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Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is located 40Km off the mainland of Thailand just to the north of the maritime border with Cambodia.  It’s the second largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago and the 5th largest in Thailand.

The island is one of the most beautiful in Thailand and without a doubt the least developed large island in the country.  If you want to know what islands such as Samui or Phuket were like when tourism was just beginning in the 1970s and 80s then visit Koh Kood now.

Koh Kood’s pristine white sand beaches which skirt the west and south of the island are home to around 50 resorts, hotels and bungalows.  The centre of the island is a mix of impenetrable jungle and rubber plantation.  There are also a couple of waterfalls, the most famous of which is Klong Chao waterfall in the centre of the west coast.  Original settlers lived in two fishing villages, Ao Salad and Ao Yai, both located on the east of the island.  They are also the starting end ending point of the island’s road.

Best time to visit

While Koh Chang is more or less all-year destination, Koh Kood is best visited during November–April period. In summer, many of not so numerous accommodations close from May to October and while you can score great deals during the low season period, you can also be caught by tropical rains.

Check the below table for the general idea of Koh Kood weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 31.9 26.7 22
Feb 31.9 27.4 23.1
Mar 32.6 28.2 24.2
Apr 33.2 28.5 24.7
May 32.8 28.4 24.7
Jun 31.7 27.8 24.5
Jul 30.8 27.2 24.1
Aug 31.1 27.3 24.3
Sep 30.9 27 24.1
Oct 31.9 27.2 23.7
Nov 32.8 27.8 23.6
Dec 32.5 27.3 22.6

Koh Kood’s current weather and 7-day forecast

KOH KUT WEATHER

Besides relaxing in idyllic surroundings with an icy cold Thai beer, there’s plenty more to see and do. Here are our top seven things to do on Koh Kood Island.

1. Rent a Motorcycle (or Bicycle)

This has to be top of the list because you’ll need some form of transport to explore Koh Kood Island and to access some of the below activities. Whilst you could arrange a tuk tuk or taxi through your accommodation motorcycle rental is by far the best option.

2. Koh Kood Beaches

Koh Kood Island has some of the most beautiful beaches of all the Thai Islands. Nearly all the unspoilt beaches on Koh Kood are on the west coast of the island and the best way to explore them is to beach hop by rented motorcycle. Koh Kood has many beaches, but here are some of the best that you can reach by road, from north to south: 

Ao Tapao – is the longest beach on Koh Kood. It has over 1 km of soft, powdery white sand, leading down to the sparkling, crystal clear sea and backed with coconut palms. Despite being home to four resorts this is a beautiful beach.

 

Ao Noi Beach – is the place to head if you want a peaceful day doing nothing but relaxing on a secluded beach. The tall palm trees edging the sand give lots of shade to escape from the scorching sun. The highlight of Ao Noi has to be the wooden jetty leading out to a gazebo built over the sea. 

Khlong Chao Beach – is the main tourist beach of Koh Kood and is a natural centre to the west coast of the island. This more developed beach consists of a lovely stretch of sand with some high-end beachfront resorts. Nearby along the river estuary are a small selection of budget-friendly bungalow accommodation, plus a few local shops, bars and restaurants. 

Bang Bao Beach – is a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay. Accessible via paved tracks that wind through rubber trees, this is my personal favourite beach of Koh Kood. The powdery white sand is lined with a few resorts, each of which has its own jetty down to the sea. The water is again, crystal clear and being in a bay it’s very sheltered and calm, making it ideal for snorkelling. Sunset here is fantastic, especially whilst enjoying a cocktail or beer. 

Ao Jak Beach – is quite an adventure to reach. It’s a bumpy, sandy (sometimes muddy) 15-minute scooter ride or 30-minute cycle ride in my case, from the main road. Another beautiful beach, this is nice for a walk or a swim but can be quite windswept due to its location. 

Ao Phrao Beach – is the most southern beach on Koh Kood and is one of the best on the island. Its kilometre of bright white sand make it perfect for sun-worshippers, but it does have the downside that the sea can get very rough.

3. Kayak

The river estuaries and mangroves make Koh Kood the perfect place for some kayaking. If the sea is calm you can even kayak around the edge of the island to explore some completely deserted beaches, inaccessible by road. Most resorts have kayaks you can use for free or for a small fee, along with a life jacket.

