Is Koh Mook the Least Touristy Island in Thailand? – 2024 Guide

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July 9, 2024

Koh Mook, hidden in the Andaman Sea, is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. This small island, covered in jungle and massive limestone cliffs, offers more than just sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

It’s a place where you can enjoy untouched nature and a truly rustic atmosphere.

Koh Mook (also known as Koh Muk) translates from Thai as “Pearl Island” and it is truly unique. Time slows down here, no one uses cars and there is no walking street or night market. Despite that, you will find plenty to do!

We spent a few days on Koh Mook and quickly fell in love with the island. It’s walkable, with many authentic restaurants and beautiful beaches. At the same time, it offers adventure hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, and even diving.

Read on to explore the best things to do on the island and discover why Koh Mook might just be the least touristy island in Thailand!

What to expect when visiting Koh Mook?

Koh Mook is all about relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Unlike other Thai islands that we’ve visited it’s not overcrowded by tourists.

There are no cars and the island is quite walkable. It is basically one small village with a main street and fisherman houses near the pier. Walking around the entire village takes less than two hours, something like that won’t be possible on islands like Koh Lanta or in Krabi Town!

Much of Koh Mook is covered in jungle and rubber plantations. Hiking through the forest, you can reach wild, rocky beaches with small mangrove forests. If you love nature and seek even less touristic spots, this area is perfect for you.

Evenings on the island are calm so don’t expect to see huge parties, fire shows or bustling night markets.

Most places on Koh Mook accept cash only, but there is an ATM available, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Main activities to do on Koh Mook are watersports, hiking, snorkeling and simply enjoying the beach.

Where is Koh Mook located?

Koh Mook is an island situated off the southern coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Trang islands, which also include Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Libong.

The waters surrounding Koh Mook are part of the Marine National Park – Hat Chao Mai.

Located far south, Koh Mook is a remote destination, especially for people traveling from Bangkok. However, its southern location makes it easy to reach from destinations like the popular Malaysian island, Langkawi.

How to travel to Koh Mook?

Depending on your starting point, you can easily get a speedboat, as we did from Ko Lipe, or you might need to spend more time planning your trip with a few changeovers.

It’s a good idea to go directly from Bangkok and make your way back up north, especially if you’re flying back from the Thai capital. This may not be the cheapest option but it is definitely fast and convenient.

To reach Koh Mook from Bangkok, fly to Trang Airport and then get to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier, where you will catch a direct speedboat to Koh Mook.

You can find combined tickets for the van and speedboat online, or try to book everything in person and negotiate the price. I described in more detail how to travel to Koh Mook in a separate post.

When should you travel to Koh Mook?

The best time to visit Koh Mook is during the high season, which starts in October and ends in May. During this period, you can be almost certain that the weather will be hot and sunny, and rain won’t disrupt your plans.

In addition to the favorable weather, high season on the Andaman Coast means that all tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants will be open. Even if you don’t mind the rain, visiting during the high season might be more convenient.

On the other hand, visiting during the monsoon season might allow you to find cheaper accommodations. However, Koh Mook as one of the least touristy Thai island, is not crowded even during high season, so you can still enjoy a peaceful stay without feeling overcharged.

How to Get Around Koh Mook?

There are no cars on Koh Mook and we absolutely love it. During our stay, we only saw mopeds, bicycles and tuk-tuks.

Koh Mook is really small, with basically one road that starts at the pier and branches in two directions – south to Charlie Beach and north near the fisherman’s village.

We rented a moped to explore the island, which was particularly helpful for visiting the beach on the opposite side.

However, you’ll likely spend as much on tuk-tuks as we did on a moped and petrol. Renting a moped is definitely not necessary while staying on Koh Mook, especially if you like walking.

Is Koh Mook Safe?

I felt completely safe on Koh Mook and enjoyed my solo walks in the mornings as the village slowly woke up.

There are only a few shops, a small school, and a mosque. Even on not very touristy Koh Mook, the main infrastructure revolves around tourism, so you’ll mostly meet locals working in hotels and restaurants.

People are polite and may invite you to eat at their place, but it’s always done politely.

It feels like everyone knows each other on the island. Even in the middle of the jungle, we (luckily!) met a friendly man who gave us a lift when our moped broke down.

Although, you might see some stray dogs on Koh Mook, they are not dangerous. Plus, if you like cats, you can find them napping inside grocery shops.

What to Do on Koh Mook?

Koh Mook, though quiet, relatively undiscovered and probably one of the least touristy islands in the area, offers a variety of activities for all kinds of travelers.

The most popular include visiting Emerald Cave, snorkeling, kayaking, jungle hiking, exploring the fisherman’s village, relaxing on the beach, and swimming in the Andaman Sea.

1. Visiting Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)

Visit to Emerald Cave and Pool is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Although it is located on Koh Mook, the only way to access it is by sea. The cave is well hidden and surrounded by massive limestone cliffs, so you can’t hike there from the island.

