Koh Kood

Eastern Thailand’s Isolated Eden - The Anti-Phuket 🌴

Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is Thailand’s best-kept secret—a sleepy, stunning 25km x 12km emerald dragon floating in Trat Province’s waters, still flying under the global tourism radar. While Phuket overflows and Phi Phi swarms, this fourth-largest Thai island remains raw, relaxed, and ridiculously photogenic. Think powdery white sands kissing turquoise waters, jungle waterfalls begging for a dip, zero skyscrapers in sight, and that magical “I-found-a-secret-spot” feeling that defines the best travel moments.

No mega-resorts crowding shores, just 70+ boutique stays, 2,500 locals, and an authentic island vibe that feels genuinely chill. This is where digital nomads, families dodging overtourism, and couples seeking romance converge. Ready to swap Bangkok buzz for island bliss?

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Overview & Location

Koh Kood sits like an emerald jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, tucked in Trat Province’s eastern tip—just a stone’s throw (40km offshore) from the Cambodian border. Part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park archipelago, it’s surrounded by siblings like busy Koh Chang (20km north, more party vibes), chill Koh Mak (nearby for easy day trips), and pristine Koh Rang (premier snorkel destination).

Key Facts:

• No airport, no car ferries, no 7-Elevens—accessibility purely by speedboat from Laem Sok Pier (Trat)
• Microscopic crowds: Under 2,500 locals, 70+ boutique accommodations
• 80% dense jungle cloaking the interior; 315m highest peak
• Beaches that feel like private postcards
• 350km southeast of Bangkok (5-9 hours total journey)

Pro Tip: The isolation factor is the magic—it filters casual tourists. This is the island for those serious about genuine escape.

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Geography & Climate

Koh Kood’s geography screams untamed paradise: 80% dense jungle cloaking forested hills, mangrove estuaries, coral-fringed west coast beaches, and rugged eastern shores (mostly inaccessible). Waterfalls tumble into rivers perfect for kayaking; offshore reefs teem with neon fish. Waters average crystal-clear 28-30°C year-round.

Climate (2025 averages):

• Dry Season (Nov-Apr, PEAK TIME!): Sunny skies, 27-32°C days (cooler Dec-Jan ~25°C nights). Low humidity, glassy seas for snorkeling/diving. Water visibility 20m+. Rainfall under 50mm/month.
• Monsoon (May-Oct): Hot/humid 28-33°C, daily showers (July wettest ~400mm). Seas choppy (ferries weather-dependent), but lush waterfalls at full roar, 30-50% cheaper stays, fewer crowds.
• Water Conditions: Dry season = calm bays perfect for swimming. Monsoon = waves but sheltered spots shine.

Wildlife Notes: Butterflies, monkeys, hornbills, tropical birds. Watch for sandflies (DEET essential) and rare jellyfish (vinegar rinse). UV index high—reef-safe SPF 50+ mandatory!

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Getting There & Accessibility

No Direct Flights—All Roads Lead to Laem Sok Pier (Trat)

From Bangkok (350km, 5-9 hours total)

Option 1: Fly + Ferry (Fastest, ~4 hours, 3,000-5,000 THB/$94-156)

• Bangkok Airways BKK → Trat Airport (TDX): 1 hour, ~2,500 THB one-way (daily, book early!)
• Airport → Laem Sok: Shared minivan 700 THB ($22); private taxi 1,500 THB ($47)

Option 2: Bus + Ferry (Budget King, ~8 hours, 800-1,200 THB/$25-38)

• Bus from Ekkamai/Mo Chit → Trat: 5-6 hours, 300-500 THB
• Trat → Laem Sok: Songthaew 40 THB ($1.25), 20 minutes
• Combined bus+boat: Boonsiri from Khao San: 850 THB ($27) total

Option 3: Private Transfer (Comfort)

• Van from BKK hotels → Pier: 4,400 THB ($138)/car (up to 4 people)

Ferry from Laem Sok to Koh Kood (45-90 min, High Season Oct-May 2026)

Operator	Price (Adult)	Departs	Arrives
Koh Kood Express	600 THB (~$19)	10:00, 13:30, 16:00	11:00, 14:30, 17:00
Boonsiri	600 THB	10:45, 13:00, 15:00	11:45, 14:00, 16:00
Seudamgo (Fastest!)	600 THB	12:00, 14:20, 16:00	13:20, 15:20, 17:00
Koh Kood Princess (Budget)	400 THB	12:30	14:00

Kids under 4 free. Bikes 200 THB. Low season (May-Oct): Fewer boats, weather-dependent. Late arrival? Private speedboat 15,000 THB (~$469).

From Koh Chang: 700-1,200 THB, 1.5 hours (Bang Bao Pier).

