Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, has all the makings of a paradise island: long stretches of white sand, crystal-clear waters, coconut palms as far as the eye can see, and barely a soul in sight. Yes, you read that right—this still relatively unknown destination attracts only a handful of travelers seeking peace and tranquility. Let us tell you more about this Thai island that absolutely deserves a visit if you're looking to escape mass tourism.

A Paradise Still Untouched by Mass Tourism

Koh Kood lies in Trat Province, southeast of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, as the country's fourth-largest island. Positioned near the Cambodian border, it remained isolated for years due to conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand. It wasn't until the 1990s that the island opened its doors to tourism. And precisely because it took so long to do so, Koh Kood has retained its authenticity and preserved natural beauty. Moreover, in its early days as a destination, the island catered exclusively to luxury resort developments reserved for the elite.

Rest assured: while Koh Kood was long branded as a luxury tourism destination, it's gradually becoming more accessible, and today you'll find small hotels and guesthouses for every budget. However, don't expect shopping and nightlife—you won't find boutiques, bars, or nightclubs here, only a single road and pristine nature. Even today, the island's economy centers on fishing, coconut cultivation, and rubber production. You'll find just one ATM, so it's wise to bring cash just in case.

Where is Koh Kood Located?

This genuine gem of southeastern Thailand sits near the Cambodian border. Part of an archipelago that includes Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood, it strikes the perfect balance between the serenity of Koh Mak and the tourist buzz of Koh Chang.

What to Do on Koh Kood?

Explore the Island's Beaches

Of course, the best thing to do on Koh Kood is to discover all the beaches by renting a scooter, on foot for the more adventurous, or by taxi for the less inclined. Each beach is more stunning than the last, with its own unique character: hammocks strung in the middle of the water, coconut groves lining the shore, rocks and wooden piers worthy of postcards. Among them, we recommend:

• Hat Klong Chao
• Neverland Beach
• Ao Noi Beach
• Ao Prao Beach
• Away Beach
• Secret Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

With its crystalline waters and abundant marine life, Koh Kood is an ideal destination 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 feeding time, and even explore mysterious wrecks dating back to World War II.

Paddle Through the Waters by Kayak

For the more athletic, you can rent a kayak to glide along the beaches or venture into the mangrove forests.

Cool Off at the Waterfalls

Beyond the beaches, Koh Kood is home to three waterfalls that will delight lovers of cool, fresh water: Khlong Yai Kee, Khlong Chao, and Khlong Nam Kaew falls.

Marvel at Centuries-Old Trees

On the path to the furthest waterfalls, we highly recommend stopping at a dirt road 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 cloth wrapped around their bases, which marks their sacred significance.

Discover the Fishing Villages

A stay on Koh Kood is an opportunity to visit the fishing villages. There are four in total, but we particularly recommend Ao Yai and the Ao Salat village. The first is a floating village, located on the island's east side, where you can stroll along wooden walkways and sample the local catch. The second captivates with its colors and unique history. Located on the island's north side, this village was, just a few years ago, a pirate hideout.

Admire the Golden Buddha

You'll also see a large golden Buddha sitting facing the sea—certainly inspiring moments of contemplation.

Weather at Koh Kood

Koh Kood experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by relatively stable temperatures year-round. However, rainfall varies considerably by season. During the brief dry period from December to January, rain is rare. In contrast, during the monsoon from May through October, precipitation becomes abundant and torrential. The transition months of February, March, and November can see variable rainfall depending on the year.

When to Visit Koh Kood?

The best months to discover this island span December through March, when the sky gleams its brightest blue and showers are few and far between. December, January, and February stand out with their dry, sunny atmosphere. Conversely, from May through October, it's best to avoid the region if you wish to escape the downpours.

How to Get to Koh Kood?

From Bangkok

Several options are available to reach Koh Kood from Bangkok. Since there's no airport on the island, your nearest arrival point is Trat Airport, located approximately 52 kilometers from the ferry pier for Koh Kood.

Unfortunately, there's no direct rail link between Bangkok and Koh Kood, as no trains service this region of Thailand.

The most practical transportation options for this journey are bus, taxi with ferry, or private transfer with ferry. If you choose the bus, expect about 5 to 6 hours of travel from the Mo Chit or Ekkamai bus stations. Another option is a private car journey, which takes approximately 5 hours to Laem Sok port in Trat. From there, the ferry will take you to Ao Salad Pier on Koh Kood in about 2 hours.

Regardless of which option you choose, note that the last ferry from Trat departs around 2:30 p.m. It's best to leave Bangkok early in the morning to ensure you catch your ferry. Also, verify flight and ferry schedules in advance, as they may vary by season.

From Pattaya

From Pattaya, you can take a bus or minivan from the local bus station to Trat. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Once in Trat, you can board a ferry from Laem Sok pier heading to Koh Kood.

From Cambodia

From Cambodia, access is by ferry from certain Cambodian islands. Daily, four ferry routes operate between Cambodia and Koh Kood:

• Koh Kong – Koh Kood (Ao Salad Pier)
• Dara Sakor – Koh Kood (Ao Salad Pier)
• Koh Sdach – Koh Kood (Ao Salad Pier)
• Koh Rong (Lototray Fisherman Village) – Koh Kood (Ao Salad Pier)

How to Get Around?

By Scooter

For navigating Koh Kood, a scooter is the ideal choice. It's both convenient and affordable, with rates ranging from 200 to 400฿ per day.

By Songthaews

With this shared taxi service, you can easily travel throughout the island by following the driver's set route. You can also reserve one for an entire day, giving you the freedom to move around at your own pace.

Hotel Shuttles

At certain hotels, shuttles are available to take you to the ferry piers or the island's most popular sites.