Koh MakGuide
Quiet palm-lined road on Koh Mak with a parked scooter
On the island

Getting Around

Koh Mak is 16 km², mostly flat, and almost traffic-free. Getting around is easy — and choosing how to do it is part of the fun.

Six ways to move

Pick your pace

Nothing on Koh Mak is more than twenty minutes away. Match the transport to your plan — a slow morning calls for a bicycle, a full island loop calls for a scooter or e-bike.

  • Mode 01

    Songthaew Taxi

    Shared pickup-truck taxis serve the whole island at a flat rate. No Grab, no public buses — this is the local way.

    Cost
    ฿50 / person · ฿100 after 22:00
    Where to rent
    Meet arriving boats at all piers · call from your resort

    Tip · Resorts on the south or east coast usually offer free guest transfers to Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai. Ask at reception.

  • Mode 02 · Most popular

    Scooter / Motorbike

    The practical way to explore. Roads are flat, well-paved and quiet. A motorcycle licence is technically required.

    Cost
    ~฿250–300 / day
    Where to rent
    Most resorts and shops along the Ao Kao back road

    Tip · Skip the scooter if you're on Ao Kao and eating nearby. Essential if you're staying on the south or east coast.

  • Mode 03

    Bicycle

    Koh Mak's flat terrain makes it one of the best cycling islands in Thailand. Basic bikes are fine for the beach road only.

    Cost
    ฿100–150 / day · geared bikes recommended
    Where to rent
    Rental shops island-wide · Coco Cafe runs guided tours

    Tip · Coco Cafe runs guided 8 km rides daily at 09:00 & 16:00 in high season — ฿150/person, perfect for first-timers.

  • Mode 04 · Best for exploring

    E-Bike

    The most comfortable way to cover the whole island under your own power — no licence, no fuel, no fuss.

    Cost
    ฿200 / 24 hours
    Where to rent
    Makathanee, Good Time, Ao Kao Resort · Koh Mak Organic Farm · Koh Mak Living BBQ

    Tip · Charge overnight at your resort. Range easily covers a full day of slow, exploratory riding.

  • Mode 05

    Golf Cart

    A breezy, low-speed option that fits a family or a group of friends. No licence required, and easy to park anywhere.

    Cost
    ฿800–1,000 / day
    Where to rent
    Makathanee Resort · Good Time Resort · Ao Kao Resort

    Tip · Great for sunset hops between beaches and dinner — slower than a scooter but far more sociable.

  • Mode 06

    On Foot

    Ao Kao has restaurants, minimarts, massage and bars all within easy walking distance. Ao Suan Yai is ~15 minutes away.

    Cost
    Free
    Where to rent
    Ao Kao back road · between Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai

    Tip · Bring a small torch after dark — the back road is unlit but completely safe to walk.

Also on the island

Shuttle bus

An open-style shuttle theoretically runs between Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai via Koh Mak Resort. The schedule is informal and seasonal — ask at your resort before counting on it.

Good to know

A few small things

  • The main road

    Connects Ao Suan Yai in the northwest to Ao Kao in the southwest and on to the south and east coast — good quality, no real hills.

  • Riding at night

    Roads are unlit. Ride slowly after dark, especially by scooter, and don't rely on other vehicles to see you first.

  • Fuel & maps

    One small fuel station serves the island — fill up when you can. Google Maps works well; download offline tiles before you arrive in case signal drops.