How to Travel to the Remote Koh Mook in Thailand? – 2024 Guide

Koh Mook is a hidden gem among Thailand’s busy islands. If you are looking for a unique destination with stunning nature and peaceful atmosphere, this is a place to be.

Koh Mook is also a home to the famous Emerald Cave. And while you can easily book a group tour to visit the cave, you won’t have the chance to stay longer on the island. The village is separated from the Emerald Cave by huge limestone cliffs and most tourists never make it that far.

Although not very touristy, Koh Mook is actually well-connected to other popular destinations in the area. You can easily catch a speedboat from Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Phi Phi islands.

There are also convenient boat connections from Phuket and Krabi. Even traveling from Bangkok can be straightforward—just fly to Trang Airport, and you can reach Koh Mook in a few hours.

Read on to discover the best ways to reach the lovely Koh Mook in Thailand!

Where is Koh Mook Located?

Koh Mook is located in the south of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Trang islands, along with its neighbors Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Libong. 

While it might seem far from popular places like Bangkok or Phuket when looking at the map, it’s actually quite close to the mainland, making travel there a bit easier.

Koh Mook is also near Malaysia and the Langkawi Archipelago, which simplifies travel for tourists coming from the south.

The Best Way to Travel to Koh Mook

From Bangkok

The fastest and easiest way to reach Koh Mook from Bangkok is to fly to Trang Airport, with flights typically taking about an hour and a half. From the Airport, you can take a taxi or a shared van to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier (1 hour drive) where direct speedboats to Koh Mook depart.

Combined tickets for the van and speedboat can be easily found online. Alternatively, you can find a taxi at the airport and even get a private longtail boat at the pier. Although this will cost more (it’s always worth negotiating the price).

Another option to travel from Bangkok is to take a sleeper bus or train to Trang town. And while this can be up to three times cheaper than flying, the journey will be significantly longer—16 hours by bus and 12 hours by train.

From Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta

Many tourists start their journey in Bangkok and then head south to explore the Thai Andaman Coast. If you find yourself in Phuket or Koh Lanta, you might be tempted to explore smaller islands.

Fortunately, there is a direct speedboat operating during high season from Phuket Rassada Pier to Koh Mook. The whole journey takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. The same speedboat also stops at the following islands: Koh Phi Phi (Ao Ton Sai Pier), Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier), and Koh Ngai (Beach Jetty).

You can easily get to Koh Mook from all above destinations. Search for Bundhaya speedboat.

From Krabi Town

Traveling from Krabi is a bit more complicated than from Phuket or Koh Lanta. There are no direct ferries to Koh Mook, so if traveling by sea, you will first need to go to Koh Phi Phi by ferry or Koh Lanta by minivan (3h 30m) and then switch to a speedboat to Koh Mook.

If you don’t like long journeys sailing on the sea and are afraid that the waves might be rough, it might be better to travel through land to Trang town and get a boat to Koh Mook from the Kuan Tung Ku Pier. You can find a joint ticket for a bus and ferry or find a taxi and negotiate the price. 

If you are sharing the trip with others, a taxi can be a more economical option. It will take you directly to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier, where you can get a boat ticket to Koh Mook for around 100 baht.

From Koh Lipe – Our Journey

For us, getting to Koh Mook was as easy as taking a speedboat from Koh Lipe – an island located even further south. During the high season, speedboats operate at least twice a day, so getting to Koh Mook is not much of a hassle. 

Still, it’s advisable to buy your ticket at least a day in advance to secure a spot and choose the most suitable time. We bought our ticket the day before, directly at the Koh Lipe pier.

The pier area and immigration at Koh Lipe seems a bit chaotic, but the staff is well-informed and speaks English. They take care of every passenger and ensure we know what to do.

Our boat was heading to Koh Lanta, stopping along the way at neighboring islands where some passengers disembarked and others boarded. 

Koh Mook was the third stop after Koh Libong and Koh Kradan. The boat journey took around 2 hours, but the waves were big that day, making our ride quite bumpy. If you suffer from sea sickness, be sure to prepare accordingly!

Traveling to Koh Mook from any other Thai islands located in the Andaman Sea is very easy, especially during the high season. You will always find a speedboat or ferry available. 

If you can’t find tickets online, they can be usually purchased right at the pier or even at your hotel. And sometimes, prices can be cheaper when buying tickets in person than online, so it’s worth checking your options.

From Langkawi

If you’re traveling to Thailand from Malaysia, it’s relatively easy to get to Koh Mook from Langkawi. This journey will require one change of ferries, as you will need to go through immigration in Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe, being one of the southernmost Thai islands, is a key entry point for travelers coming from Malaysia. Ferries from Langkawi drop passengers off at Koh Lipe, where everyone needs to go through immigration procedures. 

After getting your passport stamped, you can catch the next ferry to Koh Mook from the same location.

