Koh Kood (also spelled “Koh Kut”) sits quietly in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border and far from the chaos that defines many of Thailand’s other islands. It’s one of the country’s largest islands, yet somehow it has resisted overdevelopment. There are no mega malls, neon nightlife districts, tourist-clogged streets or endless jet skis tearing across the water. Instead, Koh Kood offers wide sweeps of untouched white sand beaches, glass-clear seawater, jungled interiors, slow coastal roads and a peaceful pace of life.

Historically, Koh Kood was a remote fishing island with small coastal villages and a few farming communities inland. Tourism came later than almost anywhere else in Thailand, and even now it feels measured and respectful rather than invasive. You’ll find local families running guesthouses, long-standing fishing communities still operating daily life, and resorts that blend into nature rather than replacing it.

Travelers come to Koh Kood for its calm, beauty, and sense of escape. It’s the kind of island you visit when you don’t want entertainment handed to you - you want space, quiet, meaningful experiences and room to breathe. Beaches here genuinely feel wild, sunsets feel cinematic, and the lack of noise pollution, traffic and commercial distractions allows the island’s natural beauty to take full control.

Getting here takes a bit of effort, and that’s a good thing. From Bangkok, you travel to Trat province, then continue to Laem Sok Pier where speedboats and ferries make the one-hour crossing. There’s also easy onward connectivity to Koh Chang and Koh Mak, making Koh Kood part of what many consider Thailand’s most rewarding island chain.

What Koh Kood offers travelers is simple but powerful: a tropical island where beauty hasn’t been overly packaged and where days unfold slowly - full of beaches, jungle waterfalls, quiet scooters rides, seafood dinners and sunsets that take your breath away.

Sunset Klong Mad Jetty - Koh Kood — *Koh Kood sunset*

How Koh Kood Won Us Over

We visited Koh Kood in January and spent a full week there. Before arriving, we’d been staying with family in Chanthaburi, one of our favourite parts of Thailand for its local feel and great seafood, before taking the journey to Trat and catching a speedboat to the island. That boat ride marks the psychological shift from mainland rhythm to island time. The water turns clearer, the horizon widens, and Koh Kood slowly silhouettes into view.

We based ourselves at Baan Bua Cottage, a cosy, authentic guesthouse run by a warm local family who treated us like lifelong friends rather than guests passing through. The location near Klong Mad Fisherman Village was perfect: close to local life, the sea, and some of the best food we had on the trip. The little onsite restaurant at Baan Bua Cottage wasn’t just convenient, it became part of our daily routine. We had either lunch or dinner there pretty much every day. Fresh seafood, delicious curries, simple dishes done perfectly.

Our days in Koh Kood soon found their pattern: scooter exploration in the morning, beach time by midday, then waterfalls or calm bays in the afternoon, followed by seafood dinners and sunsets to finish the day. Koh Kood is big enough that every outing feels like you’re actually going somewhere, not just circling the same few spots. The rides between places are calm, beautiful, and surprisingly fun thanks to the quiet roads and easy navigation.

We swam in ridiculously clear water. We took boat trips. We watched the sunset from Klong Mad Jetty more than once because it was that beautiful. We visited fishing villages, talked to the locals, and slowly realised that Koh Kood isn’t just pretty - it’s emotionally grounding. It has a local, untouched, paradise-like atmosphere that feels rare now in Thailand.

Koh Kood became a place we genuinely connected with - relaxed, beautiful, deeply human, and easily one of the best islands we’ve visited in Thailand.

Little Beach - Koh Kood.jpg — *Klong Mad Jetty*

Klong Mad Jetty at Koh Kood — *Klong Mad Jetty*

Koh Kood - Sunset.jpg — *Koh Kood sunset*

20 Things To Do in Koh Kood

1. Stay at Baan Bua Cottage (Or Have a Meal There)

If you want to experience real Koh Kood hospitality, make time for Baan Bua Cottage - whether you stay there or simply come for a meal. This family-run guesthouse feels warm and personal in a way that many places don’t. The bungalows are clean, cosy, thoughtfully designed, and surrounded by greenery, so you always feel close to nature. The staff greet you with genuine smiles and are always happy to help, which makes staying here feel relaxed and welcoming.

