One of my favourite destinations in Thailand was Koh Mook Island. It’s a tiny island along the Trang coast in the Andaman Sea that doesn’t see too many tourists. It was brilliant as it felt like I was alone, for the most part, in a tropical paradise!
You’ll have to catch a boat to reach it, but once you arrive, expect palm-lined beaches, huge karst cliffs and stunning beaches running into turquoise water. There are some lovely snorkelling spots and a handful of attractions to enjoy, such as Koh Mook’s popular Emerald Cave.
I extended my stay at Koh Mook, which is also referred to as Koh Muk since I loved it so much! I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have found a destination that wasn’t affected by mass tourism. In the end, I spent almost a week exploring the island, walking along dusty dirt tracks and chilling on idyllic beaches.
Koh Mook: Our Favourite Paradise Island In Thailand
In this travel guide, I’ll share my experience visiting Koh Mook Island, what to do in Koh Mook and why I believe it’s one of the best islands to visit in Thailand. I’ll also cover topics including:
- The best things to do in Koh Mook include insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- I’ll discuss how long you need on the island and when the best time to visit.
- The best ways to get to Koh Mook so you can plan your trip!
- I’ll also share three accommodation options on where to stay on the island, depending on your budget.
- And finally, I’ll share with you my favourite places to eat in Koh Mook!
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Is Koh Mook Worth Visiting?
100% Absolutely, Koh Mook is definitely worth visiting. It’s an island I could go back to time and time again, made so much better by the locals living there, who made the experience unforgettable with their warm welcome. They were generally happy to have us visit their tiny island.
Another thing that makes Koh Mook worth visiting is its affordability. As the island isn’t overrun with tourists yet, it’s still great value in terms of both accommodation and food. And to top it all off, the food is great, and the beaches are stunning – Charlie Beach is one of my all-time favourites!
⭐ Pro tip >> There isn’t much nightlife happening on the island, and things get very quiet after 9 pm. If you don’t mind this, then it’s the perfect island getaway for you.
My Time In Koh Mook
I visited Koh Mook during a 6-week trip to Thailand. It was one of the first destinations we visited; after spending time in Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, we continued our island-hopping adventure to Koh Mook.
It’s quite a journey for anyone who isn’t fond of boats and since Koh Mook is a 3-hour boat journey from Koh Lanta, it can take some persuasion to get your friends there! But once I arrived, I knew it was going to be worth it.
I ended up staying an extra three nights on Koh Mook Island, as I loved it so much. So, in total, I spent six beautiful days in paradise, but I could have easily stayed longer. I did all the attractions and some extras, like renting kayaks and exploring the crisis-crossing jungle trails. But mostly, I just relaxed on the beach with fruity cocktails.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re looking for a laid-back, tropical island that isn’t overrun with tourists, quiet, and relaxing, then Koh Mook is for you!
Things To Do In Koh Mook Island
Even though Koh Mook is a small island, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fantastic things to do. There are plenty of activities to fill your days and one of the most amazing attractions in Thailand.
1. The Emerald Cave
Wondering what to do in Koh Mook? The Emerald Cave is the top attraction! It’s actually a sinkhole which has formed a small hidden cave inside the limestone cliffs. There’s a tiny beach inside, which is surrounded by cliffs, trees and vegetation. It’s really a wonderful place to visit, and there are even monkeys in there too!
It’s one of the most popular attractions of Koh Mook and actually gets visited a lot by day trippers from the mainland and other islands.
However, they tend not to stay on Koh Mook Island very long, which is great for you guys as you won’t have to share your little slice of paradise!
There are a couple of ways to visit the Emerald Cave. You can either arrange to go on a boat or take a kayak. We decided to kayak.
The day trippers tend to get there during mid-day as this is when the sun is directly above the cave, turning the water emerald green – hence the name. However, this also means it’s the busiest time.
If you go later in the day as we did, you will get the whole place to yourself. You just have to decide if you want to miss the emerald part or the people part. For us, it was better to have the cave to ourselves!
The Boat Trip
You can organise a boat trip from the island. PK minimart in the village offers daily tours, but there are a few other locations on the island where trips can be organised. Anyone with a small boat will be willing to take you around the island.
🌟 My top pick >> For a pre-booked tour, join this trip to the Emerald Cave, Ko Kradan, and Ko Chueak by private long-tail boat. Explore with a local guide who will take you around the islands while you swim in azure, crystal-clear waters and spot colourful tropical fish.
