Imagine a tropical island paradise that has all the beauty and charm of the Maldives, but without the crowds and the hefty price tag. That’s Koh Kood, Thailand’s hidden gem in the Gulf of Siam.
Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, is the fourth largest island in Thailand, but one of the least developed and most pristine. It is located in the easternmost part of the country, near the border with Cambodia, and is part of the Trat province. Koh Kood is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, lush green forests, and serene atmosphere. It is a perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and authentic island getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
In this travel guide, we will show you everything you need to know about Koh Kood, including the best beaches, resorts, activities, attractions, transportation, and tips. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Koh Kood has something for everyone.
Koh Kood Beaches
Koh Kood has over a dozen beaches, each with its own unique charm and character. Some of the most popular and beautiful beaches are:
Ao Klong Chao:
This is the main beach on the island, where most of the resorts, restaurants, and shops are located. It is a long and wide beach, with soft white sand and calm blue water. It is ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sunbathing. It is also home to the Klong Chao waterfall, a natural freshwater pool surrounded by tropical trees and plants.
Ao Phrao:
This is a secluded and tranquil beach, located on the west coast of the island. It is a small and narrow beach, with golden sand and clear water. It is perfect for snorkeling, as there are many colorful coral reefs and fish near the shore. It is also a great spot for watching the sunset, as it faces the west.
Ao Noi:
This is a charming and rustic beach, located on the south coast of the island. It is a medium-sized beach, with coarse sand and shallow water. It is known for its traditional fishing village, where you can see the local fishermen and their boats, and buy some fresh seafood. It is also a good place for hiking, as there are some trails that lead to the nearby hills and viewpoints.
Some of the best resorts and attractions on each beach are:
Ao Klong Chao: Some of the best resorts on this beach are Soneva Kiri, a luxury resort that offers spacious villas with private pools and stunning views, and Peter Pan Resort, a family-friendly resort that offers cozy bungalows and a large swimming pool. Some of the best attractions on this beach are the Klong Chao waterfall, a natural freshwater pool surrounded by tropical trees and plants, and the Klong Chao mangrove forest, a scenic area where you can kayak and observe the wildlife.
Ao Phrao: Some of the best resorts on this beach are Shantaa Resort, a boutique resort that offers elegant rooms and cottages with sea views, and Koh Kood Resort, a budget resort that offers simple huts and a beachfront restaurant. Some of the best attractions on this beach are the Ao Phrao viewpoint, a hilltop spot where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island and the sea, and the Ao Phrao pier, a wooden pier where you can fish and watch the boats.
Ao Noi: Some of the best resorts on this beach are Captain Hook Resort, a rustic resort that offers wooden cabins and a private beach, and Dusita Resort, a modern resort that offers comfortable rooms and a swimming pool. Some of the best attractions on this beach are the Ao Noi fishing village, a traditional fishing village where you can see the local fishermen and their boats, and buy some fresh seafood, and the Ao Noi temple, a small and colorful temple that is dedicated to the island’s guardian spirit.
Koh Kood Activities and Attractions
Koh Kood is not only a paradise for beach lovers, but also for adventure seekers and nature lovers. There are many activities and attractions on the island that will keep you entertained and amazed, such as:
Waterfalls:
Koh Kood has several waterfalls that are worth visiting, especially during the rainy season, when they are full and flowing. Some of the most impressive waterfalls are Klong Yai Kee waterfall, a three-tiered waterfall that has a large pool and a rope swing, Klong Chao waterfall, a single-drop waterfall that has a natural freshwater pool and a bridge, and Huang Nam Keaw waterfall, a hidden waterfall that has a small pool and a cave.
Snorkeling and Diving:
Koh Kood has some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Thailand, as it has many coral reefs and marine life around the island. Some of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots are Koh Rang, a small island that has a marine park and a variety of fish and corals, Koh Raet, a rocky island that has a shipwreck and a shark cave, and Koh Kradad, a flat island that has a sandbar and a turtle sanctuary.
Sightseeing:
Koh Kood has some interesting and unique sights that are worth exploring, such as the 500 Rai Lagoon, a large and scenic lagoon that is surrounded by limestone cliffs and mangroves, the Ancient Tree, a giant and ancient banyan tree that is over 300 years old and has a huge trunk and branches, and the Koh Kood Museum, a small and quirky museum that displays the history and culture of the island and its people.
Some of the tips and directions for each activity and attraction are:
Waterfalls: To visit the waterfalls, you can either rent a scooter or a bicycle, or join a tour that includes transportation and a guide. The entrance fee for each waterfall is 20 baht, and you can also buy some snacks and drinks from the vendors nearby. The best time to visit the waterfalls is in the morning or afternoon, when they are less crowded and more refreshing.
Snorkeling and Diving: To enjoy snorkeling and diving, you can either rent a snorkel or a dive gear from the resorts or the shops on the island, or join a tour that includes equipment and a boat. The price for snorkeling is around 500 baht, and the price for diving is around 1500 baht, depending on the site and the duration. The best time to snorkel and dive is from November to April, when the water is clear and calm.
