Koh Kood in Thailand

I’ve visited some of Thailand’s most beautiful and popular islands, including Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi. So I didn’t have high hopes when I decided to visit Koh Kood (Koh Kut) island. However, after visiting there, I can attest that Koh Kood is the most beautiful island I’ve ever seen in Thailand. After spending two days in Bangkok, I headed towards this amazing island, and I’ve put together the ultimate Koh Kood travel guide. Koh Kood Island is also pronounced Koh Kut Island; please keep in mind that both of them are the same.

(Last updated: February 2026)

Best Time to Visit Koh Kood

The best time to visit Koh Kood is between November and April, which is the dry season on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast. During these months, the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and the humidity is bearable. December through February is peak season, the weather is at its finest, but accommodation prices are higher and popular spots like Tinkerbell Beach can get busier than usual (though still far quieter than Koh Samui or Phuket).

March and April are still excellent months and slightly more affordable, though April brings heat and humidity before the rains arrive.

May to October is the rainy season. This doesn’t mean it rains all day every day, many days are perfectly fine but you’ll get regular downpours, the sea can be rougher, and a few resorts and restaurants close up. Ferries occasionally get cancelled during heavy swells. If you visit in the shoulder months of May or October, you’ll get off-season prices and a very quiet island, which some travellers love.

My personal recommendation: aim for December to February for the best overall experience. Go in March or April if you want lower prices and don’t mind the heat.

Best Beaches in Koh Kood

Koh Kood has a plethora of breathtaking beaches. Although the beaches were not as large as those on the Indonesian island of Lombok, I enjoyed them for the following reasons.

• The water was crystal clear
• The sands were powdery and soft.
• The water was calm in the north and wild in the south, and it gave me two distinct feelings.
• You can go deep into the water as the waterbed is fairly flat

You have the option of spending an entire day on a single beach or beach bumming. In the process of choosing the latter, I discovered the following incredible beaches.

The ocean and beaches on Koh Kood are on par with some of the best in the world, including those in the Maldives!

All of the beaches I’m mentioning here are in the western part of the island, so when I say north or south, I mean northwest or southwest.

Tinkerbell Beach

Tinkerbell Beach was my first destination on Koh Kood. Because the island is so large, you may become disoriented regarding the location of your stay. This region was chosen by me because the accommodations were relatively inexpensive.

In comparison to other parts of the island, this area is lively. In any case, you won’t find many people here, or anywhere else on the island. That’s a good thing because many other Thai tourist destinations, such as Phuket, can get very crowded.

Tinkerbell Beach’s water is calm and ideal for swimming. Because the seabed is relatively flat here, you can go as far as you want. If you walk further, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. This location is surrounded by forests on both sides.

Tinkerbell Beach is named after the Tinkerbell Resort. It’s a reasonably priced beachfront resort. If you can afford it and don’t want to do anything else but lie on the beach, you can book it.

Klong Chao Beach

Klong Chao Beach can be seen as an extension of Tinkerbell Beach, or vice versa. Klong Chao beach is located further north from Tinkerbell. The route shown by Google Maps is obstructed by Wendy the Pool Resort and Peterpan Resort. However, you are free to go through their reception; nobody will tell you anything. This is a picture-perfect idyll.

Ao Noi Beach

I set out from Klong Chao Beach for the northern part of the island. There, I discovered another beautiful location on Koh Kut Island. It’s the Ao Noi beach this time.

Ao Noi Beach has a pier similar to those seen in famous photographs. You can spend as much time as you want there; there was not a single soul there when I went.

Ao Noi has a small sand strip with soft sand. The sand beneath the water is also soft, so you’ll have no trouble walking there. The large coconut trees that line the sand strip add to the beauty.

The water is calm and warm here. Because the ocean is flat, you can travel further. My favorite part was watching the scenery from the water. There are several large rocks where you can catch fish.

Ao Noi Beach is named after the Ao Noi Resort, which is a beautiful resort full of plants and trees. There are bungalows facing the ocean; you must visit the beach that connects the street to the bungalows. Again, don’t be afraid to walk through the resort to get to the beautiful Ao Noi beach.

