Koh Kood (also spelled Ko Kut) is Thailand's fourth largest island, approximately 112 square kilometers of jungle in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. It is one of the least developed islands that can be reached from Bangkok in a day. The west coast is characterized by a series of tranquil, clear bays: Ao Tapao, Klong Chao, Bang Bao, Khlong Hin, and Ao Phrao. Resorts nestle behind palm trees; high-rise buildings are nowhere to be seen.

Inland, there are waterfalls where you can swim and a river you can kayak on, while offshore lie the reefs around Koh Rang. There's hardly any nightlife, no public transport, and aside from swimming, eating, and exploring by scooter – which is part of the charm – there isn't much to do. Plan for four nights, travel between November and April, and bring cash.

Where to stay in Koh Kood

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Key facts

With a ticket, the journey from Bangkok takes about 7 hours.

The Boonsiri bus and catamaran departs from Khao San Road at 5:00 AM and arrives at Ao Salad Pier at 11:45 AM. The fare is 1,100 Baht, and many tickets include hotel transfers.

Choose your beach before booking.

Klong Chao has the most restaurants and the largest river, Bang Bao the calmest water, and Ao Tapao, Khlong Hin and Ao Phrao are quieter. They are all easily accessible by scooter.

There is no public transportation.

Scooters cost about 300–350 baht per day. The roads are hilly, so cycling is strenuous.

Bring cash.

There are a few ATMs on the island, but they don't always work, and only the larger resorts accept card payments.

The waterfalls are free.

The Klong Chao waterfall, the largest, can be reached from the beach by a short paddle upstream or on foot from the road. It carries the most water after the rains.

From June to September it is very wet.

Trat, the nearest weather station, records an average of about 1000 mm of rainfall in July. Fewer boats are operating, and many holiday resorts are closing.

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Is Koh Kood worth a visit?

Yes, if you're looking for clear water, deserted beaches, and tranquility on an island. Koh Kood's bays are as beautiful as those in the Gulf of Mexico, the resorts are flat and spacious, and even in peak season, the beaches feel almost deserted. The island is ideal for couples, honeymooners, and anyone who's had enough of the busier islands and wants a more relaxing week.

It's not a party island. There are a few beach bars and a small night market, and that's about it for the evenings. The island is also large and hilly, so you'll need a scooter or the resort's shuttle service to get around. The journey from Bangkok takes almost a full day.

Koh Kood, Koh Chang, or Koh Mak? Koh Chang is the larger, more developed island with more hotels, restaurants, and a more vibrant nightlife. It also has a car ferry from the mainland. Koh Mak is smaller and even quieter. Koh Kood is in between in terms of size and offers the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls of the three islands. That's why I would choose it for a beach holiday. All three islands are connected by boats from Boonsiri, so you can visit two of them.

The beaches of Koh Kood, from north to south

The main beaches are all located on the west coast, are quiet and shallow during the season, and none of them are crowded.

  • 1. Ao Tapao, west coast, north of Klong Chao. The most beautiful bay. A quiet, clear bay with soft sand, surrounded by lush greenery, behind which some resorts are located. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island and quieter than Klong Chao. Ao Tapao Beach, 4.6 (606), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 2. Klong Chao, West Coast, Central – Ideal starting point: The main beach is a wide, white stretch of sand where the Klong Chao River flows into the sea, with the ocean on one side and a tranquil lagoon for kayaking on the other. The village behind the beach has most of the island's restaurants, a few bars, and the night market. Therefore, it's the easiest place to stay overnight without a scooter. Klong Chao Beach (Koh Kood) 4.7 (51) Getting there
  • 3. Bang Bao, West Coast, south of Klong Chao: Calm waters for children. A sheltered, crescent-shaped bay with a long wooden jetty and shallow water extending far out – one of the island's best beaches for families. Snorkel boats depart from the bay. Bang Bao Beach (Koh Kood) 4.7 (1,300) Open 24 hours daily. How to get there
  • 4. Khlong Hin, Southwest Coast – Quiet. A quieter stretch of beach with fine sand and calm water, plus a few small resorts if Klong Chao gets too crowded. Khlonghin Beach, 4,7 (354), open daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Directions.
  • 5. Ao Phrao, the South – pure seclusion. The southernmost of the main bays, with a few resorts and the village temple Wat Ao Phrao, is furthest from the restaurants in Klong Chao. Ao Phrao Beach 4.3 (305) Getting there

    • The best things to do on Koh Kood

    Ordered according to how important they would be to me for a first visit of four nights.

