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The island Koh Mook is still an insiders’ tip and a true dream destination. There’s almost no tourism yet on this island, which belongs to the Trang region. It’s very quiet, has fascinating beaches and is perfect for island hopping to the surrounding islands such as Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai.
Koh Mook – tips for the dream island in the Andaman Sea
Koh Mook is located at the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, but is pretty much unknown to many Thailand travelers. Who travels to the west side of Thailand, most probably visits places like the lively Phuket, the beautiful Krabi, the famous Phi Phi Islands or the quiet island Koh Lanta.
But the idyllic Koh Mook has quite a lot to offer. How you can get there and what you can see, we will show you in this article.
How to get from Trang to Koh Mook
Since Koh Mook is a small island and doesn’t have an airport, many people would consider the journey as difficult. From the view of a package tourist this might be true, but as an independent traveler not really.
Attention: At the moment there aren’t any ATMs on Koh Mook and you should definitely not forget to bring some cash money with you.
In the town of Trang you can find some small travel agencies near the train station that are all offering tickets to the Trang Islands. We definitely would recommend you to get your ticket at Andaman Island Tour & Travel near the train station.
The owner Gift speaks good English and offers a great service. We purchased our tickets from Trang with the mini bus to the Kuan Tung Ku Pier and from there with the local ferry (about 30 minutes to Koh Mook) for about 200 baht per person.
The pier is about 45 minutes away from the town of Trang. In the high season (approximately from Dezember to April) there are 3 ferries departing to the island. Also you can go to Koh Mook with a longtail boat, which is slightly more expensive (about 250-300) but also faster.
Passing many limestone rocks, mangroves and sand banks, we finally reached the ocean. From here you can already see Koh Mook and this will give you a pleasant anticipation. If you have ever seen pictures of Koh Mook before, then you will probably know the photo of the famous Sivalai Beach Resort with its small promontory that simply looks amazing.
After roughly half an hour the boat arrives at the pier of Koh Mook and from here it’s just a few-minutes walk to the village and all the accommodations around. Everything is very quiet and the atmosphere just so relaxed on this island.
Welcome to Koh Mook!
By the way: Trang can be reached by airplane, train or bus from many destinations in Thailand. You can find times as well as prices for flights at Skyscanner and train and bus connections at 12go.asia. For tickets from Trang to Koh Mook, we can absolutely recommend Gift from Andaman Island Tour & Travel.
Accommodation on Koh Mook – our hotel tips
Although the choice of accommodation on Koh Mook is limited, some new accommodations has been built in recent years. A highlight is of course the famous Sivalai Beach Resort. We did not stay there but went through the resort and looked closely at everything. It just made a great impression!
If that’s not in your budget, Mook Ing Lay is more than a good choice. The bungalows are located in a beautifully landscaped garden and are very clean. The resort is almost right on the pier of Koh Mook, so you do not have to walk around the island after your arrival. Absolutely recommended.
Even a little cheaper is the Mook Anda Resort. The simple bungalows are all equipped with a fan, fridge, cold shower and of course a bed. For a few days this is more than ok. The price was about 400 baht for the wooden bungalows. Also the bar of the resort is a nice place and you can see the Sivalai Beach already from here. With Reggae tunes and good food you can spend the evening nicely. However, you can not see the sunset from here since the sun sets on the other side of the island at Haad Farang.
Sivalai Beach
The Sivalai Beach is the most famous beach of Koh Mook and has his name from the resident Sivalai Beach Resort. The sandy promontory on which this resort is located protrudes far into the ocean and gets even bigger during low tide. Then it really looks amazing…
The promontory is also often referred to as The Wing. From here you have a very nice view at the mainland of Trang, but also at Koh Mook and its mountains in the background. Even if you are not staying at the resort, you can still walk along the beach and enjoy this white sand beach.
You can easily reach the beach from the village Baan Koh Mook from the pier. It’s definitely one of the island’s highlights and totally a must-see!