Accessibility

Scooter-friendly island (no cars needed), but steep roads. Taxis/songthaews available for mobility issues. ATMs at Ao Salad/Klong Chao only—withdraw in Trat.

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Getting to Islands & Ferry Booking 🚢

Book Your Ferries via ThailandBoatTickets.com

For real-time schedules, live availability, and transparent booking:

👉 Use ThailandBoatTickets.com for:

• Real-time Koh Kood ferry schedules from Laem Sok (Trat)
• Multi-island routing (Trat → Koh Kood → Koh Mak combinations)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden markups
• Instant booking confirmation
• Hotel pickup coordination from Trat
• Weather-adjusted schedule updates

Virtual Ticket Assistant - Your Island Expert 🎫

Connect via:

• WhatsApp: Direct messaging for island route questions
• Instagram DM: Quick booking inquiries
• Facebook: Community support

The VTA specializes in eastern Thailand island routing and can coordinate your complete Koh Kood adventure with local expertise.

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Things to Do: Adventures, Water Sports & Epic Attractions 🎯

Koh Kood = nature’s playground! Rent a scooter (300 THB/day ~$9) for freedom.

Waterfalls (Free, Jungle Dips!)

Klong Chao Waterfall (Top Pick!): 15-minute trail from beach, rope swings, massive pool. Visit dawn for solitude. Water shoes essential—slippery rocks!

Klong Yai Kee: Roadside, broad pool, quieter vibe.

Huang Nam Keaw (Secret Falls): Steep boulder scramble—adventurous reward.

Diving & Snorkeling (World-Class!)

Shore Snorkel: Bang Bao Bay, Koh Raet (sculpture reef, 5-minute boat).

Koh Rang Marine Park Trips (1 hour, 1,400 THB/$44 including lunch):

• Snorkel Tour: 1,500 THB ($47)
• Dive (2-tank): 4,500 THB ($141)
• Night Dives: 2,800 THB ($88)—bioluminescent magic!
• Entry Fee: ~400 THB foreigner (Mu Ko Chang NP)

Operators: Paradise Divers, BB Divers (PADI certified).

Adventures & Water Sports

• Kayaking: Mangroves/Klong Chao (free at resorts, 200 THB/hour rental)
• Hikes: Battleship Hill (1.5km viewpoint), Big Buddha viewpoint
• Island Hop: Koh Mak day trip (700 THB ferry)
• Fishing/Squid Jigging: Sunset tours 800 THB ($25)

National Park Vibes: Whole island protected—birding trails (hornbills!), no entry fees, respect no-trace.

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Beaches & Relaxation 🏖️

West coast gems (scooter-hop them! Sandflies at dawn/dusk—DEET up).

Beach	Vibes	Why Go?
Klong Chao	Lively Hub	Longest sand, estuary swims, shops/bars. Sunset king! Families love shallows.
Ao Tapao	Peaceful Paradise	Endless white sand, hammocks, rope swings. Wild south end perfection.
Bang Bao Bay	Family Snorkel	Horseshoe bay, pier jumps, kayaks. Shallow, clear—jellyfish rare.
Ao Phrao	Secluded Serenity	800m golden sand, calm waters, fishing village. Sunsets slay!
Ao Noi	Romantic Hideaway	Tiny cove, resort-only access. Intimate AF.
Ngamkho/Sai Daeng	Quiet Escape	Palms, lagoons. Hidden gems!

Pro Tip: High tide mornings for swims. Low tide reveals epic sandbars.

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Food & Dining: Seafood Feasts & Local Gems 🍽️

Fresh catch rules! Thai staples (pad Thai 100 THB~$3), seafood BBQs (300-600 THB/meal). Specialties: Grilled fish, crab curry, miang kham.

Top Restaurant Recommendations

Pizza & Pasta: Italian fix (300-800 THB). 4.6/5 rating.

Noochy Seafood (Ao Yai): Stilt-house freshies—crab heaven. 4.5/5.

Heaven Sense: Italian/Thai fusion. Romantic dinners.

The Fisherman Hut: Seafood BBQ vibes.

Chonthicha Seafood: Pier views, local favorites.

View Point Cafe: Sunset shakes 80 THB.

Ban Choeng Kao: Local seafood specials.

The Pink Kangaroo: Smoothies/pancakes.

Night Markets (Klong Chao): Grilled squid 180 THB. Fresh daily catch.

Vegetarian?: Som tam + tofu spots abundant. Say “jay!” (vegetarian).

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Accommodation: Budget to Baller 🏨

70+ spots—book Booking.com/Agoda. Beachfront minimum 2,000 THB. December-February peak season +20% prices.

