What Is Koh Kood Known For? A Quick Introduction

Tired of the bustling tourist hubs like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi? Thailand offers a stunning alternative, a serene island often overlooked by mainstream tourism. Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, is a beautiful island situated in the Gulf of Thailand, celebrated for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and inherently relaxing vibe. This island retreat provides an escape from the crowds and is undeniably worth visiting.

An Island Apart: Why Koh Kood Stands Out

What sets Koh Kood apart is its quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Compared to more frequented Thai islands, it experiences considerably fewer tourists. Visitors seeking tranquility will find that Koh Kood lacks the “raging parties and busy beaches” often associated with popular destinations. Its relatively less developed nature contributes significantly to its charm, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The island offers an opportunity to experience an authentic Thai island life, where locals traditionally make a living from fishing, coconut, and rubber farming.

Your Journey to Paradise: Getting to Koh Kood

Reaching Koh Kood typically involves traveling to Trat, either by bus or minivan from Bangkok or by flying into Trat Airport (TDX).

From Bangkok to Koh Kood: Air-conditioned buses depart frequently from Bangkok’s Morchit and Ekamai stations, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours. Mini-vans from Victory Monument take about 5 hours. Alternatively, flying from Bangkok (BKK) to Trat (TDX) takes roughly an hour.
From Trat to Koh Kood: From Trat, you proceed to Laem Sok Pier to catch a ferry or speedboat to Ao Salad Pier on Koh Kood. Free transport from Trat Bus Station to the pier is often available for early arrivals, but later arrivals may need to pay around 200-300 Baht. Ferry options include a slow ferry (approximately 350 Baht) and a faster one (approximately 500 Baht), with crossing times ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Speedboats can make the journey in about an hour.
On-Island Transfer: Transfer to your accommodation upon arrival at Koh Kood is typically included in the ferry ticket price.

Exploring the Island: Getting Around Koh Kood

Given Koh Kood’s size and hilly terrain, renting a motorbike is highly recommended as the primary mode of transport for exploring the island. This allows you to venture into the jungly interior and discover remote areas. Motorbike rentals can usually be arranged through guesthouses or resorts.

Alternatives for getting around include utilizing the included Songthaew transfer from the pier. Staying in or near Klong Chao village can be beneficial, as restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Day trips often include transportation, and kayaking is an option in certain areas like the river near Klong Chao. It may also be possible to charter a Songthaew for island tours.

An Important Note on Motorbike Safety and Travel Insurance: Riding motorbikes in Thailand carries risks, and accidents unfortunately occur. It is strongly advised to possess a valid motorbike license. Without one, your travel insurance may not cover medical expenses in the event of an accident. Travel insurance is recommended for potential medical emergencies.

Discovering Paradise: The Beaches of Koh Kood

Koh Kood is celebrated for having some of the most pristine and unspoilt beaches in Thailand. These typically feature soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Highly Recommended Beaches:
- Bang Bao Bay is a postcard-worthy paradise in the southwest, noted for its calm, clear, swimmable water and scenic coconut trees. It is considered by some to be the best beach.
- Klong Chao Beach is one of the more popular, centrally located options, offering almost 800 meters of powder white sand with ample natural shade. Despite its popularity, it remains uncrowded and is an excellent spot for sunsets. Public access is available despite the presence of high-end resorts.
- Ao Noi Beach is a lovely, secluded beach resembling the Maldives, and despite having only one resort, it is accessible to the public. It is cited as a favorite beach.
- Klong Hin Beach is described as a “perfect beach fringed with palm trees” and “spectacular”. It is often deserted and is favored by Russian tourists.

While many beaches are stunning, some, such as Khlong Hin, Ao Tapao, Ao Ta Khian, and Ao Jak, may occasionally have issues with debris depending on tides or maintenance. The beaches on the western coast are generally highlighted as being particularly nice.

Beyond the Coast: Inland Exploration

Beyond its stunning coastline, Koh Kood offers a beautiful interior with untouched rainforest.

