renting a bicycle provides an enjoyable way to discover hidden beaches, coconut plantations, rubber farms and small fishing communities while producing virtually no emissions.

Paddle across crystal-clear waters

Kayaking offers another sustainable way to experience the coastline. Calm seas make it easy to explore mangrove areas or paddle to nearby islands while observing marine life without disturbing it.

Snorkel responsibly

The waters surrounding Ko Mak are home to colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life. Choose operators who follow responsible snorkelling practices, avoid touching coral and always use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical damage to fragile ecosystems.

Visit nearby islands

Ko Kradat

Just offshore from Ko Mak lies Ko Kradat, an island famous for its freely roaming deer. Visitors can reach the island by kayak or a short local boat trip from Laem Son Beach.

The island has a fascinating history. During the reign of King Rama V, deer were introduced to Ko Kradat, and today their descendants continue to roam freely. Because visitor numbers remain low, you can enjoy the island with very few other people around.

Ko Kham

Another easy excursion from Ko Mak is Ko Kham, a tiny island known for its brilliant white sand and aquamarine waters. An abandoned luxury resort project gives the island an unusual backdrop, with unfinished buildings standing in stark contrast to the otherwise pristine surroundings.

Support local food producers

Responsible travel also means supporting the local economy, and Ko Mak makes this easy.

Many restaurants participate in initiatives that prioritise locally grown fruit and vegetables alongside sustainably sourced seafood. Fresh ingredients reduce transport emissions while providing visitors with seasonal produce and authentic local flavours.

Organic farms on the island also demonstrate sustainable farming methods and help reinforce the connection between tourism, agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Unexpected cultural attractions

Ko Mak’s appeal extends beyond beaches and nature. One of the island’s most unusual attractions is Somchai’s Love Kingdom. Created by local artist Somchai, the collection of expressive concrete sculptures celebrates femininity and human relationships in a humorous and thought-provoking way. His former home and workshop remain on the island, offering an insight into one of Ko Mak’s most distinctive creative figures.

Another interesting stop is the Cinnamon Boardwalk. Although parts of the timber walkway now show their age, the nearly 500-metre structure stretches gracefully over the sea, providing peaceful views across the Gulf of Thailand.

How visitors can make a positive difference

When you visit Ko Mak, you can help preserve the island by making a few simple choices during your stay:

• Carry a refillable water bottle and reusable shopping bag
• Support locally owned accommodation and restaurants
• Buy handmade products from island artisans
• Dispose of rubbish responsibly and use recycling facilities where available
• Take part in organised beach clean-up events if the opportunity arises
• Respect local customs and help keep noise levels to a minimum
• Choose tour operators that follow environmentally responsible practices

Travelling to Ko Mak

The quickest route to Ko Mak is to fly from Bangkok to Trat before continuing by boat. However, visitors looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their journey may prefer travelling by public bus from Bangkok to Trat, followed by a boat transfer to the island. There are regular buses to Trat from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) in addition to a bus service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport.

On the way to Trat, you could stop off for a few nights and discover the charms of Chanthaburi. And if responsible travel is your priority, spend some time exploring the Trat mainland with a visit to Ban Nam Chiao.

Once on Ko Mak, there’s little need for motorised transport. Walking, cycling and kayaking are all enjoyable ways to explore, allowing visitors to experience the island at the relaxed pace that makes it such a rewarding destination.

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