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Everything You Need to Know about Koh Kham, Thailand
- Where is Koh Kham?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Koh Kham
- What to See and Do in Koh Kham
- Hit the snorkeling spots
- Have fun swimming in Koh Kham’s warm and crystalline waters
- Stroll around the island
- Sunbathe or laze around Koh Kham’s powdery white sands
- Explore Koh Kham’s coastlines with a rental kayak
- Rent a stand-up paddle board at the island’s small shop
- Have a lovely picnic along the bay
- Check out the island’s abandoned resort building
- Enjoy the Koh Kham beautiful sunset
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Kham
- Food Art Hut
- Koh Mak Seafood Restaurant
- Clay Pot Restaurant
- Where to Shop in and Near Koh Kham
- My Saltwater Heart
- Koh Mak Minimart
- Lotus’s
- Where to Stay Near Koh Kham
- Koh Mak Resort
- Seavana Beach Resort Koh Mak
- Islanda Resort Hotel
- FAQs about Koh Kham
Koh Kham is a small hidden paradise that should give the best islands of Thailand a run for the money. It’s an unspoiled gem of powdery white sands and rocky coastlines surrounded by the Thai Gulf’s crystalline waters and diverse coral reefs.
This tiny island isn’t riddled with resorts and restaurants, so not being marred by development is most likely its biggest selling point. Rich in natural beauty, Koh Kham is one of the few islands where you can still enjoy nature without much human impact.
What does this mean? Well, Kho Kham might not be big on modern luxuries, and that’s probably for the better.
Where is Koh Kham?
Koh Kham is an islet in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s only 750 meters west of Koh Mak’s northern portion.
Things to Know
Admission Cost: 300 baht (includes a boat ride from Koh Mak, entry fee and one drink)
How to Get to Koh Kham
Boat: The best way to get to Koh Kham is to ride a speedboat at the pier in front of Koh Mak Resort. You can also buy the speedboat ticket from this resort, but keep in mind that this doesn’t cover the entry fee to the island.
But first, you have to get to Koh Mak by boarding a ferry at any of the piers in mainland Trat. The closest pier is Laem Sok in Ao Yai Subdistrict.
What to See and Do in Koh Kham
Hit the snorkeling spots
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Snorkeling is arguably the most popular activity in Koh Kham. After all, the island is known for its warm, gentle, and crystal-clear waters which are suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels.
Also, many marine animals live in the numerous rock formations around the island, so it’s easy to spot and observe them while snorkeling. Koh Kham’s best snorkeling spot is on its eastern side.
Here, you’ll find vast coral reefs, colorful tropical fishes, and other marine life.
Have fun swimming in Koh Kham’s warm and crystalline waters
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Koh Kham’s warm and gentle waters make it a top-tier swimming spot. The island doesn’t have strong currents or big waves, so it’s safe even for children, beginners, or non-swimmers.
Just be sure to stay at the island’s main bay along Khao Kham Pier since it’s the shallowest part, especially during the low tide. It’s also protected by underwater rock formations that serve as natural breakwaters.
But if you’re an experienced swimmer, the island also has many other bays you can head to for a fun swim.
Stroll around the island
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Koh Kham is a small secluded island, so there’s not much to see apart from a few small buildings and the natural scenery. However, that makes it ideal for casual exploration since it’s beginner-friendly and it doesn’t take a long time to fully survey.
This island also has several photo spots, so exploring it should be worthwhile. This includes a heart-shaped wooden platform, natural rock formations, and twisted mangrove trees.
You can also find tree swings attached to various palm trees that you can use to relax while soaking in the island’s stunning view and cool breeze.
Sunbathe or laze around Koh Kham’s powdery white sands
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If you want to get a tan, sunbathing on a paradise island like Koh Kham is an excellent choice. Plus, crowds only arrive here starting midday, so you’ll most likely have its powdery white sands to yourself during the ideal sunbathing times from 7 to 9 a.m.
We also like that the island’s coastlines have many palm trees, perfect when you need shade against the sun. This way, you don’t have to worry about the harsh midday sunlight if you only want to enjoy the island’s fresh ocean breeze.
Explore Koh Kham’s coastlines with a rental kayak
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Riding a kayak is the best way to explore Koh Kham’s coastlines. This lets you circle around the island much easier, so you can admire its natural beauty from the Gulf of Thailand.
Moreover, you can use your kayak to visit Koh Kham’s neighboring islands. Think Koh Mak, Koh Kradat, Koh Rayang Nok, and Koh Rayang Nai.
Rent a stand-up paddle board at the island’s small shop
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The small shop in Koh Kham also offers rental paddle boards. You can also use their stand-up paddle boards to explore the waters along the island’s coastlines or observe the underwater life.
Paddle boards are also easier to pick up than a kayak, so it’s a solid option for uninitiated beginners.
Have a lovely picnic along the bay
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Though Koh Kham doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, it’s still perfect for beach picnics. Just be sure to bring enough food and drinks so you can enjoy the island’s stunning view and relaxing atmosphere from morning to afternoon.
Plus, the island has bathrooms, so you don’t have to hold back on munching our packed food. There are numerous wooden tables and chairs as well in case you don’t want to set up a beach blanket or sit on the powdery white sands.
Check out the island’s abandoned resort building
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When you visit an island in Thailand, you either see a resort or you don’t, so the abandoned building in Koh Kham is definitely a unique sight. It’s nothing like an ancient ruin but seeing it gives off a bit of historical and jungle-ish vibes.
For one, the building’s walls are covered in overgrown vines which make for an interesting photo subject or backdrop. But you can also climb to its upper level to get a nice view of the island.