Emerald Cave is considered a “must-see” spot in southern Thailand and attracts huge crowds of tourists each year. I have described our experience of visiting Emerald Cave in a separate post on this blog.

2. Snorkeling around Trang islands

The waters surrounding Koh Mook and its neighboring islands are perfect for snorkeling. There are many spots around the Trang Islands where the water is clear offering views of beautiful sea life and coral reefs.

We had a great experience on a half-day private longtail boat trip, where we first visited Emerald Cave and then went snorkeling near Koh Kradan. We observed diverse fish and other sea creatures in the perfectly clear and warm water.

If you are not staying on Koh Kradan, Koh Mook is your best option. While I didn’t research accommodation on Koh Kradan, I noticed that restaurant prices were higher there and the vibe was generally more luxurious there than on Koh Mook.

3. Kayaking in the Andaman Sea

You can easily book a kayak on Charlie Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Koh Mook. It’s a good place for kayaking as there are not many fishermen’s boats there.

From Charlie Beach it’s easy to paddle across the sea to admire the huge limestone cliffs. We even spotted some wildlife from the kayak, like birds and lizards.

Renting a kayak for 1 hour cost us 200 baht. You will receive a wet bag and lifejacket, and it is perfectly safe to leave your shoes and clothes at the rental place on Charlie Beach.

When kayaking in Thailand always remember to take a hat, sunscreen, and water with you. Also, bring plenty of cash as it is the only accepted payment option.

Be aware of speedboats and ferries when kayaking in the open sea, especially near Emerald Cave.

4. Hiking Through The Lush Koh Mook’s Jungle

Most of Koh Mook is in fact covered with jungle. If you enjoy long walks and hiking, try exploring the beautiful, green rain forest. There are a few hiking paths leading to small, less popular beaches.

We visited Lo Dung Beach, which was more muddy and rocky than sandy. We couldn’t swim there, but we enjoyed exploring the jungle, which locals also use as rubber plantations.

The path was easy to follow, but remember to check the map first and don’t forget an insect repellent as mosquitoes in the jungle can be vicious!

The path is pretty rough, so it’s better not to go there on a rented moped. Although locals drive there daily, our moped broke down in the middle of the jungle, and we were extremely lucky to meet a local who gave us a lift back to our hotel!

5. Relax at Charlie Beach

Our favorite beach on Koh Mook was definitely Charlie Beach (also called Haad Si Yo or Farang Beach). If you are staying near the center of the town, it takes around 5 minutes on a moped and about 35 minutes walking to get there.

While you won’t necessarily need a moped on Koh Mook, it can be handy and can save you a lot of time.

The atmosphere on Charlie Beach is very laid back. It’s located quite far from the pier and you won’t see a lot of typical commercial tourist infrastructure there.

It’s a great place to relax or rent a kayak and explore the sea. Small food stalls offer fresh and delicious food and drinks at affordable prices. And in the evening Charlie Beach is the best spot to watch the sunset on Koh Mook!

6. Watch Sunrise at Sivalai Beach

Another beautiful beach on Koh Mook is Sivalai Beach, located near the pier and much closer to the “town center” than Charlie Beach.

This place is especially popular with tourists staying at the Sivalai Resort, which is more expensive than other places on the island but offers accommodation right next to the beach.

Due to its location, Sivalai Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise. It’s peaceful, and you can observe the morning views with local fishermen and marine life slowly waking up.

You can also find a few restaurants nearby where you can grab a meal while enjoying the morning views.

7. Wander Around the Baan Koh Mook – the Fisherman’s Village

Koh Mook’s vibe is all about rustic charm, making it perfect for experiencing the less touristy side of Thailand. For a glimpse of local life, take a walk in the fishermen’s village.

Similar to other islands on the Thai Andaman coast, Koh Mook was first inhabited by indigenous people called the Urak Lawoi. This semi-nomadic tribe used to live close to the sea, fishing for their livelihood. You can learn about their history in Koh Lanta Old Town.

Baan Koh Mook village is easy to reach from the pier – just turn right, and you will find a street with small restaurants and bungalows. As you go further, you will see houses on stilts and small boats tied to the shore.

Although the beach here is not suitable for swimming, wandering around the village next to the sea was one of my favorite morning activities. It really felt like Koh Mook was the least tourist island in Thailand.

The truly idyllic atmosphere, with local huts, restaurants, and bungalows mixed together, is what I liked most about Koh Mook.

8. Go Diving in The Beautiful Thai Waters

Depending on your experience with diving, you can spend a few days on Koh Mook getting your PADI license, going on a diving trip or trying a discovery dive.

I have seen a lot of interesting sea creatures just snorkeling around the Trang islands, so diving in the Andaman Sea must be a great experience.

Most popular place to go on a diving trip in this area is Koh Rok, which is known for its stunning coral reef and diverse sea life.

9. Explore The Island on a Bicycle

Great alternative to renting a moped is getting a bicycle. There are no cars on the island, so it’s super safe for cyclists. The only vehicles you will see are tuk-tuks, mopeds and bicycles.

