Somchai's Love Garden
Tucked away on Ko Mak island in the Trat province, Somchai's Love Garden is an unconventional cultural attraction that sits outside the typical temple circuit. Falling under the Temples & Culture category, it offers visitors a reflective, garden-based experience that combines elements of spirituality, folk art, and natural surroundings. The setting feels distinctly personal and locally rooted, giving it a character quite different from the grand wats found elsewhere in Thailand. Visitors can expect a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere with a distinctly handcrafted quality throughout the grounds. The space appears to reflect the vision of its creator, making it more of an artistic and spiritual expression than a conventional religious site. It suits travellers who enjoy offbeat, independent attractions and are curious about local Thai culture beyond mainstream tourism. Good to know: the listed opening hours suggest the grounds are accessible throughout the day on Sundays, though hours for other days are not confirmed, so it is worth checking the official website at love-garden.org before making the trip. Ko Mak itself is a quieter island with limited transport links, so planning arrival and departure carefully is advisable. The mixed visitor feedback suggests this attraction resonates strongly with some travellers and less so with others, making it best suited to those with an open mind and an interest in niche cultural experiences.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Chang
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Somchai's Love Garden — 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
Pair your visit. After Somchai's Love Garden, 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.
Somchai's Love Garden: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Somchai's Love Garden worth visiting?
Somchai's Love Garden holds a 3.9★ rating from 89 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.
What are the opening hours of Somchai's Love Garden?
Somchai's Love Garden is typically open 00:00-23:59 — 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 Somchai's Love Garden?
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 Somchai's Love Garden located?
Somchai's Love Garden is at RFFC+RRC, 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).
Location Info
RFFC+RRC, Ko Mak, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailandwww.love-garden.org/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 Somchai's Love Garden
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.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places

Love Temple
A serene cultural landmark on Ko Mak island, offering a peaceful glimpse into Thai Buddhist tradition.

Koh Mak Temple
A peaceful Buddhist temple offering a glimpse into local spiritual life on the quiet island of Koh Mak.

Koh Mak Museum
A small community museum on Koh Mak island celebrating the history and culture of this quiet Gulf Coast island.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A towering all-wood monument in Pattaya, hand-carved without nails and still under construction after decades.
Where to stay near Somchai's Love Garden
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.
Location Info
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