Haad Farang aka Charlie Beach
The next beach highlight is the Haad Farang, also called Charlie Beach because the Charlie Beach Resort is located right here. You can find the beach on the other side of the island with a view on Koh Kradan.
You can get there easily by walking from the village (which takes about 30 minutes) or by taking a motorbike taxi. The price is 50 baht and you get to the beach in just a few minutes.
We walked the way there and took a taxi to get back. After the village there is a hill however, but the way is still quite easy to handle.
You can just pass the previously mentioned Charlie Beach Resort and will be directly at the beach.
Once you get to the beach, you will find the Koyow Restaurant on your left hand side. It has a viewpoint with a gorgeous view on the bay and Koh Kradan. You should definitely go there and have an ice-cold beer or fruit shake and enjoy this view.
Also, this beach is suitable for swimming. Although there are a few stones in the water on the left side, you can still have a good swim at the middle of the beach. Just a perfect place for cooling down.
Emerald Cave – Morakot Cave
This is another sight – Emerald Cave or also called Morakot Cave – which many visitors on Koh Mook like to see. You can reach the entrance to the cave with a boat. The price is about 600 baht per boat.
In the cave there is a small beach that you can only reach by swimming through the cave. But don’t worry, it’s just a distance of roughly 80 meters across the cave.
In the middle it is completely dark inside, but most people are going there with a guide that brings a flashlight. Honestly, we thought at first it’s gonna be much more scary, but after 2 or 3 minutes of darkness you can already see the light at the end of the cave.
The cave itself can only be entered during low tide. When the water is very low, you can even see a small beach at the outer entrance to the cave.
The cave is part of the Had Chao Mai National Park and used to be a hideaway for pirates and their loot a long time ago. A true adventurous and worthwhile trip that we definitely recommend you to do.
Tip: Even if you are not staying on Koh Mook, you can visit the Emerald Cave also with tours from Koh Lanta.
A few meters next to the cave there is the Sabai Beach, which you can also only reach with a boat. Although we haven’t visited this beach, it looked quite lonely and fascinating from the far. Well, looks like we’ll have to catch up on it on our next visit.
Baan Koh Mook
Apart from all that, you can find a very tranquil and relaxed atmosphere on Koh Mook. In the little village of Baan Koh Mook there are some restaurants where you can have some low-priced food. Furthermore, there are some small super markets.
The village itself doesn’t have too much, but its still worth it to take a walk around and see some of the local life. You can see taxi driving kids, boats that are being built or even guys climbing up coconut trees in order to get some fresh coconuts. Everybody will be happy about a friendly “Sawadee khrap” or just a smile and they will return it with pleasure.
Conclusion
Koh Mook is definitely one of the most beautiful islands I’ve visited so far in Thailand. This is not only because of the beaches but also because of the island’s atmosphere.
On top of this, you can do great day trips to the surrounding islands for snorkeling or visit caves. A true little paradise in the Andaman Sea that is surely worth a visit!
Koh Mook: Tours and Tickets
Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Mook in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Mook and the other Trang Islands.
Have you already visited Koh Mook? How did you like the island? We’re looking forward to reading your comments!
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Marcel
Hi, I'm Marcel! Blogger, author and founder of this travel blog. I've been traveling almost constantly since 2013 and love to travel in Southeast Asia and Europe. I also enjoy traveling with my child. Find out more on our About Us page.
Hi Marcel,
Recently through your blog https://homeiswhereyourbagis.com/en/koh-mook/ as a guide, me and family (all 4 persons) from Penang Malaysia just went back from Koh Mook 14-17/Mar/20 that we already booked it in Agoda early January this year. Didn’t heard about Corona yet.. OMG. Malaysia lock down on 18/Mar.
We reached at Khuan Tung Ku Pier before 1pm (Thai time) and able to catch ferry to Koh Mook for 100Baht/person (400Baht total). If by private long-tail boat cost 600Baht/boat at anytime but luckily we arrived there early. Car park 100Baht/day (400Baht).