There are restrooms here; simply enter one beside the restaurant; there is no need to pay or ask anyone.

Ao Tapao Beach

Ao Tapao Beach was the farthest north I went before heading south. If you want to venture further north, you can travel to Klong Mad, Yai Kee Beach, and Soneva Kiri Beach.

Ao Tapao is one of the island’s longest beaches. Ao Tapao also has a pier for taking photos, but it is not the most beautiful.

Ao Tapao beach had a few crowds, but it was not as deserted as other beaches. As a result, there will be plenty of space on this beach.

Although this beach was lovely, it did not pique my interest. Maybe I got tired of exploring all the beaches, and the midday heat was unbearable. You don’t have to take my word for it; many people consider this to be the best beach on the island.

There is a restaurant as well as a bar here. Ordering something means relaxing in front of the ocean, which sounds too good right now as I type from home.

Bangbao Beach / Siam Beach

I went north on my first day of beach bummin’. On the second day, I began my exploration to the south, with a stop at Bangbao Beach, which is also known as Siam Beach in parts.

The Siam beach is the area where the Siam resort is located. Walking to the right while keeping the ocean front will take you to Bangbao. The water is ideal for snorkeling. You can simply jump off the pier and have fun.

You can rent a boat to go kayaking or relax on the swing. The water was calm here, making it ideal for swimming. There are several beachfront resorts on Koh Kood, including Koh Kood Cabana, Shantaa, Koh Kood Paradise Beach, Medee Resort, and Sea Far Resort.

Klong Hin beach

Further south, near Bangbao Beach, is the lovely Klong Hin (Khlong Hin) beach. It’s a little off the beaten path in comparison to other beaches. However, you must go because it is beautiful.

Klong Hin beach is less than half a kilometer long. There are coconut trees all over the place. I discovered the most exciting swing here because it is placed in such a way that you will be touching the ocean. Don’t forget to try it; you’ll enjoy swinging in Klong Hin.

There are some beachfront hotels here, and it is said that these hotels attract a lot of Russian tourists.

Ao Phrao Beach

My most recent unique beach visit in Koh Kood was to Ao Phrao Beach, which was also my favorite destination in Koh Kood. This is technically the southernmost beach. Following that, you will encounter jungles.

Everything about Ao Phrao Beach appealed to me. What made it so memorable for me? First and foremost, I adored the Ao Phrao pier; it was the longest and most beautiful of them all. By the time I arrived, the sun had begun to lose its luster. The views from the pier’s edge are some of the best on the island.

Second, the Ao Phrao wave was the most violent (but sweet). The ocean threw me away when I entered it. However, because the tide was low and the waterbed was flat, it was not dangerous. I felt like playing with a puppy. I could walk for miles, almost to the middle of the ocean, and embrace the endless waves.

If you continue straight from Ao Phrao Beach back to the main road, you will find a small fishing village called Ao Yai on the bank of a canal with some restaurants. There was an automated fueling machine nearby, so I filled up my scooter.

Things to Do in Koh Kood

Koh Kood is much more than a beach destination. Once you’ve had your fill of the ocean, there are waterfalls to chase, villages to wander, and activities to keep you busy for days.

Klong Chao Waterfall

Klong Chao Waterfall (also called Nam Tok Klong Chao) is the most accessible and most visited waterfall on the island, and it’s genuinely beautiful. It sits about 2 km inland from Klong Chao Beach — you can reach it by scooter or a short walk through the jungle. The waterfall flows into a natural pool where you can swim, surrounded by towering trees. It’s best visited in the morning before any tour groups arrive. Entry is free.

Klong Yai Kee Waterfall

Further into the jungle and less visited than Klong Chao, Klong Yai Kee Waterfall rewards travellers willing to make the trip. The trail passes through dense forest and the waterfall itself is quieter and more atmospheric. Allow about 30–40 minutes each way on foot from the road, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. This one is best done during or just after the rainy season when water levels are higher.

Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall

The most remote of the three, Huang Nam Keaw is a multi-tiered waterfall deep in the island’s interior. Getting here requires a longer journey and ideally a local guide or someone at your guesthouse who can point you in the right direction. Not many tourists make it this far, which makes it all the more special if you do.

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Koh Kood are some of the clearest in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Rang Marine National Park, located a short boat ride from the south of the island, is the main destination for both snorkeling and diving. The coral here is in excellent condition compared to more heavily trafficked dive sites elsewhere in Thailand. You can arrange day trips to Koh Rang from most resorts and tour operators around Bangbao Beach — expect to pay around 800–1,200 THB per person for a snorkeling trip, more for diving.

For casual snorkeling without a boat, the rocky headlands at either end of Bangbao Beach and around Klong Hin Beach are solid options with decent coral close to shore.

Kayaking

Several resorts around Bangbao Beach rent kayaks by the hour (roughly 100–200 THB/hour). Paddling along the coastline at sunrise or sunset, when the water is flat and the light is golden, is one of the quietest and most rewarding ways to experience the island.

Motorbike the Island

Renting a scooter is the best way to explore Koh Kood properly. The main road that runs along the western and southern coast is mostly paved and in reasonable condition. A full circuit of the western beaches — from Ao Tapao in the north down to Ao Phrao in the south — takes about an hour without stops. Your guesthouse can usually arrange a 125cc scooter rental for 250–350 THB per day.

Visit Ao Salat Fishing Village

On the northeastern coast of the island, Ao Salat is a traditional fishing village built on stilts over the water. It feels completely removed from the tourist side of Koh Kood. Walk along the wooden walkways over the water, watch the fishermen bring in their catch, and eat at one of the simple seafood restaurants serving incredibly fresh food at local prices. It’s a 30–40 minute scooter ride from the main beach area and well worth the journey.

Koh Kood Hotels: Where I stayed

When looking for a place to stay on Koh Kood, consider whether you want to be near a beach. On Koh Kood, there are numerous beachfront resorts to choose from. They will, however, be more expensive. So, if money is an issue, you can choose from some hotels that are not far from a beach, but you will need a motorbike to get there.

Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort (Not a Beachfront Hotel)

During the first leg of my journey, I stayed at the low-cost Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort. It is conveniently situated between Tinkerbell and Bangbao Beach. While staying here, you can visit both the north and south beaches. The bed is comfortable, the owner is pleasant, and they serve a substantial breakfast (although you have only a couple of options). It is situated within a coconut forest, and you must drink the coconut here. It’s delectable. A 125cc scooter can be rented for 300 Thai Baht. Black Bananas, one of Koh Kood’s most popular restaurants, is just a short walk from Suan Maprao.

Baan Suan Koh Kood Homestay (Not a Beachfront Hotel)

My second stay here was at Baan Suan Koh Kood Homestay, another inexpensive option. It’s close to the Siam/Bangbao beach. To get around, you’ll need a motorcycle. It was empty when I arrived, there was no restaurant, and no one to provide you with services. However, I enjoyed the peace and quiet and could see stars from here. The rooms are comfortable, and the basic amenities are provided. It’s less expensive than Suan Maprao.

Tinkerbell Resort (Beachfront Hotel)

Staying in Tinkerbell resort in Koh Kood puts you right in front of one of the island’s most popular beaches.

Ao Noi Resort (Beachfront Hotel)

I simply adored the Aonoi resort complex. It was naturally colorful due to the abundance of trees and flowering plants. Above all, you will be staying in front of one of Koh Kood’s best beaches. However, you should keep in mind that the internet reviews are not very positive.

More Beachfront Hotels in Koh Kood

Here are more highly rated beachfront options across the island, listed from north to south. I haven’t personally stayed at these, but they are consistently well-reviewed by travellers.

Soneva Kiri

Soneva Kiri is the most exclusive resort on the island with private pool villas, multiple restaurants, and a secluded beach. If budget is no concern, this is the pinnacle of Koh Kood accommodation.

Beach: Soneva Kiri Beach Best for: Luxury travellers, honeymoons

Shanta Resort

Shanta Resort is a well-regarded beachfront option on one of the island’s longest beaches in the quieter northern area of the island.

