Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Beaches
Koh Chang

Ao Soun Yai Beach

4.6(405 reviews)

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.

Book tours & tickets in Koh Chang

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Ao Soun Yai Beach — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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
Featured

Koh Chang

4.6(1,448)
Koh Chang

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

Koh Kood
Featured

Koh Kood

4.7(881)
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
Featured

Ko Mak

4.5(414)
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

Mu Ko Chang National Park

4.5(4,337)
23/7 หมู่ที่ 3 ตำบล เกาะช้าง ตำบล เกาะช้าง อำเภอ กิ่ง Amphoe Ko Chang, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand

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

Moderate

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

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

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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

Ao Kao Beach

4.0(97)
Unnamed Road, RF77+968 ตำบล เกาะหมาก อำเภอ เกาะกูด ตราด 23000, Thailand

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

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach

4.1(55)
RFQC+P26 Koh Mak, Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23000, Thailand

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
Featured

Patong Beach

4.3(45,000)
Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Thong Nai Pan
Featured

Thong Nai Pan

4.6(1,619)
Thong Nai Pan Beach

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)
Featured

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)

4.4(1,533)
Ko Pha-ngan District

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

Freedom Beach

4.4(11,025)
ถนนศิริราช Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand

A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.