Koh Kood travel blog: How to get there, top things to do, eat, stay & MORE

If you are looking for a true beach paradise, Koh Kood is a destination not to be missed. Located in the south of Trat province, Thailand, Koh Kood island stands out with its pristine beauty and slow pace of life. This place attracts tourists with its clear water, fine white sand and resorts hidden among cool coconut forests. Read our koh kood travel blog to learn more about Koh Kood island!

Koh Kood travel blog: Where is Koh Kood?

Location: Koh Kood island is located in Trat province, Thailand (near the Cambodian border)

Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is the fourth largest island in Thailand and the southernmost island in the Koh Chang archipelago. About 350km from Bangkok, Koh Kood still retains its rare pristine beauty despite becoming a favorite destination for adventurous tourists. The island is surrounded by emerald green waters, fine white sand beaches and rows of coconut trees, creating a paradise scene in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

What makes Koh Kood Island special is its peace and lack of commercialization. Coming here, visitors can immerse themselves in the quiet nature, stroll on deserted beaches, dive to see coral or explore the cool tropical forest. Ao Salad fishing village still maintains its long-standing traditional lifestyle, giving visitors the opportunity to experience authentic local culture. Koh Kood is likened to an untouched tropical puzzle, where every dawn opens up a rare sense of peace and relaxation.

What to prepare when traveling to Koh Kood?

Currently, entering Thailand is quite easy, but visitors still need to comply with some basic requirements according to the regulations of the host country.

Passport

This is the most important document when traveling to Thailand. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Visa

Vietnamese tourists are exempt from visa requirements when staying in Thailand for up to 30 days if entering by air or 15 days when traveling by land. If you plan to stay longer, you need to apply for a tourist visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam. This type of visa allows a stay of up to 60 days and can be extended if necessary.

Note: Before departure, you should complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form to make the entry process faster.

Itinerary and supporting equipment

To make the trip complete, plan a detailed tour for each day of your Koh Kood trip. This helps you be more proactive, avoid wasting time and not miss the desired destination. In addition, do not forget to bring a spare battery to keep your phone fully charged when traveling a lot.

Necessary personal items

When traveling to Koh Kood Island, you should fully equip the following necessary items: Adapter; Sunscreen; Sunglasses; Jacket;… These will be the items that will help your trip become much smoother and easier.

Air tickets and hotel rooms

You should book round-trip air tickets and accommodation before flying to avoid difficulties when going through immigration procedures. Tour and entertainment booking services through platforms like Klook or Agoda are both quick and convenient, and often have promotions to help you save significantly on travel costs. In particular, Klook discount codes will help you save quite a bit of money!

Travel Insurance

Although not mandatory, travel insurance is a smart choice to give you peace of mind throughout your trip. It covers medical expenses or unexpected incidents such as lost luggage, flight cancellations or accidents, ensuring your trip is always safe and complete.

Currency and Payment

Thailand’s currency is Baht with the symbol THB. You should exchange money at ATMs at the airport or reputable foreign exchange counters to receive good exchange rates. When arriving at Koh Kood, you should prepare cash because there are almost no ATMs on the island and many places only accept direct payment.

Travel SIM/ eSIM

[Thailand Pick Up Only] dtac HAPPY TOURIST 4G/5G SIM Card for Thailand

As soon as you arrive, you can buy a Thai 4G SIM or a Thai travel eSIM at the airport or book online through Klook. Owning a domestic SIM makes it easy to use the internet, find your way and contact relatives at a more economical cost.

How to get to Koh Kood?

Ferry & Bus to Koh Kood/ Koh Chang and Cambodia By Boonsiri

From Bangkok, you need to getting to Laem Sok Pier and from there you can reach Koh Kood as follows:

Boonsiri Ferry

Boonsiri Ferry is a popular transport company that offers a convenient journey from Bangkok to Koh Kood in just 7 to 8 hours. Visitors can book a VIP Bus and Catamaran combo ticket, departing from Khaosan Road or Rama 9 office. The ticket price is around 1,100 – 1,200 THB/way (889,203 – 970,000 VND), including a snack, drink and a main meal. This is the safest, most comfortable and time-saving option that visitors can refer to when going to Koh Kood.