The restaurant is a huge part of what makes Baan Bua special. We ended up here for either lunch or dinner almost every day because the food was consistently excellent: delicious curries, fresh seafood, and even crisp, flavourful Thai salads like Som Tum. Nothing is overcomplicated, it’s just honest, beautifully cooked food served in a laid-back setting.

Its location is another big highlight. Being just a short walk from Klong Mad Fisherman Village and a couple of small local beaches means you’re wrapped in everyday island life rather than isolated in a resort bubble. That five-minute stroll around the corner - to the village, the jetty, and the beach - quickly becomes part of your daily routine.

If you value authenticity, kindness, good food, and a sense of being part of the island rather than just visiting it, Baan Bua Cottage is one of the best places to base yourself on Koh Kood.

Koh Kood - Bungalows at Baan Bua Cottage — *Baan Bua Cottage*

Baan Bua - Koh Kood — *Baan Bua Cottage*

Sunset at Baan Bua - Koh Kood — *Baan Bua Cottage*

2. Wander Through Klong Mad Fisherman Village

Klong Mad Fisherman Village is one of the loveliest glimpses of real life on Koh Kood. Located on the island’s north-west coast, it’s a working fishing community rather than a curated tourist stop. Wooden stilt houses line the water, speedboats sit alongside traditional wooden fishing boats, and towers of lobster pots stack up along the walkways. Despite all the activity, the water remains remarkably clear, and the whole area feels calm and authentic.

Walking through the village feels peaceful. Nobody rushes. Locals go about daily life. Fishing nets dry in the sun. Children play between the walkways. There are a handful of fantastic restaurants, including the well-known King Seafood, and of course Baan Bua Cottage nearby if you want incredible Thai food.

Make sure you wander to the wooden jetty that stretches into the bay. It’s one of the best casual viewpoints on the island to watch the sunset, surrounded by palm trees and boats coming in and out. Many island boat tours and dive trips depart from here, so it’s a functional hub too.

Klong Mad Fisherman Village - Koh Kood — *Klong Mad Fisherman Village*

Klong Mad Walkways - Koh Kood — *Klong Mad Fisherman Village*

Klong Mad Fisherman Village on Koh Kood Island — *Klong Mad Fisherman Village*

Klong Mad Village - Koh Kood — *Klong Mad Fisherman Village*

3. Escape to Secret Sunset Beach by Boat

One of the absolute highlights of Koh Kood is taking a boat trip out to Secret Sunset Beach. The journey there is memorable - gliding across turquoise water, passing small islands and palm-fringed coasts, and realising how raw and untouched this region still feels. Many tours also include a bit of casual fishing along the way, which is surprisingly fun and gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

When you arrive, Secret Sunset Beach feels exactly like its name promises. It’s tucked away, quiet, and beautifully natural, with towering palm trees leaning towards the sand and unbelievably clear water stretching out in front of you. It’s the kind of place where time slows down: you swim, relax on the sand, and simply enjoy being somewhere that still feels remote and unspoiled.

A lot of tours also prepare fresh seafood right on the boat or on the beach. Ours included an incredible spread, and our Thai family absolutely loved the freshly prepared sea urchins.

Koh Kood - Secret Sunset Beach — *Secret Sunset Beach*

Secret Sunset Beach - Koh Kood — *Secret Sunset Beach*

Koh Kood - Boat Trip — *Boat trip to Secret Sunset Beach*

Koh Kood - Sea Urchins.jpg — *Sea urchins*

4. Explore the Island by Scooter

Koh Kood is the fourth-largest island in Thailand. That means walking everywhere is impossible and songtaews (shared taxis) only take you so far. Renting a scooter is an essential part of the Koh Kood experience.

Roads here are scenic, relatively quiet and far less intimidating than Koh Chang’s mountainous routes. You’ll ride past jungle walls, ocean views, tiny roadside cafes, hidden temples, fishing villages and stretches of forest that feel untouched. Every turn feels like it might reveal something new.

Scooter rental costs around 300 THB per day, plus whatever you use in fuel. That gives you total freedom to visit beaches, waterfalls, viewpoints and villages at your own pace.

