Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, has all the features of a paradise island: long stretches of white sandy beaches, translucent water, coconut trees as far as the eye can see, and almost no one on the horizon. Yes, you read that right. This island, still relatively unknown to tourists, attracts only a few travelers in search of peace and serenity. Let's tell you more about this Thai island that is an absolute must-visit to unwind from mass tourism…
Located in the Trat province, southeast of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Kood is the fourth largest island in Thailand. Situated near the Cambodian border, it was long isolated due to conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand. It wasn't until the 1990s that it opened up to tourism. And it's precisely because it took time to open up that the island is still authentic and its nature is preserved! Moreover, in its early days of tourism, the island was a haven for elite hotel complexes.
Rest assured, while Koh Kood was long associated with luxury tourism, it is gradually becoming more accessible, and today you can find small hotels or hostels to suit all budgets. However, don't expect shopping and nightlife here! You won't find any shops, bars, or nightclubs, only a road and almost untouched nature… Even today, the island mainly relies on fishing, coconut cultivation, and rubber tree plantations (useful for rubber production). There's only one ATM, so make sure to have some cash on hand just in case.
This true gem in southeast Thailand is located near the Cambodian border. Part of the archipelago comprising Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood, it represents a perfect compromise between the serenity of Koh Mak and the tourist buzz of Koh Chang.
Of course, the best thing to do on Koh Kood is to explore all its beaches by renting a scooter, walking for the more adventurous, or taking a taxi for those less inclined to walk. Each one is more beautiful than the last, with its own unique features: hammocks set up in the middle of the water, coconut groves lining the shore, rocks, and wooden piers worthy of postcards. Among them, we recommend visiting:
Snorkeling and scuba diving
With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Koh Kood is the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts. The waters surrounding the island are teeming with colorful corals, tropical fish, and fascinating marine creatures. You'll have the opportunity to swim alongside majestic manta rays, observe sea turtles during their meals, and even explore mysterious shipwrecks dating back to World War II.
For the more adventurous, you can rent a kayak to explore the beaches or venture into the mangroves!
Beyond the beaches, Koh Kood has three waterfalls that will delight freshwater enthusiasts: Khlong Yai Kee Falls, Khlong Chao Falls, and Khlong Nam Kaew Falls.
On the road to the last waterfall, we highly recommend stopping on a dirt path that leads to two ancient trees. One is said to be 700 years old (the Chai tree) and the other 500 years old (the Makka tree)! You can spot them by the orange fabric surrounding the base, which highlights their sacred nature.
A stay in Koh Kood is an opportunity to visit fishing villages. There are four in total, but we can only recommend Ao Yai village and Ao Salat village. The former is a floating village located on the east side of the island, where you can stroll along wooden piers and taste local fishing! The latter attracts us for its colors and its atypical history. Located in the north of the island, this village was, a few years ago, a haven for pirates!
You can also see a large golden Buddha sitting facing the sea. Enough to inspire contemplation!
In Koh Kood, the climate is of the tropical monsoon type, characterized by relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. However, rainfall varies considerably, depending on the season. During the short dry period, from December to January, rains are rare. On the other hand, during the monsoon, from May to late October, rainfall becomes abundant and torrential. The transition months, February, March, and November, may see variable precipitation levels depending on the year.
The most favorable months to discover this island range from December to March, when the sky is at its bluest and showers are rare. December, January, and February are particularly bright with their dry and sunny atmospheres. On the other hand, from May to late October, it is best to avoid the region if you want to escape the inconveniences of heavy rainfall.
To reach Koh Kood from Bangkok, you have several options. Since there is no airport on the island, your nearest arrival point is Trat Airport, located about 52 kilometers from the ferry pier to Koh Kood.
Unfortunately, there is no direct railway connection between Bangkok and Koh Kood, as no trains serve this region of Thailand.
The most convenient transportation options for this journey are by bus, taxi with ferry, or private transfer with ferry. If you opt for the bus, expect about 5 to 6 hours of travel from Mo Chit or Ekkamai bus terminals. Another option is to choose a private car journey, which takes about 5 hours to Laem Sok port in Trat. From there, the ferry will take you to Ao Salad Pier in Koh Kood in about 2 hours.
Whatever option you choose, be aware that the last ferry leaves Trat, the ferry terminal for Koh Kood, around 2:30 PM. It would be best to leave Bangkok early in the morning to ensure you catch your ferry. Also, make sure to check the schedules of flights and ferries in advance, as they may vary depending on the season.
In Pattaya, you can choose to take a bus or minivan from the local bus station to Trat. The journey takes about 4 hours. Once in Trat, you can board a ferry from Laem Sok pier to Koh Kood.
From Cambodia, access is by ferry from certain Cambodian islands. Four ferry routes are offered daily between Cambodia and Koh Kood:
For getting around Koh Kood, a scooter is the ideal choice. It's both practical and affordable, with rates ranging from 200 baht to 400 baht per day.
With this collective taxi service, you can easily travel around the entire island following the driver's route. You can also book it for whole day and have the freedom to move according to your own desires.
In some hotels, shuttles are available to take you to the piers or the most popular sites.