4. Hike

One of the things to do when coming to Koh Kood is hiking. You can walk north along the road to Khlong Hin Dam Village which was interesting to visit as it has a very local feel. There are local restaurants, cafes, school, hospital, and government offices. It has a very local feel, hardly any English is spoken there. 

From Khlong Hin Dam Village you can go further and into the virgin rainforest to seek out the ancient trees, or makka trees as they’re known. To find these turn right at the fork after the hospital in Khlong Hin Dam, then take another right at the next fork onto a gravel road. The trees are several kilometres further. The first tree ‘Sai Yai’ is on the right and the second tree ‘Mayayuk’ is about ten minutes walk further on the left.

Another option is an inland nature trekking trail between Khlong Chao and Ngamkho Bay. There you can find Battleship Mountain (Khao Rearub), so called because it apparently resembles a battleship.
Finally, there are the waterfalls of Koh Kood, all of which involve some hiking to reach.

5. Koh Kood Waterfalls

Koh Kood’s interior with its untouched rainforest is home to three waterfalls. These can be reached by hiking or a combination of kayaking and hiking. The waterfalls you can visit are:

Klong Chao Waterfall – is the main waterfall on Koh Kood, and is located a few kilometres inland from the middle of the northwest coast. It’s accessible via a small road from behind Khlong Chao beach. The road crosses a bridge, then heads inland, before arriving at a carpark at the trailhead. This is only a few kilometres and is walkable or cyclable if you prefer. Once at the trailhead it’s just a short a fairly easy hike to the waterfall.

A more adventurous way to reach this waterfall is to kayak up Khlong Chao River then hike the short stretch through mangroves. Turn left at the road and follow it up to the trailhead. The wet season is the best time to visit as the refreshing pool is deep enough to swim in. Just be careful clambering over the rocks to reach it as they get very slippery.  

Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall – is in the northwest of the island and can again be reached by road. It’s smaller than Khlong Chao but is a more secluded a hidden gem. To get there, go through Hin Dam Village and straight past a vegetable store on a corner on your right until you get to Khlong Mad. Turn right just before Suanya Resort and you’ll find yourself in the waterfall carpark, from there it’s only a short hike to the waterfall. In wet season you’re able to swim and jump from rocks into the water at the bottom of the cascade.

Huang Nam Waterfall – was once known as the secret waterfall. It’s located deep in the island’s interior beyond the ancient makka trees. It’s no longer quite so secret as the muddy track leading to it has been developed into a highway and gravel track. There’s also now a car park and visitor centre. The waterfall is about a 5 km walk from the visitor centre and off to the right. The bottom of the falls can be accessed by steps down the hillside. Sometimes it’s also possible to climb on the big rocks at the top of the fall where there’s a small plunge pool. the visitor centre to the waterfall it’s about a 5 km walk.

6. Fishing Villages

On the east coast of Koh Kood are two working fishing villages. Ao Salad is in the northeast and Ao Yai is in the southeast of the island. Located either end of the main road, these fishing villages are the only developments on the east coast.

Virtually all the families that live in the fishing villages are involved in the fishing industry in some way. Visiting either or both of these villages will give you a fantastic insight into the local way of life.

Ao Yai – is again set in a picturesque bay and is reached by passing through forest and over undulating hills until you reach a viewpoint on your right. From the viewpoint and pagoda you’re treated to a marvellous view of the bay and fishing village with its wooden stilted house. A wooden boardwalk built over the water creates a pathway through the village with access to the houses and a small selection of simple seafood restaurants. 

Ao Salad – is set in a fantastic bay and is overlooked by a 30 metre tall golden Buddha. A wooden jetty serves as a pavement and road for the villagers and their motorcycles. On one side are the traditional wooden houses and on the other sides are boats moored up. The jetty gets quite busy during the day as this where the boats from the mainland arrive into and depart from.

7. Dive, Snorkel or Fish

The sea around Koh Kood offers plenty of activities for visitors. The reefs create perfect spots for some fantastic diving and snorkelling, whilst further out to see there’s some great fishing.

There are three main diving companies on Koh Kood: BB Divers, Koh Kood Divers and Paradise Divers, all who usually offer snorkelling on the same trips. Besides the reefs closer to the island, they also offer trips to the Marine Park at Koh Rang and the wreck near Koh Chang.

There are also a couple of other companies that offer snorkelling and fishing trips. These include TJ Boats at Mark House and at Doy Homestay, both found near Khlong Chao Bridge. The main company offering tailored full day and overnight fishing tours is Dutchman Fishing Tours, based on the jetty in Ao Salad fishing village.

You can find a room from as little as 500 Baht / night, but if you want to be beachfront then you’ll be looking at around 2,000 Baht / night minimum.  The most expensive resort on the island is the Soneva Kiri which has pool villas for over 100,000 Baht / night.  A beautiful resort and one of the best in Thailand, but definitely for people who want to be sealed off from real life and any contact with islanders.

Overall prices are higher than they would be for similar standard accommodation on other islands, but given the lack of vehicle access to the island, means that the costs involved in building a resort and bringing supplies to the island are far higher than Koh Chang, Koh Samui or Phuket for example.

Beach resorts

Tinkerbell Privacy Resort 

Only 15 rooms.  Eight on the beach and seven larger pool villas on the second row.  It;s how you imagine an intimate 5 star beach resort should be.  Great staff, good restaurant and a perfect beach.  Plus shops and local restaurants within easy reach.  

The resort has got a great reputation for hosting wedding parties ans it’s relatively small size and great location make it ideal for families to rent the entire resort for a few days.  From around 10,000 Baht / night

High Season Pool Villa Resort 

As the name suggests, accommodation here is in pool villas.  These are as good as anything you will find in the Maldives and the resort occupies a 200 metre long stretch of Klong Chao beach and is adjacent to Tinkerbell.  Villas range from a  95Sqm to 180Sqm.  

By the beach you’ll find a huge pool, beach restaurant and cocktail bar with Happy hour prices that make it affordable for outsiders to have a drink  there whilst they enjoy the sunset.  Stunning rooms, great beach, friendly and efficient staff. All you need now is 20,000 Baht / night – assuming you’re happy staying in one of the cheaper villas.

Shantaa Resort 

It’s an older resort but one that keeps up the same super high standards year after year.  If you aren’t sure where to stay and want to be guaranteed a great holiday, then you’ll be happy at Shantaa.  Many guests return every year.

It’s tucked away at the northern end of Ao Tapao beach, in the centre of the west coast.  The bungalows are spread out in a huge gently sloping garden which features gazebos for guests to while away their time in peace and quiet.  

There aren’t any televisions in the rooms, as the aim is to provide an environment for guests to chill out and re-connect with each other. The restaurant is also rated as one of the best on the island.

There are no downsides aside from the beach at the hotel not being as long as at some other resorts.  But a 5 minute walk brings you to the main section of Ao Tapao beach where there’s almost  a kilometre of sand plus a handful of other resorts.

Bungalow resorts

Mangrove Bungalows 

Mangrove is pricier but is a bit nicer.  Both have AC bungalows from around 1500 Baht / night upwards.  Cheaper fan bungalows are also available.  

There are free kayaks so you can paddle down to the beach on head inland along the mangrove lined river towards Klong Chao waterfall – the largest on the island.  The beach is 5 minutes walk away as as several inexpensive restaurants and a handful of local shops.

Koh Kood BEDs 

Located just off the main road on the access road to Koh kood beach Resort.  Just four, spotless, spacious rooms in a garden setting.  Far better service and value for money than the nearby beach resorts on Bangbao beach, which is a 10 minute walk away. 

I-Lay House 

Probably the smallest beach resort on the island.  Only eight new, air-conditioned wooden bungalows plus a couple of concrete bungalows in a spacious garden by Ao Prao beach. The rooms all have King size beds and all the comforts of home.  Enjoy local hospitality and peace & quiet by a great beach from 2,000 Baht / night. 

Baan Bua Cottage 

A handful of very tastefully designed, aircon wooden bungalows hidden just off the main road around 5 mins walk to the beach and a small fishing community.  Friednl;y spot to base yourself if you want accommodation and food a step up from the budget places. 

Jungle Koh Kood Resort 

Quite a large resort inland in the Klong Chao area.  Here you’ll find bright, stylish, modern, wooden AC huts. There are large garden areas , a pool to laze around and very good restaurant and cocktail bar. If you backpacked in your youth and swore never to stay in a wooden hut again, then this might just change your mind.  Bungalows from 1,800 Baht / night

Backpacker friendly budget accommodation

Relax House 

Just two spacious, modern air-conditioned bungalows by the main road towards the south of the island. Owned by a very friendly & helpful local family.  1,300 Baht / night but this also includes breakfast and scooter hire. 

