Beautiful Koh Kood Island

Koh Kood Travel Guide: Best Beaches, How to Get There and Where to Stay

Koh Kood (Koh Kut) in Thailand is an amazingly beautiful island. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and perceived as the most beautiful island in the country.

Koh Kood (also spelt Koh Kut or Ko Kut) is a quiet, jungle-covered island in Thailand’s eastern Gulf, close to the Cambodian border, and it has the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen anywhere in Thailand. It takes some effort to reach, which is a big part of why it still feels so empty.

I’d already been to some of Thailand’s best-known islands, including Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, so I didn’t arrive with high hopes. Koh Kood changed my mind within a day. I came after two days in Bangkok, rented a scooter, and spent my time hopping between the beaches on the west coast. It was also the quiet finale of my 1-month Thailand itinerary, if you’re planning a longer trip.

In short: take a bus, minibus or flight from Bangkok to Trat, then a ferry of about an hour from Laem Sok Pier. Go between November and April, rent a scooter, and give the island three or four days. Tinkerbell and Klong Chao are the easiest beaches to base yourself near; Ao Phrao in the south was my favourite.

Where

Trat province, eastern Gulf of Thailand

Near the Cambodian border; boats leave from Laem Sok Pier near Trat

Getting there

Bus or flight to Trat, then a ferry

About 1 hour by boat, around 600 THB; about 7 hours from Bangkok in total

Best time

November to April

May to October is the rainy season, with rougher seas

Getting around

Rent a scooter

No public transport; I paid 300 THB a day

Time needed

3 to 4 days

Enough for the west-coast beaches, a waterfall and a slow day

Table of Contents

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 to February is peak season: the weather is at its best, 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. That doesn’t mean rain all day, every day. Many days are fine, but you’ll get regular downpours, the sea can be rough, and some resorts and restaurants close. There are fewer boats, the speedboats stop running from June to September, and ferries are sometimes cancelled in 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 recommendation: aim for December to February for the best weather. Go in March or April if you want lower prices and don’t mind the heat.

Where Is Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is in Trat province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, the last big island before the Cambodian border. Trat town is roughly 300 km south-east of Bangkok, and the ferries leave from Laem Sok Pier, about 45 minutes’ drive from the town. Its neighbours are Koh Mak, a small, flat island, and Koh Chang, the biggest and busiest of the group.

Koh Kood sits south of Koh Chang and Koh Mak. The ferries cross from Laem Sok Pier, south of Trat town.

How to Get to Koh Kood

There’s no airport on Koh Kood and no car ferry, so every route ends with a passenger boat. Most people come from Bangkok to Trat by bus, minibus or plane, then cross from Laem Sok Pier.

Bangkok → bus or minibus (5 to 6 hours) or flight (about 1 hour) → Trat → Laem Sok Pier → ferry (about 1 hour) → Koh Kood
About 7 hours from Bangkok by bus and boat · ferries around 600 THB · the last boats leave Laem Sok at about 4 pm

Bangkok to Koh Kood in One Day (Bus + Ferry)

From Bangkok, you can book a joint bus and ferry ticket. After 5 to 6 hours on the road you reach Trat, a small town near the Cambodian border, and from there it’s about 45 minutes to Laem Sok Pier, where the ferries to Koh Kood leave. The crossing takes about an hour. The advantage of going in one go is that you don’t have to sort out the transfer from Trat to the pier yourself. The disadvantage is that you have to leave Bangkok very early: the Boonsiri joint tickets, for example, leave from Khao San Road early in the morning and reach the island around midday.

Bangkok to Koh Kood With a Night in Trat (Bus + Ferry)

A night in Trat has two advantages: you don’t need a pre-dawn start, and you get to see Trat, a pleasant small town. From Bangkok, you can buy a bus ticket to Trat. If you’d rather use public transport, start from the Ekkamai bus terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal), a two-minute walk from Ekkamai BTS station. The next morning, take a shared songthaew or a transfer to Laem Sok Pier (your guesthouse can arrange one), then the ferry, which takes about an hour. You can book the Trat to Koh Kood ferry online in advance.

Flying: Bangkok to Trat + Ferry

To skip the long bus ride, fly from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat. Bangkok Airways is the only airline on the route, usually with a few flights a day, and the flight takes about an hour. From Trat Airport, a shared minibus or private transfer takes you to Laem Sok Pier. Coming from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui, there’s no direct flight to Trat, so connect in Bangkok.

From Koh Chang or Koh Mak

I didn’t do this route myself, but if you’re island-hopping, boats run from Koh Chang to Koh Kood via Koh Mak, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. There’s the most choice from November to April; in the low season, Boonsiri is the main daily option.

Whichever company you travel with, the ferry ticket usually includes a free shared taxi from the pier on Koh Kood to your resort, and back again when you leave.