Koh Kood Express

Koh Kood Express is a popular express ferry company that connects Laem Sok Pier and Koh Kood Island all year round. The boat can accommodate about 140 passengers, is air-conditioned and ensures comfort throughout the journey. The one-way fare is 600 THB (~ 483,245 VND), including a free shuttle service from the pier to the resorts on the island. With fast, stable speed and attentive service, Koh Kood Express is an ideal choice for travelers who want to save time and enjoy a safe and convenient trip.

Seudamgo Ferry

Seudamgo Ferry is a new ferry company operating since 2023, specializing in the route Laem Sok – Ao Salad (Koh Kood) with a modern 84-seat catamaran, equipped with air conditioning, toilets and meeting international safety standards. Travel time is only about 40 – 60 minutes, ticket price is 600 THB/way (~483,245 VND), including shuttle bus to the hotel on the island. Passengers are free to carry 20kg of luggage, bring pets and can book tickets online easily via seudamgo.com.

Means of transport in Koh Kood

To make the journey to Koh Kood more convenient, Living Nomads has compiled some popular means of transport here, specifically:

Renting a motorbike

Due to the island terrain, when coming to Koh Kood, visitors can rent motorbikes from local people to travel to the desired locations.

Ferry and high-speed ferry

Boats from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood operate daily, with many time slots from 10:00 – 14:20. Some popular companies include Koh Kood Express, Koh Kood Princess and Boonsiri High Speed ​​Ferry. The average travel time is 1 to 1.5 hours, with one-way fares ranging from 350 – 600 THB (~280,000 – 483,245 VND). The boats are air-conditioned, have comfortable seats and offer free transfers to hotels on the island.

Best time to travel to Koh Kood

The best time to travel to Koh Kood is during the dry season from November to February, when the weather is dry, sunny and the sea is calm. The average daytime temperature is around 27 to 28 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for activities such as swimming, snorkeling or swimming. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors should book rooms and ferry tickets in advance to avoid running out of space.

In addition, the peak season is from March to May. The weather is warm, sometimes hot, but the scenery is green and the accommodation costs are more comfortable. From June to mid-October is the rainy season, the weather is humid and the sea can be rough, so visitors should consider and check the weather forecast before going to Koh Kood island.

Where to go, what to do: Suggestions for famous tourist attractions when traveling to Koh Kood island

When planning a trip to Koh Kood, visitors cannot miss the tourist attractions and beautiful beaches below:

Bang Bao Beach

• Address: JG6P+QG8, Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Bang Bao Beach is considered a forgotten paradise of Thailand. A place that retains a rare peace amidst the crowded tourist waves. Located on the west coast of Koh Kood Island, this beach impresses with its fine white sand, clear blue water and incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

Ferry & Bus to Koh Kood/ Koh Chang and Cambodia By Boonsiri

Surrounded by lush tropical forests and a natural curve of the coastline, Bang Bao Beach is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing or simply enjoying the slow pace of life in the tropics. Visitors can also stroll around the small fishing village and enjoy fresh seafood right on the wooden bridge overlooking the bay.

Klong Chao Waterfall

• Address: JHW4+MGF เกาะกูด Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Klong Chao Waterfall is located on the west side of Klong Chao Bay and is a famous destination on Koh Kood Island. The waterfall is about 10 meters high, flowing over the cliff into the clear blue lake below, creating a majestic and poetic scene. The waterfall has three levels, of which the top level is a stone stream, the lower level is suitable for swimming and relaxing. This place also has historical value when King Rama VI visited and named it to commemorate the Vietnamese king who took refuge in Thailand.

Khlong Chao Lueam Waterfall

• Address: Ban Khlong Son Road, Ko Chang, 23170 Ko Chang, Trat, 23170, Thailand
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Khlong Chao Lueam Waterfall, also known as Klong Son Waterfall, is a quiet stop located on the west side of Koh Kood. To get here, visitors need to travel about 4 km from the center of Klong Son village and cross a small road leading into the forest, where the air is fresh and nature is still pristine.

Although the waterfall is not too majestic, the quiet and peaceful scenery creates its own attraction. On the way, you can encounter wild monkeys swinging from branch to branch or hear the echoes of the forest. This is a close, natural and relaxing experience in the heart of Koh Kood.

Klong Chao Beach

• Address: JGMV+WX5, Unnamed Road, Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Klong Chao Beach is considered the heart of Koh Kood Island, where natural beauty and a typical relaxed pace of life blend. With fine white sand, turquoise water and brilliant sunsets, this place attracts many tourists who love to relax on Koh Kood Island.

Klong Chao is located in the center of the west coast of the island, the intersection of the river and the jungle, bringing a scene that is both wild and romantic. Visitors can kayak through the mangrove forest, watch the nearby Klong Chao waterfall or enjoy seafood at riverside restaurants.

Klong Hin Beach

• Address: HGWX+FXH ซอย คลองค้างคาว Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Klong Hin Beach is located in the southwest of Koh Kood Island, and is one of the most peaceful and pristine destinations here. The crescent-shaped beach with clear blue water and fine sand brings a feeling of absolute relaxation to visitors. Hidden among coconut forests, Klong Hin has only a few small resorts such as Hideout Resort and Klong Hin Beach Resort, along with some lovely bungalows located along the lagoon of A La Kood.

Without noisy shops or dense tourist services, this place retains its rustic and private features, very suitable for those who want to find a quiet resort in the middle of nature and enjoy the slow pace of life on Koh Kood Island.

Ao Taphao Beach

• Address: JGXP+P3P, Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Ao Tapao Beach is a peaceful gem located in the northwest of Koh Kood Island, famous for its long, fine sand beaches and crystal clear water. Not too crowded but still with enough amenities, this place gives visitors a feeling of complete relaxation in the middle of nature. Surrounding the beach are famous resorts such as Meedee, Seafar, Shantaa,… Ao Tapao is also convenient thanks to its location near Hin Dam pier, making it easy to travel and visit the island.

Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall

• Address: Trat 4107 Rural Road, Ko Kut, 23000 Ko Kut, Trat, Thailand

Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall is a hidden gem in Koh Kood nature, famous for its crystal clear water and rare peaceful scenery. Located in the middle of a lush green forest, the journey to the waterfall is an interesting experience as visitors cross the natural stone path and enjoy the fresh air.

Although the flow may be smaller in the dry season, the wild and tranquil beauty here still captivates visitors. In the rainy season, the waterfall becomes more lively than ever, an ideal destination to relax, swim and immerse yourself in the pure nature of Koh Kood Island.

Koh Kood Divers

• Address: 101, Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:30

Koh Kood Divers is the leading diving center on Koh Kood Island, offering a journey to explore the colorful ocean world. With a team of experienced PADI-certified instructors, visitors can rest assured to enjoy the feeling of diving in the clear water, watching the colorful coral and diverse marine life.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver, you will be guided carefully to have a safe and memorable experience. Koh Kood Divers is not only a place to learn to dive, but also a door to open the magical beauty of the Thai sea.

Other Interesting things to do in Koh Kood Island:

• Join the local people fishing at Aow Salad village.
• Connect with the local people and enjoy a simple meal with them.
• Explore the beautiful waterfalls at Tok Khlong Chao or Than Sanuk Waterfall.
• Snorkel and see the coral reefs at Koh Kood Island.
• Explore the jungle before reaching the waterfall.
• Soak in the cool water at Ko Wai beach – a paradise with white sand beaches.
• Rent a boat to see the neighboring islands.
• Participate in water sports such as kayaking, surfing, beach volleyball, etc.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset on the beach.
• Camping at night to watch the starry sky at the beach.

Nightlife

When night falls, Koh Kood brings a vibrant and colorful atmosphere through unique entertainment activities. Here are some suggestions for nightlife in Koh Kood:

Enjoy fresh seafood at coastal restaurants

Koh Kood has many coastal restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, steamed crab, grilled fish. Some delicious seafood restaurants in Koh Kood include:

• Ao Salad Seafood: Famous for seafood dishes made from the freshest ingredients.
• Chaiyo Restaurant: A local eatery with reasonable prices and authentic Thai dishes.

Relax at small bars

Koh Kood has a number of small bars with comfortable spaces, ideal for enjoying cocktails or cold beers in the night sea air. Some bars recommended by Living Nomads include:

• Viewpoint Café: A rustic style bar with a beautiful sea view.
• Heaven Sense Bar: Serving creative drinks, with a cool, relaxing space.

