Is Koh Mook the Least Touristy Island in Thailand?

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If you are looking for an island where time slows down and the “walking street” doesn’t exist, Koh Mook (or Koh Muk) is Thailand’s best-kept secret.

Located in the southern Andaman Sea as part of the Trang islands, this “Pearl Island” remains a rustic sanctuary covered in jungle and massive limestone cliffs.

If you want an active, budget-friendly escape into nature, Koh Mook shows you a side of Thailand untouched by mass tourism.

We spent a few days on Koh Mook and quickly fell in love with the island.

Read to discover why Koh Mook might just be the least touristy island in Thailand!

Why Koh Mook Defines “Off the Beaten Track”

Unlike popular hubs like Krabi or Koh Lanta, Koh Mook’s charm lies in what it doesn’t have.

You won’t find cars, huge parties, or bustling night markets here. Instead, you’ll find:

Local, rustic atmosphere

Koh Mook is all about local, relaxed atmosphere.

  • Unlike other Thai islands, that we’ve visited, Koh Mook it’s not overcrowded by tourists.
  • There are no cars and the island is quite walkable.
  • It is basically one small village with a long, 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 or in Krabi Town!

Proximity to the Nature

  • Much of the island is protected as part of the Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park, keeping the jungle and rubber plantations wild.
  • If you follow jungle paths, you can reach wild, rocky beaches with small mangrove forests.

No Part Scene

  • Evenings on the island are calm so don’t expect to see huge parties, fire shows or bustling night markets.
  • Main activities to do on Koh Mook are watersports, hiking, snorkeling and simply enjoying the beach. 

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

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 (like from nearby 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 there.
  • 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.

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.
  • Although, you might see some stray dogs on Koh Mook, they are not dangerous.

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.

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:

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.

Accommodation and restaurant prices were higher on Koh Kradan, 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.
  • 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.

Renting a kayak for 1 hour cost us 200 baht (6 USD).

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.

4. Hiking Through The Lush Koh Mook’s Jungle

Most of Koh Mook is in fact covered with jungle – perfect if you enjoy long walks and hiking:

  • 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 are 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. 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 favourite morning activities.

With its idyllic atmosphere, it really felt like Koh Mook was the least tourist island in Southern Thailand.

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,
  • trying a discovery dive.

I’ve seen a lot of interesting sea creatures snorkeling around the Trang islands and I imagine 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.

And most restaurants also offer a sea view!

The best places to find restaurants on the island are:

  1. Charlie beach – mainly food stalls serving fried noodles, fresh fruit, coconut juice and much more!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Potential Downsides of Koh Mook

While I loved the rugged vibe of Koh Mook, it isn’t for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, here are a few honest things to keep in mind:

Limited Sightseeing

  • Don’t expect temples, museums, or major landmarks.
  • The “sights” here are the local fishing village and the daily lives of the Urak Lawoi people—perfect for culture seekers, but maybe too quiet for some.

Environmental Issues

  • Like many developing islands, Koh Mook struggles with waste management.
  • You will likely see trash in the forest or near the rivers, especially as you move away from the main tourist beaches.

Not Ideal for Digital Nomads

  • WiFi is often spotty and usually only works well near hotel receptions.
  • Even with a local SIM card, mobile data can be unreliable, making video calls or heavy remote work a challenge.

Tough for Solo Travelers

  • With a lack of hostels and a smaller scale of tourism, meeting people can be difficult.
  • Most visitors are couples or groups; your best bet for socializing is joining a group snorkeling or diving trip.

Limited Accommodation

  • On the plus side, it is much more budget-friendly than nearby Koh Lipe, but you’ll want to reserve your room early to get the best value.

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. 

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!

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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