5. Enjoy the Sunset Every Night

Koh Kood’s west-facing beaches and wide-open horizon mean sunsets here are consistently spectacular and worth making time for each day. Some of the best places to watch the evening light fade are:

Klong Mad Jetty: Peaceful, calm, and atmospheric
View Point Cafe: Relaxed with great views
Beaches: Pretty much any beach along the west coast

Evenings on Koh Kood are quiet. Instead of busy bars and loud music, you get open sky, soft light, swaying palms, and the gentle sound of the sea. You naturally slow down, sit back, and just enjoy the moment.

After a few days, watching the sunset becomes part of your daily routine, something you look forward to, not because it’s an “attraction,” but because it feels like the perfect way to end the day.

Koh Kood - Beach Sunset — *Klong Mad Jetty*

Boats at Klong Mad - Koh Kood — *Klong Mad Jetty*

6. See the Famous Twin Palms at Khlong Chao Beach

Khlong Chao Beach is one of the standout stretches of coastline on Koh Kood. It’s famous for its two leaning palm trees (known as the “Twin Palm Trees”) and a long sweep of bright white sand that glows beautifully under the afternoon sun. The water is crystal clear, shallow enough for easy swimming, and warm enough that getting in never requires persuasion.

Luxury resorts line parts of the beach - such as Tinkerbell Resort and Wendy The Pool Resort - but the beach itself remains welcoming to everyone. There’s plenty of open sand to stretch out on, lay down a towel, and simply enjoy a place that still feels wonderfully unspoiled.

What makes this beach even more unique is the river that flows gently into the sea at one end, creating a scenic spot where freshwater and saltwater meet - great for photos, a quiet paddle, or simply wandering around.

And if you come back at night, the leaning palms are wrapped in lights, and you can enjoy a drink at one of the beachfront resort bars with the sound of the sea right beside you. If you came to Koh Kood searching for a “perfect Thai beach,” this is one of the strongest contenders.

Koh Kood - Twin Palm Trees — *Khlong Chao Beach*

Twin Palm Trees - Koh Kood — *Khlong Chao Beach*

Koh Kood - Khlong Chao Beach — *Khlong Chao Beach*

7. Swim at Beautiful Bang Bao Beach

Bang Bao Beach feels like it’s been painted with every shade of blue. The bay curves softly, surrounded by jungle-covered hills, and the water transitions from transparent shallows to glowing turquoise to deep azure.

Palm trees line the shoreline, the sand is soft, the water is warm, and the bay is usually calm enough to spend long stretches floating, swimming, or simply standing in the shallows looking back toward the palm-lined shore. It’s the kind of beach where you slow down without even trying, and hours can pass by happily doing very little at all.

Koh Kood - Bang Bao Beach — *Bang Bao Beach*

8. Take a Trip to Khlong Chao Waterfall

Just a short scooter ride from Khlong Chao Beach sits Khlong Chao Waterfall, tucked away in a lush jungle setting. From the parking area, you follow a short trail along the riverbed, stepping over rocks and shallow streams until the waterfall comes into view.

A wide natural pool sits beneath the cascade, surrounded by thick greenery and smooth boulders. Rope swings hang from the trees above, and there are plenty of flat rocks where you can sit, dry off, and relax between swims.

It’s important to note that water levels change throughout the year. Although Koh Kood’s dry season runs from November to April, the waterfall is usually at its best from November to January, when it’s still fed by the recent rains and flows strongly. Later in the dry season, the flow can slow right down, and sometimes it becomes more of a gentle trickle, though the pool is often still swimmable.

Koh Kood - Khlong Chao Waterfall — *Khlong Chao Waterfall*

9. Find Peace at Wat Ao Salad Temple

At the northern tip of the island, perched above the sea, stands Wat Ao Salad - home to a golden Buddha watching over the coastline. If you arrived by ferry or speedboat from the mainland or Koh Chang, you probably saw it from the water.

Park your scooter, walk through the temple grounds and climb towards the Buddha platform. The view is incredible: sweeping coastline, deep blue sea, fishing villages below and endless horizon ahead.