Night Kayaking

Some areas on Koh Kood such as the Klong Chao River often organize night kayaking tours. If you are lucky, you can also see the phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton in the water – an extremely magical experience that is hard to witness anywhere else.

What to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Koh Kood on your own

There are many souvenirs that you can give to relatives and friends when traveling to Koh Kood. Here are some suggestions from Living Nomads for you:

• Dried seafood: You can buy dried seafood at local markets, they are not only delicious but also easy to preserve and carry far away. They are great gifts for family and friends.
• Handicraft products: Handicraft products such as jewelry made from seashells, ceramic items. Or bamboo decorations are very unique and show a unique culture.
• Herbal tea: These tea packages not only have a delicious taste but are also very good for your health.
• Com cake: Com cake is a famous snack of Koh Kood, made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. These small cakes will leave an unforgettable impression with their sweet taste.
• Koh Kood T-shirts and souvenirs: Products such as T-shirts and bags printed with Koh Kood images or logos. Also make interesting souvenirs.

Ideal Koh Kood Hotels for Your Trip

In Koh Kood during the low season (May to September), some accommodations are closed. But during the high season, hotels and guesthouses are fully booked. Therefore, you should call in advance to avoid having to struggle to find a room when you arrive. Most visitors choose to stay in the area around Ao Khao Ngam.

Quality Koh Kood hotels are located mainly in beautiful coastal areas. Among them, Hat Ban Bao and Hat Khlong Chao hotels are prominent. Bang Bao and Klong Chao beaches are must-try destinations that many tourists love when coming to Koh Kood Island. Below, let’s take a look at the quality hotels in the Koh Kood coastal area with Living Nomads!

Shantaa Koh Kood

• Address: 20/3 หมู่ 2 ต.เกาะกูด อ.เกาะกูด Kohkood TRAT Trat 23000, Thailand
• Room price for 1 night from: 6,067,203 VND

Shantaa Koh Kood is the most popular resort on Koh Kood Island with a rating of 9.7/10 from hundreds of travelers on Agoda. It offers a peaceful and private space amidst lush green nature, with exquisitely designed rooms facing the sea and fully equipped. Dedicated service, delicious breakfast, outdoor swimming pool and shady garden make visitors always feel absolutely relaxed. This is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a luxurious and peaceful holiday in Koh Kood. (klook, agoda)

High Season Pool Villa & Spa

• Address: 117 หาดคลองเจ้า Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand
• Room price for 1 night from: 7,300,816 VND

High Season Pool Villa & Spa is a luxurious 5-star resort, rated 9.2/10 points for its quiet space and attentive service. Each villa has a private swimming pool, sophisticated interior and a view of the cool blue sea, bringing absolute relaxation to visitors. The restaurant at the resort serves a diverse menu with fresh ingredients, and a high-class spa helps to regenerate energy after days of exploring Koh Kood Island. (klook, agoda)

• I-Lay House Koh Kood – around $35.
• Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort – around $50.
• Escape Life Koh Kood – around $50.
• Rim Lay – around $55.
• A-Na-Lay Resort – around $62.
• Koh Kood Paradise Beach – around $90.
• The Beach Natural Resort Koh Kood – around $140.

Must-try dishes when traveling to Koh Kood

As mentioned, Koh Kood not only has many beautiful tourist attractions but also many delicious specialties that are hard to resist. Some of the best dishes in Koh Kood that Living Nomads has tried include:

Koh Kood cuisine is an experience that contributes to the love of many tourists. From typical Thai dishes to quality seafood, Koh Kood also has a variety of dishes that you can enjoy. Highlights

Fresh seafood

Seafood on Koh Kood Island is famous for its freshness thanks to being caught directly from the clear blue sea around the island every day. Visitors can enjoy dishes such as grilled shrimp, steamed crab, grilled scallops with scallion oil, … all of which retain the natural sweetness and characteristic aroma of the sea. Many coastal restaurants such as Noochy Seafood (นุชชี่ ซีฟู้ด), The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood, Chaosua seafood (เจ้าสัวร์ซีฟู้ด เกาะกูด),… also serve seafood on the spot, helping diners enjoy their meal while watching the sunset on the sea, creating a rich and unforgettable culinary experience.

Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a typical curry noodle dish of Northern Thailand, known for its rich and slightly spicy flavor mixed in a golden broth. The dish consists of soft egg noodles underneath, crispy fried noodles on top, served with chicken or beef cooked tenderly in a rich curry sauce. When enjoying, people often add lemon, shallots and pickled chili to enhance the flavor. Khao Soi is not only a filling dish but also a culinary experience imbued with Thai culture. To enjoy Khao Soi in the right way in Koh Kood, visitors should visit JK Khao Kaeng Koh Kood Thai Food, Chill Out Kohkood, The Corner Drinks & Food Koh Kood, …

Som Tam

Som Tam is a famous Thai papaya salad, with a characteristic harmonious sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavor. The main ingredients include crispy shredded green papaya, mixed with tomatoes, long beans, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts and fish sauce mixed with lime, and crushed fresh chili. Each piece of Som Tam is an explosion of taste, stimulating spicy, slightly sour and cool, and a sweet and salty aftertaste. During a trip to Koh Kood Island, visitors can enjoy Som Tam at famous eateries such as TumKorat (ร้านตำโคราช), Let’s Meat, Kanghanlom Koh Kood Food & Drink,…

Other dishes worth to try:

• Thai green curry: This curry is famous for its rich coconut milk flavor, mild chili flavor and basil aroma.
• BBQ: BBQ parties with countless types of meat and grilled seafood at coastal restaurants are something that no tourist can miss when coming to Koh Kood.
• Khao Lam: Sticky rice is cooked in bamboo tubes, fragrant with the smell of bamboo and banana leaves. Khao Lam is a rustic but extremely delicious dish.
• Tom Yum: A famous Thai hot and sour soup, with flavors from lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili.

Best Restaurants in Koh Kood

• Noochy Seafood
• The Fisherman Hut
• Chonthicha Restaurant
• Bang Bao Home
• Khao Kaeng

Tips and notes that you should take note of when traveling to Koh Kood on your own

• Remember to bring sunscreen to prevent ultraviolet rays as well as UV rays when going to the beach.
• Hats and umbrellas are also two necessary equipment for you to use on beach trips. If you go in the rainy season, you should remember to bring a raincoat.
• For the journey to the island, you need to check the time of the boat to the island in advance to book tickets in advance. You should also book a boat ticket 1 to 2 hours in advance to avoid delays in previous journeys.
• If you go and return in the same day, you should wait for the right time to return so you don’t have to stay on the island for another night.
• If you stay overnight on the island. You should book a hotel, resort, homestay in the center of the island so that you can easily move around, have fun and visit.
• If you want to rent a bicycle or motorbike to go sightseeing. You should ask the hotel receptionist in advance if the place you are staying has this service. If not, you ask them where they are so you can easily contact and use them.
• If you go in a larger group, you should use other means of transport such as taxis or tuk-tuks.
• You should not break or pick coral reefs if you participate in the experience of scuba diving to see creatures.
• Just like scuba diving, if you participate in exploring the jungle in Koh Kood. You should also not damage the habitat of animals here. In addition, eating trees, grass as well as strange mushrooms will not be good for your body.
• If you participate in travel experiences such as overnight camping, scuba diving, trekking, walking, mountain climbing, … you should contact travel companies to get the best support from professional guides.
• You should exchange money before coming to the island. Because exchanging money on the island will be more expensive. At the same time, because there are not many ATMs on the island, withdrawing money will also be limited.
• Please register and buy a 4G sim card before arriving on the island. This is so you can easily contact and post “virtual life” photos on social networking sites.

So the Koh Kood travel itinerary has been revealed in the article provided by Living Nomads. Hopefully, you have garthered enough information for your upcoming trip!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koh Kood you can refer to

• Ferry Ticket between Koh Kood and Trat by Seudamgo
• Koh Kood Snorkel Experience with PADI 5 Star center
• Koh Kood Scuba Trial Experience with PADI 5 Star center
• Ferry & Bus to Koh Kood/ Koh Chang and Cambodia By Boonsiri
• Twin Thrills: Dive Expedition around Koh Kood with PADI 5* Center
• Ferry & Bus to Koh Kood / Koh Mak By Koh Kood Express
• Luxury Power Yacht Experiences: Charter Your Adventure in Koh Kood

Read more Thailand guide here.