Beach: Ao Tapao Beach Best for: Travellers wanting beachfront access away from the crowds

Koh Kood Paradise Beach

Koh Kood Paradise Beach is a solid mid-range beachfront choice on Ao Tapao with comfortable rooms and easy access to the water.

Beach: Ao Tapao Beach Best for: Mid-range travellers, beach lovers

High Season Pool Villa & Spa

High Season Pool Villa & Spa is a popular upscale choice right on the beautiful Klong Chao stretch. The on-site spa makes it a particularly good option for couples.

Beach: Klong Chao Beach Best for: Couples, spa lovers

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Wendy the Pool Resort

All rooms of Wendy the Pool Resort come with a private pool, which is a rare feature at this price point on Koh Kood. A great base for exploring both the north and south beaches.

Beach: Klong Chao Beach Best for: Couples, anyone wanting a private pool

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To The Sea The Resort

To The Sea The Resort is a comfortable beachfront resort in the Bangbao area, convenient for snorkeling, kayaking, and nearby restaurants.

Beach: Bangbao Beach Best for: Active travellers, snorkelers, kayakers

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The Beach Natural Resort

The Beach Natural Resort is a relaxed, natural-aesthetic resort on Bangbao Beach. A good alternative if To The Sea The Resort is fully booked.

Beach: Bang Bao Beach Best for: Travellers wanting a simple, low-key beachfront stay

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Gecko House Koh Kood

Gecko House Koh Kood is a self-catering holiday home renting as two separate apartments, each with a fully equipped kitchen and private entrance. Rated 9.7 on Booking.com and ideal for families or groups wanting a home-away-from-home feel.

Beach: Short walk from Takhian Beach and Khlong Hin Beach Best for: Families, groups, self-catering travellers

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Khlong Hin Beach Resort

A straightforward beachfront option on Klong Hin Beach, good for travellers who want to be right on the beach in the quieter southern part of the island.

Beach: Klong Hin Beach Best for: Travellers wanting a quiet, no-frills beachfront stay

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Hideout Koh Kood

Hideout Koh Kood is a boutique villa resort with stunning private pool villas and a beautiful boho-tropical aesthetic. Note that the access road for the last stretch is unpaved and bumpy, so pack light if you can.

Beach: Khlong Hin Beach Best for: Couples, boutique seekers

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Seacret Kohkood Resort

Seacret Kohkood Resort is a newer resort on one of the most secluded beaches on the island, with free kayaks and excellent snorkeling right out front. Pool use carries an additional fee, which is worth knowing before you book.

Beach: Khlong Han Beach (Secret Beach) Best for: Travellers seeking seclusion, snorkelers

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Rest Sea Resort

Rest Sea Resort is sitting right on Ao Phrao, the wildest and most beautiful beach on Koh Kood. A scooter is essential here as it is the most remote resort on this list.

Beach: Ao Phrao Beach Best for: Those wanting the most dramatic, secluded beach on the island

Best Places to eat in Koh Kood

Black Bananas

Good food, friendly people, and a pleasant atmosphere make Black Bananas the most popular restaurant on Koh Kood. They serve delectable Thai cuisine as well as bakery items. During dinner, it will most likely be full, so expect some waiting time. You can reserve a table by calling (+66 86 555 1366) ahead of time.

Chaiyo

Not far from Black Banana, Chaiyo attracts visitors and is regarded as one of the best on the island. Chaiyo and Black Bananas are both reasonably priced, so you can try them both.

Klong Chao Night Market

There is a small but charming night market near Klong Chao Beach that sets up in the evenings during high season. It’s a great place to try Thai street food, fresh grilled seafood, and local snacks at very low prices. A perfect stop after a day of beach bumming.

Seafood at Ao Yai

On your way back from Ao Phrao Beach, if you continue straight to the main road, you’ll pass through Ao Yai, a small canal-side fishing settlement I briefly mentioned in the beaches section. The seafood restaurants here are simple, family-run, and serve the freshest fish and prawns on the island. Don’t expect a menu in English or an elaborate setting, just excellent food at honest prices. Highly recommended if you want to eat like a local.