Inside the circular base are shrines, statues and murals, while the temple grounds themselves feel peaceful. For the best overall perspective, climb the bell tower - the vantage point from above makes the entire complex and coastline feel even more dramatic. Dress respectfully, cover shoulders and knees, and give yourself time to appreciate more than just the view.

Koh Kood - Wat Ao Salad Temple — *Wat Ao Salad Temple*

Wat Ao Salad Temple - Koh Kood — *Wat Ao Salad Temple*

10. Experience Local Life in Ao Salad Village

Built entirely on stilted walkways above the sea, this fishing and sea-gypsy village on the east coast offers a raw and authentic look at everyday island life. Wooden houses stand over the water, fishing nets hang between homes, locals tend to seafood farms, and small shops line the narrow boardwalks. It isn’t tourist-designed or polished for show, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

A visit here pairs perfectly with nearby Wat Ao Salad Temple, which sits above the village with sweeping views over the coastline and ocean. You can explore the village first, then ride up to the temple for a peaceful viewpoint and a chance to see the golden Buddha watching over the bay.

Come for a slow wander, a few friendly exchanges, and a deeper appreciation of how communities on Koh Kood continue to live closely connected to the sea.

11. Eat Your Way Around Koh Kood

Koh Kood might be quiet, but its food scene is lively in the best way. At night, one of the most fun places to eat is at the Koh Kood Night Market near Khlong Chao Beach. It’s essentially a covered food court packed with stalls selling everything from grilled seafood to pad kra pao, noodles, dumplings and mango sticky rice. There’s a bar, live music space and even a vintage red Thai bus turned into a coffee bar and stage. Elsewhere on the island, head to:

King Seafood (Klong Mad Fisherman Village) for fresh seafood
Noochy Seafood (Ao Yai Fisherman Village) for legendary fisherman-to-table meals
Simple local restaurants dotted everywhere for honest Thai food without inflated prices.

Koh Kood - King Seafood — *King Seafood*

12. Relax & Unwind Ao Jark Bay

Ao Jark Bay is one of those beaches that remind you why Koh Kood is still considered one of Thailand’s last truly untouched islands. Tucked away on the southwest of the island, it feels quiet, spacious, and wonderfully undeveloped. The bay curves softly, with powdery sand underfoot and water so clear that you can see the seabed long before you’re waist-deep. Palm trees lean lazily toward the shoreline, offering pockets of shade, while gentle waves roll in and out in a steady, calming rhythm.

There are only a handful of small resorts around the bay, which means it never feels busy or crowded. Most of the time you’ll share the beach with just a few other travelers, giving it that secluded, almost private feel that people dream about when they think of Thailand’s islands.

13. Play on the Palm Swings at Ao Tapao Beach

Located roughly a third of the way down Koh Kood’s west coast, Ao Tapao Beach is a long, scenic stretch of sand that feels wonderfully calm and natural. The beach faces directly west, which means it’s one of the best places on the island for sunset - wide, glowing skies, soft light on the water, and long open views across the Gulf of Thailand.

The sand here is soft and inviting, framed by palms and a handful of laid-back beachfront resorts. The atmosphere is peaceful, but there’s just enough development to make it comfortable. Most of the restaurants and bars here belong to the resorts, but they’re generally good value and welcoming to non-guests, so you can easily stop for lunch or a drink by the water.

One of the fun little details of Ao Tapao Beach is the number of rope swings hanging from palm trees along the shore - simple, playful, and very “Thailand beach holiday” in the best way.

Koh Kood - Ao Tapao Beach — *Ao Tapao Beach*

14. Kayak or SUP Through the Mangrove Forests

Koh Kood’s mangrove systems are peaceful, atmospheric, and full of quiet beauty, offering a completely different experience from the island’s beaches. The most popular place to paddle is along the Khlong Chao River, where the water winds gently inland from Khlong Chao Beach through thick mangrove forest. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards from several resorts and small rental spots in the Khlong Chao area, then simply follow the channel upstream as it narrows and the trees begin to close in around you.

Another beautiful area for mangrove paddling is near Ao Salad Village, where small waterways weave between stilted houses, fishing boats, and clusters of mangrove roots. It feels more local and lived-in here, offering a fascinating look at how nature and community blend together.