Which Ferry to Koh Kood? Boonsiri vs Koh Kood Express

Three main companies run between Laem Sok Pier and Koh Kood: Boonsiri, Koh Kood Express (also written Koh Kut Express) and Seudamgo. A one-way ticket costs about 600 THB on all three, and the crossing takes about an hour, a little longer on sailings that stop at Koh Mak. Koh Kood Princess, the slower and cheaper boat that older guides mention, has been suspended. I took Boonsiri to the island and Koh Kood Express back.

Boonsiri

Boonsiri Koh Kood
Boonsiri, as seen from the open deck

Boonsiri was my pick for getting from Trat to Koh Kood. It’s a high-speed catamaran that takes about an hour, with an open upper deck for enjoying the ride. When I went, the Boonsiri ticket was the most expensive of the options, but it felt the safest. Today the fares are much the same across the companies. Boonsiri boats arrive at Ao Salat Pier on the north-east coast.

Koh Kood Express

Koh Kood Express Ferry
I am getting back to Trat with Koh Kood Express Ferry

The Koh Kood Express boat I took back was a long boat with a plastic roof and three columns of seats. Sit in the far right or far left seats for the best view. It stopped at Koh Mak, a smaller island in the same group, and took a little over an hour to Trat. Koh Kood Express also runs speedboats, which use Klong Mad Pier or drop off at some resort piers.

Before you book a ferry: timetables change between the high season (roughly November to May) and the low season, and the speedboats stop from June to September. The last boats from Laem Sok leave at about 4 pm and the last ones off the island in the early afternoon, so if your bus or flight gets in late, stay a night in Trat. Book a day or two ahead in peak season.

Getting Around Koh Kood

Transportation in Koh Kood
A scooter will be your best friend in Koh Kood

There’s no public transport on Koh Kood, and I hardly saw any cars during my trip. That makes sense: the ferries from the mainland only carry passengers.

Road in Koh Kood
This road will take you to one of those beautiful beaches

You need to rent a scooter or motorbike to explore the island. I paid 300 THB a day for a 125cc scooter, arranged through my resort. There’s essentially one main road, and although it’s scenic, it’s hilly and steep in places, so ride carefully and keep your speed down. Fuel stops are few and far between, so top up when you see one.

Best Beaches in Koh Kood

Ao Phrao Beach in Koh Kood
Koh Kood in Thailand is nothing short of paradise (Ao Phrao Beach, Koh Kood)

Koh Kood has plenty of beautiful 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: The Best All-Rounder

Love at first sight – Tinkerbell beach in Koh Kood

Tinkerbell Beach was my first stop on Koh Kood. The island is bigger than it looks on a map, so where you stay matters. I chose this area because the accommodation was relatively cheap.

The sky is trying to touch the ocean

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.

I am into the water facing Klong Chao Beach

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.

A glimpse of Tinkerbell beach from the water

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: The Postcard-Perfect Beach

Koh Kood Travel Guide
I am used to seeing this kind of photo on a postcard!

Klong Chao Beach can be seen as an extension of Tinkerbell Beach, or vice versa. Klong Chao is just north of Tinkerbell. The route Google Maps shows is blocked by Wendy the Pool Resort and Peterpan Resort, but you can walk through their reception; nobody stopped me. It’s a postcard-perfect spot.

Ao Noi Beach: The Hidden Gem

Rock and Coconut trees Ao Noi Beach Koh Kood
Another day in paradise!

I set out from Klong Chao Beach for the northern part of the island. There, I found another beautiful spot: Ao Noi Beach.

Scenic Pier Ao Noi Koh Koot
That picture perfect pier in Ao Noi, Koh Kood

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 Beach Koh Kood
Ao Noi beach in Koh Kut as seen from the ferry pier

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.

Ao Noi Beach Pier Koh Kood
I am inside the water now

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

Crab Ao Noi Koh Kood
Crabs are having a merry time on a big rock

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

Front View of Ao Tapao Beach
Towards the ocean – Ao Tapao beach in Koh Kood island

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.

Boat Pier of Ao Tapao in Koh Kood
The pier in Ao Tapao 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 in Thailand
You need a shade in the warm weather for sure!

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.

Ao Tapao Beach in Koh Kood
To the left facing the ocean in Ao Tapao 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.

Swing in Ao Tapao Beach
Craving for a swing in the beach?

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

Bang Bao Beach Koh Kood
As soon I entered to Siam beach, I loved it.

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.

Bang Bao Pier
The ferry pier in Siam Beach.

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 snorkelling. You can simply jump off the pier and have fun.

Scenic View in Bang Bao
The water in Bangbao beach can be compared to that of Maldives

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

Beautiful Klong Hin beach in Koh Kood

Further south, near Bangbao Beach, is the lovely Klong Hin (Khlong Hin) beach. It’s a little more out of the way than the other beaches, but go anyway, because it’s beautiful.

