Koh Kood Island is one of our favorite islands in Thailand and there are many reasons why. Despite the fact that it is a very beautiful island, with white-sand beaches and turquoise warm water, it has something special and rare. Tranquility.
If you are traveling to the other side of Thailand you will have quite the opposite. Islands like Koh Tao and Koh Samui or places like Krabi are packed with tourists. And if you would like to escape the hassle and bustle to have a calm holiday, then Koh Kood Island needs to be included in your Thailand Itinerary.
Koh Kood is a very small island but you do not need to worry. There are so many awesome things to do in Koh Kood. And in this travel guide, we will tell you what you can do and see in Koh Kood.
A little spoiler: Beaching, chilling, and exploring the island on your own.
Ready?
Table of Contents
ABOUT KOH KOOD
Koh Kood Island is located in the eastern part of Thailand and part of Koh Chang archipelago with Koh Mak and Koh Chang Island.And if you are looking at the map of Thailand, you will also notice that it is quite close to Cambodia.
Koh Kood island is famous for its white-sand beaches, chilled atmosphere and endless palm trees.
Maybe you have noticed two different names in our title. It is because there are two versions of the name of the island: Koh Kood and Ko Kut. It can be a bit confusing when searching on the internet for Koh Kood because some people refer to it as Ko Kut. Mystery solved, both names describe the same place.
Koh in Thai (เกาะ) means island, so most of the names of islands in Thailand start with Koh.
Ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand?
If you are heading to Cambodia, make sure to check out Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Samloem as well.
SEE MORE: How to spend 10 AWESOME DAYS IN THAILAND
HOW TO GET TO KOH KOOD ISLAND
If you are traveling from Bangkok, you need to take a bus to a small town called Trat. It takes around 5,5 hours and costs 350 Baht. This price includes all transfers and a ferry, so once you pay for your ticket, the 350 Baht covers it all.
There is a great possibility to book your transfer in advance. You can buy an online ticket including a bus and ferry.
BOOK YOUR TICKET TO KOH KOOD ONLINE
From Trat, you need to get to the pier called Laem Sok Pier and there your ferry will be waiting for you.
We traveled with Ko Kut Express, but there are other companies such as Koh Kood Princess and Boonsiri. We had a very good experience with this transfer. Thai people are very helpful and they will take good care of you.
We were running late as the bus had some breakdowns and we were worried that we won’t be able to catch the last boat to Koh Kood. But everything went smoothly, and though it might not seem like it at times, Thai people working in tourism usually have everything under control.
Tourism in Thailand is top-notch, and you do no need to worry. Thai people speak good English and they will let you know which taxi to take.
Because Kok Kood is so close to Cambodia, you can also come to Koh Kood from Cambodia. From the Cambodian border just come to Trat, which should take you around 2 hours, and then take a ferry to Ko Kut.
SEE MORE: THE BEST BEACH DESTINATIONS TO VISIT THIS YEAR
HOW LONG YOU SHOULD STAY?
If you would like to visit Koh Kood, make sure to come here at least for three days. It takes around 7 hours to get to Koh Kood from Bangkok, so coming here just for 1 night, won’t do this place justice and doesn’t make much sense either. We spent here 4 days and loved it. Of course, you can spend more time as Koh Kood is a little slice of paradise.
WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON KOH KOOD?
There are only a few roads on Koh Kood and everything is located on the eastern part of the island. Here you can find many hotels, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and even a laundromat.
Koh Kood has also a hospital and several pharmacies (you will find out later why we needed it). There are several ATMs on the island but still bring some cash, just in case they are broken. We got money two times and had no issue.
THINGS TO DO IN KOH KOOD
It all depends on you and how do you feel. But there are so many things you can do in Koh Kood. Just to mention a few:
- Exploring beaches
- Driving around Koh Kood
- Snorkeling
- Swimming in turquoise waters
- Kayaking
- Chilling at the beach
- Sipping cocktails during sunset
KOH KOOD BEACHES
Koh Kood is home to one of the best beaches. We naturally start this Koh Kood travel guide with the most beautiful beaches you need to see on Koh Kood.