A note on Koh Kood’s food scene

Koh Kood doesn’t have a large restaurant scene. Outside of the main beach areas (Klong Chao and Bangbao), options are limited, especially in the evenings. It’s a good idea to eat at your resort or guesthouse on nights when you’re staying in quieter parts of the island. Most resorts serve Thai food and the quality is generally good.

Best Places to enjoy sunset in Koh Kood

You will be able to fully appreciate the sunset in Koh Kood because all of the beaches mentioned here face west.

Sunset from Tinkerbell Beach

Tinkerbell beach is a great place to watch the sunset from the beach on Koh Kood. You’ll most likely be staying nearby and won’t have to drive home late at night. This is significant because the hilly roads have numerous ups and downs as well as curves.

One of my favorite spots to watch the sunset at Tinkerbell Beach was on the far left side, facing the ocean. I discovered some large rocks there, which provided a dramatic backdrop to the setting sun.

Sunset from Goodview Resort and Coffee

If you prefer to watch the sunset from a restaurant rather than from the beach, Goodview Resort and Coffee provides an excellent view. It is very close to Tinkerbell Beach; simply follow the map to the top of a road. You can order something inexpensive, sit at a table, and enjoy the spectacular sunset. I didn’t like the cake I ordered there, so don’t order anything too heavy – just enough to enjoy watching the sun set.

Where is Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is an island in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand, in Trat province. Trat is located approximately 330 kilometers east of Bangkok. Trat is bordered by Cambodia.

How to Get to Koh Kood?

You can’t fly to Koh Kood, and you can’t drive there either. You must travel by car, bus, or plane, as well as passenger ferry. Two of the alternatives are listed below.

Koh Kood from Bangkok without any Break (Bus/car + Ferry)

From Bangkok, book a bus + ferry transfer. After 5 to 6 hours of driving, you will arrive in Trat, a small town in Thailand near the Cambodian border. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Trat town to Laem Sok Pier, where the ferry to Trat departs. The ferry ride to Koh Kood will take one hour. The advantage of visiting Koh Kood directly from Thailand is that you won’t have to worry about getting from Trat to the ferry pier. The disadvantage is that you must leave Bangkok very early.

Koh Kood from Bangkok with night stay in Trat (Bus/Car + Ferry)

A night’s stay in Trat has two advantages. For starters, it will give you plenty of time to eat breakfast in Bangkok. Second, you will have the opportunity to visit Trat, a small city in Thailand. From Bangkok, you can purchase a bus ticket to Trat. If you like to use public transportation, then chose Ekkamai bus terminal as your starting point. Ekkamai bus station is 2 minutes walking distance from Ekkamai BTS station. On the next day, you need to find a transfer from Trat to Laem Sok Pier. A ferry from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood will take one hour, and, you can buy ticket from Trat to Koh Kood in advance online.

Bangkok to Trat by Air + Ferry

If you want to avoid taking the bus from Bangkok to Trat, you can fly from Bangkok to Trat. Suvanabhumi airport is served by Bangkok Airways.

In all cases, you will receive free transportation from Trat ferry pier to the hotels listed above.

Best Ferries for reaching Koh Kood Island from Trat

There are mainly three ferry companies Boonsiri, Koh Kood Express and Koh Kood Princess for travelling between Trat to Koh Kood.

Boonsiri

Boonsiri is the best option for getting from Koh Kood to Trat. It is a high-speed catamaran. Boonsiri will take you less than an hour to get to the island. It has an open upper deck from which to enjoy the scenic ride. The Boonsiri ticket was the most expensive of the three options, but I felt it was the safest.

Koh Kood Express Ferry

The Koh Kood express ferry is a long boat with a plastic roof. There are three seat columns. A good view can be obtained by sitting in the right or leftmost seats. It makes a stopover in Koh Mak, a smaller island in the same group of islands. Depending on your destination, it will take a little more than an hour to get to Trat or Koh Mak. The Koh Kood express ticket is less expensive than the Boonsiri ticket.