The Kayak Trip
We rented a kayak from Charlie Beach for 100 baht p/hour for a double seater. The trip takes about 20 minutes to reach the cave from the beach. If you go on the kayak, make sure you check the tides, as you can only get through the cave on a low tide.
⭐ Pro tip >> To reach the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, you have to swim through a pitch-black cave for 60 metres or so. Make sure you take a headtorch if visiting solo.
2. Sapphire Beach
Around the corner from the Emerald Cave is a deserted beach that can only be reached by boat or kayak. It’s a nice little beach to visit if you’re heading to the Emerald Cave and want to extend your trip.
When we reached the Emerald Cave, we decided to continue to Sapphire Beach as there were boats waiting outside the cave. When we returned an hour or so later, it was empty. We had Sapphire Beach to ourselves, too!
⭐ Pro tip >> It’s about 15 minutes (on a kayak) further along the water’s edge from the Emerald Cave. Keep in mind the water was a little choppy, so keep close to the cliffs, but the views are spectacular.
3. Charlie Beach (Haad Sai Yao/Farang Beach)
The most beautiful beach in Thailand! There is literally nothing here apart from a couple of restaurants right at the bottom of the cliff. We were told there was a resort here once, which has been completely removed, and only a few bungalows are left at the very far end of the beach.
It’s one of those rare places in Thailand where mass tourism has not yet found it. It’s the perfect tropical beach lined with coconut trees, fluffy white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The beach is also full of tiny hermit crabs, which you can hear scurrying along the leaf litter and sand. It’s wonderfully shaded with a few beach loungers along one side (belonging to the restaurants, of which there are two).
You will be able to catch the perfect sunset there as well as it’s aligned to fall directly in front of you!
⭐ Pro tip >> It takes 30 minutes to walk to Charlie Beach from the village, but you can grab a tuk-tuk, which will cost you 50 THB one way per person. The walk is nice and takes you through dirt roads which wind along the trees, but be sure to wear mosquito repellant as there are loads.
4. The Pad Thai at Mong Bar
We decided that we would try Pad Thai in every place we visited in Thailand to see where it was best. We were in Thailand for 6 weeks and visited a lot of places; the one on Koh Mook came out third!
If I’m honest, it was maybe one of the less attractive Pad Thai we were served, coming out quite beige, but it tasted fantastic. It was simple, no-frills cooking, but the flavour was on point, and if you’re heading to Koh Mook, make time to order the Pad Thai at Mong Bar.
5. Passion Fruit Smoothie at Miss Island
Another thing that we just couldn’t live without while we were travelling Thailand was a passion fruit smoothie, and there was no better place to buy one than at Miss Islands Bakery in Koh Mook.
Miss Island’s Bakery was directly opposite our hostel and turned out to be an incredible discovery. Not only was the passion fruit smoothie to die for, but the whole menu was delicious and arguably the best value on the island!
The food was so great and cheap that we didn’t venture too far during our stay there and decided that it was our favourite restaurant in Thailand. Koh Mook holds the record for a lot of our favourites!
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re heading there, make time for Miss Islands Bakery. They have a selection of cakes and fresh baked goods, typical Thai food, and international dishes. We really enjoyed the spring rolls and Thai Green Curry!
6. Sugars Cafe & Restaurant
Of course, there were a few other spots we enjoyed as well, and Sugars is on that list. It’s a little further out of the main strip. If you decide to visit Sugars, then you need to try the bananas in warm, sweet coconut milk dessert. It’s a typical Thai dessert, and Sugars does a great one.
⭐ Pro tip >> The restaurant is quirky too and right by the beach, although not a beach you would want to swim in as all the fishing boats are there. However, it’s a nice place to go and watch the boats, and the floor is sand, so take off your shoes and enjoy!
7. Walk A Loop Of Baan Koh Mook Village
You might have already checked Koh Mook on a map and noticed there is a ring road around the main village. If not, I’ve marked it on the Koh Mook Activity Map below.
The loop doesn’t take very long, but it’s a lovely walk around the village and the houses. You will pass all of the restaurants on the main strip and find some other hidden gems like Sugars.
It’s great as you will pass little shops selling fresh produce and food stalls grilling chicken and beef skewers. There are a few smoothie stalls, too, and you can see if there’s anywhere which takes your fancy for some grub later on.
⭐ Pro tip >> Once you’ve done the loop, I would turn towards the pier and walk along the path towards the left once you reach it to explore a little more. You’ll notice a lot of buildings in disappear, which I think was from a previous tsunami or possibly Covid.