AO NOI BEACH
Ao Noi Beach is one of our absolute favorite beaches in Koh Kood. We did struggle a bit to actually find it. It is located nearby Ao Noi Resort. Therefore, try to put the resort’s name on Google instead of the beach.
There is a little sign with the Ao Noi Resort next to the main road. The last 10 minutes of driving is a bit adventure as the road is bit curvy and slightly tight, so drive carefully.
Once you get to the beach, we promise, you will fall in love with Ao Noi. We came here a couple of times and didn’t want to leave. Ao Noi Beach has white sand with many palm trees and clear turquoise water.
On top of that, Ao Noi has a very charming pier which is a perfect spot for taking photos.
On the right side of the pier, is a lovely hammock, where you can take a nap or read a book.
Make sure to bring your snorkel gear and explore marine life as well. There are not so many corals, but you can spot some tropical fish for sure.
At Ao Noi Resort you can also rent a kayak for a small fee per hour. You do not have to be a guest to rent a kayak.
EXTRA TIP: Never lay down underneath a coconut tree, which actually has coconuts on, as they might fall down and could harm you.
READ MORE: 37 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THAILAND, YOU CAN’T-MISS OUT ON
AO TAPAO BEACH & AO PRAO BEACH
Ao Prao Beach is located at the southern part of Koh Kood and this is the furthest we drove with our scooter. Every beach on Koh Kood is absolutely beautiful. Ao Tapao is located a bit further north from the Klong Chao Beach.
KLONG CHAO BEACH
Klong Chao Beach is one of the busiest beaches on Koh Kood as there are many hotels around. However, it is still a nice place and you should definitely check it out. Don’t forget to stop at the black rock for a nice view.
RENT A SCOOTER
The best way how to discover Koh Kood island is to rent a scooter. Driving around on our own is one of the best things to do in Koh Kood. Driving with a motorcycle is very simple, just make sure to ask for helmets. Just be aware that in Thailand, you need to drive on the left side. Renting a scooter will cost you around 250 Baht per day.
EXTRA TIP: Bring your international driving license with you to avoid paying fines.
OUR SCOOTER ACCIDENT
Do you remember that we mentioned hospitals and pharmacies at the beginning of the article? It is because we actually had a minor accident on Koh Kood. We were driving to Happy Time restaurant and it was dark. We were only going like 20 km/h and somehow we slipped off the edge of the road and fell down with our scooter.
It was very painful and we had a few scratches. Luckily the staff from a nearby restaurant helped us immediately. Later, we stopped at the pharmacy to get some bandages and plasters. The pharmacist looked at us like we are not normal and offered to clean our wounds right away, which was absolutely touching. We love Thailand so much and its people. Honestly, I don’t know what would have happened if we would have been going much faster.
We still went to the Happy Time restaurant afterward, and we were still very happy, as nothing more serious happened to us.
NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT INSURANCE: Get a quote from World Nomads travel insurance here.
EXPLORE WATERFALLS
If you are tired of beaches and would like to explore more jungle life, then head to waterfalls. Especially during the rainy season, the waterfalls are filled with water.
There are three waterfalls in Koh Kood: Klong Chao Waterfall which is one of the most visited ones as it is located close to Klong Chao Beach. If you like, you can also check out Huang Nam Keaw and Klong Yai Kee.
ENJOY SUNSETS
Sunsets in Thailand are very special. There are a couple of spots where you can witness beautiful sunsets on Koh Kood. We really loved our time at Secret sunset beach and basically at any beach on Kood Kood as all of them are located on the eastern side of the island, so you will have amazing sunsets anywhere.
KOH KOOD RESORTS AND HOTELS
We stayed at the Koh Kood little hut and it was a very nice place, a little bit outside of the coast, but we loved it. We had a lovely host, clean rooms with fans and breakfast included.
