After a day of beach hopping around Koh Kood, we thought we'd seen the best of the island. Then we got a message from some new friends we'd just met at Noochy Seafood—a lovely French couple—inviting us for sunset drinks at Bang Bao Beach. So we hopped on our scooters and headed there to end the day perfectly. We'd actually meant to take the turnoff to Siam Beach Resort, but somehow we got lost.

Finally, we found the right path and parked our scooters in front of the resort. What followed were the most wonderful hours of our Koh Kood trip. We strolled along a sandy path lined with tall coconut palms and lush vegetation. The sun peeked through the trees, and the water sparkled in the background. Then we emerged from the greenery and beheld Bang Bao in all its splendor. Since we arrived at 4:00 PM at low tide, there was plenty of space on the sand to spread out a towel and spend a relaxing afternoon.

What makes Bang Bao Beach so special?

Bang Bao Beach boasts a unique blend of Mediterranean flair and tropical atmosphere – the only beach in Thailand we know of that offers this rare combination. On one side, you'll see sailboats anchored in the water and headlands forming a perfectly sheltered bay. On the other, rustic wooden jetties extend into the sea, and coconut palms line the shore. It's as if the Greek islands and the Philippines had a child together.

The beach was impeccably clean during our visit. We didn't see any plastic straws or beer cans floating in the calm water or polluting the white sand. Unfortunately, this can't be said of every beach on Koh Kood: Ao Phrao Beach had the worst amount of trash we encountered during our trip in March. All in all, Bang Bao Beach has a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. And it became even more beautiful when we strolled to the Hidden Gem Monkey Bar at sunset and later to Bang Bao Home Food for dinner.

How to spend your time at Bang Bao Beach

Swimming and sunbathing

Bang Bao Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and perhaps even reading in the shade of a coconut palm. Swimming is best at high tide, so be sure to check the tide tables beforehand. Thanks to the bay's sheltered location, there are neither strong winds nor high waves – just calm, shallow water that's fun for the whole family. The water is so idyllic that it's often referred to as a "bathtub" or "natural swimming pool."

Go kayaking at high tide

Another fantastic activity at high tide is a kayaking trip through the horseshoe-shaped bay. Kayaks can be rented at the resorts or at one of the stands on the beach. Thanks to the mirror-like water at Bang Bao Beach, paddling is a breeze and not too strenuous (depending on how far out you go). You could even time your paddling trip to coincide with sunset, allowing you to experience the sunset behind the verdant headlands up close.

Stroll across the wooden walkways and bamboo bridges.

Directly on Bang Bao Beach, several wooden jetties extend into the water, the largest of which bears the inscription "Siam Beach." Most of these jetties are not used for mooring boats but simply invite visitors to stroll and take photos. Those seeking the perfect Instagram spot should visit the bamboo bridge at the southern end of the bay near the budget bungalows "The Sand and Sea." It spans a small freshwater inlet and offers fantastic photo opportunities of the tropical beach landscape.

Enjoy the sunset at the Hidden Gem Monkey Bar

The Hidden Gem Monkey Bar is a cozy little open-air bar, just a stone's throw from the Siam Beach Resort. It may only offer beanbag chairs, fairy lights, and house music, but with a view like this, you don't need anything more. Add a few cocktails, and you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. The sunset we experienced here was stunning: an orange ball hovered above the sailboats before the sky was bathed in deep purples and vibrant pinks.

Dinner at Bang Bao Home Food

Just around the corner is Bang Bao Home Food, a family-run restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine at affordable prices. It's very popular, so don't be surprised if you have to wait 30 minutes for a table. The food is delicious, just slightly adapted to Western tastes. We ordered Rad Na, green curry, and some appetizers and were delighted by the generous portions. An excellent restaurant whether you're taking a day trip to Bang Bao Beach or staying at one of the nearby resorts.

Accommodation near Bang Bao Beach

If you'd like to stay right on Bang Bao Beach, the Beach Natural Resort at the northern end of the bay is the best choice. This 4-star resort is nestled amidst nature and offers sea views from some of its villas and cottages. With its own restaurant and bar, a wooden jetty, beach loungers, and massage services, it's the perfect place for those seeking comfort and relaxation.

For a more budget-friendly stay, we recommend the Jasmin Garden Koh Kood Resort, located just inland from the beach. This tranquil, eco-friendly resort offers bungalows in Thai, Balinese, and Japanese styles. Alternatively, the Hideout Koh Kood, a more modern resort, is only a 10-minute scooter ride away. The great thing about Koh Kood is that you don't have to stay on your favorite beach to have a wonderful time: the entire island is easily explored by scooter.

How to get to Bang Bao Beach

To get to Bang Bao Beach, follow Google Maps to Siam Beach Resort and then park your scooter in the visitor parking lot. The ride from Klong Chao Beach takes 10 minutes, and from Ao Jark Bay, 15 minutes. If you are staying overnight, you will usually travel by songthaew (shared taxi) from Ao Salad Pier. After disembarking from the ferry, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The journey can take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of stops.

When is the best time to travel to Koh Kood?

Bang Bao Beach and Koh Kood in general are best visited from November to February, when the weather is consistently dry, warm, and calm. March and April are also good options, especially if you don't want to pay the high resort prices. While the island is open during the rainy season (May to October), many services, restaurants, and even some resorts are temporarily closed, creating an even quieter atmosphere. As long as you're prepared to wait out the occasional rain shower, Koh Kood can be surprisingly peaceful.

Other activities in Koh Kood

Koh Kood invites you to relaxed explorations by scooter, where the days meander gently into one another. Besides a day trip to Bang Bao Beach, we also recommend Ao Noi, Ao Tapao, Khlonghin, and Secret Sunset Beach (accessible by boat tour). The Khlong Chao Waterfall is an absolute must for a refreshing freshwater swim. Snorkeling and diving tours with BB Divers are also highly recommended.

To put it simply: the question of whether a visit to Bang Bao Beach is worthwhile is easy for us to answer. It's by far our favorite beach on Koh Kood, and that's saying something considering how many beautiful stretches of coastline this island has to offer. Spend at least an afternoon in this crescent-shaped bay and let your cares drift away. Relax in a hammock, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachfront resort, and refresh yourself in the sea. It's the perfect beach for couples, families, and anyone looking for paradise.

Read more: 20 top activities in Koh Kood: A tropical paradise