Ferry timetable:
1pm from Khuan Tung Ku Pier to Koh Mook
8am from Koh Mook to Khuan Tung Ku Pier
*Private long-tail boat anytime to and fro
We stay at Koh Mook Riviera Resort for 2 nights RM536.59 around 4000Baht + another 1500Baht pay at the counter for 2 daughters 11years and 15years with extra bed including breakfast (actually 1600Baht/2 but the resort gave discounts 100Baht). The resort just beside the Ban Koh Mook School and the best things it is just beside Koh Mook Walking Street. Easy to eat and buy things.
Afternoon and night time we ate at Miss Island restaurant (Halal food). Nice and delicious Thai foods with affordable prices (island price). Also sell a few kind of breads and buns 25Baht each. Cold can drink also cheap just 20Baht, 500ml mineral water 10Baht and 1.5l 20Baht.
ATM got one unit at the Walking Street and another one unit in front of Koh Mook Lamai Resort & Spa above the hill the way to the Dam or Haad Farang Beach. But withdrawal will charged you at 220Baht/transaction. I think still OK since it is at the island and convenience to us as traveller because we cannot budget what will cost us extra money if needed.
On the first day arrived we already booked the boat for island hoping to Koh Kradan and Morakot Cave for 2nd day with a cost of 1400Baht (served fruits/water only and no lunch) private long-tail boat at Bon Chu shop at the walking street. Can whatapp Dew@+66879798985 for details (check for Country code International call +66 is for Malaysia) . Luckily got the boatman name Mamat (can speak Malay) and his grandchildren accompanying him.
Island hoping trips:
1400Baht – Koh Kradan/Morakot Cave
3500Baht – Koh Rok
Early morning at 8.30am Mamat pick us up at Riviera to Island hoping at Koh Kradan stops at two crystal clear water snorkeling spots before landed on the beach for lunch at Koh Kradan Resort (own money). Food price not bad for an exclusive island. I think it is quite reasonable price. Big snapper fish at 400Baht, seafood tomyam 250Baht and big bowl rice 90Baht. The taste is WOW.. I will come back to this island because the view is so nice.
At 2pm we move to Morakot Cave. This is to avoid from paying the National Park fee if go there early morning. Normally late afternoon the national park ranger already went back. Hahaha..
After that we went to Sabai Beach and Tiger Cave for the last snorkeling spots before returning to resort.
Day 3 we rent 2 motorcycles for 200Baht/day each (400Baht) at Bon Chu shop right after check out at Riviera Resort and headed to check in at Koh Mook Resort for another one night stay up to the hill facing the mainland. Since too many luggage we rent a motor taxi for 100Baht with 2 daughters ride on.
Koh Mook Resort cost around RM170.47@1270Baht + another 700Baht pay at the counter for our 2 daughters including extra bed and breakfast. The breakfast is good and can choose 2 kinds of servings. But here there are too many dogs (resort owned) disturbing our breakfast and other few tourist at the resort restaurant. It is not good for the hotel business I think to let these dogs wandering around the tourist.
In the afternoon and also night time we ate at the Dada Restaurant (halal food) right beside the Koh Mook Resort. It served the best Thai foods and it is fully recommended. Eat and enjoy the high beach view from the restaurant. What a lovely scenery..
In the evening we ride to Haad Farang Beach for the sunset watch. Nice beach view, swimming, you can sit and enjoy the view at the top of Koyaw restaurant. Marvelous..
I like to wrote in details because it might useful for the 1st timer traveller (like me) to Koh Mook to dig out for an information before travel to budget the pocket money. Unless if you are rich.. Hahaha…
Below my youtube channel for this trip…
1. https://youtu.be/M5dxtPdvoZA
2. https://youtu.be/F_rdxAME6pE
3. https://youtu.be/ZiM1DFASCcQ
4. https://youtu.be/rXNutlWSbuQ
Hi Khairul,
Thanks for your comment. Very helpful!
Nice videos, too. 🙂
Best regards
Marcel
Hi All,
We ( 5 families) just spend 4 days at Koh Mook island (during Chinese NewYear)
It was awesome, the island very clean, still virgin and price are very reasonable compared to other islands in Thailand (Koh Lipe, Phuket…etc).