15. Feast on Fresh Seafood Ao Yai Fisherman Village

Ao Yai Fisherman Village is one of the best places on Koh Kood to experience the island’s working fishing culture up close. Located on the east coast, this traditional fishing village stretches out over the water, with wooden walkways connecting clusters of stilt houses, seafood storage huts, and family-run restaurants. Fishing boats fill the bay, nets hang drying in the sun, and you’ll often see locals sorting their catch, repairing equipment, or unloading crates of fresh seafood straight from the water.

The village has a quiet, slightly weather-worn charm, mixed with the warmth of a close-knit community. Wander slowly along the boardwalks, take in the views across the bay, and enjoy the constant movement of boats coming and going.

Most people come here with one clear mission though: to eat. Ao Yai is home to some of the best seafood on Koh Kood, and Noochy Seafood is the standout spot. Expect incredibly fresh dishes - think crab, prawns, fish, clams, and stir-fried seafood - served generously and full of local flavour.

16. Go Diving with Koh Kood Divers

Koh Rang National Park, near Koh Chang, is one of the most impressive marine areas in eastern Thailand, known for its clear water, colourful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Reaching it does take time - usually around 90 minutes each way by boat - so it’s very much a full-day experience. If you’re happy with that, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, excellent visibility, and a truly beautiful underwater landscape. If a long boat journey doesn’t appeal, Koh Kood Divers also run snorkeling trips to closer reefs around Koh Kood itself.

Koh Kood Divers is one of the island’s most trusted dive centres, known for its professional team, small group sizes, and relaxed but well-organised trips. They offer snorkeling excursions, fun dives for certified divers, and full PADI courses for anyone wanting to learn. Whether you’re completely new or highly experienced, the underwater world around Koh Kood feels natural, uncrowded, and refreshingly preserved compared to Thailand’s busier dive destinations.

17. Base Yourself in Khlong Hin Beach for a Few Nights

Khlong Hin Beach is one of those places that feels a little hidden, not because it’s secret or unknown, but because you have to make a small effort to reach it. Tucked along the southwest of Koh Kood, it sits away from the main tourist flow, which is exactly why it keeps such a peaceful atmosphere.

This part of the island is perfect if you want to mix up your stay. Many travelers base themselves first in the Khlong Mad area - especially somewhere like Baan Bua Cottage, where you’re surrounded by local life, great food, and easy access to beaches. Then, moving to Hideout Koh Kood at Khlong Hin Beach for a few nights gives your trip a completely different flavour. It’s quieter, slower, more secluded, and feels like you’ve discovered a softer side of the island.

There isn’t much built up around Khlong Hin Beach, and that’s part of its appeal. Beyond a couple of small bungalow-style stays and Hideout’s boutique comfort, it’s mostly nature and the sound of the sea. Tides do change the look of the beach, and at low tide the water can pull back to reveal wide sandy shallows. But when the tide and light are right, Khlong Hin Beach feels almost private. If you want a quieter corner of Koh Kood and a more layered island experience, spending a few nights here is a brilliant idea.

Koh Kood - Khlong Hin Beach — *Khlong Hin Beach*

18. Step Onto the Iconic Pier at Ao Phrao Beach

Ao Phrao Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Kood. The sand stretches wide and golden, the water sits in calm shades of blue, and tall palms line the shore like they’ve been carefully positioned by nature. It feels tropical in the purest sense of the word.

This part of the island has a slightly livelier feel than many of Koh Kood’s quieter bays, with a handful of resorts, beach cafes and relaxed bars close together. It never tips into being busy, but it does mean you’ve always got somewhere nearby to grab a drink, find lunch, or just sit in the shade and watch life move slowly around you.

One of Ao Phrao’s most recognisable features is the long wooden pier stretching out into the sea. Walk to the end and you’re suspended between sky and water, with hammocks hanging above the sea and some of the best views back to the coastline. It’s perfect for photos, sunset watching, or doing absolutely nothing.

19. Spend a Peaceful Night on Koh Wai

If your itinerary allows, take a trip from Koh Kood to Koh Wai, an even quieter, forested island in the Koh Chang archipelago known for its shallow coral reefs, tranquil beaches, and incredibly calm water. There are no roads here and only a handful of laid-back beachfront bungalows, which immediately gives the island a relaxed, castaway feel.

