Ao Soun Yai Beach
Ao Soun Yai Beach sits along the shores of Ko Mak, a small island in Trat province that draws travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the busier islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is known for its relaxed pace and relatively uncrowded stretches of sand, making it a natural fit for those looking to unwind rather than sightsee. Its consistently strong visitor ratings reflect a genuine appeal among those who make the effort to reach it. Visitors can expect a calm, unhurried environment with clear waters suited to swimming and gentle exploration. The surrounding area retains a low-key character, with Ko Mak itself being a small island largely free of the large-scale resort development found elsewhere in the region. The beach offers a sense of seclusion that is increasingly rare in popular Thai coastal destinations. Practically speaking, Ko Mak is accessible by ferry from the mainland port of Laem Ngop in Trat, and travel times can vary depending on the season and operator. The dry season, roughly November through April, generally offers the most reliable weather and calmest sea conditions for visiting. As with most beaches in this part of Thailand, facilities may be limited, so arriving prepared with sunscreen, water, and any essentials is advisable.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ao Soun Yai Beach, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Chang

Koh Chang
A large, jungle-covered island in eastern Thailand offering beaches, waterfalls, diving, and hiking trails.

Koh Kood
Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is Thailand's fourth-largest island and arguably its most unspoiled — empty white beaches like Klong Chao and Ao Noi, water clear enough to shame the Andaman, waterfall swims in the jungle interior, and mangrove canals made for kayaking.

Ko Mak
A quiet Thai island escape with clear waters, long beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere near Koh Chang.

Mu Ko Chang National Park
A protected marine and jungle park spanning Koh Chang and surrounding islands, open daily.
Ao Soun Yai Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ao Soun Yai Beach worth visiting?
Ao Soun Yai Beach holds a 4.6★ rating from 405 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Koh Chang.
When is the best time to visit Ao Soun Yai Beach?
The best months to visit Koh Chang are November – March, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas, many closures).
Where is Ao Soun Yai Beach located?
Ao Soun Yai Beach is at RFF9+HHJ, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand, in Koh Chang. Getting around Koh Chang: Shared songthaews along the west-coast road; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully).
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping
Where to stay near Ao Soun Yai Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Nearby Places

Ao Kao Beach
A peaceful beach on Koh Mak island offering calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds.

Turtle Beach
A quiet, natural beach on Koh Mak island, well suited for those seeking a relaxed escape from busier shores.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.

Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Where to stay near Ao Soun Yai Beach
Find hotels in Koh Chang on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping