Have you ever heard of the island Koh Mook in Thailand? Not many have, which gave me hope in my quest to find a unique Thai island.
Koh Mook, located in Trang province in Southern Thailand, is undoubtedly a hidden gem. It is a simple, authentic island with a rich flora and fauna. I recently spent 6 days there: watching birds, diving, snorkeling, and swimming through caves.
As you found this article, chances are you want to avoid touristy islands and discover authentic travel destinations.
In this Koh Mook travel guide, you can find everything you need to know before your visit. How to reach the island, getting around, facilities, things to do in Koh Mook, wildlife, hotels, and best restaurants are all covered. Read along!
After Sunset at Charlie Beach Rewarding Views on a Jungle Hike
Are you in Koh Lanta? Best Day Trip to Koh Mook
Koh Lanta is the nearest and most popular island to Koh Mook. If you are already in Koh Lanta and want to visit Koh Mook as a day trip, choose this organized tour! It is the most highly rated day trip to Koh Mook at an unbeatable price.
This day trip takes you to the best places Koh Mook has to offer.
4 Islands Day Trip from Koh Lanta
Pickup locations: at your hotel in Koh Lanta
Duration: 7 hours
Recommended for: caves, beaches, and snorkeling enthusiasts
What to expect: Be prepared to see turquoise waters, a dark tunnel leading to a secret bay, and great snorkeling spots.
Disclosure: The Always Wanderer is supported by its readers. When you buy something using my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Location of Koh Mook + Getting There
Koh Mook (or Ko Muk) is a tiny island in southern Thailand’s Trang Province. Its mountainous landscape is covered by dense jungles. The island has only one village, located on flat grounds.
There are no cars or large shops here – also no 7-Elevens in sight. Koh Mook offers a truly authentic Thai experience, it is without doubt a hidden gem.
Someone told me that Koh Mook is how Koh Lipe looked like 20-30 years ago.
Koh Mook is only a few kilometers away from the mainland. The nearest islands are Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Libong.
Getting to Koh Mook
Traveling around in Thailand is very easy. In fact, everything in Thailand is very easy. I`m definitely biased but this country is the perfect travel destination.
You have three options as to how to reach Koh Mook:
– by Plane: Fly to Trang Airport, the closest airport to Koh Mook. Then, reach the Khuan Tung Ku Pier by taxi or minivan in 1 hour.
– by Land: Get to Trang City by bus from the southern bigger cities (Phuket, Krabi, etc.). From Trang City, a minivan/taxi can take you to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier. From the Pier, take a 20-minute longtail boat journey to reach Koh Mook.
– by Boat: Speedboats operate between the main hubs (Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Krabi, Phuket, etc.) Arriving by boat from any of the islands is the fastest option.
Due to the lack of information available, we made many mistakes on the way to Koh Mook. So, here are my best tips on how to (& how not to) travel to Koh Mook:
Useful Tips How to Reach Koh Mook:
– If the seas are rough (=rainy weather), it`s better to travel by land. Avoid speedboats for your safety. (Speedboat accidents happen too often in Thailand.)
– Book your transfer to Koh Mook either with 12goasia or with a local travel operator to save effort, time, and money.
– Public ferries between the mainland and Koh Mook operate 1-2x daily. If you arrive on your own to the mainland pier, be prepared to pay 700 baht for private boat to Koh Mook.
On the way to Koh Mook First Impressions of Koh Mook
Things to Do on Koh Mook
Although Koh Mook is a tiny island, there are multiple activities you can choose from.
Near Koh Mook, there are great diving spots (without the crowds!), you can join snorkeling trips, visit nearby islands with the most beautiful beaches. Inland, you can go hiking, visit beaches, chase sunsets, get pampered by a Thai massage, and find unique shells on the beach.
I did all of the activities below and highly recommend them.
1. Go Diving with Trang Pro Dive
One of the best things to do on Koh Mook is to see the underwater world. I was relieved and beyond happy when I saw abundant marine life underwater.
Trang Pro Dive is the only dive center on Koh Mook, located inside the Sivalai Beach Resort. We stopped by and booked our trip for the next day. The staff advised us to go to Koh Waen, a great and easy dive site nearby.