Getting there is part of the adventure. It is possible to travel between Koh Kood and Koh Wai using the inter-island speedboats or slower wooden boats. There are no direct services, so you’ll need to transfer via another island or pier, but it’s very doable. You can visit as a day trip for swimming and snorkeling, or stay overnight to experience the quiet evenings when the island feels almost completely yours.

Koh Wai is perfect for simple, peaceful days. You can snorkel straight from the sand over colourful coral, swim in sheltered bays, nap in hammocks under leafy shade, and enjoy long afternoons with almost no noise except the sea. There’s minimal infrastructure, no nightlife, and nothing trying to entertain you - and that’s exactly what makes it special.

20. Add Koh Mak to Your Island Adventure

Just a short boat ride from Koh Kood lies Koh Mak, a small, quietly enchanting island that pairs perfectly with its bigger neighbours. Unlike busier, more developed Thai islands, Koh Mak feels like a glimpse of an older Thailand: slow-going, peaceful, and framed by calm seas, long wooden piers, and sweeping coconut groves.

Koh Mak’s personality is rooted in its simplicity and quiet charm. The coastline wraps around calm bays and golden beaches, and almost 90% of the island is covered in coconut and rubber tree plantations, giving the interior a gentle, green rhythm that continues all the way to the sea.

Days here blend relaxed beach time with easy exploration. You can wander along wide, uncrowded beaches, hop on a scooter to explore coconut groves, or take an effortless half-day trip to Koh Kham - a tiny neighbouring island with blazing white sand, crystal-clear water and dramatic volcanic rock formations that contrast beautifully with its shoreline.

There’s more to Koh Mak than beaches too. The island has charming roadside cafes serving homemade cakes and Thai milk tea, the iconic Blue Pearl Bar set on a rustic wooden pier, and even opportunities for Muay Thai lessons.

Koh Kood - Koh Mak Muay Thai — *Koh Mak*

Where to Stay in Koh Kood

Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

Koh Kood - Baan Bua Cottage Restaurant — *Baan Bua Cottage*

Salads at Baan Bua - Koh Kood — *Baan Bua Cottage*

Koh Kood - Baan Bua Cottage — *Baan Bua Cottage*

Best Time to Visit Koh Kood

The best time to visit Koh Kood is generally November to April, when the island is in its dry season. Seas are usually calm, skies are mostly clear, and the weather strikes a great balance between warm and comfortable. This is when the beaches look their best, boat trips run reliably, and swimming conditions are ideal. It’s also the most popular period, but Koh Kood never feels anywhere near as crowded as Thailand’s busier islands.

We visited in January, and it’s hard to imagine a better time to be here. Days were warm without being overwhelming, the evenings were pleasantly cool, and the ocean felt like the perfect temperature to swim in every day. Visibility is often excellent around this time too, which makes snorkeling and diving especially rewarding.

From May to October, Koh Kood shifts into the rainy season. Expect more frequent showers, stronger winds at times, and rougher seas, which can occasionally affect ferry schedules and boat tours. Some accommodations and restaurants reduce operations or temporarily close, though the island never fully “shuts down.” On the flip side, this is when Koh Kood looks incredibly lush and green, waterfalls are at their strongest, the island feels even quieter than usual, and prices often drop.

If your priority is perfect beach days, go between November and April. If you love greenery, solitude, and don’t mind occasional tropical rain, the off-season has its own magic too.

Koh Kood - Fishing.jpg — *Boat trip in Koh Kood*

How Many Days Do You Need in Koh Kood?

Minimum: 3 Days

Anything less than three days feels rushed, especially because you lose time to travel in and out. With three days you can see a few of the main beaches, visit a waterfall, ride scooters around the island, and still have time to simply relax without turning the trip into a checklist.

Ideal: 5 - 7 Days

This is the sweet spot. With about a week, you can properly settle into island life rather than just “visit” it. You’ll have time for multiple beaches, day trips, snorkeling or diving, slow meals, sunsets every night, and a couple of lazy days with nothing planned at all - the kind of time that makes Koh Kood truly special.

