Updated: June 2025
Koh Mook
your ultimate travel guide
Koh Mook: Thailand’s Hidden Island Escape
Koh Mook is one of my absolute favorite island getaways in Thailand, and I always recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful, laid-back place to unwind and explore.
Every time I return, I’m amazed it’s not more crowded with tourists—but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Its slightly more secluded location helps keep the island quiet and authentic, with much of its natural beauty still untouched. It feels like a glimpse into what Thailand’s now-famous islands might have looked like 30 years ago.
Also spelled Koh Muk, the island sits just off the coast of Trang, a southern province below Krabi. It’s easy to reach by speedboat from nearby islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, or Koh Phi Phi.
Whether you’re traveling in luxury or backpacking on a budget, Koh Mook has something for everyone—from beachfront resorts to cozy bamboo bungalows. With a variety of local restaurants to choose from, you can enjoy a new dining experience every day without ever getting bored.
Check out my itinerary, Island Hopping: 20 Days In South Of Thailand.
How do you get to Koh MOOK?
High Season (Mid-October to Mid-May)
Take a speedboat transfer from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Koh Lipe. These routes operate daily and offer the fastest and most scenic way to reach the island during the high season.
Low Season (Mid-May to Mid-October)
During the low season, the island is only accessible from Trang mainland. You can take a boat from either Had Yao Pier or Khuan Tung Ku Pier.
Arriving by Air?
The closest airport is located in Trang. From there, it’s easy to arrange a transfer to the pier and purchase a boat ticket to the island.
WHEN TO VISIT?
If you have the flexibility, I highly recommend planning your trip toward the end of the high season. In my opinion, this is the best time to experience Koh Mook at its finest. We usually visit in late April, and the March–April period offers the perfect balance: the weather is still great, tourist numbers are lower, and accommodation prices begin to drop significantly.
The best time to visit the island is generally between December and April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and all the local businesses and hotels are in full swing.
If you’re considering a trip during the low season (May–October), just keep in mind that some hotels and restaurants may be closed. Weather can be unpredictable, and rough seas can make water activities difficult or even impossible. Transportation is also more limited during this period, with no direct speedboat transfers available.
HOW LONG TO STAY & HOW TO GETTING AROUND ?
I recommend staying at least four nights to truly unwind and explore the island at a relaxed pace. Koh Mook is small enough to cross on foot in about 45 minutes, making it easy to discover hidden beaches and quiet corners.
If your accommodation is a bit farther from the town center, getting around is still easy. You can rent a scooter or bicycle, or hop in one of the local tuk-tuks. The island tuk-tuk service runs at a fixed rate of 50 THB per person for any ride across the island, which makes it both convenient and budget-friendly.
10 MUST Things to do in Koh MOOK
1. Visit Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)
This is an absolute must-do when visiting Koh Mook or the greater Trang area. To reach the hidden beach inside Emerald Cave, you’ll need to swim through a pitch-black tunnel about 80 meters long. At the end, you’ll emerge into a magical lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle. It honestly feels like stepping into a scene from Jurassic Park.
You can book a long-tail boat tour with a local operator (we used PK Team Tours for all our trips and had a great experience), or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak from Farang Beach or Charlie Beach and paddle to the cave yourself.
Important tips:
Only visit during low tide, when the sea level is safe to swim through.
Bring a waterproof torch or headlamp, as the cave is completely dark.
Try to go early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, to beat the tour crowds. After that, it becomes a popular stop for island-hopping tours.
2. Day Trip to Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai
Spend a relaxing day beach hopping and snorkeling around the nearby islands of Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from Koh Mook to Koh Kradan, where you’ll find powdery white sand beaches and clear turquoise water perfect for snorkeling.
You can visit both islands in a single day, or even stay overnight—though keep in mind they are very quiet with no towns and limited dining options. That’s why I prefer using Koh Mook as a base, where you’ll have more restaurants, local life, and accommodation variety.
We did a private 5-hour long-tail boat trip with PK Team Tours, and it was perfect. You can tailor the itinerary, spend more time snorkeling or sunbathing, and avoid the crowds.
3. Koh Mook Viewpoint & Hidden Beaches
The hike to the Koh Mook Viewpoint is fairly easy and takes you through a peaceful rubber tree forest before leading up to a small viewpoint at the island’s center. From there, you’ll get a modest but serene view over the ocean—a quiet spot to pause and enjoy nature.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, the trail continues down a steep hill to Sabai Beach, a secluded and wild stretch of sand. This part of the hike is quite challenging and best suited for those who are reasonably fit. You’ll be rewarded with a peaceful beach that’s often completely empty.
There’s also another trail leading to Lo Dung Beach in the northern part of the island if you’re in the mood to explore further.
To start your hike to the viewpoint, head to Foresthouse Koh Mook, where the trail begins.
4. Sabai (Secret) Beach
If you enjoy hiking, you can reach Sabai Beach by continuing past the Koh Mook viewpoint. Be warned—it’s quite a challenging trek, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. An easier and more relaxing way to get there is by long-tail boat from anywhere on the island, or by kayak from Garnet/Charlie Beach.
Keep in mind that during high tide, the beach almost disappears, so plan your visit around low tide to fully enjoy the sandy shore. There’s also a great snorkeling spot on the right side of the cliffs—perfect for exploring marine life.
