Koh Mook, also spelled Koh Muk, is a serene island located in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand. This tiny, yet stunning island offers a true escape into nature. Lush jungles, limestone cliffs, palm-lined beaches, and a labyrinth of sandy paths make Koh Mook feel like an untouched paradise. When you step off the boat, you’ll quickly realize that you are one of the few travelers who have ventured to this secluded spot. Far from the crowds, Koh Mook provides an authentic glimpse into a more peaceful, unspoiled side of Thailand.
Perfectly situated between the popular islands of Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta, Koh Mook is easy to include in your island-hopping itinerary. Despite its small size, you can easily spend two to three days here exploring its natural beauty, relaxing on its pristine beaches, and embarking on unforgettable adventures. One of the island’s main attractions is the unique Emerald Cave, but that’s just the beginning. Read on to discover why Koh Mook is such a special destination and our top recommendations for things to do on this island.
1. Explore the Enchanting Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot Cave)
No visit to Koh Mook is complete without experiencing the breathtaking Emerald Cave, also known as Tham Morakot. This natural wonder is one of the island’s main attractions and draws tourists from nearby islands eager to witness its beauty. However, to truly enjoy the cave, it’s best to get there early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, and embark on the adventure yourself. One of the most magical ways to reach the cave is by kayaking—allowing you to take in the scenery and avoid the large groups of tourists that typically arrive by boat.
To start your journey, head out to sea from Garnet Beach around 7:00 AM. The calm waters and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect time to explore. As you paddle around towering cliffs, you’ll reach the entrance to the Emerald Cave after about 20 minutes. Be prepared for darkness as you enter the cave—you’ll need a flashlight to navigate the 80-meter tunnel. Once inside, the cave opens up to reveal a hidden beach surrounded by high cliffs and dense jungle. The contrast of the bright green waters and the rugged landscape creates a scene that feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy.
Kayak rentals at Garnet Beach cost around 250 Baht, and it’s important to ensure you have a flashlight and a life jacket before setting off. The cave itself is free to visit, and the experience of discovering this hidden gem on your own terms is something you won’t forget.
2. Walk the Untouched Palm Path
Koh Mook is a place where you can still discover hidden, untrodden paths, and one of the most enchanting is what we call the “Palm Path.” This trail is a quiet, serene walk through an area filled with towering palm trees, offering a glimpse into the island’s untouched beauty. As you venture down the overgrown trail, you’ll be surrounded by dense vegetation and the natural splendor of Koh Mook’s jungle.
The Palm Path is not just a place for a peaceful stroll; it’s an experience of walking through a lesser-known part of the island where nature is at its most raw and beautiful. During our walk, we were joined by a friendly local girl from the village who took us on a mini-tour of the area, pointing out plants and flowers we would have otherwise missed. This personal touch made the walk even more special, as we learned about the island’s unique ecosystem.
Whether you’re looking for a bit of solitude or simply want to explore an untouched corner of the island, the Palm Path is the perfect place to do so. You can walk as far as you’d like before turning back, making it a flexible and enjoyable activity that allows you to immerse yourself in Koh Mook’s natural environment.
3. Take a Jungle Trek to the Koh Mook Viewpoint
For a mix of adventure and relaxation, combine a day at the beach with a hike to one of Koh Mook’s most stunning viewpoints. The trek to the viewpoint is relatively easy, though there are some steeper sections that might get your heart pumping. The reward at the end, however, is well worth the effort, as you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
To start your hike, head to The Nurse House and drive as far as you can towards the trailhead. The distance you drive will determine how long your hike is, but generally, it takes between 20 and 35 minutes to reach the top. Along the way, you’ll pass through a rubber plantation and dense jungle, giving you a taste of Koh Mook’s diverse landscapes. The app Maps.me is a useful tool to help guide you along the route.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the island’s rugged cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters stretching out below you. For those who want to continue the adventure, you can hike further down to Sabai Beach, another beautiful spot that’s worth the extra effort.
Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike. Unfortunately, the Jungle Cafe at the viewpoint has closed, so you’ll need to pack your own supplies to keep your energy up. Also, don’t forget to bring insect repellent (like DEET) to protect yourself from the jungle bugs.
