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Restaurants & Food
Koh Chang

By The Sea

4.5(303 reviews)

Perched beside the sea on the quiet island of Koh Mak, By The Sea offers a relaxed dining experience that draws both resort guests and independent travellers looking for good food in an unhurried setting. The restaurant benefits from its coastal location, providing a natural backdrop that complements a menu served across a long trading day, from morning through to the early hours of the morning. Guests can expect a laid-back atmosphere typical of Koh Mak's slower pace compared to its busier neighbours. The restaurant operates as an all-day dining destination, making it a practical choice whether visitors are after a leisurely breakfast, a midday meal, or a late evening drink and bite after the sun goes down. The extended hours set it apart from many comparable spots on the island, offering flexibility that travellers tend to appreciate. Good to know: By The Sea opens at 08:30 every day of the week and stays open until 01:00, making it one of the more reliably accessible options on Koh Mak regardless of the day. Those planning a visit during peak season would do well to check the restaurant's website at bythesea-kohmak.com for any updates on reservations or seasonal menus before arriving.

Taste more of Koh Chang

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near By The Sea — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After By The Sea, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.

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By The Sea: Frequently Asked Questions

Is By The Sea worth visiting?

By The Sea holds a 4.5★ rating from 303 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Chang.

What are the opening hours of By The Sea?

By The Sea is typically open 08:30-01:00 — 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.

When is the best time to visit By The Sea?

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 By The Sea located?

By The Sea is at 116, 1, Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23100, 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

116, 1, Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23100, Thailand+66 82 634 5246www.bythesea-kohmak.com/
Opening Hours
Monday08:30-01:00
Tuesday08:30-01:00
Wednesday08:30-01:00
Thursday08:30-01:00
Friday08:30-01:00
Saturday08:30-01:00
Sunday08:30-01:00

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 By The Sea

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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

Learn the Spice Scale

Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.

Follow the Crowds

The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.

Ice Is Safe

Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.

Nearby Places

Ball cafe

Ball cafe

4.8(304)
RF78+C3P, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

A well-regarded café on Ko Mak island serving food and drinks throughout the day.

Food Garden@koh Mak

Food Garden@koh Mak

4.2(175)$$$$
55 2, Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23120, Thailand

A casual, mid-range garden restaurant on Koh Mak serving food daily from 10am to 10pm.

KonGinSen

KonGinSen

4.5(269)$$$$
105 Tambon Ko Mak, Amphoe Ko Kut, Chang Wat Trat 23000, Thailand

A well-regarded mid-range eatery on Ko Mak island, open daily from morning to evening.

TableTales KOHMAK Cafe&Restaurant

TableTales KOHMAK Cafe&Restaurant

4.7(274)$$$$
Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

A well-regarded cafe and restaurant on Ko Mak island, open daily from breakfast through evening.

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