How to Travel to the Remote Koh Mook in Thailand?

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Most people experience Koh Mook as a 30-minute stop on a crowded tour boat to see the Emerald Cave.

They miss the local fishing village, and the rugged trails because they’re separated by a massive cliff wall—and honestly? That’s why I love it.

The good news? Despite its “hidden gem” reputation, Koh Mook is surprisingly accessible if you know the right routes.

I’ve navigated the transit routes from Bangkok to the southern islands, and despite its “hidden gem” status, getting here is a breeze if you know the right hops.

Whether you’re island-hopping from Koh Lanta or flying into Trang, here is exactly how to reach the authentic side of Koh Mook.

Read on for more details!

TL;DL Version – How To Get To Koh Mook

FromMode of TransportTimeWhat to expect
BangkokFlight (to Trang) + Van + Boat~5 hrsFastest option; book a “joint ticket” at Trang airport.
BangkokSleeper Train/Bus + Van + Boat14-16 hrsBest for budget; saves you the cost of a night’s hotel.
Koh LantaDirect Speedboat45-60 minSuper easy; runs daily during high season (Oct–May).
Phuket / Phi PhiDirect Speedboat2-3 hrsPricey but direct; avoids backtracking to the mainland.
Koh LipeDirect Speedboat~2 hrsUsually a bumpy ride; stops at Koh Kradan along the way.
Krabi TownMinivan to Trang Pier + Boat3.5 hrsCheaper than the speedboat; most direct land route.

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, 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 – flight typically takes 1hr 30min.
  • 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.

You can also find a taxi at the airport and get a private longtail boat at the pier. Although this will cost more (but it’s always worth negotiating the price).

  • Another transportation option from Bangkok is to take a sleeper bus or train to Trang town.
  • This can be up to three times cheaper than flying, but 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.

From Krabi Town

Traveling from Krabi Town 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 (1 hr) or Koh Lanta by minivan (3h 30m) and then switch to a speedboat to Koh Mook.
  • If you don’t like long sailing journeys you can also 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. 

The most economical option will be sharing taxi trip with others

Driver will take you directly to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier, where you will get a boat to Koh Mook for around 100 baht (3 USD).

From Koh Lipe – Our Experience

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.

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!

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.

  • 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 helpful to check the ferry schedules in advance, and book your tickets early for a smooth trip.

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?

  1. Online: An easy way to buy ferry tickets and combined tickets.
  2. Ticket Office: Head to the closest pier and find an office, like we did on Koh Lipe.
  3. 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).
  4. 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 travellers from the US, UK, and EU, the best option is the 60-day visa exemption entry (2026 regulations).
  • This allows you to enter Thailand without a prior visa application and stay for up to 60 days.
  • It is a perfect solution for vacationers, but if you plan to stay longer or visit for reasons other than tourism, you will need to obtain a visa.

Before travelling, 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 the high season 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.
  • Remember to pack accordingly to the 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 my favourite things to do on Koh Mook:

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.

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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

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. Now you can learn more about their history and culture at a museum in Koh Lanta Old Town.

Hiking in the Jungle

Koh Mook is not overly developed, offering many adventurous experiences, like 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 trekking, you’ll find many challenging jungle hikes.
  • Remember to avoid the midday heat and bring bug repellent, as jungle mosquitoes can be vicious.

Exploring Neighboring Islands

One of the best things about Koh Mook is its location. It’s the perfect “base camp” for exploring the rest of the Trang archipelago.

If you want more seclusion, you can easily hop over to:

  1. Koh Libong – The best spot in Thailand to see rare Dugongs in their natural habitat.
  2. Koh Kradan – Famous for crystal-clear water and white powder sand.
  3. Koh Ngai – A quiet, road-free escape if you want total serenity.

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.

Read My Other Posts about Visiting Thailand:

Beata is an expert in authentic, adventure-filled and culture-rich travel.
With years of exploring hidden gems across diverse countries her mission is to help you uncover unique, budget-friendly experiences that connect you with nature and local cultures.

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