Its worth to visit now rather later the development and it becomes a busy and commercialized island in the future.
I drove from Penang, Malaysia to Khuan Tung Ku Pier (Thailand) to park my vehicle cost 100Baht per nite
Fisherman boat cost ~ 800baht per boat
We stay Had Farang Bungalow – Cost ~ 800baht per nite (Tel: 082-823-8806) I booked through Agoda.
Took Island hopping from Had Farang Bungalow for 3000baht (1 boat ) for 7 hours trip which covers :
Ko Ngai
Ko Waen
Kradan Island
Ko Maa
Ko Chueak
This Bangalow has own restaurant with limited dishes at a reasonable price.
You also can walk to main street ~ 3km to enjoy more food and massage
Again…really worth !!!
Hi Shaik,
Thanks for your feedback. Glad to read that you had an awesome time on Koh Mook. We also enjoyed Koh Mook very much when we went there for the first time.
Best regards
Marcel
May be i should consider this instead of krabi or phuket.
Koh Mook is really a nice option. Unfortunately, I’ve read that some guests were complaining about trash on the island recently. I hope it’s not that bad. When we were there, it was really beautiful! 🙂
Hi!
Today they install ATM at koh mook! 🙂
Hi Robin,
Great, thanks for the information. This will be very helpful for many readers.
Cheers!
Hi Tobi,
How does one get to Koh Mook from Trang Airport.
The most budget friendly way ie.
Thanks a ton.
Regards
Ravi
Your blog is awesome.
I have 2 nights to spend in one of these exotic islands, which one would you advice.
The choice is between Kraden, Mook or Ngai.
Thanks!
Hi Ravi,
I actually would prefer to stay on Koh Mook since renting a longtail boat to reach Koh Kradan oder Koh Ngai is much more cheap. And there are more choices of accommodations. Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai maybe more paradise-like, but in terms of food or anything else you have much more choice on Koh Mook. So I would take that island as a base and discover the others on day trips with a longtail boat.
Cheers,
Tobi
Hi Tobi,
very informative post, thank you.
what is the longest duration you can comfortably stay on Koh Mook? i’m wanting a quiet island i can stay for a few months if possible. as of today Aug 2022, is Koh Mook still pretty quiet and not on the tourist agenda yet?
thank you!
Stacy
Hi Stacy,
Yes, even today Koh Mook is still very quiet, especially after the pandemic. However, it’s probably not the right island to stay on for a couple of months – unless you really want something remote and can live with power outages etc.
Marcel
I have 2 days spare after visiting Samui and Krabi and before going back to Bangkok. Which island is more beautiful according to u – lanta or Mook? Thanks in advance.
Hi Shikhar,
in my opinion Koh Mook is much more beautiful. And from Trang on the mainland you can easily fly back to Bangkok.
Best regards,
Tobi
Thanks for the post. I’m thinking about going there. Any info on snorkeling or kayak rentals? Thanks.
Hi Marc,
Snorkeling was awesome on the neighboring island Koh Kradan. You can do a day trip from Koh Mook. Koh Ngai was nice, too.
Marcel
Hello! I was wondering if you think this island can be done as a day trip?!?!
Thank you!
Hi Dee,
yeah, Koh Mook could be done as a day trip. The island is not that big, but I actually don’t know when the last boats are going back to the mainland. We booked our tickets with this agency: https://www.facebook.com/Andamanislandstravel
They speak English and I’m sure they can give you some better information, if you send them just on Facebook.
Hi Tobi,
Thanks for your post! I’m on the way to the island as we speak. Your sign is proudly posted outside of Gift’s office travel office. You wrote that your tour was 200 baht, but she charged me 250. When I questioned her about the discrepancy she told me you booked with 6 people. Was that the case??
Hi Thomas,
Yes, we were traveling with a group of friends/our girlfriends.
Best regards
Marcel
Thank you for the very informative blog. I am going to koh muk in september and ifind your blog truly helpful.