Koh Mook, also called Koh Muk, is a small idyllic island in the Andaman Sea in the south of Thailand. Much of the island consists of a deep jungle and intact nature, as well as small, charming villages. The coast, in turn, is lined with palm trees, gigantic cliffs, and gorgeous beaches that invite you to relax. However, the absolute best attractions are the breathtaking Emerald Cave and the snow-white Sivalai Beach, which make Koh Mook one of the most spectacular islands in Thailand and an insider tip for travelers. Here you are still away from mass tourism and can dive deep into the quiet and tranquil island life. The unique combination of fascinating natural scenery and friendly people will also make your visit to Koh Mook an unforgettable experience.
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about the island of Koh Mook in Thailand. We show you the most amazing things to do and the best beaches. In addition, there are useful tips for getting there and recommended accommodation.
Koh Mook, also known as Koh Muk, is a small island located in the Andaman Sea, in the Trang Province of Southern Thailand. It is a relatively undiscovered island that is famous for its emerald cave, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters. In this travel blog, we will explore some of the best things to do in Koh Mook, where to stay, and how to get there.
Getting to Koh Mook: The easiest way to get to Koh Mook is to fly into Krabi International Airport or Trang Airport, and then take a taxi or minivan to Trang Pier. From there, you can take a ferry to Koh Mook, which takes around 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct ferry from Koh Lanta or the other Islands nearby. You can book your tickets in Advance with 12goAsia
Most tourists come by ferry or speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, or Trang. Tickets can be booked either on the spot or in advance online at 12go.asia.
From the city of Trang, it is best to take the ferry from Hat Yao Pier with about 15 minutes of travel time.
The easiest way to get to the neighboring islands, such as Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai, is by longtail boat or speedboat.
From Koh Lanta, Koh Mook is best reached by speedboat in about 45 minutes. If you travel from or to Koh Lipe, you can either take the speedboat or the ferry.
Things to do in Koh Mook:
Visit the Emerald Cave: The Emerald Cave, also known as the Tham Morakot, is a natural cave with a hidden lagoon inside. To get to the lagoon, you have to swim or kayak through a dark and narrow tunnel, which can be quite an adventure. The water inside the lagoon is emerald green and surrounded by high cliffs covered in lush vegetation.
Relax on the beaches: Koh Mook has several beautiful beaches, including Sivalai Beach, Charlie Beach, and Farang Beach. These beaches offer white sand, clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Koh Mook are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. You can go snorkeling or diving to explore the underwater world and see these creatures up close.
Kayaking: Kayaking is a popular activity in Koh Mook, and there are several places where you can rent a kayak. You can explore the coastline, paddle through the mangrove forests, or even go to the nearby islands.
Visit the Fishing Village: The fishing village on Koh Mook is a traditional Thai village where the locals still practice their traditional way of life. You can take a stroll around the village, watch the fishermen in action, and try some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Where to stay: Koh Mook has several accommodation options, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay include the Sivalai Beach Resort, Koh Mook Charlie Beach Resort, and the Koh Mook Lamai
Good to know!
There are not too many places to stay on Koh Mook, and in the high season, they are quickly booked out. For a romantic vacation, the Sivalai Beach Resort is a must. Backpackers, on the other hand, love the Koh Mook Bungalows.
There is an ATM in the village of Koh Mook
The most famous attraction on Koh Mook is the Emerald Cave, a sea cave that can only be crossed by swimming.
General information about Koh Mook
Koh Mook, also named Koh Muk, is a real pearl of the Trang province in southern Thailand. Situated on the stretch of sea between the famous islands of Koh Lanta in the north and Koh Lipe in the south, this islet is an insider’s tip for those seeking peace and quiet. And for all those who want to discover a unique destination in Thailand! Here you can expect beautiful beaches and an absolutely paradisiacal setting, with the famous Emerald Cave as a must-see. In addition, great reefs where you can even discover clownfish and huge starfish invite for snorkeling.
The island of Koh Mook is relatively small with about 7 square kilometers and so the most important points can be explored quite comfortably by foot, bike, or scooter. In Thai, Koh Mook means something like “the pearl” and truly, this little paradise lives up to its name! A large part of the island is protected by the Chao Mai National Park and therefore consists almost entirely of untouched nature and jungle.
The best time to visit Koh Mook Island is from November to mid-April. At this time it is mostly dry, and you can expect a lot of sun. The rainy season starts at the end of April, but can still partially go into November.
Explore the neighboring islands
Not only Koh Mook is absolutely stunning, also the neighboring islands are worth seeing! If you like snorkeling and need a change, you should definitely take a trip to Koh Kradan. The crossing by longtail boat takes just under 30 minutes, and the price is around 800 baht.
A great excursion destination is also the tiny dream island of Koh Ngai. Here you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The offshore reef is also perfect for snorkeling.
Travel Tips
Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Travel Essentials What's in my bag: To help you get started on packing, here are my essential travel and photography gear
Flights: WayAway to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.
Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an Esim-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities to do
Tickets & Deals: Tiqets is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions
Klook to find the best deals for trips in Asia, somehow they are 30% cheaper than when you buy them at a local agency
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.