Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Mak (เกาะหมาก) requires a combination of land and sea transportation, as the island does not have its own airport. The two main ways to reach Koh Mak are by bus/van plus ferry or flight plus ferry. Below is a complete comparison of the options to help you decide which method best suits your travel style and budget.
Bus (or Van) and Ferry Combination – Most Popular and Budget-Friendly
The bus and ferry combination is the most common and economical way to reach Koh Mak.
- Route & Operators
Travelers depart Bangkok by bus or van and travel to Laem Sok Pier (ท่าเรือแหลมศอก) in Trat Province. From there, a ferry or speedboat continues to Ao Nid Pier (ท่าเรืออ่าวนิด) on Koh Mak.
Reliable operators such as Boonsiri High Speed Ferries provide joint tickets covering both land and sea segments. - Departure Points in Bangkok
- Khao San Road
- Ekkamai Bus Terminal
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Travel Duration
- Bangkok → Laem Sok Pier: 5–6 hours
- Laem Sok → Koh Mak: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on route and operator
- Total Travel Time: 6–9 hours
- Cost
THB 750–1,200 (approx. USD 25–40), depending on operator, booking timing, and seat class - Recommended Departures
- Early morning departures are best to ensure an afternoon arrival on Koh Mak.
- Boonsiri’s 5:30 am van connects to a ferry that first stops at Koh Kood, making the sea journey about 1.5 hours.
- The 8:00 am van connects to a 2:30 pm ferry that calls at Koh Mak first, reducing the boat ride to about 45 minutes—a good choice for travelers prone to seasickness.
- Tips
Booking in advance is highly recommended during the high season (November–April).
Flight Plus Ferry – Fastest but More Expensive
For travelers prioritizing speed and comfort, a flight to Trat followed by a ferry is the most efficient choice.
- Route
- Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport – BKK) → Trat Airport (TDX) by flight (~1 hour)
- Airport transfer to Laem Sok Pier (~30–40 minutes by car or van)
- Ferry to Ao Nid Pier, Koh Mak (~30–45 minutes)
- Travel Duration
- Total: 5.5–6 hours, including transfers and waiting time
- Cost
THB 2,500–6,000 (approx. USD 75–180), depending on airline, season, and booking date - Advantages
- Fastest option available
- More comfortable journey
- Ideal for travelers with limited time
- Considerations
Flight schedules are limited compared to bus services, and fares can be significantly higher.
Direct Ferry Options – Not Available
There are no direct ferries from Bangkok to Koh Mak because Bangkok is inland. Travelers must first reach Trat’s piers (Laem Sok or Laem Ngop) by land before continuing by ferry.
Summary Comparison
| Transport Option | Total Time | Approx. Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus/Van + Ferry | 6–9 hours | THB 750–1,200 | Budget-friendly, widely available | Longer journey, possible delays |
| Flight + Ferry | 5.5–6 hours | THB 2,500–6,000 | Fastest, more comfortable | Expensive, fewer departures |
| Direct Ferry | N/A | N/A | N/A | Not available from Bangkok |
Final Recommendation
For most travelers, the bus/van and ferry combination offers the best balance of cost and convenience. If budget is less of a concern and minimizing travel time is a priority, the flight plus ferry route is the ideal choice. In both cases, advance booking and early departures are strongly advised to ensure a smooth and timely arrival in Koh Mak.
FAQs: Bangkok to Koh Mak Transportation
- How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Koh Mak?
Depending on the method, between 6–9 hours by bus/van + ferry or 5.5–6 hours by flight + ferry. - What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Mak?
The bus/van and ferry combination is the most budget-friendly, starting from THB 750. - What is the fastest way to get to Koh Mak?
A flight to Trat Airport followed by a ferry transfer is the quickest, taking about 5.5–6 hours in total. - Where do buses to Koh Mak depart from in Bangkok?
Common departure points include Khao San Road, Ekkamai Bus Terminal, and Suvarnabhumi Airport. - Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, especially during the high season (November–April), when ferries and vans often sell out. - Which pier do ferries to Koh Mak depart from?
Most ferries to Koh Mak depart from Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province. - Is there a direct ferry from Bangkok to Koh Mak?
No, Bangkok is inland. You must first travel to Trat before taking a ferry. - How much does a flight from Bangkok to Trat cost?
Typically between THB 2,500–6,000, depending on airline, booking date, and season. - What time of day is best to travel from Bangkok to Koh Mak?
Morning departures are best to ensure arrival on Koh Mak before evening. - Are speedboats or ferries more reliable?
Both are reliable, but speedboats are faster while larger ferries may offer smoother rides in rough seas.
For a Complete Travel Guide
For more detailed information on transportation options, booking tips, itinerary suggestions, and everything you need to know about planning your trip, visit our full guide: