KOH KOOD

Koh Kood also spelled Ko Kut, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border and just south of Koh Chang. The island is a bit harder to get to than its beautiful neighbor Koh Chang, which counts for the peace and quiet. Even though it is Thailand's third largest island, Koh Kood has managed to stay unspoiled and boasts pristine beaches and natural surroundings. This island is a real tropical getaway; Koh Koodd is very mountainous and covered with tropical forest. There are great sandy beaches, lovely waterfalls, jungle and picturesque fishing villages... something to see or do for every taste.

Some of the activities include serious sun tanning, swimming, diving, freediving and snorkeling, kayaking, tours of the island, biking, hiking into the jungle, visiting the waterfalls... do keep in mind that it is first of all the perfect destination to relax. Then again there are a few small bars to hang out for a beer or a cocktail and we even get a nice party once in a while!

There are some great beaches and bays such as Ao Tapao beach, Klong Chao beach, Thakian beach, Ao Phrao beach... Just west of Koh Kood there are the small islands Koh Raet and Koh Mai Si, which are also nice for snorkeling. They can be reached on one of the boat trips or with a kayak.

A tour of the island should include a visit to the lovely villages Baan Ao salad, Ao Yai or Klong Mad, the place to find fresh seafood and get good pictures; the waterfall in Klong Chao or the big tree, some of the great view points in the rocky bays. The island is mountainous but quite easy to get around on a motorbike. The few roads are small but there is no traffic, the only danger you might run into is a unexpected pothole or a wild boar running out from the jungle.

The best time to visit is from October to May/June. During this time it is hot and sunny most of the days, the sea is very clear, the beaches white and sandy and the sun is waiting for you. The "green season" as we call the monsoon these days, offers a nice wild island feeling with only a few visitors to share your beach with. Although it is hot and very often sunny, do count on unexpected rainshowers and wavy sea during monsoon months.

Some practical tips

There are 3 ATM's, which sometimes is not functioning well, so either bring enough cash, baht preferably, other currency are excepted but the exchange rate is quite low. Many places accept credit card (with surcharge 3% to 5%)

Limited shopping, if you need any medicine etc. bring enough.

Wifi is available in many places, but do not expect very fast connections

Hospital available

HOW TO GET HERE

The transport to Koh Kood is getting a bit more organized these days. A few years ago most resorts supplied private speed boats as they mostly catered to tour groups but now that individual travelers have discovered Koh Kood, the public transport has improved a lot. The only way to get to Koh Kood is by boat. There are boat connections from the mainland Trat (Dan khao), Laemgnob and Laem sok or from the neighbouring island Koh Chang and Koh mak.

From the mainland

There are a few differents place where boats leave from, there are big comfortable boats or speedboat connections. The services can change high to low season, so please check with the specific companies before heading out.

Leaving from Laem Sok pier 

There are 3 companies operating from Laem sok. They all include a transfer to your resort on Koh Kood or pick up from your hotel in Trat.

Boonsiri catamaran

All year around:10.45am and 2.20pm

Koh Kood Express

All year around: 1.00 pm

Koh Kood Princess:

All year around 12.30 pm

From Koh Chang (via Koh Mak)

Bang Bao Boat only in high season

09.30 and 12.00, from Bang Bao pier Koh Chang  (free taxi incl)

09.00 and 12.00  from Mark house Koh Kood to Koh Mak and Koh Chang (free taxi incl)

Kaibae Hut Speedboat only in high season

09.00 and 11.00  from Kaibae Koh Chang

10.30 and 12.30  from most resorts Koh Kood