What to expect to see Koh Waen Dive Site:
– a sunken train wreck
– nurse sharks
– tiny snails
– beautiful corals
– huge stingrays
– pufferfish
On the day we dived, we gathered at 8 am in front of the diving center. Then, from the shore, we were taken to Koh Waen by a longtail boat. Our equipment was already waiting for us on the boat. After 25 minutes, we reached Koh Waen: a huge rock emerging from the sea.
Heading to the Dive Site Resting between the Dives
Our divemaster was the coolest lady who kept an eye on us at all times and showed us the most amazing underwater creatures. The first dive spot was at a sunken trainwreck (how cool is that!) and the second one was close to Koh Waen, observing the coral reef.
Visibility on a cloudy/rainy day was good. The maximum depth was 21 meters and we experienced no currents. Apart from our small group of 5, there was only one other boat at Koh Waen that day.
A dive with Trang Pro Dive costs 3500 baht. The price includes two dives (45-50 minutes each), equipment, drinks, snacks, and lunch.
We were pleased with the dive school and highly recommend diving with them.
Where: Trang Pro Dive Location
Rich Marine Life at Koh Waen Ever Seen a Sunken Train Wreck?
2. Visit the Emerald Cave
The Emerald Cave is Koh Mook’s most famous attraction, and it lives up to the hype.
After swimming through an 80-meter dark passage, you’ll find yourself in a breathtaking lagoon surrounded by cliffs and the jungle. Located on the western side of the island near Charlie Beach, the Emerald Cave is only accessible by water.
You can visit it in three ways:
– Rent a kayak at Charlie Beach and paddle to the cave. There are ropes to secure your kayak outside, as taking it inside isn’t allowed.
– Join a group tour, which usually includes snorkeling spots and also Koh Kradan.
– Hire a private boat to get there.
We opted for a group tour due to limited time, but by 8:30 AM, the area was already busy. (We went with the company PK Team Travel.) If I were to visit again, I’d go at 7:00–7:30 AM with a kayak or private boat to enjoy the lagoon without crowds.
For those kayaking, don’t forget to ask for a torch, as the passage is completely dark. Swimming through the cave to reach the lagoon can be intimidating if you are alone though. However, it only takes a few minutes and in return, you could have a magical, intimate experience alone in the beautiful lagoon.
Inside the Emerald Cave Heading to Entrance of the Emerald Cave
3. Visit Koh Kradan
If you visit Koh Mook, visiting Koh Kradan is a must-do activity. Why? Well, not many people know, but the beach at Koh Kradan has been voted as the best beach in the world in 2023. I was beyond excited to visit it.
We visited Koh Kradan as a day trip which already included the Emerald Cave, some snorkeling spots, and Koh Kradan.
Koh Kradan is even smaller than Koh Mook, aside from the resorts, the island is uninhabited. There are no roads there, only the beach, the resorts with some restaurants, and a small shop.
Its coral reef and its beach are the real attractions of Koh Kradan.
Unfortunately, we had cloudy weather on the day we visited. The beach was still very beautiful, and I imagine the color of the water is a thousand times more beautiful on a sunny day.
The combined Emerald Cave + Koh Kradan day trip costs 500 baht per person with PK Team Travel.
4. Hike to Koh Mook Viewpoint
If you like staying active, you`ll love the Koh Mook Viewpoint Hike. It was easily one of the highlights of our Koh Mook Trip. I was amazed by the jungle, the huge leaves, the sounds, the beautiful flowers, and the small creatures (no snakes) we met along the way.
On the way up, we spotted some monkeys! On Koh Mook, the monkeys are shy and won`t get near to you.
Pro Tip: From the viewpoint, you can hike down to Sabai Beach. On the way back, we met some locals who were heading towards the Sabai beach. The Sabai Beach is also a great snorkeling spot.
Koh Mook ViewPoint Hike Key Data:
– Starting Point: Koh Mook Viewpoint Trailhead Start
– End Point: Koh Mook Viewpoint
– Duration: 25-30 minutes (one way)
– Difficulty: easy/moderate
Sometimes there are ropes on the way, making the ascent and descent easier. We felt completely safe in the jungle – it´s easily doable without a guide. Moreover, we did not see any leeches, which was a great relief for me.
