So, you’re thinking of visiting Koh Kood? Good for you! Koh Kood, or Koh Kut as it’s also known, is one of the most enchanting islands in Thailand!
It’s remote location means its unspoiled by overcrowding, and it has some of the most incredible beaches in the entire country, period.
However, it’s remote location can also make travelers feel a little confused about how to get there, what there is to see and do, and generally understand what Koh Kood is like.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be confused any longer, because we’ve shared our top tips for things to do in Koh Kood, how to get there, and some tips for visiting based on our experience there.
Let’s get started…
Where Is Koh Kood?
Koh Kood is a small island of 111.9km², located in the Gulf of Thailand in an archipelago known as “The Trang Islands.” It’s located very close to the border with Cambodia. In fact, it’s the last Thai island in the waters of Thailand before Cambodia.
Its neighboring islands are Koh Mak, which is smaller than Koh Kood at just 12.4 km², and Koh Chang, which is much larger at 224.2 km².
The nearest airport is on the mainland of Bangkok at Trat Airport. The distance from Bangkok to Koh Kood is 322 km, and the distance from Trat Airport to Koh Kood is 83.7 km.
To get to Koh Kood, you must travel by land to the Trat district, and from here catch a ferry to Koh Kood which takes approximately 45 minutes by speedboat. There is no airport on Koh Kood and it has two piers.
How to Get to Koh Kood
Getting to Koh Kood is actually very straightforward. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may want to either fly to Trat Airport and catch a bus and ferry, or simply catch a bus and ferry.
How to Get to Koh Kood from Bangkok by Bus
Most likely, you will start your journey to Koh Kood from Bangkok. If so, there are two ways you can get to Koh Kood from Bangkok; the first is to catch a bus and then a ferry.
This is the best and cheapest option, because the bus journey is only 5 hours and the ferry is 40 minutes, and includes transfer to your hotel when you reach Koh Kood.
The company that takes you from Bangkok to Koh Kood is Boonsiri, and the bus departs from outside their office near Khao San Road at 6.00am, and you will arrive in Koh Kood at around 3.00pm.
The bus includes the price of the ferry, a bottle of water, snack, and a fully cooked lunch of your choosing.
How to Get to Koh Kood from Tran Airport
Another way to get to Koh Kood which is more expensive and also more of a hassle, is to fly to Trat Airport and then take the bus.
Bangkok Airways has two flights per day to Trat from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the flight takes one hour.
From Trat Airport, the bus service takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, and includes the bus to the pier in Trat, the price of the speedboat, and the shuttle service to your hotel.
Honestly, the price of the bus from Trat Airport to Koh Kood is the same as the bus from Bangkok to Koh Kood, so unless you are traveling from Phuket or somewhere else further away, we wouldn’t recommend you take this route to Koh Kood because it doesn’t save you time or money.
Things to Do in Koh Kood
Now you know how to get to Koh Kood and where it is, let’s look at some of the top attractions and places to visit on the island…
1. Relax on Koh Kood’s Beaches
Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Koh Kood is to explore its beaches. The beaches in Koh Kood are some of the best in Thailand, hands down.
They are pure white, soft, and unspoiled. One of the best things about the beaches in Koh Kood is that there is rarely a piece of trash in sight.
If you’re a fan of beaches, make sure you check out White Beach. This is probably one of the most famous beaches on the island and is known for its twin palm tree. It has several resorts nearby and local restaurants, so you can easily find refreshments. It faces west, so it’s a popular spot for sunset.
Another popular beach is Bang Bao Beach, which is also lined with resorts. What makes this beach unique is that it’s nestled inside a bay, and come late afternoon, the beach almost disappears due to high tide. However, get there in the morning and you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island.
If you want somewhere quiet and remote, consider heading to the south side of the island to Ao Phrao Beach or Haad Khlong Hin.
Haad Khlong Hin is probably one of our favorite beaches on Koh Kood, purely because it’s beautiful, has calm, turquoise waters, and plenty of shade under the palm trees. Despite the fact there is a resort right on the shoreline, it’s pretty quiet too.
Secret Sunset Beach on the northwest of the island is another quiet beach, though not so secret anymore. It’s remote, and clothing optional. While some go here for sunset, we personally didn’t think the sunset was that great since the sun is blocked by Ko Raet Island. Some people prefer to head just a short scooter ride south to Nang Yai Beach instead.
And finally, another unmissable beach you need to check out is Ao Tapao Beach on the west of the island. It’s a long stretch of pure white sand with three palm swings, where you can sit back and swing over the shallow, calm waters. It’s also a popular spot for sunset.
2. Dip in An Enchanting Waterfall
When beaches become too much, a waterfall is the perfect place to cool off in. Fortunately, there are three excellent waterfalls in Koh Kood that have large, deep swimming holes that you can jump into.