It’s sad to see the abandoned buildings; hopefully, they will be rebuilt by the time you visit. But there are some really interesting fishing spots around here, too, and you’ll notice the fishing boats being built and houses on stilts.
Swinging round back to the main strip, you will find a little path almost opposite the larger convenience shop, which takes you to the main beach.
8. The Village Beach/ Sivalai Beach (Ao Kham)/Pearl Beach
The village beach has a few names depending on which part you visit, but we were calling it Pearl Beach. At the tip of Pearl Beach is Sivalai Point, which rounds towards the pier and is also known as Sivalai Beach, the most popular point on the island.
You might notice the shallow water when you arrive if you come via the pier; this makes the beach endless at low tide. It’s possible to wade out a hundred metres or so and still not be any deeper than your knees!
⭐ Pro tip >> The beach is easy to get to from the village and somewhere to go if you want a quick and easy beach day. It’s lined with trees, which provide shade, but there are a few restaurants, hotels and resorts along the beachfront, so it’s nice to take a stroll.
Jack and I had the best day walking along the water and following the beach to the point at the far end. While we were jumping in and out of the water and acting like big kids, we found tons of jellyfish washed up on the beach, saved a couple of baby puffer fish, ran after hundreds of red crabs and found an array of weird shells!
9. Koh Mook Viewpoint
If, after all the exploring, you’re still up for some more adventure, you can continue along the path where the fishing boats are towards Koh Mook Viewpoint.
This trail will take you through the jungle along muddy winding paths; it’s very humid and sticky with a ton of mosquitos. If you like hiking it’s worth the view, if not, it might not be for you.
⭐ Pro tip >> The hike will actually lead you to Sapphire Beach if you continue to follow it. We just went to the viewpoint and turned back as we had already visited Sapphire on the kayaks. It took us about 25 minutes to reach the top.
10. Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai Day Trip
There are a couple of smaller islands really close to Koh Mook, and if you fancy it, then I recommend a day trip to Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai. Depending on how long you’re staying at Koh Mook, you could do this in a full day or split it between two days.
We did the full day and loved every minute. We booked a longtail boat from one of the locals while we were in Koh Mook, which took us to Koh Ngai first and then to Koh Kradan.
- Koh Kradan: A secluded island which feels like it’s your own private island. There are even fewer tourists there than in Koh Mook! There are no cars or roads, and only a few resorts dotted along the beach and a tiny minimart. It’s fantastic for snorkelling.
- Koh Ngai: This is pretty much the same; it’s a quiet, peaceful jungle island great for unwinding. The beaches are stunning, much like Koh Mook, with crystal clear water and white sand.
⭐ Pro tip >> The islands are about 20 minutes from Koh Mook, and the day trip really is worth doing. Both islands are fantastic for snorkelling, but Koh Kradan has an epic coral reef teeming with colourful fish and corals. It was beautiful to see.
Resources For Thailand
Is it your first time visiting Thailand? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Thailand Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Read this post if you’re thinking about an island-hopping adventure in the Andaman Sea; Ko Muk is on the itinerary!
- If you’re exploring south Thailand, visit the old town of Phuket for a few days for a hit of culture.
- Don’t forget to book your snorkelling tours and ATV adventure rides while you’re on the mainland!
- Read this if you’re looking for national parks to explore, or this post if you want to stay the night on floating bungalows.
- For a mountain escape, head to the cultural centre of Chaing Mai, visit elephant sanctuaries, go trekking and explore the city on an epic bike tour.
- Finally, add some history to your trip with a visit to Kanchanaburi and the infamous Burma-Thai railway.
Planning Your Trip To Koh Mook
Since Koh Mook is still an off-the-beaten-path destination, there aren’t as many facilities as you would find on other paradise islands, but it is becoming more popular.
That said, here are some tips to help you plan your visit.
- There aren’t any ATMs on the island. However, you can get cashback from the PK minimart, although there is a 5% commission. They will waive the commission if you purchase something from their tour office, such as a boat trip or scooter rental.
- Never drink tap water from the island; make sure you always buy bottled water or use a water filter bottle. We have a Grayl purification bottle, which works well.
- There are plenty of stray dogs and cats in Koh Mook. Most of them are harmless; however, it’s important you have your rabies shots before you visit Thailand.
- We didn’t rent a scooter as the island is small enough to walk, but if you wanted to explore further, rentals are about 250 baht per day. You’ll also need to top-up the fuel.
