{"ok":true,"data":{"id":11047,"slug":"koh-mai-si-beach-ko-mai-si","name":"Koh Mai Si Beach","country":"Thailand","state":"Trat","city":"Ko Mai Si","coords":{"lat":11.7395,"lng":102.532},"beachType":"Hidden Bay","tags":["island","hidden","boat access","scenic","snorkeling"],"article":{"hero":"The longtail cuts its engine a dozen meters from shore, and you wade the last stretch through bathwater shallows that barely reach your knees. Koh Mai Si is less a destination than an interruption of open water—a sliver of sand anchored by weathered granite, fringed by casuarina pines whose needles hiss in the offshore breeze. No bungalows. No beach bars. Just the rhythmic drag of small waves reshaping the tideline.\n\nYou drop your mask into knee-deep water and find schools of sergeant majors threading between brain coral the size of basketballs. The reef here hugs the eastern flank of the island, close enough that you can stand, adjust your mask, and duck back under without swimming more than a few strokes. Between dives, you sprawl on sand still cool from the morning shade, watching white-bellied sea eagles tilt overhead.\n\nBy mid-afternoon the sun turns the granite headlands to bronze, and the longtail captain gestures from his cigarette perch that it's time to leave. You rinse your feet in the shallows one last time, catching the silhouette of Koh Kut's forested spine across the channel, already planning which island comes next.","teaser":"You'll step from the boat onto a crescent where hermit crabs outnumber footprints. The granite boulders framing each end glow amber in late afternoon, and the Gulf laps so gently you hear your own breathing.","uniqueAngle":"One of the Gulf's few uninhabited islets where you'll beach-hop utterly alone.","accessType":"Private longtail from Koh Kut","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"snorkel","title":"Coral Gardens","subtitle":"Knee-deep reef on eastern shore"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Granite Headlands","subtitle":"Amber boulders frame each end"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Shallow Wading","subtitle":"Bathwater channels through sand bars"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Solitary Sprawl","subtitle":"Unshaded sand under casuarina pines"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The Gulf stays glassy here year-round, so you'll find no rideable swell. But if you're chasing empty lineups in spirit, Koh Mai Si delivers that same isolation—just swap your board for a mask. The longtail trip out doubles as a scout mission for other limestone breaks around Koh Kut, and the afternoon light on these granite slabs rivals any post-session golden hour you've shot.","couples":"You'll have the island to yourselves the moment the longtail pulls away. Pack a sarong and a waterproof speaker—there's no one to disturb. Wade hand-in-hand to the eastern reef where parrotfish graze inches below the surface, then retreat to the shade of the casuarinas for a thermos of iced tea. The return crossing at sunset frames Koh Kut's silhouette in violet, the kind of quiet moment that needs no filter.","backpacker":"Charter a longtail with three other travelers from Bang Bao pier on Koh Kut and split the 800-baht fare. Bring your own snorkel gear to skip the rental markup, and pack lunch from the morning market—papaya salad and sticky rice tastes better on sand you have entirely to yourselves. The boat captain will anchor offshore for two hours; use every minute, because this kind of solitude doesn't survive in guidebooks for long.","local":"Koh Mai Si remains a weekend secret for Trat families who know which longtail captains keep fair prices and won't rush your two hours ashore. You'll see why the old-timers prefer it to the increasingly developed Koh Mak: no entrance fees, no jet skis, just the Gulf as it was before the resorts arrived. Bring a cooler of som tam and let the kids chase crabs along the tideline while you nap under the pines.