Enjoy the Koh Kham beautiful sunset
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A trip to an island paradise like Koh Kham won’t be complete without seeing its beautiful sunset, and it’s definitely the best way to end your day. Just be sure to talk to the boat operators on the island because the last ride is usually at 5 p.m.
Or you can hire a private boat if you want to stay longer.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Kham
Food Art Hut
Media from kohmakfoodarthut
Address: Koh Mak
Phone: +66 85 447 4028
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast
Food Art Hut in Koh Mak is one of the best food spots near Koh Kham. This restaurant is particularly known for its excellent breakfast options, from smoothie bowls to Western-style toasts, salads, pasta, baguette sandwiches, omelets, and coffee.
They also serve numerous Thai dishes, perfect if you like variety. Think red curry, green curry, yellow, tom yum soup, kang jued, yum talay, larb moo, etc.
But our favorite is their signature avocado on toast. You can have it with various toppings like fried egg, poached egg, scrambled egg, boiled egg, bruschetta, fried mushrooms, grilled sweet peppers, Danish cheese, banana with chocolate, and more.
Koh Mak Seafood Restaurant
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Address: Ao Nid, Koh Mak
Phone: +66 89 833 4474
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood lovers and vegetarians
If you’re a huge seafood fan, Koh Mak Seafood Restaurant is a solid option. This place specializes in seafood dishes, from crab curry to seafood tom yum, deep-fried fish, steamed crabs, crab spring rolls, fresh oysters, and fish sashimi.
Their rustic alfresco dining area and refreshing seaside view are a plus. They also have a dedicated vegetarian menu, perfect for travelers who don’t necessarily like seafood.
In fact, one of their best sellers is their jungle curry. It’s a healthy, spicy curry dish made with assorted Thai veggies and herbs.
Clay Pot Restaurant
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Address: Koh Mak
Phone: +66 92 679 1385
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for grilled and oven-baked food
Clay Pot Restaurant excels in grilled and oven-baked meat dishes. Our top pick is their baked chicken. It’s a marinated chicken leg or breast slow-cooked in their traditional clay pot oven.
Their grilled meats are also a must-try. This includes grilled chicken steak, pork steak, pork ribs, English sausage, and prawns.
Or if you want a more standard Thai meal, you can opt for their selection of Thai curries, spicy salads, noodles, and seafood soups. They also serve Western staples like fish and chips, pasta, burgers, and more.
Where to Shop in and Near Koh Kham
My Saltwater Heart
Media from mysaltwaterheart
Address: 116, 1, Koh Mak, Ko Kut District
Phone: +66 82 634 5246
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for fashion shopping
My Saltwater Heart is a small clothing and accessory shop in Koh Mak. The clothes and jewelry they sell are made on the island through the KohMake organization so it’s great if you want to support local products.
Moreover, the money they earn from this project helps with the island’s animal welfare which is a massive plus. They specialize in beach clothing, so you can shop here before you head to Koh Kham.
Koh Mak Minimart
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Address: Koh Mak
Phone: +66 91 816 5797
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Koh Mak Minimart is an island shop that sells various products, from fresh produce, snacks, drinks, clothes, flip flops, hygiene products, medical supplies, and more. It’s a great place to visit if you need to stock up on essentials for your Koh Kham trip.
We particularly like buying fruits and vegetables here because these are grown by the shop’s owners. They also serve Thai food, so you can have a quick meal while you’re shopping.
Lotus’s
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Address: 1134 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Wang Krachae
Phone: +66 39 531 444
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
If you’re traveling from mainland Trat to Koh Kham, we recommend stopping by Lotus’s hypermarket in Wang Krachae if you plan to shop for supplies. This place has a supermarket and department store, so you can buy necessities and clothes.
This hypermarket is also 33 minutes from Laem Sok Pier where you can find boats going to Koh Mak and Koh Kham.
Where to Stay Near Koh Kham
Koh Mak Resort
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Address: 1 Moo 2, Koh Mak
Phone: +66 39 501 013
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
If you’re looking for the nearest possible accommodation, Koh Mak Resort is your best option. Location-wise, this place is convenient because it’s in front of the pier, so you have easy access to the boats going to Koh Kham.
It’s also next to the sea, so you can enjoy stunning sunset and sunrise views while you stay here. Their standard rooms can only accommodate up to 2 people, perfect for vacationing couples.
For families and small groups, they have a large beachfront bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a separate living area, and a sun deck. This bungalow can accommodate up to 6 guests with an extra bed option.
Seavana Beach Resort Koh Mak
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Address: 1/23 Moo 2, Koh Mak
Phone: +66 90 864 5646
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
Seavana Beach Resort Koh Mak is a stunning beachfront venue popular among couples. They offer standard rooms and private bungalows which are all designed for 2 people.
Their accommodations are decked out with all the basic amenities, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay. If you pick an upgraded room, you also get a private patio, balcony, open-air shower, and whirlpool tub.
This resort also has an outdoor pool, rental kayas, rental paddle boards, and a bar with an exclusive beach area.
Islanda Resort Hotel
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Address: 81 Moo 2, Koh Mak
Phone: +66 88 782 5223
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Islanda Resort Hotel is one of the more stylish seaside hotels you can find in Koh Mak. It overlooks the Gulf of Thailand for stunning ocean views and it’s close to Ao Nid Pier which gives you quick access to nearby islands like Koh Kham.
They have large airy rooms with modern interiors and amenities for guaranteed comfort. There’s also an open-air restaurant, an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, elegant wooden terraces, and comfy sun loungers.
Plus, complimentary breakfast is always included in all room bookings.