4. Go Snorkeling at Koh Kradan
As stunning as Koh Mook is, the surrounding islands are equally beautiful and definitely worth a visit. One of the best nearby islands is Koh Kradan, a small slice of paradise located just 30 minutes away by boat. A day trip to Koh Kradan is the perfect way to explore even more of the Andaman Sea’s underwater world, and it’s a must-do for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Koh Kradan is known for its vibrant coral reefs, which are home to a dazzling array of marine life. While global warming has unfortunately impacted many of the coral reefs around Thailand, Koh Kradan still boasts some beautiful, healthy coral formations. The colors of the coral and the diversity of fish species make this one of the best snorkeling spots in the region.
During our snorkeling trip, we were amazed by the underwater world we encountered. Brightly colored corals of all shapes and sizes create a stunning backdrop for the schools of fish that dart through the water, their scales reflecting every color of the rainbow. It was, without a doubt, one of the best snorkeling experiences we’ve had in Thailand.
You can book a snorkeling trip to Koh Kradan for around 600 Baht per person, and it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss while staying on Koh Mook.
5. Relax on the Best Beaches of Koh Mook
While Koh Mook offers plenty of activities for adventurous travelers, it’s also the perfect place to unwind on some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. The island’s beaches range from small, hidden coves to long stretches of white sand, and each one has its own unique charm.
One of our favorite beaches on Koh Mook is Garnet Beach, also known as Charlie Beach. This picturesque spot is framed by towering cliffs on either side and offers calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. On the left side of the beach, you’ll find a few restaurants that offer sun loungers for rent. Order a drink or some food, kick back, and enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation in paradise.
Another stunning beach is Sivalai Beach, with its powdery white sand and swaying palm trees. The best time to visit Sivalai Beach is during low tide when the sandbar is fully exposed, creating a dramatic landscape that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in the ocean.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Sabai Beach. This small, secluded beach is nestled between two high cliffs and can be reached by boat, kayak, or on foot if you continue walking after visiting the Koh Mook viewpoint. The only downside is that Sabai Beach can sometimes be littered with trash, which detracts from its otherwise pristine beauty. Still, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a quieter spot to escape the crowds.
6. Enjoy Delicious Food on Koh Mook
Koh Mook may be small, but it’s home to some fantastic restaurants that serve up delicious Thai food and more. One of our favorite spots for breakfast (or any time of day) is Miss Island. This cozy cafe has earned a reputation for having the best coffee on the island, and we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh pancakes, smoothie bowls, bagels, or even pizza, Miss Island has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to start your day before heading out to explore the island.
Another great option is Sugar’s Coffee and Restaurant. This charming eatery is located right by the water, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal with a view. While the breakfast here is delicious, it’s also a wonderful place to visit in the evening, especially as the sun begins to set and the soft glow of the restaurant’s lights creates a cozy ambiance. We highly recommend trying the Naan Massaman curry—it’s one of the best dishes we had during our stay on the island.
For those looking for a casual beachside meal, there are plenty of options on Garnet Beach, including Lost Bay, NUS, and Yalos. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or traditional Thai dishes, you’re sure to find something delicious at one of these beachfront restaurants.
Where to Stay on Koh Mook
Koh Mook may be a small island, but there are plenty of great accommodation options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bungalow or a more upscale resort. We stayed at Mookies Bungalows, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. These charming bungalows are nestled in a quiet, peaceful location surrounded by nature, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind.
From Mookies, you’re just a short walk away from Garnet Beach, where you can enjoy the stunning sunset views or take a dip in the calm waters. The bungalows are simple but comfortable, and the friendly owner, Maria, goes out of her way to make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible. She even brings freshly baked cakes and cookies to your room every day—a delightful touch that made our stay even more enjoyable.
Whether you choose to stay at Mookies or one of the other accommodations on the island, you’ll find that Koh Mook offers a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s more popular tourist destinations.
How to Get to Koh Mook
Koh Mook is part of Thailand’s Trang province and is relatively easy to reach by boat. If you’re planning on island hopping, Koh Mook is conveniently located between Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe, making it a perfect stop on your journey through the Andaman Sea.
To get to Koh Mook, you’ll need to take a boat from the mainland. Boats depart regularly from nearby islands and the mainland, and you can easily book your ticket online through platforms like Ferryhopper. Once you arrive at the small port on Koh Mook, it’s just a short walk to the bus stop, where you can catch a ride to Apollonia or other destinations on the island. Bus tickets are inexpensive, costing around 1.80 to 2.30 euros per person, depending on your destination.
Whether you’re arriving from the bustling mainland or the quieter surrounding islands, the journey to Koh Mook is all part of the adventure. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the island’s laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, making it well worth the effort to get there.