The biggest waterfall, with the biggest pool, is Khlong Chao Waterfall. It’s located pretty much central in the island, making it easy to get to from anywhere on the island.
You can scoot all the way to a car park, and then walk for 5-10 minutes through a jungle before reaching the pool. There are some sections where you need to climb over rocks, but only for a minute or so.
What we love about Khlong Chao Waterfall is that there is more than just a waterfall here. You can swing on a rope swing, stand on a ledge under the falls and have one of nature’s massages, or cool off in the flowing river.
Another waterfall worth visiting in Koh Kood checking out is Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall, which is a bit of an adventure to get to, but so worth it. To get there, you can drive along a paved road until you reach a parking area.
From there it’s a 5 minute walk down a steep set of stone steps, which can be slippery after a rainfall. Then you’ll reach a platform which takes you onto the rocks. You will need to walk through the pool and scramble over rocks to get to the waterfall, but it’s not that far. Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall is always quiet – there was one other person there when we visited.
The most remote water fall on the island is Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall, which was once called “Secret Waterfall” but the cat was let out of the bag. It’s another big waterfall with a cafe next to it, though the road to it is pretty steep and rocky, so be careful when driving a scooter there. Don’t attempt it in the rain.
3. Eat Seafood at Ao Yai Fisherman Village
Koh Kood is full of charming little villages, but none more so than Ao Yai Fisherman Village. This cute little village sits on stilts, off the Eastern shores of the island.
One of the best things to do here is to eat at the seafood restaurant which floats over the water. It’s a quiet, tranquil and remote village with a peaceful setting.
Be sure to stop off at the viewpoint on the way into the village for lovely views of the bay.
4. Get A Thai Massage on the Beach
At Ao Tapao Beach, you will find a small massage parlor to the northern side of the beach, next to the Sea Far Resort.
This is the perfect spot to get a Thai massage whilst watching the waves lap against the shore.
5. Enjoy the Koh Kood Nightlife
Now don’t expect Koh Kood’s nightlife to live up to a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, but there is still some nightlife to explore.
The area around White Beach is where you will find the most happening bars. At night, the cocktails bars will host DJs, or play music, while fire performers captivate their audiences from the beach.
6. Swim Over to Ko Raet
If you visit Secret Beach on the Northwest of the island, you’ll notice a little island across the waters. This is Ko Raet, and is a tiny and rugged island with a small restaurant on it.
In low tide, you can swim over, sometimes even walk, or you can rent a kayak from the Seacret Resort and paddle yourself over.
7. Take A Snorkeling Boat Trip
You’ll notice that even from the shore there is an abundance of fish and marine life in the waters around Koh Kood. But if you really want to see thriving ocean life, then you need to head out on the water.
Hop in an authentic long-tail boat and visit the nearby protected waters which are teaming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.
The benefit of the snorkeling tour is that the boat tours know where all the best life is found, and they also provide food, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day.
If you’re an animal and nature lover, this is the best thing to do in Koh Kood.
8. Scoot Through the Jungles
One of the top things to do in Koh Kood is to simply grab your scooter and go for a long drive around the island.
Pass through the small, quaint villages and wave at the locals, before passing through the dense jungle and palm forests.
Koh Kood is mostly paved and has a well maintained road that connects most of the attractions on the island, but there are also some rugged terrain roads that are more for the adventurous scooter drivers.
Scooting around the island is the best way to experience how green and lush its nature is. Not to mention the ocean views are incredible.
9. Try Freediving or Scuba Diving
One of the big reasons people come to Koh Kood is for its excellent diving position. The nearby waters of Koh Rang National Park boasts crystal clear waters and thriving coral, making it the perfect spot to dive and witness Thailand’s diverse marine life.
Whether you’re looking to try your hand at freediving or you’re looking to get your PADI certification, you can do all that from Koh Kood.
If you’re feeling adventurous and you’ve been diving before, you can even do a night dive from Koh Kood, which gives you the opportunity to witness the nocturnal marine animals come out for their night time hunt. Look out for stingrays, parrot fish, maybe even a shark! This is only for advanced level divers though.
Where to Eat in Koh Kood
Knowing where to eat can be a challenge, especially if you’re a fussy eater. Most of the restaurants on Koh Kood are family-owned businesses offering home-cooked meals, so it doesn’t matter where you pull over to eat, you can be sure it’s going to be satisfying.
Best Breakfast in Koh Kood: Koh Kood Mermaid Boutique & Café
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that’s delicious and good value, then Koh Kood Mermaid Boutique & Café is a sure winner.
We loved their smoothy bowls, which you could also swap out for a yoghurt bowl if you prefer, which are packed with different fruits, museli and honey. The bowl makes the dish look small, but it was never ending! I don’t think I’ve never not been able to finish a yoghurt bowl before.
