Koh Kood

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: The island is accessible according to ferry schedules and weather conditions; daytime travel and advance ferry checking are recommended

 

Koh Kood in Trat Province is the easternmost major island of Thailand in the Trat sea and one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the second-largest island in Trat Province after Koh Chang and one of the largest islands in Thailand, covering about 65,625 rai. The island is approximately 25 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, located around 80 kilometers from Trat town. Koh Kood is known for its clear seawater, quiet beaches, waterfalls, mangrove forests, coral reefs, fishing villages, coconut-fringed shores, and a slower atmosphere than many more commercial island destinations.

 

For travelers looking for a quick answer, Koh Kood is best for a peaceful nature-based beach holiday in Trat. It is suitable for swimming, waterfall visits, snorkeling, kayaking, photography, resort stays, and quiet village exploration. Its major highlights include Khlong Chao Waterfall, Khlong Chao Beach, Ngam Kho Beach, Bang Bao Bay, Ao Phrao, Ao Tapao, Ao Khlong Hin, Ao Jak, Klong Mad Village, Koh Raet, and Koh Mai Si. A stay of at least 2 nights is recommended, while 3 to 4 days is more suitable for travelers who want to explore both the beaches and inland nature.

 

The general landscape of Koh Kood remains highly natural. The island has mountains and ridge plains that serve as water sources for streams and waterfalls. This gives Koh Kood a rare combination of sea, forest, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems within one island. Unlike destinations that rely mainly on beaches, Koh Kood offers a complete natural environment where visitors can move from white-sand beaches to waterfalls, mangroves, fishing villages, and snorkeling areas within the same trip.

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall is the most famous waterfall on Koh Kood and one of the island’s essential attractions. The waterfall has water throughout the year and consists of 3 levels. The upper level has a stream-like character, while the lower area forms a larger waterfall pool suitable for swimming and relaxing. The surrounding forest, freshwater pool, and peaceful setting make Khlong Chao Waterfall a refreshing contrast to the island’s beaches. It is one of the best places on Koh Kood for travelers who want to experience inland nature.

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall also has historical importance. King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, visited the waterfall in 1911 and gave it the name “Anam Kok Waterfall” in memory of Ong Chiang Sue, a Vietnamese king who once sought refuge from unrest during the reign of King Rama I. This history makes Khlong Chao Waterfall more than a natural swimming spot. It is also a cultural and historical site connected with Thailand’s royal history and the memory of Southeast Asian political movement in earlier periods.

 

The west coast of Koh Kood is the best-known tourism zone because it has many of the island’s most beautiful beaches and accommodations. From Ao Ta Tin, Khlong Yai Ki Beach, Laem Hin Dam, Khlong Chao Beach, Ngam Kho Beach, Bang Bao Bay, Ao Phrao, and down toward Laem Thian, the coastline offers white sand, clear water, coconut trees, and sunset views. Khlong Chao Beach is one of the most convenient and popular areas because it is close to accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and the route to Khlong Chao Waterfall. Bang Bao Bay and Ao Phrao are quieter and better suited for travelers who want a more private seaside atmosphere.

 

The eastern side of Koh Kood is also worth exploring. Interesting areas include Ao Sapparot, Laem Sala, Ao Yai Koet, Ao Khlong Hin, and Ao Jak. This side of the island is quieter and gives visitors a more local view of Koh Kood. Travelers can see peaceful beaches, coconut-fringed shores, fishing areas, and a slower way of island life. The eastern coast is suitable for visitors who want to explore beyond the main resort zones and understand Koh Kood as a living island rather than only a beach destination.

 

Koh Kood also has rich mangrove areas that are important to the island’s coastal ecosystem. Mangroves protect the shoreline, support young marine life, reduce wave impact, and connect the island’s freshwater and saltwater environments. In some areas, travelers can experience mangrove scenery through nature routes or kayaking. Visitors should travel carefully in these areas, avoid littering, avoid damaging roots or plants, and keep noise low so that the ecosystem remains healthy.

 

The sea around Koh Kood contains coral reefs and colorful marine life, especially around the inner sea areas, Koh Raet, and Koh Mai Si, which lie opposite Koh Kood. Snorkeling is therefore one of the island’s recommended activities. Travelers should choose responsible operators with proper equipment, life jackets, and safety guidance. When snorkeling, visitors should not step on coral, touch marine animals, feed fish, or collect shells and coral fragments. Reef-friendly sunscreen is recommended to reduce environmental impact.

 

Klong Mad Village is one of the oldest communities on Koh Kood and an important part of the island’s cultural identity. The original local population included Thai people and Khmer people from Koh Kong who migrated after the fall of Patchan Khiri Khet under French colonial control in 1904. Today, many island residents still live through agriculture and coastal livelihoods, including rubber plantations, coconut plantations, fruit orchards, and small-scale fisheries. This local background gives Koh Kood a deeper character beyond resorts and beaches.