Waterfalls:
- Klong Chao Waterfall (Nam Tok Klong Chao) is the main waterfall, located a few kilometers inland. It holds historical significance as King Rama VI visited in 1911. It features three tiers and a pool for swimming and is easily accessible, including from the Klong Chao Beach riverbank area.
- Klong Yai Kee Waterfall is located in the north-west, and its entrance is free.
- Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall, once known as the secret waterfall due to its deep inland location, now has improved access. It features boulders and a small plunge pool and is located near a local restaurant and homestay. This waterfall requires a more challenging ride compared to the others.
Ancient Trees: The island is home to two remarkable ancient makka trees, estimated to be between 200 and 500 years old. Known as Sai Yai and Mayayuk, they are also referred to as Giant Trees or Old Trees. Located inland, they are described as huge and complex, blending into the jungle landscape.
Khao Ruearab (Battleship Mountain): This rock formation resembles a ship and is found in the forest behind Ngamkho Beach. It can be reached via a paved road or a trail from the back of Klong Chao Beach.

Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Diving

The waters surrounding Koh Kood are rich with marine life and vibrant coral reefs. While snorkeling is possible directly from some beaches, day trips are highly recommended for the best experience. Koh Rang National Park is a popular destination for these trips due to its clear waters and pristine coral reefs. Operators like BB Divers offer guided tours suitable for all levels, emphasizing an eco-friendly approach to preserving the coral reefs. Their boats provide amenities such as lunch, drinks, and areas for relaxation. The optimal time for boat trips with calm, blue water is October to May. During peak season (November to May), it’s even possible to combine island hopping between Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood with a diving or snorkeling trip to optimize travel time.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Koh Kood offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from ultra-luxury resorts to more budget-friendly choices. The most exclusive is Soneva Kiri, a resort known for unique experiences like treehouse dining, with prices ranging from approximately $1,140 to over $14,200 per night. This resort is accessible by private plane and its amenities are primarily for guests.

However, mid-range and budget options are also available. Examples include Tolani Resort Koh Kood, a beachfront resort with various activities, Cozy House, a budget bungalow with friendly owners and amenities like free kayaks and a river-facing patio, and BB Dorm Room, a centrally located budget choice in Klong Chao. Budget options can be found starting around $12-$15 per night. Staying in or near Klong Chao village is recommended for convenient access to restaurants and shops. Accommodations on the river behind the Peter Pan/Tinkerbell area are also suggested for their proximity to the beach and potential for kayak access.

A Glimpse into History and Local Life

Koh Kood’s history is linked to late 19th-century geopolitical events, specifically the flight of settlers from Trat in 1903 during a period of pressure on Siam. Ao Salad, meaning “pirate bay,” may have historically served as a refuge. Early residents in original villages like Klong Mad, believed to be the oldest, subsisted on coconuts, fishing, and rubber farming. Tourism emerged in the early 1990s, initially catering to Thai package tours, but since 2010, both the domestic market, particularly young Bangkokians, and Western visitors have become key segments. Development on the island is managed in a controlled and sedate manner. Visiting fishing villages such as Ban Ao Yai provides insight into the local culture and traditional livelihoods. Note that signs in some areas, like Ban Ao Yai, might primarily be in Russian.

Practical Considerations for Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: The period from October to May offers the most favorable weather conditions for water activities. March and May are noted as dry season months, with the high season occurring around February.
Connectivity: Be aware that WiFi access may not be universally available, especially at smaller guesthouses. Travelers should be prepared for less reliance on technology for navigation and planning.
Travel Insurance: As noted previously, travel insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies.
Beach Conditions: Depending on tides and maintenance efforts, some beaches may occasionally have issues with debris.

Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Escape Awaits

Koh Kood offers a unique blend of pristine natural beauty, tranquility, and a genuine escape from the crowds that define many other Thai islands. Despite its relative obscurity, it is readily accessible and promises incredible experiences, from stunning beaches and lush inland landscapes to vibrant underwater worlds. Consider making Koh Kood your next destination to discover this less-developed paradise before it gains wider recognition.