The entire process is very straightforward, but it’s advisable to check the ferry schedules in advance and book your tickets early to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. 

Just remember to carry all necessary travel documents and some cash, as certain fees might need to be paid in cash.

How to Buy a Transport Ticket to Koh Mook?

• Online: An easy way to buy ferry tickets and combined tickets.
• Ticket Office: Head to the closest pier and find an office, like we did on Koh Lipe.
• Hotel: If you’re staying far from the pier, ask your hotel for help organizing a ticket (especially if you need a taxi or tuk-tuk).
• Tour Agent: Many tour companies sell tickets on the street or in small shops. It’s worth comparing prices between agents.

Remember to negotiate the price (sellers will speak English) and buy your tickets in advance.

Visa to Thailand

Depending on your country of origin, you might need a visa to enter Thailand. For travelers from the US, UK, and EU, the best option is the 30-day visa exemption entry. This allows you to enter Thailand without a prior visa application and stay for up to 30 days.

This is a perfect solution for vacationers. However, if you plan to stay longer or visit for reasons other than tourism, you might need a different type of visa. For stays longer than 30 days, you can apply for a tourist visa, which allows a stay of up to 60 days and can often be extended for an additional 30 days. 

Additionally, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, as this is a common entry requirement.

When to Travel to Koh Mook?

The best time to travel to Koh Mook is during the high season, which on the Andaman Coast of Thailand is between October and May. During this time, the weather is ideal, with little rain and calm seas.

All the information provided here is based on high season conditions. If you visit during the off-peak season, some aspects might differ. Main transportation options should still be available, but with lower frequency.

Not all tours will be operating, and some main tourist attractions will be closed to preserve nature from the high tourist influx, so be respectful and adhere to local rules.

There might be disruptions at sea, so check for potential ferry cancellations during the monsoon season. It is always better to stay safe and wait for better weather conditions.

What to Do on Koh Mook

Koh Mook is definitely not a typical party destination which most of us think about when traveling to Thailand. Instead, it offers a rustic atmosphere where you can connect with nature, away from crowds and loud pool parties.

Below you can find our favorite things to do on Koh Mook. Beyond the obvious relaxing on the beach and trying delicious Thai food!

Visiting Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)

Emerald Cave is a natural wonder. This hidden cave and lagoon were formed when limestone cliffs collapsed hundreds of years ago. Legend has it that the cave was once a hideout for pirates due to its secluded nature.

Today, Emerald Cave is a must-see spot in Thailand, attracting many tourists every year. While I usually avoid popular tourist spots, Emerald Cave is worth visiting at least once in your life. And staying on Koh Mook makes it easier to avoid the crowds and enjoy the lagoon in a more peaceful atmosphere.

To beat the crowds, visit Emerald Cave early in the morning. The best way to do this is by booking a private long-tail boat from Koh Mook pier. These boats are run by locals, and you can choose the start time of your trip.

Water Sports: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Diving

Koh Mook may not be a party destination, but it’s perfect for water activities. You can rent a kayak on Charlie Beach and paddle across the Andaman Sea or even visit Emerald Cave that way.

If you’re interested in underwater life, try snorkeling and diving. Great snorkeling spots are near Koh Kradan Island, and the best diving destination is near Koh Rok. These locations are close to Koh Mook, and it’s easy to rent a boat or join a group trip.

Baan Koh Mook – the fisherman’s village

While staying on Koh Mook, visit the local fishermen’s village, Baan Koh Mook. The island is inhabited by the Urak Lawoi people, also known as “sea people,” an indigenous tribe in Thailand traditionally living and working by the sea.

Today, the Urak Lawoi face challenges and are being resettled from their traditional beachside locations. One of the largest communities was moved to Koh Lipe. You can learn more about these ethnic groups at a museum in Koh Lanta Old Town.

On Koh Mook, there’s a small traditional village near the pier where you can see how the locals live. At the end of your walk, you might find a local restaurant for dinner and support the community.

Hiking in the Jungle

Koh Mook is not overly developed, offering many opportunities for jungle hikes. Most trails lead to wild beaches and small mangrove forests. Some parts of the forest are also used as rubber plantations.

If you enjoy hiking, you’ll find many challenging paths. Remember to avoid the midday heat and bring bug repellent, as jungle mosquitoes can be quite vicious.

Exploring Neighboring Islands

If you get bored with Koh Mook, it’s easy and convenient to visit other Trang islands. Some are even more secluded and peaceful than Koh Mook. Consider visiting Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, or Koh Libong.

Final Thoughts on Travel to Koh Mook in Thailand

No matter where you start your journey, with a little planning, traveling to Koh Mook can be stress-free and exciting. Choose from the many options I’ve listed to best suit your budget and travel style. 

And no matter how you decide to get there, I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time on the unique Koh Mook.