Koh Kood (also spelled Koh Kut) is Thailand’s best-kept secret—a tranquil island in the eastern province of Trat that showcases pristine beaches with snow-white sand and crystal-clear waters. Unlike its more developed cousins Koh Samui or Phuket, Koh Kood offers a genuinely laid-back experience, earning its reputation as a “paradise island.” Its relatively undeveloped nature and limited tourist infrastructure make it perfect for travelers seeking relaxation away from Thailand’s more bustling destinations.
Why Visit Koh Kood? Escape to Tranquility
The allure of Koh Kood lies in its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The island boasts numerous stunning beaches, particularly along its southern and western coasts, characterized by powder-white sand and transparent waters that invite you to dive right in.
Beyond the beaches, discover secluded bays, lush jungles, and expansive marine vistas that seem untouched by time. Koh Kood is focused primarily on relaxation and enjoying the natural environment—it’s a place where you’re expected to “relax and enjoy” and can “do absolutely nothing” if that’s what your soul needs.
What’s truly surprising is the lack of tourists relative to the island’s incredible beauty. This makes Koh Kood feel like a hidden gem that hasn’t yet been discovered by the masses. The island maintains a peaceful atmosphere with a low crime rate, prioritizing tranquility over vibrant nightlife.
Planning Your Koh Kood Adventure: Timing and Booking
Successfully planning a trip to Koh Kood involves selecting the optimal time to visit and arranging transportation and accommodation well in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Koh Kood is a seasonal destination, and timing your visit is crucial:
- High Season (late November to early April): Offers the most favorable conditions with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures. Ferry crossings are more frequent during this period.
- Low Season (May to October): Corresponds to the rainy season. Many businesses close, ferry services become less frequent, and travel can be subject to weather conditions and potential cancellations.
Booking Transport
Getting to this paradise requires some planning:
- From Bangkok, flying to Trat Airport (TDX) is an option, though it requires booking flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) well in advance due to limited seating on the smaller propeller planes used for this route.
- Alternatively, combined van/bus and ferry tickets from Bangkok to Koh Kood offer an efficient and cost-effective option. Companies like Boonsiri Ferry and Seudamgo provide these services. Meeting points for combined tickets are commonly located in the Khao San Road area in Bangkok.
- It is crucial to pre-book ferry tickets, especially during high season or peak travel periods such as public holidays (New Year, Songkran) and weekends, as tickets can become fully booked.
- SmartEnPlus are recommended for comparing travel options, booking combined tickets that can include transfers from Trat Airport, and ensuring a smooth journey.
Booking Accommodation
Accommodation should be booked in advance, particularly during busy periods like public holidays or weekends. While many guesthouses and resorts operate year-round, some close from May to October during the low season. Budget accommodation options may be limited and often situated away from the beachfront.
Getting to Koh Kood: The Journey Details
Reaching Koh Kood involves a multi-step journey combining land and sea travel:
From Bangkok to Trat (The Mainland Leg)
- By Air: Flights are available from BKK to TDX, taking approximately 1 hour. Booking early is essential.
- By Road: Public buses from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Terminal take around 6 hours or more. Combined bus/van and ferry tickets are available, with road travel typically taking 5.5 to 6 hours. Private car or minivan transfers offer a faster alternative, taking approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
From Trat to Laem Sok Pier
A transfer from Trat Airport or the bus station to Laem Sok Pier is necessary, taking about 40 to 60 minutes. Shared minibuses and private taxis are available. A minibus from Trat Airport costs approximately 700 THB per person, while a private car starts around 1,500 THB. Many transfer services from the airport or bus station can be booked in advance and may include ferry tickets.
From Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood (The Sea Leg)
The final stage is the ferry journey from Laem Sok Pier. Travel time varies by operator and vessel type, ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Major ferry operators include:
- Boonsiri Ferry: Offers a comfortable catamaran with free Wi-Fi.
- Seudamgo: Operates the newest and fastest catamaran, completing the journey in approximately 40-45 minutes. They also operate the last boat of the day at 16:00 in High Season.
- Koh Kood Express: Runs various vessels, including a large passenger boat, a catamaran, and a speedboat service.
- Koh Kood Princess: Is a slower and generally the cheapest option at 400 THB per person.
Ferry services typically depart between 10:00 and 16:00. Boats stop running mid-afternoon, even in High Season. If arriving too late for the last scheduled departure, a private speedboat is an expensive alternative.
Ferry tickets generally include transfer from the Koh Kood pier to your accommodation. Arrival piers on Koh Kood vary, with Ao Salat being a common docking point in the north.
Other Starting Points
Private transfers can also be arranged from locations such as Pattaya and Cambodian borders or cities.
Arriving and Getting Around on Koh Kood
Upon arrival on Koh Kood, passengers are typically met at the pier and provided with transport to their hotel, which is usually included in the ferry ticket price.
