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Nightlife & Bars
Koh Chang

Head in the Clouds Koh Mak

4.3(26 reviews)$$$$

Perched on the quiet and relatively undeveloped island of Koh Mak, Head in the Clouds is a relaxed bar and pub that offers travellers a place to unwind with a drink away from the busier tourist crowds found on neighbouring islands. It sits within the Koh Chang archipelago in Trat province, making it a natural stop for those exploring the eastern Gulf islands on a slower itinerary. The atmosphere here leans casual and unhurried, fitting the laid-back character of Koh Mak itself. As a mid-range venue, it strikes a reasonable balance between affordability and comfort, appealing to backpackers and independent travellers alike. The bar opens daily at 11:00 and runs through to 23:00, meaning it functions as much as an afternoon hangout spot as it does an evening destination — a practical detail given the island's limited nightlife options overall. Good to know: Wednesday appears to be the one day the bar does not operate, so travellers planning their schedule around a visit should check the current opening hours via the Facebook page linked on their listing before heading over. Koh Mak is a small island best reached by ferry from the mainland or Koh Chang, so it is worth timing a visit here as part of a broader island stay rather than a day trip solely for the bar.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Head in the Clouds Koh Mak, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.

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Head in the Clouds Koh Mak: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Head in the Clouds Koh Mak worth visiting?

Head in the Clouds Koh Mak holds a 4.3★ rating from 26 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Koh Chang.

What are the opening hours of Head in the Clouds Koh Mak?

Head in the Clouds Koh Mak is typically open 11:00-23:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is Head in the Clouds Koh Mak?

Head in the Clouds Koh Mak is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Koh Chang.

When is the best time to visit Head in the Clouds Koh Mak?

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 Head in the Clouds Koh Mak located?

Head in the Clouds Koh Mak is at 63/14 หมู่ที่ 1 Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23120, 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).

Location Info

63/14 หมู่ที่ 1 Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23120, Thailand+66 95 247 5914m.facebook.com/headinthecloudsbar/
Opening Hours
Monday11:00-23:00
Tuesday11:00-23:00
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11:00-23:00
Friday11:00-23:00
Saturday11:00-23:00
Sunday11:00-23:00

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 Head in the Clouds Koh Mak

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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars

Carry Your Passport or a Copy

Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.

Know the Closing Times

Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.

Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously

Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.

Nearby Places

Sportsbar Koh Mak
Hidden Gem

Sportsbar Koh Mak

5.0(30)
124 Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23120, Thailand

A well-regarded sports bar on the laid-back island of Koh Mak, perfect for catching live sport.

Baanyai Beach Bar

Baanyai Beach Bar

4.9(208)$$$$
17 Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23120, Thailand

A laid-back beach bar on Ko Mak island open daily, earning near-perfect ratings for its relaxed vibe.

Koh Mak Art House

Koh Mak Art House

4.8(153)$$$$
81 4 ถ.สมศรีอุทิศ Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23000, Thailand

A laid-back bar and creative space on Koh Mak open late, blending island nightlife with an artistic edge.

Monkey Bar
Hidden Gem

Monkey Bar

5.0(27)$$$$
RF78+CQ8, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

A laid-back island bar on Ko Mak open every evening for drinks and nightlife.

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