KOH MOOK - Paradise on Earth

   Last month, I just discovered my new favourite island in Thailand: Koh Mook! This beautiful, quiet and unspoiled place lies in the Adaman sea, between Krabi and Trang.

   Koh Mook, along with surrounding islands such as Koh Kradan and Koh Libong, is still a very unspoiled place, retaining a sleepy and tropical charm. Longing for beautiful beaches and exotic landscapes plus a magical cave? Search no more, head to Koh Mook!

   Before you visit Koh Mook, you have to know that the island is located close to Trang, a magnificent coastal province with a long, beautiful shoreline that stretches 199 kilometres along the Adaman sea. Daily flights from Bangkok to Trang operate with Air Asia. Also, there is a season to travel to Koh Mook, May being the last month of the season; best time to visit is usually from October to mid-May.

   Life on Koh Mook is easy: the water is incredibly clear, perfect for snorkelling or just lazing by the beach with a fruit shake in hand. Plan to stay at least three days on the island.

   Koh Mook is mostly inhabited by Muslim sea gypsies who have preserved their island while opening it to visitors. They earn a living from a little tourism but mostly from fishing (cuttlefish), rubber and coconuts.

   Activities on the island include snorkelling in a beautiful turquoise sea, reading a book on never-ending white sand beaches and visiting surrounding islands and the famous Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot).

   Located on the west coast, The Emerald Cave is a highlight of this region and an “Unseen Thailand” destination. This cave is a sinkhole that can only be accessed from the sea. You need to hire a long tail boat to take you over to the west coast of Koh Mook and then, basically, the only way to get through this cave is to swim onto the island and then walk single file while holding on to a rope, following your tour guide. The experience can be a little scary not knowing where you’re headed, but all of a sudden a lovely white sandy beach, surrounded by high cliffs and small glade, will appear. The emerald-green colour that can be seen inside the cave is created by sunlight filtering through the water and this is why it was named Emerald Cave. Getting in and out of the cave can only be done at low tide.

   Apart from this famous cave, Koh Mook also features lovely beaches to rest at, including Hua Laem Beach, Haad Farang Beach and Phangka Bay. Other activities not to be missed include going on a snorkelling tour to the surrounding islands of Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai, as well as joining a guided jungle tour.

   The local community is very friendly and has been settled on the island for a few generations. Currently there must be 300-400 families living here. Most of them are farmers (with rubber and coconut plantations) and fishermen. Staying here will give you an opportunity to see the villagers’ simple but interesting lifestyle.

 

TIPS on KOH MOOK:

• Koh Mook is officially part of Trang Province, you can go to Trang by plane, train or road. Trang airport is 40 kilometres from the pier, and the easiest way to get to Koh Mook from Trang Airport is by booking a combined van and boat transfer (about 1,600 THB).
• Unlike some other surrounding islands, Koh Mook has electricity all day long.
• There is a handful of accommodations on the island. We chose Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort and were very happy with our choice. This resort is situated at the very end of Koh Mook Island and has direct access to Hao-Laem Beach. It offers bungalows with sea views, two outdoor pools, kayaks, bicycles, a spa and a restaurant with unforgettable views of the sea.