 

Traveling around Koh Kood requires some planning because the island is relatively large. Staying near Khlong Chao is convenient for beaches, restaurants, cafes, and Khlong Chao Waterfall. Staying around Ao Phrao or Bang Bao Bay gives a quieter and more relaxing beach experience. Visitors interested in local villages and the eastern coast should allow more travel time. Motorbike rental is common on the island, but riders should be careful because some roads have slopes, curves, and sections that require attention.

 

Travel to Koh Kood usually starts from Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province. Current ferry operators include Boonsiri, Koh Kood Express, Seudamgo, and Koh Kood Princess, with schedules and fares varying by operator and season. Advance booking is recommended, especially during long weekends and high season. Older services that travelers may remember, such as Nil Mangkorn or C.P. Speedboat, reflect earlier travel information, but visitors should always check current ferry availability before departure.

 

The best time to visit Koh Kood is during calmer sea conditions, generally from the late-year travel season through the early hot season. During this period, the sea is usually clearer, boat travel is easier, and beach activities are more comfortable. Koh Kood is still beautiful in the rainy season because the forests become greener and waterfalls carry more water, but boat travel and marine activities depend heavily on weather and sea conditions. Checking the forecast before traveling is essential.

 

Recommended items for a Koh Kood trip include beachwear, sandals or water-friendly shoes, personal medicine, waterproof bags for phones and cameras, a hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen, and some cash. Families should prepare children’s items and necessary medicine carefully because leaving the island depends on ferry schedules and weather. Travelers planning to snorkel or kayak should also prepare sun protection and dry clothes for after activities.

 

Koh Kood is an excellent island for photography. Visitors can capture clear water at Khlong Chao Beach, Ao Phrao, and Bang Bao Bay; forest scenes at Khlong Chao Waterfall; mangrove areas; fishing boats around Klong Mad Village; and sunset views along the western coast. Morning light is good for quiet beach photography, while late afternoon is ideal for coconut silhouettes and sunset colors. Travelers should respect local privacy when photographing fishing communities and residential areas.

 

Dining on Koh Kood includes seafood restaurants, resort restaurants, cafes, and local Thai eateries. Popular restaurant areas include Khlong Chao, Ao Yai, Ao Tapao, and Bang Bao. Travelers who want fresh seafood often visit fishing-village areas or restaurants using local ingredients. Resort restaurants are convenient for evening meals, especially because some areas of the island are quiet after dark and night driving should be done carefully.

 

Accommodation on Koh Kood ranges from luxury resorts and boutique beachfront properties to nature lodges and simple local stays. Khlong Chao is convenient for first-time visitors. Ao Phrao and Bang Bao Bay are better for travelers seeking quiet beach stays. High-end resorts offer private settings and refined service, while smaller properties provide a more local and relaxed atmosphere. The best choice depends on whether the traveler wants convenience, privacy, beach access, or nature immersion.

 

Responsible travel is important on Koh Kood. Visitors should not leave waste on beaches, disturb marine life, step on coral, collect shells, or use natural areas carelessly. Freshwater, electricity, waste management, and transport are more limited and more costly on islands than on the mainland. Using resources carefully and keeping the island clean help protect Koh Kood for local residents and future travelers.

 

In summary, Koh Kood in Trat Province is one of Thailand’s most complete nature islands. It offers clear sea, white beaches, waterfalls, mangrove forests, coral reefs, old communities, and a peaceful atmosphere. The island is best experienced over 2 to 4 days, allowing visitors to enjoy beaches, waterfalls, villages, and snorkeling without rushing. With good planning for ferries, accommodation, and island transport, Koh Kood provides a deeper and more memorable experience than a typical beach holiday.

 

 

A: Koh Kood is in Ko Kut District, Trat Province, in the eastern sea of Thailand. It is about 80 km from Trat town.

 

A: Koh Kood is best for beach relaxation, swimming, waterfall visits, snorkeling, fishing-village exploration, and quiet nature travel.

 

A: Khlong Chao Waterfall has water all year and is a historical waterfall visited by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, in 1911, when it was named “Anam Kok Waterfall.”

 

A: Travelers usually depart from Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province. Ferry schedules, fares, and transfer conditions should be checked directly with the operator before travel.

 

A: At least 2 nights are recommended. A 3-4 day trip is better for exploring beaches, waterfalls, villages, and snorkeling areas without rushing.

 

A: Recommended beaches include Khlong Chao Beach, Khlong Yai Ki Beach, Ngam Kho Beach, Bang Bao Bay, Ao Phrao, Ao Ta Tin, Ao Khlong Hin, and Ao Jak.

 

A: Yes. Snorkeling is suitable in recommended areas such as the inner sea zones, Koh Raet, and Koh Mai Si. Visitors should wear life jackets and avoid stepping on coral.

 

A: Book ferries and accommodation in advance, bring beachwear, personal medicine, waterproof bags, reef-friendly sunscreen, some cash, and check the weather before departure.