If you prefer something more filling, they also serve croissants, sandwiches, toast and desserts.
They also have a great selection of teas, coffees and smoothies.
Best Lunch in Koh Kood: Black Bananas Koh Kood
Black Bananas became my regular spot for lunch in Koh Kood. It’s a small, intimate, family-owned restaurant with a tranquil setting next to a pond.
The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s so they can put love and care into every dish they serve. I particularly love the Pad Thai, which is a generous portion size, and the Masamam curry, which was really filling and delicious.
Best Dinner in Koh Kood: The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood
While most restaurants on Koh Kood are primely located on the beach, those who are looking for a more relaxing jungle vibe should definitely check out The Fisherman Hut.
They have a wide range of Thai and Western food, whether you prefer a burger or pizza, or a Thai curry or Pad Thai, you can find it all there.
Not only is the food great, but they also regularly have live entertainment, such as acoustic acts and singers. Not to mention one of the best price tags on the island.
Best Western Food in Koh Kood: Kood Vibes Bakery & Restaurant
Had enough of Thai food and need a hearty burger? Then Kood Vibes Bakery & Restaurant has some of the best burgers on the island.
The menu is more tailored towards breakfast and lunch meals, but they do open until 10.00pm if you need somewhere for dinner.
They have excellent sandwiches, juicy burgers, and colorful smoothie bowls. And if you’re looking for a nice, refreshing dessert, try one of the sundaes!
Where to Stay in Koh Kood
The good thing about Koh Kood is that it’s so small, it really doesn’t matter where you position yourself on the island. The most you will need to scoot is for about 20 minutes to reach one side of the island to the other.
One of the biggest reasons to visit Koh Kood is for the beachside resorts. The most popular spots to stay at are White Beach, Bang Bao Beach, Ao Tapao Beach, and if you prefer something more quiet, Haad Khlong Hin.
If you’re traveling on a budget, we recommend you stay further away from the beach in the jungles.
A great budget-friendly accommodation is Wave-F Homestay, which is a 5-minute scooter ride from Ao Tapao Beach. It has private, self-contained bungalows with a garden view, which are kitted out with A/C, private bathroom, and soft double beds.
If you prefer a little more high-end luxury, a great mid-range resort is Koh Kood Resort on Bang Bao Bay. It has beach access, a lovely bar and restaurant, and private self-contained bungalows.
For those who are willing to splurge, High Season Pool Villa & Spa located on the desirable White Beach is the place to be. They offer large, cosy rooms with ocean views, have a beachside pool, bar, restaurant, and of course, is steps away from the beach. It’s also more tailored to couples than families, so it’s nice and quiet.
Tips for Visiting in Koh Kood
Before you go, we have a few words to the wise we need to share based on our own personal experience visiting Koh Kood. These are things we wish we knew before visiting!
- If you have a Mastercard, take cash out before you get to Koh Kood. There are four ATMs on the island, but two of them didn’t work with our UK bank account. The ATM Krungsri doesn’t take Mastercard, ATM GSB was sometimes out of cash. You will be able to get cash at one of the ATMs but it may require you to drive to each one, so come prepared before you go and you can avoid wasting time on this. We have marked the ATM that accepted our Mastercard on the map below.
- Wear bug spray! Koh Kood is absolute paradise, but there is one thing that stops it from being perfect and that’s sandflies. They are most active during sunset, which is frustrating as this is prime time to hit the beaches that face West. Don’t neglect the bug spray during these hours.
- Hire a scooter. You can get around using taxis but its expensive and you may have to wait a while, because there’s a limited number on the island. Hiring a scooter is the best way to get around and is the most cost effective way.
- But test the brakes first. Koh Kood is quite a hilly island with lots of steep sections of road, as well as some off-road, rugged terrain. Make sure the scooter you hire has good brakes.
- Prepare for WiFi to go down. Sometimes the WiFi will cut out on the whole island after a lot of rain, and may not come back up for a day or so. Make sure you have a local sim card or some other way to stay connected, just in case.
- Get out of the resorts! The resorts are so nice and it’s easy to think “I can just stay here all day!” but there is so much to see and do on the island, make sure you go out and see it.
Map Of These Attractions in Koh Kood
To round things off, here is an interactive map that shows the best restaurants, resorts and attractions on Koh Kood that we mentioned in this guide…
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, this is everything you need to know about visiting Koh Kood. It’s one of our favorite islands in Thailand, and by now we hope you can see why.
It’s tranquil, it’s remote, it’s unique – it’s 100% worth adding to your Thai bucket list.
If you have any questions about visiting Koh Kood, let us know in the comments and we’d be happy to help!