The laid back restaurant features excellent home cooking and, with just five tables, is very hard to get a table at unless you are staying there.  

Sand and Sea 

Simple fan rooms in the guesthouse plus fan bungalows by the beach tucked away on the southern shore of Bangbao bay.  About 10 minutes walk from Siam Beach Resort.  Good for an ‘old skool’ backpacker experience.  There’s no wi-fi.   Rooms from 600 Baht in High Season

Gumm Lonely Club 

Located in the fishing community near Ao Phrao beach, this is for anyone wanting to enjoy a real homestay experience in a renovated fisherman’s house. There are just two fan rooms with a shared bathroom.  

The English speaking, Thai owners will cook dinner for guests, take them fishing etc.  Room rate is 700 Baht / night.

The Pink Kangaroo 

Dick & Wan, who used to run the popular Viewpoint Cafe , opened a new cafe on the road to Kao Rua Rob naval memorial.  In addition to their famous homemade cakes, coffee and desserts they have a long-stay bungalow available, complete with small kitchenette. Minimum 7 day rental from 800 Baht/night.

It’s a very peaceful place to stay and ideal for anyone planning an extended break on the island. Book via their Facebook page or on Airbnb.

There are quite a few small restaurants on the island.  Here are a few to try which are on the west coast within easy reach of most resorts.  It’s also well worth heading to the fishing villages of Ao Yai or Ao Salad for some delicious, freshly caught seafood in a ramshackle restaurant built on stilts over the sea.

View Point Café – For a coffee, cake or a relaxing sunset beer on the estuary.

The Pink Kangaroo – Run by Dick & Wan, who previously had the Viewpoint Cafe.  Exceptional homemade coffee, cakes and smoothies.  Great place to stop if you’re scootering around the island. 

Relax House – Probably the best Thai food on the island. Reservations are required. Tel: 080 651 2779

Noochy Seafood – Very popular seafood restaurant in Ao Yai fishing village. Often packed with Thai visitors.  

Chiang Mai Restaurant – Good restaurant with northern Thai food and large portions.

The Fisherman Hut – Funky restaurant 800 metres north of Klong Chao beach with popular seafood barbecue.

Chaiyo Restaurant – Small local Thai restaurant with surprisingly good food.

Pizza & Pasta – Run by Italians who understand what is good food is all about. If you’re missing good Western food, head here.

Mangrove Resort restaurant – Delicious Thai food by the river.  Gets rave reviews on Thai language sites.

Getting to Koh Kood

The best way to get to Koh Kood is to travel from Bangkok, where there are several options available.

The first is to fly from Bangkok to Trat with Bangkok airways, with one-way fares starting from THB2,500, and flights throughout the day.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

Once at Trat, you can take a songthaew (pick-up truck) to Laem Sok, where you can catch the ferry to Koh Kood. The journey is around 30 km and can cost anywhere from THB100 if you take a public songthaew toTHB750 if you negotiate a private ride.

From Laem Sok, Koh Kut Express run both a speedboat and ferry service to the main pier on Koh Kood. The speedboat service (THB600 one way) runs twice every day at 10.30am and 2.30pm during the high season (01 October to 01 May), but in the low season it only runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at 10.30am.

The ferry service (THB350 one way) runs all year round (weather permitting) at 1.00pm, and takes around 75 minutes.

The speedboat journey duration depends on where you want to go, as it includes drop off at any resort along the west coast.

It's also possible to reach Koh Kood from Koh Chang by speedboat every morning between 9.00am and 10.30am, depending on which pier you choose to travel from (THB900). These boats will also make stops at the other smaller islands along the way.

Tip If you want to bring a motorbike with you from the mainland, you can take the Ko Kood Princess from Laem Sok pier (12.30pm, THB350 per person and THB200 per motorbike).

Get around

Once on the island, the best way to get around is to hire either a bicycle or a motorbike, as there is no public transport on Koh Kood.

It's important to be safe when hiring a motorbike, as there are minimal medical facilities on the island, so only hire one if you have experience and always wear a helmet!

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