Budget (700-1,800 THB / ~$22-56)

• BB Dorm: 500 THB beds
• Gecko House: 800 THB fan bungalows
• Sand & Sea: Bang Bao huts

Mid-Range (1,500-6,500 THB / ~$47-203)

• Mangrove Bungalows: 1,500 THB (kayaks included)
• Dusita Resort (Ngamkho): 3,000 THB AC
• Koh Kood BEDs: Garden views, 2,500 THB

Luxury (8,000+ THB / ~$250+)

• Tinkerbell Privacy: 10,000 THB villas
• Shantaa Resort: 5,000 THB private beach
• High Season Pool Villas: 18,000 THB private pools

By Beach: Klong Chao for action (Peter Pan Resort mid-range), Ao Tapao for peace (Shantaa perfection).

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Nightlife & Entertainment 🌙

No Koh Phangan raves—thank goodness! Chill beach bars rule:

• Peter Pan Resort: Happy hour cocktails 180 THB
• The Deck Bar: Fire shows, live music (Fri/Sat)
• View Point Cafe: Sunset beers 80 THB
• Fireflies & Stargazing: Nature’s nightlife
• Squid Fishing Tours: Sunset with dinner potential
• Resort Movie Nights: Family-friendly entertainment

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Best Time to Visit

Nov-Apr (Dry Season): Perfect—sun, calm seas, full ferries. Peak Dec-Feb (book ahead, +20% prices).

Shoulder May/Oct: Bargains, green vibes, fewer crowds.

Avoid Jun-Aug: Peak rains, rough seas, reduced ferry schedules.

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Practical Information

Visa (2025)

• 60-Day Exemption: Most nationalities (passport valid 6+ months)
• TDAC Pre-Arrival: Complete online 3 days before arrival (free, now mandatory)
• Overstay Fines: 500 THB/day

Money

• Currency: Thai Baht (1 USD ≈ 32 THB as of Dec 2025)
• ATMs: Ao Salad/Klong Chao only. 220 THB fee per withdrawal
• Cards: Rare—withdraw large amounts in Trat
• Daily Budget: 2,000-3,000 THB solo (excluding accommodation)

Safety & Health

• Safety: Super safe (low crime). Road caution on scooters!
• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid advised (not mandatory)
• Water: Bottled only (10 THB/bottle)
• Dengue Risk: Low but use long sleeves dusk
• Pharmacies: Limited—stock up in Trat
• Insurance: Travel insurance essential (diving cover)
• Clinics: Klong Hin Dam, but serious cases → Trat/Bangkok

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Local Tips & Insider Advice 💡

Scooter 101: 300 THB/day rental. International license needed (fines sting). Fuel 50 THB/liter. Never ride at night.

Cash Hack: Withdraw at Laem Sok pier ATM (avoid resort markups).

Eco Tips:

• No plastic bags—bring reusable
• Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory (fines 2025+)
• Support local seafood stalls over resort dining

Insider Moves:

• Kayak Klong Chao estuary at dawn (fireflies!)
• New 2025: Seudamgo electric hydrofoil ferries (eco-win)
• Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds

Pack Smart:

• Water shoes (slippery waterfalls)
• DEET (sandflies are real)
• Dry bag (boat splashes)
• Power bank (spotty WiFi)

Crowd Dodge: Visit weekdays, south beaches see fewer tourists.

Day Trip: Koh Mak ferry-hop for variety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Koh Kood family-friendly? A: Yes! Shallow beaches, kayaks, easy waterfall hikes. Kids love pier jumps.

Q: Scooter safe for beginners? A: Hills/sand tricky—take taxis if nervous (300 THB/trip).

Q: Vegetarian food available? A: Plenty—curries, papaya salad. Say “jay!”

Q: How many days needed? A: 4-5 minimum. 3 beaches, 2 waterfalls, 1 snorkel trip.

Q: Low season worth visiting? A: Yes for deals (~30% off), but pack raincoat.

Q: Private boat from Koh Chang? A: 12,000 THB/group—splurge for speed.

Q: ATMs everywhere? A: Main hubs only—stock up in Trat.

Q: Malaria/dengue risk? A: Low, but DEET + nets recommended.

Q: Wedding-friendly? A: Beach ceremonies galore—Tinkerbell hosts exclusive events!

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Koh Kood in a Nutshell

Koh Kood is where time slows and souls recharge—a hidden gem that rewards those willing to make the journey. Jungle waterfalls, pristine beaches, world-class diving, and authentic island life without the overtourism define this eastern Thailand treasure. This is the anti-Phuket, the secret spot, the place you’ll tell friends about with that knowing smile.

Pack light, go slow, respect the jungle, and embrace the isolation. Koh Kood awaits. Sawasdee kha! 🌴🐠✨

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Last Updated: December 2025 Information sourced from official Mu Ko Chang National Park, 2025 ferry operators, local resorts, and traveler reviews.