Koh Kood Princess

The Koh Kood Princess is the least expensive and slowest way to get to Koh Kood. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

Getting around in Koh Kood

There is no public transportation on Koh Kood, and I didn’t see a single car during my journey. It also makes sense given that the ferry between Trat (mainland) and Koh Kood island only transports humans.

You must rent a motorcycle or scooter to explore the island. There appears to be only one path available. Although the road is scenic and will provide you with an unforgettable experience, it is hilly and steep in places. As a result, you must drive cautiously and stay within the speed limit.

Koh Kood Travel Tips

A few practical things worth knowing before you go:

Cash and ATMs: There is only one ATM on Koh Kood, a Krung Sri Bank machine near the Ao Tapao area. It can run out of cash during peak season and occasionally goes offline. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need from the mainland. Most resorts and guesthouses accept cash only; a few of the larger places accept card.

SIM cards and mobile data: You can buy a Thai SIM card at Suvarnabhumi Airport or in Trat before boarding the ferry. AIS and DTAC both work on the island, though signal can be patchy in the jungle interior and on quieter beaches. Don’t expect fast data speeds — this is part of the island’s charm.

Getting medical help: There is a small health clinic on the island for minor issues, but for anything serious you’ll need to return to Trat. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is worth having.

Sandflies: Koh Kood’s beaches are beautiful, but sandflies (no-see-ums) can be a problem at dawn and dusk, particularly on the quieter southern beaches like Klong Hin and Ao Phrao. Bring insect repellent and consider long-sleeve clothing for early morning or evening beach walks.

Electricity and water: Power cuts are rare but do happen. Water pressure can be low at budget guesthouses. These are minor inconveniences, not dealbreakers.

Koh Kood vs Koh Chang vs Koh Mak: If you’re deciding between the three islands, here’s a simple way to think about it. Koh Chang is the largest and most developed, more restaurants, nightlife, and tourist infrastructure, but also more crowds. Koh Mak is small, flat, and very quiet, excellent for couples but limited in activities. Koh Kood sits between them: bigger and more varied than Koh Mak, far less developed and more beautiful than Koh Chang. If pristine beaches and a genuine off-the-beaten-path feel are your priority, Koh Kood wins easily.

Koh Kood Itinerary: 3 Days

Here’s how I’d plan three days on Koh Kood if I were going back. This is designed for someone staying in the Tinkerbell/Klong Chao area, which is the most convenient base.

Day 1: Northern Beaches

Start your morning at Tinkerbell Beach before the sun gets too strong. Walk north along the shore to Klong Chao Beach — the transition between the two is seamless and the water here is postcard-perfect. After lunch, rent a scooter and head inland to Klong Chao Waterfall. The ride takes about 10 minutes and the trail is easy. Spend an hour swimming in the pool at the base of the falls. In the evening, head to Black Bananas for dinner — go early or book ahead.

Day 2: Southern Beaches and Sunset

Spend the morning exploring the southern beaches by scooter. Start at Bangbao/Siam Beach, where you can snorkel off the pier or rent a kayak. Continue south to Klong Hin Beach — try the swing that hangs over the water. Finish at Ao Phrao, the southernmost and most dramatic beach on the island, where the waves are wilder and the pier is the longest and most beautiful. Ao Phrao is the best place to catch the sunset. On the way back, stop at Ao Yai for a fresh seafood dinner.

Day 3: Village and Slow Morning

Use your last morning for a leisurely swim at whichever beach you loved most. If you have time before your ferry, make the 30–40 minute ride across to Ao Salat fishing village on the northeast coast. It’s completely different from the tourist side of the island — wooden houses on stilts, fishing boats, and a glimpse of how locals live. Head back in time for your ferry.

Watch Koh Kood Before You Go

Sometimes a video does a better job than words and photos ever could. This short video captures the beaches, the crystal clear water, and the overall atmosphere of Koh Kood so you can get a real feel for the island before you arrive. If this does not convince you to book a trip, nothing will.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip — the best beaches, things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and practical tips for the island.

Koh Kood FAQs

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