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Swimming at Koh Mai Si is generally safe during the dry season when seas are calm, though visitors should exercise standard precautions. The protected bay location offers shelter from strong currents, making it suitable for most swimmers. No lifeguards are present, so assess conditions yourself and stay aware of boat traffic from island-hopping tours. During monsoon months (May-October), conditions become unpredictable with rougher waves and reduced visibility. Wear water shoes as some areas have rocks and coral fragments. Always inform your boat operator before entering the water and don't swim alone.","q":"Is swimming safe at Koh Mai Si Beach?"},{"a":"November through March offers the best conditions, with calm seas, minimal rainfall, and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling. December and January are peak months with the most stable weather but also higher tour availability. April can be very hot but still enjoyable with fewer visitors. The monsoon season from May to October brings heavy rains and rough seas, making boat access unreliable or impossible. Visiting during weekday mornings provides the greatest chance of solitude, as most organized tours arrive mid-morning. Early season (November) and late season (March) offer good value with decent weather.","q":"What is the best time to visit Koh Mai Si Beach?"},{"a":"Koh Mai Si is accessible exclusively by boat, primarily from Koh Kut, though some tours also depart from Koh Mak or Koh Chang. Most visitors join organized snorkeling or island-hopping day tours that include Koh Mai Si as a stop. Private longtail boat charters can be arranged through resorts on Koh Kut for a more flexible schedule. The journey from Koh Kut takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on sea conditions. There's no regular ferry service, so booking through your accommodation or a local tour operator in advance is necessary, especially during peak season when tours fill quickly.","q":"How can I reach Koh Mai Si Beach?"},{"a":"Koh Mai Si itself is uninhabited with zero facilities, so you must bring all provisions from your departure island. Most day-tour packages include lunch, fresh fruit, and water as part of the price. If hiring a private boat, pack a cooler with meals and beverages. The closest accommodation and dining options are on Koh Kut, approximately 20-30 minutes away by boat, where you'll find a range of resorts, guesthouses, and beachfront restaurants. Some visitors also base themselves on Koh Mak or Koh Chang and visit Koh Mai Si as a day excursion.","q":"Where can I find food and accommodation near Koh Mai Si Beach?"},{"a":"Koh Mai Si's pristine, undeveloped character and exceptional snorkeling directly from the beach set it apart. The bay's coral gardens are remarkably healthy and accessible, often teeming with tropical fish in shallow, crystal-clear water. Its small size and relative remoteness mean it receives fewer visitors than popular spots near Koh Chang, offering a genuine sense of discovery. The island's lush jungle comes right down to the shoreline, creating dramatic natural scenery. Because it's slightly off the main island-hopping routes, Koh Mai Si attracts more adventurous travelers seeking authentic, crowd-free island experiences in the Trat archipelago.","q":"What makes Koh Mai Si Beach unique compared to other nearby islands?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Koh Mai Si Beach: Uninhabited Island Bay in Trat, Thailand","description":"Coral gardens circle this boat-access island near Koh Kut where white sand meets jungle cliffs. Snorkel untouched reefs, wade turquoise shallows, claim your private cove.","ogImage":"/api/place-photo?ref=Ab43m-srnx1yjtX4LL0CRRPhE7rZ-WkJ1ecB_qDZdxwTfYNYpVi0YXuAQAQ99hT9qgXAyxV3W4chpC5Qo9Go1g-lsUEwwZXiVymars5NReOyClTBIyiwgaArMFCI4JlqF9WNoMGbCFH4qbE3Eck3hout0kSQcbmRrr8wUJvbEjuVinVIGqAAsqRMdTkB9I-0HAiL3n8OMhcUsWnbKciE-TyQHPkuurO6koKGrw47zu_4nboHtOm3vRX5SsBm-_exWKgxh4RUJCDB_GbP9BnbiNnGm5WnbBkM6GEPkMbA2x5dOjdUOmcU8hthTe9skfeCDQaLZq2ieu5qZqDVjnh_p4zweKLpmq3_D4I0U8NO9onlHJe8ozA000X9mNcC9ql4KLbbdE9CX0Pr939GlZiLy73XdCuHFynr-gm1z8RRn21uoJqjFUKK&w=1600"},"images":[{"id":"335423","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/561/31817497901_a63bec2e22_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/561/31817497901_a63bec2e22_n.jpg","alt":"Koh Mai Si Beach — photo by kudumomo"}]}}