  • 1. Klong Chao Waterfall, inland from Klong Chao Beach. The island's largest waterfall plunges into a clear, natural pool in the jungle, perfect for swimming. From the beach, you can paddle upstream on the Klong Chao River for about 20 minutes and then walk the rest of the way, or take a boat to the junction and walk for 20 to 30 minutes. Entry is free. Getting there: By kayak upstream or by scooter followed by a short walk. Best time to visit: Mornings, ideally from the end of the rainy season until December when the water level is high. Klong Chao Waterfall: 4.6 (1,108 m), open daily 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Directions.
  • 2. Kayaking on the Klong Chao River, Klong Chao – A relaxing half-day trip. The tranquil river behind Klong Chao Beach meanders through mangroves to the waterfall, offering the gentlest paddling experience on the island. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented in the village; some resorts provide them free of charge. Getting there: Rentals in Klong Chao village. Best time to go: Any calm morning. SUP Point Koh Kood (kayak and SUP board rentals). 5.0 (215). Daily 7:30 am–7:00 pm. Directions.
  • 3. Snorkeling at Koh Rang, the marine park north of Koh Kood. The best reefs: Koh Rang in Mu Ko Chang National Park offers the best snorkeling and diving in this part of the Gulf. Day trips from Koh Kood go to the reefs off Koh Rang or the coral reefs around Koh Kood, depending on sea conditions. The park fee is 200 baht and must be paid in cash in addition to most tours. Getting there: Boat trips depart from Bang Bao with hotel pick-up. Best time to go: Outside of July to September, when the water is clearest. Koh Rang: 4.6 (145) Directions
  • 4. Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall and the Macca Trees, East Side of the Island: Jungle Hike. A quieter waterfall, accessible via a steep, approximately 100-meter-long path, with a shaded pool at its base. The trail passes by the island's giant maca trees, the oldest of which are estimated to be around 500 years old. It is smaller than Klong Chao and can dwindle to a trickle towards the end of the dry season, so a spring visit is recommended. Getting there: By scooter, then along the trail. Best time to visit: November to January (for more water at the waterfall). Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall: 4.5 (563) Directions
  • 5. Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall, Northwest: Fewer visitors. A smaller, quieter waterfall in the forest with clear, calm pools perfect for swimming and rope swings. It's usually much less crowded than Klong Chao. Getting there: By scooter, then along a forest road. Best time to visit: Morning. Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall: 4.5 (658) Directions
  • 6. Ao Salad fishing village, northeast, at the ferry pier: Island life and seafood. The largest settlement on the island is a fishing village with about 300 inhabitants. The houses are built on stilts over the water. There is a temple and the main pier. Ao Yai, a smaller fishing village in the southeast, offers several seafood restaurants – ideal for exploring the other side of the island. Getting there: By scooter, across the island from Klong Chao. Best time to visit: Late afternoon.
  • 7. Diving around Koh Kood and Koh Rang: Learn to dive in a calm environment. Several dive centers in Klong Chao offer trips to the reefs around the islands and Koh Rang, including introductory dives for beginners and courses. Visibility is typically 15 to 20 meters during the high season and decreases to about 5 meters from July to September when the sea is rough. Getting there: The dive centers in Klong Chao offer a pick-up service from your resort. Best time to travel: November to May. Koh Kood Divers: 4.8 (516) Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Directions

    • A snorkeling day off Koh Kood

    If you're planning a boat trip, it's best to include a snorkeling day. Boats depart from Bang Bao around 9:00 AM, stopping at three reefs around Koh Kood or Koh Rang (depending on sea conditions) for lunch, and return between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. With a bit of luck, you might even spot turtles. Bring 200 baht in cash for the park fee on Koh Rang.

    How many days does it take to stay on Koh Kood?

    Four nights is ideal for most people. The journey there and back each takes almost a full day, and everything beyond that consists mainly of travel time. Four nights gives you a day for snorkeling, a day by scooter to the waterfalls and Ao Salad, a morning on the river, and at least one day to relax on the beach.

    A week is ideal if you want to take it really easy, and the island can be easily combined with Koh Mak or Koh Chang by boat.

    Accommodation on Koh Kood

    Klong Chao is known for its restaurants and river, Bang Bao offers tranquil swimming, and Ao Tapao, Khlong Hin, and Ao Phrao are particularly peaceful. Most resorts offer a pier shuttle service.

