Koh Kood: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Explore Koh Kood: An essential guide to Thailand’s hidden gem
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Koh Kood is perhaps Thailand’s last untouched paradise – a hidden gem in the Gulf of Thailand where crystal clear waters lap at powdery white sand beaches, and ancient jungle canopies shelter cascading waterfalls. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Koh Chang and Koh Mak, this secluded island remains blissfully free from the crowds, giving travellers an escape into a world of barefoot luxury and local Thai life. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting this slice of paradise – your ultimate travel guide to Koh Kood, Thailand.
How to Get to Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood is located near the Cambodian border in Trat province, and while it takes a little extra effort to reach, the journey is well worth it.
The nearest airport is Trat Airport (TDX), with flights from Bangkok operated by Bangkok Airways, taking about 1 hour. From Trat, you’ll need to take a minivan to Laem Sok Pier, from which you can take one of a few ferries to reach the island, including Boonsiri High-Speed Catamaran and Koh Kood Express. It takes around 60–90 minutes to reach the island.
Once on Koh Kood, the best way to explore is by scooter, as there’s no public transport on the island. Resorts often provide bicycles and shuttle services, and taxis (converted pick-up trucks) are available, but renting a scooter gives you the freedom to uncover the island’s many hidden gems at your own pace.
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood
Where to Stay on Koh Kood, Thailand
Soneva Kiri
The pinnacle of luxury on the island, with 32 spacious, private pool villas scattered throughout coconut palms. Unparalleled eco-conscious design and world-class service await you here. Explore the island’s local villages, dine in your own private cave or while suspended in the lush forest canopy.
Baan Makok Getaway, Koh Kood
Baan Makok Getaway
A home away from home, staying at Baan Makok is to immerse yourself in the magic of Koh Kood. 8 unique rooms are housed in stilted traditional Thai huts on the banks of the canal and the mangroves, interconnected by walkways. The canal you’re staying on flows between a waterfall and the sea and misty rainforest surrounds you. Borrow a canoe to explore the waterways, or just soak in this one of a kind place that will undoubtedly get into your soul.
Koh Kood Paradise Beach Resort
Owned by a local Thai family, this is a scattering of beautiful villas and suites in a family-friendly spot that spills out onto dream-like powdery sands. From celebrating local artists to using local produce from fishermen, their ethos is all about uplifting the island community and economy.
Bang Bao Beach, Koh Kood
The Best Beaches on Koh Kood, Thailand
Despite being Thailand’s fourth-largest island, Koh Kood remains largely undeveloped, leaving its beaches pristine and untouched.
Ao Tapao Beach: The island’s longest and most accessible beach, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Bang Bao Beach: A picture-perfect bay with soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for families and sun-seekers.
Klong Chao Beach: One of Koh Kood’s most famous beaches, home to luxurious resorts, beachside restaurants and those famous Thai sunsets.
Ao Phrao Beach: Located on the island’s southern tip, this remote beach has solitude and raw natural beauty in abundance.
Secret Beach: A small, hidden cove with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and escaping the crowds.
Klong Yai Kee Waterfall, Koh Kood
Things to do in Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood has so much more to it than just sunbathing and swimming. Here are the top experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Discover the Waterfalls
The island of Koh Kood is home to some spectacular waterfalls. Klong Chao Waterfall is the most famous one on the island, a beautiful circular emerald lagoon surrounded by lush jungle and with impressive cascades. Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall is a lesser-known but equally beautiful spot with multi-tiered falls, reached via a jungle trek. Klong Yai Kee Waterfall is another beautiful lagoon with falls that cascade over a sheer rock face.
Snorkelling & Diving
Koh Kood is surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. While the island is not as well-known for diving as somewhere like Koh Tao, it still has some incredible snorkelling and diving spots. Ao Yai Kee is home to vibrant coral reefs while the Hin Ao Yai Dive Site is one of the best dive sites around Koh Kood, home to schools of barracuda.
Klong Chao River, Koh Kood
Kayaking Through Mangroves
Experience something other than sand and sea and rent a kayak to paddle through the Klong Chao River or Ao Salat Mangrove Forest, reached from Klong Chao Beach. This idyllic landscape comes alive as you glide along the waterways and between fairytale mangrove forests.
Explore Fishing Villages
Part of Koh Kood’s charm is the traditional life that many locals have preserved here. Ao Salat is one of the prettiest fishing villages on the island, with wooden stilt houses, seafood eateries and a window into what life was like on the Thai islands, many moons ago. Ao Yai is the largest fishing village, where you can watch local fishermen bring in their catch and enjoy it freshly cooked in one of the waterfront restaurants.
The Fisherman Hut, Koh Kood
Where to Eat on Koh Kood
Despite its small size, Koh Kood has a surprisingly great food scene with options ranging from local Thai eateries to upscale beachfront restaurants.
The Fisherman Hut: Choose your freshly caught fish from the ice-filled display and enjoy one of the best spots on the island for authentic Thai food and immaculate vibes. Live music plays every night, while the restaurant serves up fresh seafood, including whole steamed fish with lime and classic Thai favourites including massaman curries and pork fried rice. There’s a reason we went back here 3 nights in a row!
View Point Café: Your legs dangle off the wooden pier, as you sit at your table suspended above the water below. The casuarina trees that line the beach in front of you are silhouetted against the sunset and a catamaran anchors off-shore. Welcome to View Point Cafe, where the drinks are as good as the view. Enjoy a cocktail and light bites with panoramic views of the ocean.
Heaven Sense, Koh Kood
Heaven Sense: If you’ve had one too many Thai curries, make your way to Heaven Sense, a restaurant run by an Italian couple who pour their heart and soul into the food here. Fresh herbs and veggies are grown on site, and authentic Italian cheeses are imported in. Enjoy stone-baked pizzas, home-made pastas and decadent tiramisu, washed down with a delicious Pinot Grigio.
Best Time to Visit Koh Kood, Thailand
The best time to visit Koh Kood is between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season runs from May to October and brings occasional downpours, but the island remains lush and beautiful, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Insider Tips
Bring cash
There are limited ATMs on the island, and many places do not accept credit cards.
Book accommodation early
Koh Kood is becoming more popular every year, and top resorts fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the island’s fragile coral reefs by using eco-friendly sunscreen.
Rent a scooter
The best way to explore the island and reach secluded beaches is by scooter.
Respect the local culture
This is not a party island, and Koh Kood is still home to traditional Thai communities, so dress modestly when visiting villages or temples.
Things to Do
things to do