5. Explore the Traditional Fishing Village
Koh Mook is home to a traditional “sea gypsy” village, mainly inhabited by the Chao Leh people. The village’s stilt houses, built from local bamboo and wood, stand above the water, creating a unique glimpse into a traditional way of life that has endured for generations.
Visiting this village offers an authentic cultural experience and insight into the island’s heritage.
6. Sivalai Beach
Sivalai Beach quickly became my favorite spot to relax during my stay on Koh Mook. The iconic sandy bank in front of Sivalai Beach Resort is the classic postcard view of the island.
You don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the beach—just be sure to stay clear of the private hotel areas. During low tide, the sandbank shapes beautifully, revealing many tiny starfish scattered across the shore.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from the pier, making it an easy and peaceful escape.
7. Dugong Spotting
One of the main reasons we visited Koh Mook was to catch a glimpse of the magical dugong—an elusive marine mammal listed as a protected species worldwide. Dugongs are often called “sea cows” and are closely related to manatees, but with a distinctive whale-like, fluked tail compared to the manatee’s paddle-shaped one.
After doing some research, we stayed at Inhale @ Hill Koh Mook, where recent dugong sightings had been reported. We planned to rent a boat with a local captain to search the surrounding waters for these gentle creatures. To our amazement, on the very first day of our stay, a dugong appeared right next to the breakfast area!
It was a truly magical and humbling experience to observe such a rare and beautiful animal in its natural habitat. We felt incredibly fortunate to witness this unforgettable moment.
8. Charlie / Garnet / Falang Beach
This small paradise beach, shaded by swaying palm trees, offers soft white sand cradled within a sheltered bay—perfect for unwinding and soaking up the calm vibes. The clear, inviting water is ideal for swimming, making it a great spot to refresh yourself during the day.
Charlie Beach is also the perfect place to watch the sunset paint the sky in stunning colors. For dinner, you can head to the charming Thai restaurant perched on the rocks, where you can enjoy delicious local flavors with a view.
While you’re welcome to bring your own towel, the beach also provides sunbeds, chairs with umbrellas, and small local stalls selling refreshing drinks and snacks.
9. Miss Island Restaurant and Bakery
This is an absolute must-visit for food lovers on Koh Mook. We ended up dining here every single day during our stay because the menu is incredibly diverse—offering everything you could possibly crave. Their freshly baked bread is a standout, and every dish and drink we tried was delicious. The food is beautifully presented, bursting with flavor, and the friendly, welcoming service makes every meal feel special.
10. Kayaking
Renting a kayak is a fantastic way to explore the island from the water. Around the pier area, you have a great chance of spotting sea turtles surfacing for air—these gentle creatures like to hang around here during low tide, feeding on the lush seagrass in the calm waters with minimal boat traffic.
You can paddle your way to the stunning Emerald Cave or make your way to Sabai Beach, as mentioned earlier. Kayak rentals are affordable, at just 100 THB per hour, making it an easy and fun adventure for any visitor.
Where to eat IN KOH MOOk?
Miss Island Restaurant and Bakery — The best spot for brunch, offering a fantastic selection of vegetarian and organic dishes, with both Thai and European flavors.
Perfect Bar & Restaurant — Ideal for a beachfront dinner with fresh seafood and a laid-back vibe.
Sugar’s Coffee & Restaurant — Great for a relaxing lunch with tasty Thai food and plenty of vegan options.
Hilltop Restaurant — Known for authentic Thai cuisine and fresh seafood, set in a lovely hillside location.
Koh Mook Sea Beach Restaurant — Perfect for a Thai dinner accompanied by a cool sea breeze right on the beach.
Dada Restaurant Koh Mook — Offers a cozy, homely atmosphere with great seafood and stunning views.
Where to stay in Koh Mook
Both islands offer accommodations to suit every budget. If you’re looking for affordable options, you’ll find plenty of basic bungalows and charming bamboo huts.
For mid-range travelers, there are some comfortable and well-equipped resorts to choose from. And if you’re seeking luxury or planning a honeymoon, Sivalai Resort is the perfect choice for an unforgettable stay.
🏨 Best Hotels in Koh Mook
Luxury ($$$):
Mid-range ($$):
Budget ($):
Koh Mook is not a polished, pristine resort island—in fact, it still feels quite rural and a bit messy in places. As you wander through the local village, you might notice some garbage piles here and there. Unfortunately, there’s a significant issue with plastic waste and rubbish, especially under the stilt houses and in the mangrove areas.
Like many islands in Southeast Asia, Koh Mook struggles with waste disposal and environmental management. It’s a challenge the community and authorities are aware of, and hopefully, we’ll see improvements in the coming years.
It’s important to keep this in mind when visiting—being respectful and mindful of the environment will help preserve the island’s beauty.
That said, Koh Mook remains a truly beautiful and wild place. The diversity of marine life and bird species here is incredible. We were lucky enough to spot stunning hornbills right near our bungalow every day.
If you’re planning a trip to Southern Thailand, I highly recommend making Koh Mook one of your island stops. Despite its rough edges, the island’s natural charm and peaceful atmosphere will leave you with unforgettable memories—just as it has for me.