Sightseeing: To explore the sights, you can either rent a scooter or a bicycle, or join a tour that includes transportation and a guide. The entrance fee for each sight is free, but you may need to pay for parking or a boat. The best time to see the sights is in the morning or evening, when the light is better and the temperature is cooler.
How to Get to Koh Kood
Koh Kood is not the easiest island to reach, but it is well worth the effort. There are several ways to get to and around the island, such as:
Plane:
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Koh Kood is by plane, as there is a small airport on the island that operates daily flights from Bangkok and other cities. The flight time is around an hour, and the price is around 3000 baht. The airport is located near the Ao Salad pier, where you can take a taxi or a shuttle to your resort.
Bus:
The cheapest and most common way to get to Koh Kood is by bus, as there are many buses that run from Bangkok and other cities to Trat, the nearest mainland town. The bus time is around five to six hours, and the price is around 300 baht. The bus station is located near the Laem Sok pier, where you can take a ferry or a speedboat to the island.
Boat:
The most scenic and adventurous way to get to Koh Kood is by boat, as there are several options to choose from, such as ferry, speedboat, or catamaran. The boat time is around one to two hours, and the price is around 300 to 600 baht, depending on the type and the season. The boat terminal is located near the Ao Klong Chao pier, where you can take a taxi or a shuttle to your resort.
Private Transfer:
The most comfortable and flexible way to get to Koh Kood is by private transfer, as there are several companies that offer door-to-door service from Bangkok and other cities to the island. The private transfer time is around four to five hours, and the price is around 4000 to 6000 baht, depending on the number of passengers and the vehicle type. The private transfer includes a car, a driver, a ferry ticket, and a taxi to your resort.
Tips & FAQs For Visitors to Koh Kood
Koh Kood is a relatively easy and safe island to visit, but there are some things that you should know and prepare before you go, such as:
Cash Availability: Koh Kood does not have any ATMs or banks, so you should bring enough cash with you for your stay. Most of the resorts and shops accept credit cards, but some may charge a fee or have a minimum amount. You can also exchange some foreign currency at the resorts or the shops, but the rates may not be favorable.
Internet Access: Koh Kood has a decent internet connection, but it may not be very fast or reliable. Most of the resorts and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but some may have a limited range or bandwidth. You can also buy a local SIM card at the airport or the pier, and use the mobile data, but the signal may not be strong or consistent in some areas.
Healthcare: Koh Kood has a small hospital and a few clinics, but they may not have the best facilities or equipment. If you have a serious or emergency medical condition, you may need to be transferred to the mainland or Bangkok, which can be costly and time-consuming. You should bring your own medicine and first aid kit, and have a travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
Food and Drink: Koh Kood has a variety of food and drink options, from local Thai cuisine to international dishes. You can find some cheap and delicious street food at the markets and the villages, or some fancy and expensive seafood at the resorts and the restaurants. You should try some of the island’s specialties, such as crab curry, coconut cake, and fresh fruit. You should also drink plenty of water, and avoid tap water and ice, as they may not be safe or clean.
Scooter Hire: Koh Kood is a great island to explore by scooter, as it has some scenic and quiet roads and trails. You can rent a scooter from the resorts or the shops, and the price is around 200 to 300 baht per day, depending on the model and the condition. You should wear a helmet, have a valid driver’s license, and check the scooter before you use it, as some may have defects or damages. You should also drive carefully and slowly, as some roads may be steep, narrow, or slippery, and some drivers may not follow the rules.
Sandflies: Koh Kood has a problem with sandflies, which are tiny insects that bite and cause itching and swelling. They are usually found on the beaches and the forests, and they are more active in the morning and evening. You should avoid sitting or lying on the sand, and wear long sleeves and pants, and apply some insect repellent, to prevent them from biting you. You should also avoid scratching the bites, and use some antihistamine cream or lotion, to reduce the inflammation and irritation.
Torches: Koh Kood has a limited and unstable electricity supply, and some areas may not have any street lights or signs. You should bring a torch or a flashlight, and use it when you walk or drive at night, to see the road and the surroundings, and to avoid any accidents or injuries. You should also charge your phone and other devices, and have a power bank or a battery, in case of a power outage.
Koh Kood is a wonderful island that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. It has everything that you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, such as beautiful beaches, amazing activities, comfortable accommodation, and friendly people. It is also a hidden and unspoiled island that preserves its natural and cultural beauty, and gives you a sense of adventure and discovery. Koh Kood is truly Thailand’s hidden paradise island, and you should visit it before it becomes too popular and crowded.
If you are interested in visiting Koh Kood, you should book your trip as soon as possible, as the island has a limited capacity and availability. You can also check out our website for more information and tips about Koh Kood, and get a special discount on your booking.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and authentic islands in Thailand, and have a memorable and magical holiday.