With a bike it will be easy to visit Charlie Beach, go to the pier and just explore the island. But be careful when driving into the jungle, as the roads are pretty bumpy and steep.

10. Try Delicious Thai Food in The Local Restaurants

Koh Mook is a place where you can enjoy tasty and affordable local food. There are many restaurants to choose from, each offering a variety of delicious Thai cuisine. Most restaurants also offer a sea view!

The best places to find restaurants on the island are:

Charlie beach – mainly food stalls serving fried noodles, fresh fruit, coconut juice and much more!
In the “village center” – if you go straight ahead from the pier, you will find a quite busy street that serves as the informal village center. You can find many restaurants there, some of them open until late.
Along the coast, next to the pier – Turn right when exiting the pier to find a lovely street with bungalows and local restaurants. It’s a great place to enjoy dinner by the sea.

11. Hop On a Boat to Explore Neighboring Islands

If you want to explore other Thai islands, it is very easy to travel from Koh Mook. You can take a regular speedboat departing from the pier and venture out into the ocean.

Another option is to book an organized tour to explore small neighboring islands. The closest islands are Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai, but speedboats can take you to even farther locations.

You can easily spend a full day on another island and return to Koh Mook in the evening. Distances between the islands in the Andaman Sea are not huge, so it is quite easy to plan a day trip.

Koh Mook Itineraries:

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Visit Emerald Cave, go snorkeling, and relax on Koh Kradan beach. After returning to Koh Mook, stroll around the fisherman’s village and enjoy dinner in a lovely restaurant with a sea view.

Day 2 – Explore the wild side of the island by hiking through the jungle to reach the hidden beaches of Koh Mook. Remember to bring plenty of water and bug repellent. In the evening, relax at one of the local restaurants near the town center.

Day 3 – Get up early to see the sunrise at Sivalai Beach, then spend the rest of the day on a diving trip exploring the best spots near Koh Rok.

Day 4 – Spend a day sunbathing and swimming at Charlie Beach. Try fresh seafood and fruit from the food stalls next to the beach. If a whole day on the beach feels too slow-paced, rent a kayak and paddle around the island.

Day 5 – Venture outside Koh Mook to discover smaller (and sometimes uninhabited) islands. Rent a longtail boat at the pier (you can also arrange it the day before) and sail to Koh Ngai, Koh Libong, or Koh Rok.

Shorter Stay on Koh Mook – One Full-Day Itinerary:

Emerald Cave + Snorkeling + Island Visit – start your day early with a trip to Emerald Cave, followed by snorkeling and a visit to Koh Kradan. If it’s a private tour, you can ask your guide to spend less time on the beach and return to Koh Mook earlier.
Fisherman’s Village – after returning, take a short walk in the fisherman’s village, which won’t take more than half an hour. This is a great way to experience the local charm of the island. You can choose to have a meal or drink and enjoy the ambiance.
Charlie Beach – head to Charlie Beach for dinner while enjoying the sunset. You might have enough time to rent a kayak for an hour or two if you still have the energy to paddle.

The small size of Koh Mook and its proximity to other islands and prime snorkeling spots make it ideal for packing various adventures into a single day. Even if you have a tight schedule, Koh Mook is a destination you shouldn’t miss!

Downsides of Koh Mook

While we thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Koh Mook, it may not be the ideal destination for everyone. Here are a few downsides to consider when planning your visit:

Limited Sightseeing: f you are interested in cultural sights, temples, or museums, you won’t find them on Koh Mook. It is a small fisherman’s village and the best you can see is the houses and lives of local people, which was still very interesting to me!
Environmental Pollution: Unfortunately, pollution is an issue on Koh Mook, especially in less touristy areas. Trash dumping in the forest and polluted rivers are still common problems.
Not Ideal for Remote Work: We found the WiFi quality in our bungalow to be lacking, with decent internet only near the reception area. Even with a local SIM card, mobile data was spotty and unreliable, especially if you need to make a lot of video calls.
Not a Party Island: Koh Mook is not a place for huge pool parties, pubs, or crowded restaurants. It offers a quiet, serene environment rather than lively entertainment.
Difficult to Socialize: For solo travelers, socializing can be challenging as there are no hostels and everything operates on a smaller scale compared to the bigger islands. Joining an organized group tour is your best bet for meeting people.
Limited Accommodation: Accommodation options on Koh Mook are limited, so it’s better to book your stay a few weeks in advance. Although we found a place to stay, many spots were already fully booked, limiting our choices. Thankfully, Koh Mook is not very expensive, and we managed to find nice, affordable accommodation (and it was cheaper than in neighboring Koh Lipe).

Final Thoughts on Visiting Koh Mook

For us, the laid-back, idyllic atmosphere, combined with nice restaurants and beautiful beaches, made Koh Mook one of our favorite places in Thailand.

On top of that being able to walk everywhere and hike through the jungle made our stay much better.

If you, like us, are not into crowds and endless partying, most likely you will love Koh Mook as much as we did.

Visit this tiny paradise yourself and decide if Koh Mook is the least touristy island in Thailand!