Travel between Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang, Krabi, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan or one of the other beautiful small islands of the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand.
If you are looking for a tropical getaway that is not too crowded or commercialized, then you might want to consider Koh Kood (or "Ko Kut"), a stunning island in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Kood is the second largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago, and the fourth largest in Thailand. It is located near the border with Cambodia, about 330 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. It is a perfect destination for those who love nature, tranquility, and adventure.
Koh Kood has many attractions to offer, whether you are a beach lover, a nature lover or an adventure lover. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, hiking or just relaxing on the sand. Some of the places that you should not miss on Koh Kood are:
Klong Chao Waterfall: This is the most famous waterfall on the island, and one of the few that can be visited all year round. It is a three-tiered waterfall that flows into a large pool surrounded by greenery. You can swim in the refreshing water or have a picnic on the rocks.
Ao Salad Fishing Village: This is a charming village on the northeast coast of the island, where you can see the traditional lifestyle of the local fishermen. You can also buy fresh seafood from the market or take a boat tour around the mangroves and nearby islands.
Bang Bao Bay: This is a scenic bay on the southwest coast of the island, where you can find some of the best beaches and resorts on Koh Kood. You can also visit the Bang Bao Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the bay and the sunset.
Koh Rang Marine Park: This is a group of islands south of Koh Kood, where you can find some of the most diverse and colorful coral reefs in Thailand. You can take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the underwater world and see various marine life.
How to get to Koh Kood
There are a few ways to get to Koh Kood
By plane: There is no airport on Koh Kood, so you will need to fly to Trat airport. From Trat airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the pier in Laem Sok which takes about 40 minutes.
By bus: There are several bus companies that offer direct buses from Bangkok to Trat. From Trat, you can take a taxi or bus to the pier in Laem Sok.
By ferry or speedboat from the mainland: After you reach the pier in Laem Sok, you can take a ferry or a speedboat to Koh Kood, which takes about an hour or less depending on the type of boat.
By speedboat from nearby islands: You can also island hop from other nearby islands, such as Koh Chang, Koh Mak or Koh Wai. There are different options for island hopping, such as wooden boats, speedboats or catamarans. This is the fastest way to get to Koh Kood. However, these services are not available in the rainy season, which is from June to September.
Thing to do on Koh Kood
Relax on the beach: Koh Kood has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. There are beaches to suit all tastes, from secluded coves to lively beachfront resorts.
Snorkeling and diving: The waters around Koh Kood are home to a variety of marine life, making it a great place for snorkeling and diving. There are several dive shops on the island that offer day trips and courses.
Hiking and trekking: Koh Kood is home to a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island and the surrounding area. The most popular trail is the one to Klong Chao Waterfall.
Visit the local villages: Koh Kood has several small villages where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. Be sure to try some of the local food, such as seafood and mango sticky rice.
Explore the jungle: Koh Kood is home to a lush jungle that is home to a variety of plants and animals. There are a few jungle trails that you can explore, but be sure to be prepared for the heat and humidity.
Where to stay on Koh Kood
There are a variety of accommodation options on Koh Kood, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. If you are looking for a quiet beachfront resort, then Klong Chao Beach or Ao Salat Beach are good options. If you are on a budget, then there are several guesthouses in the villages of Ao Yai and Ao Bangbao.
Koh Kood is a hidden paradise that awaits you in Thailand. It is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature. If you are looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation, then Koh Kood is definitely worth visiting.