Koh Kham

Ko Kham is a small, privately managed island beside Koh Mak in Trat province. Locals describe it as the only volcanic-rock island in this stretch of the Trat archipelago, which gives its shoreline a different texture from the coral-sand islands nearby. A roughly 300-metre white-sand beach faces west, backed by clear, shallow water over coral reef close enough to shore for snorkelling without a boat.

Longtail and speedboats leave from Ao Suan Yai pier on Koh Mak — not from Koh Kood — covering the roughly 1 km crossing in 20 to 30 minutes depending on conditions. A 200 THB entry fee applies to everyone, Thai and foreign visitors alike, since Ko Kham is privately owned rather than part of a national marine park; this is separate from the boat fare, which operators on Koh Mak typically quote at around 300 THB return. Snorkelling gear can be rented on site, though bringing your own reef-safe sunscreen and a well-fitted mask is worth doing if you’re particular about it.

Watch out: There is no accommodation, shop or reliable fresh water on Ko Kham — bring everything you need for the day, including snacks and enough drinking water, since anything sold on site costs more than on Koh Mak.

Underwater, the reef holds the usual Trat-archipelago mix: parrotfish, small reef fish, and healthy coral in the shallows near the beach. The island has no permanent population and little development beyond what’s needed to land boats and manage the entry fee, which naturally caps visitor numbers compared with busier spots on Koh Chang.

Insider Tip: Combine Ko Kham with Mu Ko Rayang or Ko Khai Huaro on the same Koh Mak boat charter — operators often run multi-island half-day trips rather than a single crossing, better value than paying the return fare twice.

November to March brings the calmest seas and clearest water for snorkelling; outside that window, swells can make the crossing choppy or cancel it outright.