Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Ao Soun Yai Beach

A tranquil beach on Ko Mak island offering calm waters and a laid-back atmosphere away from the crowds.

4.6(405)
Directions

Why go, and how to do it well

Ao Soun Yai Beach sits along the shores of Ko Mak, a small island in Trat province that draws travelers 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

Stay within reach of Ao Soun Yai Beach

Sponsored

Search Koh Chang hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Ao Soun Yai Beach

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Tours that include Ao Soun Yai Beach

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ao Soun Yai Beach.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Ao Soun Yai Beach, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Ao Soun Yai Beach, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.

RFF9+HHJ, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More beaches nearby

All within 1.7 km of Ao Soun Yai Beach.

Ao Kao Beach

Ao Kao Beach

1.3 km away4.0(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

1.7 km away4.1(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.

Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, 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.

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).

Also popular in Koh Chang

Noochy Seafood

Noochy Seafood

4.5(1,800)$$$$
5 1 เกาะกูด Chang Wat Trat 23000, Thailand
Thai-style seafood at island prices, done without the resort mark-up, and the kitchen shuts by 20:30.
Khlong Chao Waterfall

Khlong Chao Waterfall

4.6(1,108)
JHW4+MGF เกาะกูด Tambon Ko Kut, 23000
A scenic jungle waterfall on Koh Kut island, open daily with easy access for nature lovers.
Ko Kham

Ko Kham

4.7(252)
Ko Kham, Ko Mak, Trat, Thailand
A secluded boat-access island near Ko Mak with quiet beaches and an entrance fee.
Terraria Bar Koh Mak – Pool Table & Live Music

Terraria Bar Koh Mak – Pool Table & Live Music

4.7(90)$$$$
RF5J+X5P, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand
A laid-back island bar on Koh Mak with pool tables, live music, and a welcoming vibe every night.

Similar Beaches across Thailand

Sai Kaew Beach

Sai Kaew Beach

4.4(1,217)
Sai Kaew Beach, Phe, Rayong, Thailand
A popular white-sand beach on Koh Samet, busy with speedboats and backed by an upscale resort.
Bang Saen Beach

Bang Saen Beach

4.4(8,327)
Soi Bang Saen Sai 1, Tambon Saen Suk, Amphoe Mueang Chon Buri
The closest beach to Bangkok, 90 minutes from Ekkamai, with a palm-lined promenade of street food, mats on the sand and a Thai weekend crowd, with brown water few people swim in.
Railay Beach

Railay Beach

4.4(5,042)
Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
Boat-only limestone drama and clean water, best before the longtails arrive and again at low tide.
Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach

4.4(4,465)
PQV6+7JX, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Wild macaques on a gorgeous strip of sand, and they'll go through your bag if you let them.