Pickle Ball on Koh Mak

Koh Mak is not a big island, and that is exactly why the courts work. Both are full-regulation acrylic hard courts inside the grounds of White Sand Beach Resort on Ao Kao, a few minutes from the beach and from most of the accommodation on that side of the island. Because the courts are indoor, play does not stop for midday sun or a passing rain shower — a real difference in the green season, when an outdoor court would be unusable for an hour at a time.

Court hire is ฿400 an hour for either court, with paddle rental at ฿75 per session and a set of three new balls at ฿200, so a couple can play a full hour with borrowed equipment for well under ฿600. Sessions run from 07:00 to 20:00 every day. There is no court lighting, so the last usable slots depend on daylight; early mornings and late afternoons are the coolest and the first to be taken, which is why booking a day or two ahead is worth the message.

The playing community is mixed — long-stay guests, visiting families, Muay Thai and tennis guests using a rest day, and islanders who have picked the game up over the last two seasons. If you arrive alone, say so when you book and we will usually pair you with a doubles group. Groups can also take both courts together for a private session, a round robin or a small tournament.

Most people combine pickleball with something else while they are here. The Koh Mak Tennis Club is on the same grounds, Muay Thai trains morning and late afternoon, and a room can be bundled with court time and coaching through the Stay & Train packages. For which months are most comfortable for indoor sport, see the best time to visit.