  • 1. Tolani Resort Koh Kood, Klong Chao – An ideal base for first-time visitors. Bungalows overlooking the bay, with a pool and spa in Klong Chao, just a short walk from the village restaurants and the river. Tolani Resort Koh Kood, 4.4 (661), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 2. Peter Pan Resort, Klong Chao: Pool Villas – Airy beach villas, some with private pools, in Klong Chao. Peter Pan Resort, Koh Kood – Trat, Thailand. 4.5 (1,093 reviews). Directions.
  • 3. Koh Kood Resort, Bang Bao: Rustic bungalows on the bay. Thatched bungalows directly on Bang Bao Bay with a restaurant and bar for a relaxing stay in the calmest waters on the island. Koh Kood Resort, 4.2 (1,374), open 24 hours a day. Directions.
  • 4. The Beach Natural Resort, Bang Bao: Family-friendly bungalows and villas near the water on Bang Bao with a restaurant, bar, and massage services. The Beach Natural Resort Koh Kood, 4.5 (645), open daily 8:00 AM–12:00 AM. Directions.
  • 5. Shantaa Resort, Ao Tapao: Villas and suites for couples overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and with access to two private beaches. One of the island's highest-rated resorts. Shantaa Resort Koh Kood, 4.8 (712), Mon.–Sat. 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Directions
  • 6. Koh Kood Paradise Beach Resort, Ao Tapao: Infinity pool by the sea. Colorful rooms right on the beach with an infinity pool and sea view. Koh Kood Paradise Beach Resort, 4.3 (1,188 rooms), open 24 hours a day. Directions.
  • 7. A la Koh Kood Resort, Khlong Hin – Quiet. A highly-rated resort on Khlong Hin Beach, ideal for couples seeking peace and relaxation. A la Koh Kood Resort, 4.7 (429 reviews), open 24 hours a day. Directions.
  • 8. Ko Kut Ao Phrao Beach Resort, Ao Phrao, in the far south. Beach houses in Ao Phrao with private jetty, restaurant, and breakfast included. Ko Kut Ao Phrao Beach Resort, 4.4 (803), open daily 6:00 AM–9:30 PM. Directions.

    • Getting to Koh Kood

    Koh Kood has neither an airport nor a car ferry. Therefore, every journey ends with a catamaran ride from Laem Sok Pier near Trat to Ao Salad Pier, which takes about an hour. From Bangkok, Boonsiri's bus and catamaran depart from Khao San at 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 AM, arriving at 11:45, 2:15, and 4:45 PM for 1,100 baht. Boarding is possible at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Seudamgo offers a van and catamaran for the same price. For flights to Trat, Bangkok Airways offers a van and a boat from Boonsiri, departing at 9:40 AM and 2:30 PM for 950 baht.

    From Koh Chang, boats depart from Bang Bao at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM from Boonsiri. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours and costs 900 baht. These boats also connect Koh Kood with Koh Mak. This schedule operates from October 1st to May 31st, with fewer departures from June to September. Our Koh Chang–Kood travel guide includes all departures in both directions, and our Bangkok–Kood travel guide lists all departures from the capital.

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    Getting around on Koh Kood

    There is no public transport, so it is recommended to rent a scooter (approximately 300–350 baht per day) or use your resort's transfer service. The roads are hilly and not all are paved, so drive with extra caution after rain.

    Bring enough cash for your stay. While there are some ATMs near Klong Chao and the hospital, they don't always work, and only the larger resorts accept card payments.

    When should you go?

    The peak season runs from November to April. December and January are the driest months, with approximately 28 mm and 51 mm of rainfall in Trat, respectively. The sea is calm and clear, and all boats operate. Christmas, New Year's, and long weekends in Thailand are very busy at the resorts, so early booking is recommended.

    Rainfall increases from May onwards, and from June to September it is very wet. In July alone, Trat receives around 1000 mm of rainfall, and it rains almost daily. Boonsiri offers a reduced schedule, the sea is rough, visibility for diving is limited, and only about 40% of the resorts are open. The waterfalls are most beautiful at the end of the rainy season, so November is a good compromise: the waterfalls still have water flowing, and Trat receives only about 85 mm of rain.

    Plan the rest of your trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Koh Kood travel guide.

    Yes, it's perfect for those seeking tranquil, clear bays, secluded beaches, jungle waterfalls, and a relaxed lifestyle. It's one of the least developed islands reachable from Bangkok within a day's drive. However, it's not suitable for nightlife.

    With an area of ​​approximately 112 square kilometers, it is Thailand's fourth largest island. It is hilly and forested, and the beaches are located on the west coast.

    Four nights, one day snorkeling, one day by scooter to the waterfalls and Ao Salad, one morning on the Klong Chao River, and one day at the beach. The journey there and back each takes almost a day.

    No. There are a few beach bars and a small night market, and the evenings are quiet. Koh Chang offers more nightlife in the area.

    Koh Kood offers larger, more beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and more accommodation options. Koh Mak is smaller, flatter, and even quieter, and is easily explored by bicycle. The boat trip from Boonsiri between the two islands takes 30 minutes and costs 400 baht, so you can easily visit both. Our Koh Mak guide knows the boats and beaches.

    Take the bus and catamaran from Boonsiri in Bangkok (Khao San Road 5:00 AM → Ao Salad 11:45 AM, 1,100 Baht) or fly to Trat and use the airport shuttle bus and boat transfer. From Koh Chang, Boonsiri boats depart from Bang Bao at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM from October to May.

    November to April. December and January are the driest months. June to September is very wet, there are fewer boats, and many resorts are closed.

    A few do, but they don't always work and most smaller establishments require cash, so bring enough for your stay.

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    I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.

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