Koh Kood Travel Guide: How to Get There, Stay & Eat

Koh Kood Travel Guide 2026: Getting There, Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat

Looking for clear water and powder-white sand without the crowds? Head to Koh Kood (also spelled Koh Kut) in Trat province. It's the second-largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago, yet it still feels quiet, green and refreshingly undeveloped. No wonder Thais call it the "Andaman of the East."

Koh Kood at a glance

• Getting there: Bus or drive to Laem Sok Pier in Trat (about 5 hours), then take a boat for about an hour.
• Best time to go: November to early May, when the sea is calm and clearest.
• Where to stay: The west coast, especially Klong Chao and Bang Bao beaches.
• Don't miss: Snorkeling at Koh Rang, a three-island boat trip and Klong Chao Waterfall.

When is the best time to visit Koh Kood?

The best time is November to early May. The monsoon has passed, the sea is flat, and the water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom.

May to October is the rainy season. Some days are choppy and there are fewer boats. On the plus side, hotels are cheaper, the island is quieter, and the waterfalls are at their best.

How do you get to Koh Kood?

The trip comes in two parts: get to Laem Sok Pier in Trat, then take a boat across to the island. From Bangkok, allow about 6–7 hours door to door.

Part 1: Bangkok to Laem Sok Pier

Take the Boonsiri bus. It's the easiest option if you don't want to drive. Buses leave early in the morning from the Boonsiri office on Khao San Road, and you can buy a combined bus-and-boat ticket for around 1,000 baht per person.

Drive yourself. You can leave your car at the Laem Sok Pier car park (fees apply). The pier is about 30 km south of Trat town.

Tip: Over public holidays and long weekends, book your parking in advance, as spaces fill up fast. You can book through a travel agent or directly with the boat operator.

Part 2: The boat to Koh Kood

All boats dock at Ao Salad Pier on Koh Kood. The crossing takes about 1 hour by catamaran or speedboat and about 1 hour 10 minutes by ferry. We recommend a morning boat out and an afternoon boat back. Mornings are usually calmer and get you to your hotel in time for check-in, while an afternoon return means you don't have to rush checkout.

Three companies run regular services:

Which boat should you choose?

• Speedboat: Fast, but bumpy when the sea is rough. Not ideal if you get seasick.
• Catamaran: Two hulls side by side make it stable and the most comfortable ride. Great for families.
• Ferry: Big and roomy, but slower.

The good news: every boat company includes a transfer between the pier and your hotel on the island. Just choose your hotel when you book. Timetables change with the seasons, especially in the rainy months, so always check departure times with the operator before you travel.

How do you get around Koh Kood?

There's no public transport on the island, so you have two options:

• Hire a songthaew (pickup truck taxi): Comes with a driver, so it's ideal for families or groups. Your hotel can arrange one.
• Rent a motorbike: The most flexible option at around 250–300 baht a day. Roads are hilly and steep in places, so wear a helmet and avoid riding at night or in the rain.

Where to stay on Koh Kood

Our first tip: stay on the west coast. The beaches are prettier, the water is clearer, and you get a sunset every evening. These are the four beaches we recommend:

• Klong Chao Beach: Right in the middle of the island, close to Klong Chao Waterfall, with plenty of restaurants and easy access to everything.
• Bang Bao Beach: A curved bay with white sand and shallow, clear water that's perfect for swimming.
• Klong Hin Beach: Quiet and secluded, made for serious relaxing.
• Ao Tapao Beach: A long stretch of sand right by the main road, so it's easy to get around.

Koh Kood's top resorts

High Season Pool Villa & Spa: A five-star pool villa resort on Klong Chao, the most beautiful beach in the center of the island. Rooms book up quickly in high season, and you can walk to Nuch Leuang Seafood and Tam Korat.

Tolani Resort Koh Kood: A Polynesian-style resort in Ban Klong Chao, with a pool and spa.

Chanta Private Resort: A members-only private resort for travelers who want the ultimate in privacy.

Affordable stays with great beaches

Siam Beach Resort: Bungalows in several styles on Bang Bao Bay, with a wooden pier stretching out over clear water. It's one of the island's classic photo spots.

Suan Ya (Suanyakohkood Resort & Spa): A resort and spa set in a shady, leafy garden.

Koh Kood Resort: A private beach, a swimming pool and its own boat trips.

The Beach Natural Resort: Beachfront bungalows on Bang Bao, where you can kayak or snorkel right from the shore.

Quick comparison

Things to do on Koh Kood

Don't spend your whole trip on a sun lounger. Here are four things we think you should try.

1. Three-island trip (half day)

Hop between the small islands around Koh Kood to swim and snorkel. These trips usually stop at Koh Yak Yai, Koh Yak Lek and Koh Raet. It only takes half a day, so it's perfect for families or anyone short on time.

2. Full-day snorkeling trip with Koh Rang

The highlight of any Koh Kood trip. Koh Rang has the best coral and the most fish in the area. Full-day trips usually visit three or four spots and include lunch. Book through your hotel.

3. Island tour by pickup truck

Hire a songthaew with a driver and spend a day exploring beaches, viewpoints and the fishing village at Ao Yai, with no need to drive yourself.

4. Klong Chao Waterfall

A three-tier waterfall about 10 meters high, with a pool at the bottom that's perfect for cooling off. It's a small waterfall, and the flow depends on rainfall, so it can be a trickle at the end of the dry season.

Where to eat on Koh Kood

We have three local favorites, covering seafood, Western food and spicy northeastern Thai.

Nuch Leuang Seafood: Mid-range to pricey, but the seafood is guaranteed fresh. It's a local restaurant with five-star hotel cooking, right on Klong Chao Beach, and it's always busy.

Koh Kood Mermaid Restaurant & Cafe: The island's go-to for Western food, with breakfasts, smoothie bowls and good coffee.

Tam Korat: A must for Isan food lovers, serving fiery som tam (papaya salad) and larb. It's close to High Season Pool Villa.

Tip: Restaurant hours change with the seasons, and some places close early or shut altogether in the rainy months. Always check before you go.

Koh Kood FAQs

How do I get to Koh Kood? Take the Boonsiri bus or drive to Laem Sok Pier in Trat (about 5 hours), then catch a boat to Ao Salad Pier (about 1 hour).

Which boat companies go to Koh Kood? Boonsiri and Seudamgo (catamarans only), and Koh Kut Express (speedboat, ferry or catamaran, depending on the trip).

Where can I park if I drive? At the Laem Sok Pier car park, for a fee. Book ahead over holidays.

When is the best time to visit Koh Kood? November to early May, when the sea is calmest and clearest.

Is there public transport on the island? No. Hire a songthaew or rent a motorbike for around 250–300 baht a day.

Which beach should I stay on? The west coast, especially Klong Chao and Bang Bao.

Where's the best snorkeling? Koh Rang, on a full-day snorkeling trip.

Before you pack

Koh Kood is perfect if you want a beautiful beach without a long flight. Book a morning boat out and an afternoon boat back, stay on the west coast, and give yourself at least three days and two nights. That's enough time to snorkel, visit the waterfall and watch the sunset without rushing.