The Dream: A Week or More

If you’re someone who loves quiet destinations, nature, space, and slow travel, Koh Kood is the kind of place you could stay for 10 days, two weeks, or longer without getting bored. The island has enough size, variety, and calm atmosphere to support an extended stay - especially if you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or working remotely.

Khlong Mad Jetty - Koh Kood — *Koh Kood*

How to Get to Koh Kood

From Bangkok: Drive or Bus + Speedboat

Drive or take a bus/minivan from Bangkok to Trat (around 4 - 5 hours, depending on traffic and departure point). Continue to Laem Sok Pier, the main departure point for Koh Kood ferries (about 30 minutes from Trat town). From Laem Sok Pier, take a high-speed boat to Koh Kood. The journey normally takes around 1 hour, dropping you at the island’s various piers depending on your accommodation.

This route is straightforward and easily arranged by most hotels, local travel agencies, or directly with ferry companies. Many speedboat operators also include hotel transfers on Koh Kood, taking you from the pier straight to your resort.

If you’d like to break up the journey a bit, we highly recommend stopping over in Chanthaburi along the way. Its home to beautiful temples, exceptional seafood, coastal scenery, national parks and waterfalls, charming riverfront districts, and authentic local life.

From Bangkok: Fly + Transfer + Boat

Fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport (about 1 hour). Take a shuttle or taxi to Laem Sok Pier (about 30 - 40 minutes). Board the speedboat to Koh Kood (around 1 hour). This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, though also the most expensive.

From Koh Chang or Koh Mak

If you’re already in the Trat island group, hopping between islands is easy. Regular ferries and speedboats connect Koh Chang → Koh Kood and Koh Mak → Koh Kood. Travel time is usually around 1 - 1.5 hours, depending on the boat type and sea conditions. Services are generally reliable in high season, with fewer departures in low season.

What Type of Traveler Will Love Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is ideal for travelers who value quiet beauty over busy attractions. If your idea of a great island escape is soft white sand, clear water, uncrowded beaches, and days that unfold slowly rather than being scheduled around activities, this island will feel like heaven. It’s perfect for people who want:

Pristine beaches that still feel natural and untouched
A calm, laid-back atmosphere instead of constant stimulation
Space and silence, without tour buses and crowds
A glimpse of authentic island life, not a manufactured resort scene
Nature-first experiences, from waterfalls to mangroves
Genuine peace and simplicity

On the other hand, Koh Kood isn’t designed for travelers looking for big distractions. It’s less suitable if you want:

Vibrant nightlife, beach parties, or bar-hopping
Shopping streets, markets, and endless dining options
Active water sports like jet skiing and parasailing
Entertainment on demand
A highly developed or “resortified” island environment

Beach by Klong Mad Jetty — *Klong Mad Jetty*

Koh Kood - Klong Mad Fisherman Village — *Klong Mad Jetty*

How Koh Kood Compares With Koh Chang

Koh Chang is the bigger, busier island, with landscapes that feel dramatic and adventurous. It’s mountainous, jungle-covered, and crisscrossed with winding roads and viewpoints. The west coast is lined with lively beach towns like Lonely Beach, offering lots of restaurants, bars, shopping streets, and activity centres. It’s an island built for variety: waterfall hikes, elephant camps, ziplining, snorkeling trips, nightlife, social hostels, family resorts, and plenty of convenience.

Koh Kood, on the other hand, feels like the definition of a peaceful tropical getaway. The landscapes are softer and more serene: wide white-sand beaches, palm-fringed bays, calm turquoise water, mangroves, and gently curving coastal roads with almost no traffic. There are no real towns, no nightlife, no shopping areas, and very little development compared to Koh Chang. Days revolve around simple pleasures: scooter rides, quiet beaches, kayaking, visiting fishing villages, snorkelling, sunsets, and sleep.

For many travelers, Koh Kood feels like what Koh Chang might have been 20 years ago - an island where nature still takes the lead and tourism hasn’t reshaped everything. If you want convenience, nightlife, variety, and adventure, choose Koh Chang. If you want serenity, untouched beaches, and a true escape, you can’t go wrong with Koh Kood.

20 Best Things To Do in Koh Kood (Travel Guide)