There are many nice resorts and hotels on Koh Kood island. Also, many resorts have affordable rooms as well, so don’t be shy to check for resorts as well. See our absolutely favorite ones:
- TINKERBELL RESORT
- KOH KOOD RESORT
- PETER PAN RESORT
- NEVERLAND RESORT
- AO NOI RESORT: We would definitely stay here next time, just for the sake of being close to our favorite beach in Koh Kood: Ao Noi Beach.
CHECK FOR ALL HOTELS IN KOH KOOD & YOUR FAVOURITE
WHERE TO EAT?
Out absolutely favorite restaurants were Chiang Mai and Happy Time. They have both an authentic Thai kitchen. If you would like to have more western food then head to Pizza and Pasta.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH KOOD
If you would like to visit Ko Kut, you need to know that there are two seasons. The dry season starts from November to April and the rainy season is from May to October. Koh Kood has almost the same temperature all year round, which means around 30 degrees.
Kok Kood has a tropical monsoon climate. We visited Koh Kood in December and had only sunny days.
Also coming in the rainy season is not the worst decision. Yes, you will have more rain, but it doesn’t need to be the case. Besides, hotel prices will be lower and there are fewer people on the island.
However, the best time to visit Koh Kood in the dry season, where you will have many sunny days, it still can rain, so don’t be surprised.
SEE MORE: EXPLORE THE BEST BEACHES AND ISLANDS IN KRABI, THAILAND
WHAT TO PACK
There several things you should have on you when traveling to Ko Kut.
- WATERPROOF COVER: If you decide to do kayaking or any boat trip, it would be great to have a waterproof bag or a cover to protect your gear and valuables.
- SUN CREAM: Please do not put sun cream right before you go to the ocean, but at least 45 minutes before. Also, if you would like to protect the reef, only use reef-safe lotion which doesn’t harm marine life. We use Raw elements, which are chemical-free and good to your skin – use Gigi10 for 10% off on your entire order.
- HAT& SUNGLASSES: Many travelers (including me) often forget wearing a hat when traveling to beach destinations. Cover your hat as much as you can to prevent heatstroke. I had a heat stroke a couple of times, and it wasn’t fun.
- SWIMWEAR: Your trip to Koh Kood will require a lot of swimming, so bring a couple of pairs.
- LONG SLEEVE SHIRT AND PANTS: Sometimes nights can get a slightly cooler, especially when you are on the scooter, so having one jumper or shirt with long sleeves, would be a good idea. Also, if you travel on the bus or by boat, Thais like to put their aircon to freezing temperatures. I was often freezing and I was glad to have my blue fleece sweater.
- CAMERA: Don’t forget to bring a good camera to capture the beauty of Koh Kood. If you are curious about what kind of photography gear we use, then head to our must-haves we can’t live without.
DO I NEED A VISA TO GO TO KO KUT?
Yes, you do need a visa when you are visiting Thailand. However, it is not very complicated. If you are a citizen of most states, you are able to get a tourist visa for 30 days automatically once you immigrate to Thailand. You have also the possibility to extend your stay.
If you want to extend your stay for 15 days you need to pay 1900 Bath. We spent 30 days in Thailand and we also wanted to prolong the visa. So we actually left Thailand to go to Cambodia and we came back, and we had another 30 days granted automatically. So you either pay or just leave Thailand and come back.
Don’t forget, you also need to have a return ticket or proof that you are leaving Thailand. You can find more information on visas here.
That is all from us, we absolutely loved our time on Koh Kooh and we are sure that you will enjoy this little piece of paradise as well. Have fun at Ko Kut.
Traveling to Koh Kood? Don’t forget to Pin our Koh Kood Travel guide to read it later 🙂
DISCLAIMER: Please note, that some of the links mentioned above are affiliate links and we will earn a little percentage of the sale if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. This helps us to keep our website running. We highly appreciate your support.
About The Authors
Thank you very much for your excellent blog on Koh Kood. We are going there next year in Feb. and will find you tips very useful !
Very nice! I’m a very experienced traveller and that’s exactly what people needs to know! Gonna follow your tips! Thanks!! I’m in koh chang now and will head to koh kood