Getting Around the Island
- The primary method of transport on the island is motorbike rental. This provides flexibility for exploring. Rental costs are typically around 300-400 THB per day.
- Motorbike Safety: It is crucial to exercise extreme caution when riding motorbikes. The roads on Koh Kood can be hilly, winding, and have sharp bends. Sand on the roads can make surfaces slippery, particularly after rain. Wearing a helmet is recommended. Koh Kood is not considered a suitable place for inexperienced riders to learn.
- Taxis: There is no formal public Songthaew service. Pickup cabs are available but can be relatively expensive, particularly when visiting multiple locations. Accommodation providers can often assist in arranging taxi services.
- The island has a paved road that connects the northern part (Ao Salat) to the southeastern part (Ao Yai), offering scenic routes through the natural landscape.
Things to Do on Koh Kood: Exploring Paradise
Koh Kood’s appeal lies in its opportunities for relaxation and enjoying natural beauty.
Beach Hopping
While staying at one beach is an option, exploring several is highly recommended. Notable beaches include:
- Bang Bao Beach: Known for its shallow water and sunset views
- Ao Tapao Beach: Also offering stunning sunset vistas
- Khlong Chao Beach: Popular and picturesque
- Ao Noi: Access may appear restricted through resorts, although it is possible to visit
- Khlong Hin Beach: Accessible through resorts and remains quiet
- Ao Phrao Beach: The southernmost beach on the west coast
Waterfalls
Waterfalls provide an alternative to saltwater swimming:
- Khlong Chao Waterfall: The most frequented, featuring a deep pool suitable for swimming
- Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall: Less visited but equally beautiful
- Huang Khiao Waterfall: For the more adventurous explorer
Fishing Villages
Visiting traditional fishing villages like Ao Salat and Ao Yai on the east coast offers insight into local life and provides opportunities to sample authentic seafood. Ao Salat village is built on stilts over the water, creating a picturesque scene worth photographing.
Water Activities
Water activities available include snorkeling and diving, with dive shops offering services. Kayaking in the mangrove areas is also an option for those who want to explore the island’s ecosystem from a different perspective.
Scenic Drives
Exploring the island’s interior via the paved road allows for scenic drives through the natural environment, offering glimpses of local life and breathtaking vistas.
Nightlife
Koh Kood has limited nightlife; it is not characterized as a “party island.” There are a few bars and cafes available for those seeking a quiet evening drink or meal.
Practical Tips and Considerations
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available on some ferry services, such as Boonsiri Ferry, and at most resorts and cafes.
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities on the island are limited. It is advisable to have travel insurance and carry a basic first-aid kit.
Parking at Laem Sok Pier
Secure, covered parking is available at Laem Sok Pier for those arriving by car, typically costing 50 THB per day.
Late Arrival
If arrival at Laem Sok Pier is too late for the last ferry, options include staying overnight in Trat town or at a resort near the pier, such as Analay Check In and Chill Out.
Bringing Vehicles
You cannot bring a car to Koh Kood. Koh Kood Princess may potentially transport motorbikes, but confirmation with the operator in advance is required. Larger ferries like Boonsiri can transport bicycles for an additional fee (200 THB for Boonsiri).
Cost Expectations
| Item | Approximate Cost (THB) |
|---|---|
| Ferry tickets | 400-600 |
| Combined bus+ferry from Bangkok | 1100 |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | 300-400 |
| Private car transfers from Bangkok | Starting from 4,000 |
Note: Accommodation costs may be higher than in other parts of Thailand
Safety
Exercise caution regarding motorbike riding due to challenging road conditions. Standard travel precautions should be observed.
Beyond Koh Kood: Island Hopping and Further Travel
Island Hopping
During the high season, Koh Kood is accessible via ferry services from nearby islands such as Koh Chang and Koh Mak. Inter-island ferry services are available. Service frequency decreases in the low season and is subject to weather conditions and maintenance schedules.
Connections to Cambodia
Travel to or from Cambodian borders (Hat Lek for Sihanoukville/Phnom Penh, Aranya Prathet for Siem Reap, Ban Pakkad for Battambang) is possible using Boonsiri Ferry services or private transfers.
- The Boonsiri Ferry operates a service between Hat Lek and Koh Kood during High Season.
- Private transfers can be arranged to/from Cambodian borders and cities, requiring a vehicle change at the border.
- Be prepared for potential waits at Thai Immigration, particularly at the Poipet border crossing for Siem Reap.
- Private speedboats to and from the Had Lek border are also an option.
Conclusion
Koh Kood presents itself as a genuinely beautiful and tranquil island, offering a “slice of paradise” for those seeking to disconnect, relax, and appreciate natural landscapes. While the journey to the island requires planning and effort, the experience is widely considered to be well worth it.
This hidden gem offers a glimpse of Thailand before widespread mass tourism, suggesting it may become more popular in the future. If you’re looking for an authentic island experience with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, Koh Kood should be at the top of your travel list.