Breathtaking Views of Koh Waen Hiking Trail Assisted with Ropes
5. Watch the Sunset at the Charlie Beach
Located a few kilometers away from Koh Mook village, Charlie Beach is everyone`s favorite sunset spot. Head there for sunset and enjoy a lovely drink or dinner at one of the beach bars.
Besides the sunset, Charlie Beach is a great beach for snorkeling due to its coral reef. We also found huge shells along the shore.
How to get to Charlie Beach:
– From Koh Mook village, it takes 30 minutes to walk to Charlie Beach, partially through dirt roads.
– You can also get there with a scooter.
Pro Tip: If you come on foot, you will find taxis on the beach to take you home, so you don`t have to walk home in the dark.
Huge Seashells at Charlie Beach Charlie Beach, Koh Mook
6. Bird Watching
The main reason why I always choose lesser-known places is to see wildlife. I love birds and I was hoping to finally see some hornbills on Koh Mook.
The first time I saw hornbills was on Koh Yao Noi, another authentic Thai island. Ever since I saw them for the first time, I have been looking for them (usually with no luck). On Koh Mook, the hornbills were finally present.
Besides hornbills, we saw kingfishers, and xy on Koh Mook.
Where to see these birds?
Wake up early and take a walk along the streets. We saw kingfishers close to the pier and at the mangroves; the hornbills at high, fruity trees; and the Indian roller at the schoolyard, close to the Sivalave Resort.
Oriental Pied Hornbil Kingfisher Indian Roller
7. Optional: Kayaking, Souvenirs, Thai Massage
Thai Massage: I suffered from a bad headache so I went to a Thai Massage. The massage therapist quickly realized I was in pain and easily found the spots on my neck that caused the pain. They were very kind and additionally massaged me for 15 extra minutes to dissolve my headache. Highly recommended.
Location: Kohmook Family Health Massage
Nail Salon: I got a beautiful gellack done by a kind woman in the middle of the village. I got a chance to play with her kids afterwards who helped me retrieve my slippers which were almost taken away by a dog. I paid 500 baht for the whole service.
Location: Nail Salon
Eco-Friendly Souvenirs: There is a great little gift shop on Koh Mook where everything is made from coconut shells. They sell coffee cups, muesli bowls, plant holders, key chains, wristbands, lamps, and many things more. The products are high quality and their prices are very affordable. Their workshop is next to the shop, so you might catch them working on their art.
Location: Eco-Friendly Coconut Shell Shop
Kayak Rental: there is a kayak rental at Charlie Beach. It is a great way to discover the island as the majority of it could not be reached due to the mountains and dense jungles.
Location: Kayak Rental at Charlie Beach
Plant Hangers made from Coconut KohMook Family Health Massage
Beaches of Koh Mook
The beaches of Koh Mook are stunning, but not always easy to reach. Each beach offers something unique, whether it’s easy access, great water activities, or peaceful seclusion.
Here’s a breakdown of the best beaches on the island:
- Pearl Beach: Easily accessible, located in the center of the village. It’s a beautiful spot, perfect for photos (or drone shots!), with a double-sided beach. Close to the Sivalave Resort.
- Charlie Beach: The most popular beach, great for snorkeling, kayaking, and watching the sunset. It’s about a 30-minute walk (or a quick ride) from the village center.
- Sabai Beach: A hidden gem, ideal for snorkeling. You can reach it by boat taxi or through a longer hiking trail. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it there during our visit.
- Tiger Cave Beach (not even on Google Maps!): Another secluded beach, known for excellent snorkeling. Accessible by boat taxi or through a hiking trail. We visited as part of a day trip, where we had the chance to snorkel and see vibrant fish and corals underwater.
Where to Stay on Koh Mook
Koh Mook offers several options to stay at. Most of them are little bungalows, owned by the locals.
Where to stay:
I recommend staying on either end of the village where scooters are less frequent and there is less noise.
Hotel Recommendations:
– Overall Best: I found the location of the Tropical Koh Mook great. The bungalows are beautifully furnished.
