Ko Maak

There are resorts scattered all over the island but the majority can be found on the two main beaches which cover almost all of the West coast. To the northwest is Ao Suan Yai, and southwest is Ao Kao. The western point which separates the two beaches is a rocky headland opposing a tiny island known as Ko Phi, (Ghost Island), which offers good snorkelling.

Ao Suan Yai is dominated by the expansive Koh Mak Resort which takes up a large amount of the beach. In the bay just a few hundred metres off shore is Ko Kham, a tiny, privately owned island which used to have a small bungalow outfit on it; however last year the island changed hands for a rumoured 5 milllion euros, with the new owner planning a luxury 6 star residence! Big changes for a tiny island.

At Koh Mak Resort there's a restaurant and bar, internet facilities, a small convenience store and an ice cream parlour. Ko Mak doesn't have any ATM facilities as yet, but you can swipe your card and they'll give you the cash, for a 5% fee. If you don't fancy that then make sure you fill up your wallet on the mainland or in Ko Chang.

Ao Kao Beach on the Western side of the island is far more developed and is slowly transforming into somewhat of a strip; around a dozen different places offer accommodation ranging from 250B/night to 3,000B/night and there are also a handful of eateries and bars in the budget range.

Ko Rayang just a few hundred metres off-shore is another gorgeous private getaway with a tiny boutique resort on it.

Towards the southern end of the beach the road heads inland and the humble beginnings of a village can be seen; a dive shop, restaurant and a noodle-soup place, a couple of convenience stores, snooker, laundry and massage pretty much covers the facilities. A school, hospital, police station and town hall are the other buildings here.

Heading from this village to the southeast you 'll come to Ao Nid where the main pier is situated. There's internet and a small shop at the pier, and bike rental facilities. The huge new pier which was finished late 2006 is a good spot for fishing, and the temple grounds make a sublime backdrop for sunrise, if you can get up that early. The road leading to the pier is slowly developing into a strip of local eateries though there's nothing out of the ordinary yet.

The best way to get around the island is by bicycle or motorbike, both of which can be sourced by your resort, or alternatively head into the village to find a cheaper deal as the resorts are a touch expensive. The island is small however, so it's not hard to hitch a lift with some of the friendly locals.