- For minor injuries, there is a medical clinic in the village. Keep in mind, that the main hospital is 2 hours away…so no backflips off the cliffs! Other than that, Koh Mook is safe, and within a few days, you will be on a first-name basis with a lot of the locals.
How Long Should You Stay In Koh Mook?
If you’re looking for a holiday spot in Thailand and are happy with chilled vibes, cocktails and beach days, then it’s easy to spend a couple of weeks on Koh Mook. Keep in mind that there isn’t much there other than tropical beaches and jungles. You could take boat trips to the nearby islands, too.
However, for those of you on an island-hopping adventure or if you’re just visiting a few islands, you’ll definitely want at least 4 days on Koh Mook. It’s tiny, but there are a few fun bits to do!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Koh Mook?
The best time to visit Koh Mook is during the dry season between November and February. Something to keep in mind is that visiting at this time does bring more tourists to Thailand; however, as Koh Mook is less crowded, it shouldn’t affect it too much.
The Andaman Sea is also at its calmest during these months, which makes it perfect for exploring the nearby islands. If you’re worried about crowds, you could visit towards the tail end of the rainy season; you might also be able to grab a better deal!
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re heading over to the west of Thailand to visit Koh Samui after the southern islands, the best time to visit is around March as the area gets hit by the northeastern monsoon from October to January.
Rainy Season: July to October: The warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean creates a lot of rainfall during these months. Generally, it will only rain for a few hours a day, getting heavier and more persistent towards the end of the rainy season. However, with the high humidity, it becomes uncomfortable to visit during this time.
Dry Season: November to May: These are sometimes split in two: hot and cool. The Hot Season affects the north more, where the temperature changes are more noticeable; however, in the south, expect temperatures around 33°C. The Cool Season brings perfect cooler temperatures and dry air with less humidity.
How To Get To Koh Mook?
There are a few ways to reach Koh Mook, depending on where you are coming from.
We came from Phuket via Koh Lanta as that’s where we flew in, and I think it’s a good location to start (or end) if you’re planning to go island hopping because it has an international airport and is closer than Bangkok. It’s also possible to get there from Bangkok, but it will require flying to Trang.
⭐ Pro tip >> There is no direct way to reach Koh Mook. You’ll have to catch a boat. However, there are a few popular locations you can depart from.
If you’re planning to backpack and want to save as much as possible, it’s sometimes better to book tickets on the islands. You run the risk of not getting a ticket, so unless you have time to wait around, I’d advise pre-booking.
Nevertheless, below are some prices we grabbed from our last visit to help you estimate a budget.
| Destination | Cost of Trip (Thai Baht) | Cost of Trip (£/$) |
| Phuket to Phi Phi (boat) | 700 | £16.50 / $19.20 |
| Phi Phi island to Kho Lanta (boat) | 600 | £14.20 / $16.50 |
| Koh Lanta to Koh Mook (boat) | 550 | £13.00 / $15.00 |
| Koh Mook to Koh Lanta (boat) | 350 | £8.30 / $9.60 |
| Koh Lanta to Krabi (shared car) | 575 | £13.60 / $15.80 |
| Koh Lipe – Koh Mook | 500 | £13.00 / $15.00 |
How To Get To Koh Mook From Phuket
The easiest way to get to Koh Mook from Phuket is to catch the ferry or a speedboat from Rassada Pier. We actually went from Phuket to Phi Phi to Koh Lanta and then Koh Mook, but you can continue through without the stops.
You can book your boat tickets in Phuket at a number of tourist offices. However, it does sometimes work out cheaper to book them on the islands as you work your way along, especially if you’re island hopping!
⭐ Pro tip >> If you prefer pre-booking to save hassle once you arrive, you can use BookAway to find tickets. Search for Phuket to Koh Mook.
How To Get To Koh Mook From Krabi
You can also get to Koh Mook from Krabi via Koh Lanta. At the time of writing, all transfers were connecting from Krabi to Koh Lanta via land only, but there is sometimes a ferry that goes from Krabi to Koh Lanta to Koh Mook.
⭐ Pro tip >> The same goes for Krabi to Koh Mook. We have used and trusted BookAway to book similar journeys online.
How To Get To Koh Mook From Bangkok
If you are flying into Bangkok, you will have to make your way south. There are a few options, the easiest being another flight to Trang, but you could also go by sleeper train, which is quite a cultural experience!