– Our Bungalow: We stayed at Happytime Bungalow. It is a very simple accommodation. Overall, we liked it because we could see hornbills and kingfishers right in our garden.
– Luxury: Koh Mook Sivalave Resort – the only luxury resort on Koh Mook. It is where the iconic two-sided beach with the palm trees is located (the symbol of the island).
Where to Eat on Koh Mook
There is a large array of restaurants offering great food on Koh Mook. Due to the proximity of the seas with rich marine life, most restaurants sell fresh fish. It seems that everyone in the village is a fisherman as well and their days are scheduled according to the tides.
Every day, we tried out different restaurants. Some of them stood out, and we ended up returning to them on multiple occasions.
Recommended Restaurants:
Alita Restaurant: Beautiful, affordable, great place with unbeatable views.
Goodluck Restaurant and Best Service: They have the largest variety of the tastiest Thai Food available.
The Tropical Koh Mook: They sell the most delicious fruit shakes.
Sugar´s Coffee and Restaurant: They make the best Roti Nan! The restaurant has a great atmosphere, overlooking the sea and the fishing boats.
Alita Restaurant Goodluck Restaurant and Best Service The Tropical Koh Mook Sugar’s Coffee and Restaurant
Koh Mook Daily Budget Summary
The expenses in Koh Mook fit the budget of most travelers. The summary below reflects the average daily expenses for a mid-range budget.
The Shadow Side of Koh Mook: Trash and Stray Dogs
Koh Mook is much less developed compared to popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Krabi, or Phuket. Unfortunately, the island faces significant issues with trash and stray dogs.
Trash is a noticeable problem—at times, it felt like the island was drowning in it, and there were areas where it even smelled unpleasant. If this continues, it might discourage visitors from choosing Koh Mook. A community effort to clean up the island could make a difference.
As for the stray dogs, while they are friendly and not overly thin, many suffer from fleas and parasites, which was heartbreaking to see.
If you come across a dog in poor condition, you can contact the Animal Welfare organization on Koh Lanta. When we found some puppies, we reached out to them. Since the pups seemed healthy apart from fleas (I had flea drops with me), they advised it was best to leave them in their familiar environment.
Trash Problem on Koh Mook A few weeks old Puppies
FAQ-s + Essential Travel Information
There is a company called PK Team Travel Tour on the island. We had an excellent experience with them. They organize day trips around the island, to neighboring islands, and transfers to all major hubs in Thailand.
We booked the Emerald Cave + Koh Kradan Day Trip with them for 500 baht per person, as well as our transfer to Phuket for 850 baht per person. Considering the weather conditions, we decided to take the mainland route to Phuket for a smoother journey.
Despite the size of the island, it`s not lacking in restaurants, supermarkets, and souvenir shops.
There is also a Health Center in Koh Mook. It received great reviews and can help with emergencies.
There is one ATM and one Currency Exchange on Koh Mook.
Tip: in Thailand, the ATMs often don`t work properly. As there is only one ATM on the island, it`s better to have some cash with you before arrival.
Where: Location of ATM Machine and Currency Exchange
The ATM is on the main street Exchanging EUR to Thai Baht
While everything is within walking distance in Koh Mook, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle.
Scooter Rental: There are multiple scooter rental companies on the island. The average rental price is 200 baht per day, sometimes including the fuel. Optionally, you can ask your host to arrange a scooter for your arrival.
We rented a scooter to visit Charlie Beach and to do a Viewpoint Hike. These locations are a bit further away from the center.
Bicycle Rental: we also saw some places offering bicycles for rent.
On Koh Mook, there are always local taxis roaming to give you a lift (their rate to anywhere on the island is 50-100 baht)
Koh Mook is very small and everything is within walking distance (within 15-30 minutes).
Main Street of Koh Mook Floating Fishing Boats
Conclusion and More Resources
Overall, Koh Mook is a wonderful and authentic Thai island. Thanks to its authenticity, it has great wildlife. Many bird species choose to remain and reproduce on the island. Moreover, for those who love snorkeling or diving, Koh Mook is a great and uncrowded island to visit and explore the seas.
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