- Flying to Trang: There are a number of daily flights from Bangkok to Trang with AirAsia and Thai Lion. Be sure to check your baggage allowances as these airlines tend to only quote for carry-on. The flight takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Sleeper Train to Trang: This type of travel will take a long time, around 12 hours, and is a good way to go if you have a long time in Thailand and stop in a few places. Some fantastic places to stop at while you make your way south are Kanchanaburi and Khao Sok National Park and Krabi, namely Railey Beach.
- Bus to Trang: As the sleeper trains, you can find overnight buses to take you to Trang; again, they will take a full day and are really not advisable unless you are stopping along the way.
How To Get To Koh Mook From Trang
Once you arrive in Trang, the only way to reach Koh Mook is to arrange a car to take you to the port, where you will be transferred onto a boat which will take you to Koh Mook.
If you catch the morning flight from Bangkok, it will get you into Trang in time to catch the late morning boat transfer to Koh Mook. In total, it should take around 4 hours from Bangkok to Koh Mook if you plan it right.
Tickets can be bought in advance or at numerous ticket offices when you reach Trang airport. There will also be boat sales at the port if you prefer to buy the tickets separately; however, it does make it easier if you have pre-arranged tickets.
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Where To Stay On Koh Mook
Even though Koh Mook is a small island, there are still quite a few hotels and resorts to choose from. There is also budget accommodation in the style of Koh Mook Hostel, which is directly opposite Miss Islands Bakery and a great place if you’re looking for a cheap few nights.
In terms of more luxurious resorts, Koh Mook has a couple of options which look amazing! Most are beachfront villas looking out over the blue waters at Savali Beach, and really close to the village.
Budget-Friendly Suggestion: Koh Mook Hostel
It is the only hostel (so far) on the island and is great if you want cheaper accommodation. It does get booked up, so booking in advance is necessary! They have shared rooms with and without air-con and private rooms too. There is a communal shower block and a small kitchen and fridge with free coffee, tea and biscuits.
Mid-Range Suggestion: Mook Montra Resort Seafront
Mook Montra is a lovely mid-range option on the island. It’s set up in wonderful wooden bungalows along the beachfront, which are connected by grassed terraces and paving stones. It’s a really relaxing place with a calm atmosphere, perfect for disconnecting. The breakfast is good, plus the hotel is kept very clean.
Luxury Suggestion: Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort
One of the top-rated places to stay while you’re in Koh Mook is Sivalai Beach Resort. Although we didn’t stay there, we did walk past it a number of times, and it looked lovely being right on the beachfront with gorgeous bungalows. Due to its location and the way the bungalows are arranged on the beachfront, it’s very private and secluded. It’s the perfect location for a luxury island getaway!
The reviews are exceptional. Many people are saying the rooms are beautiful and you will fall asleep listening to the waves.
Where To Eat & Drink On Koh Mook
One thing we did do a lot of was eating. Jack and I both love food and trying new dishes. Thailand is full of new flavours and dishes, and Koh Mook is no different.
Expect to find the normal meals such as Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry. However, there are a few more local dishes to Southern Thailand and the Trang district that are also found on Koh Mook, like marinated fried fish dishes in special sauce and gravy noodles served with pork.
Below are some of our favourite places to eat in Koh Mook.
Miss Island Bakery
Our favourite place is Koh Mook. The find was always on point, and the fact we could get little French pastries was incredible, especially for me as I have a huge sweet tooth. Locals loved this place, too, as the prices are ridiculously good!
Mayow Thai Restaurant
Mayow is where we tried the fried fish in a special sauce, and it was incredible! It wasn’t very busy when we visited, but the staff were really chatty, helpful, and happy, which made the atmosphere really nice.
Sugars Cafe and Restaurant
As mentioned previously, Sugars is a great little find. It’s small but has delicious, freshly cooked meals and juices. They were always playing some reggae, and the decor was rather quirky, with a sandy floor.
Perfect Bar and Restaurant (Great for Vegetarians)
This place is right on the village beach with lovely views over the water. We had really good service, and the food was great. Try the Massaman Curry.
Mongs Bar
There’s a large selection of cocktails at Mongs, and they serve decent food, too; the Pad Thai is great but also try their Thai Curry. The prices are good too.
Conclusion: Koh Mook Island Guide
If you’ve read this and you’re thinking Koh Mook, Thailand, is somewhere you’re going to love, you have to go. Take it from me: I loved my time there, and so will you!
It really is the perfect island getaway in Thailand; with fantastic views, beaches and affordability, I wouldn’t blame you if you never want to leave!
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