Klong Hin Swing
Swinging in the water can be exciting

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.

Klong Hin Beach Seen from Water
Look how far I went from the shore!

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

Ao Phrao Beach

Ao Phrao beach is simply stunning!

The last beach I visited on Koh Kood was Ao Phrao, and it was also my favourite place on the island. It’s the southernmost of the west-coast beaches; beyond it, there’s only jungle.

Ao Phrao Pier
I found the most beautiful pier in Koh Kood in Ao Phrao beach

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.

Big Wave in Ao Phrao
Can you feel the strong waves in Ao Phrao beach from here?

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.

Ao Phrao Beautiful Pier
Romantic, isn’t it?

If you continue straight from Ao Phrao Beach back to the main road, you reach Ao Yai, a small fishing village on the east coast with a few seafood restaurants. There was an automatic fuel pump nearby, so I filled up my scooter.

Things to Do in Koh Kood

Koh Kood is more than a beach destination. Once you’ve had your fill of the sea, there are waterfalls, ancient trees, fishing villages and boat trips to fill a day or two.

I visited the waterfalls, but not Koh Rang or the east-coast villages, so the boat trip and village details below are researched rather than first-hand. Practical details such as prices, fees and seasons come from local island guides updated for the 2026 to 2027 season, checked in October 2026.

Klong Chao Waterfall

Klong Chao Waterfall (Nam Tok Khlong Chao) is the easiest of the island’s waterfalls to reach. It’s a few kilometres inland from Klong Chao Beach: ride or cycle past the night market to the car park, then walk about ten minutes through the forest. The falls drop in three tiers into a pool you can swim in. Entry is free (there’s a donation box), and there are no food or drink stalls, so bring water.

Klong Yai Kee Waterfall

Klong Yai Kee is in the north-west of the island, signposted off the roads north of Klong Chao Beach. It’s quieter than Klong Chao and also free, with no kiosks. Like all the waterfalls here, it’s at its best during or just after the rainy season, when there’s more water.

Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall and the Ancient Makka Trees

Huang Nam Keaw is deep in the interior, off the road to Ao Salat. A trail leads from the main road to a visitor centre and car park, then steps go down the rocky hillside to the falls, with a small pool near the top. On the same route, look for small signs to the island’s ancient trees: Sai Yai, down a track off the road, and Mayayuk, about five minutes’ walk further into the forest. Local guides put them at roughly 200 to 500 years old.

Snorkelling and Diving

The best snorkelling and diving around Koh Kood is at Koh Rang, a group of small islands in the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park. Half-day join trips cost about 1,000 to 1,200 THB per person, usually with lunch, snorkel gear and transfers, plus a 200 THB marine park fee for foreign adults (often included). They need a minimum number of people and run mainly from November to April. Your resort can book one, and the island’s dive shops run trips for divers.

For snorkelling without a boat, I’d start at Bangbao (Siam Beach), where you can jump off the pier, and the rocky ends of the beaches around Klong Hin.

Kayaking

Some resorts lend kayaks free to guests; elsewhere, expect roughly 200 to 300 THB for half a day. There’s also kayak and paddleboard rental near the night market at Klong Chao. Paddling along the coast early or late in the day, when the water is flat, is one of the quietest ways to see the island.

Ride a Scooter Around the Island

Renting a scooter is the best way to see Koh Kood properly, and it was how I spent most of my time. The main road runs down the west coast from Ao Tapao in the north to Ao Phrao in the south, with short side roads to each beach. It’s hilly, so take it slowly, especially after dark.

Visit the Fishing Villages: Ao Salat and Ao Yai

Koh Kood’s east coast is almost undeveloped apart from two fishing villages at either end of the main road. Ao Salat, in the north-east, has stilted houses along the bay, a roofed jetty that doubles as the village street, a temple with a large Buddha on the hill above, and small seafood restaurants. It’s also where the Boonsiri boats arrive. Ao Yai, in the south-east, is reached by a forest road near Ao Phrao, with stilted walkways, a viewpoint and a few seafood restaurants by the water.

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)

Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort
Beautiful coconut garden in Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort

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 delicious. 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)

Baan Suan Homestay Koh Kood
This is not an eco room but a standard room

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)

Tinkerbell Resort Koh Kood
Tinkerbell is a good Beachfront hotel in Koh Kood

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)

Ao Noi Resort Koh Kood
The surrounding of Aonoi resort is stunning

I simply adored the Aonoi resort complex. It was naturally colourful, full 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 well-reviewed beachfront options across the island, listed from north to south. I haven’t stayed at these myself.

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


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


To The Sea The Resort

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

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


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


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


Khlong Hin Beach Resort

A simple 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


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


Seacret Kohkood Resort

Seacret Kohkood Resort is a newer resort on one of the most secluded beaches on the island, with free kayaks and good snorkelling right out front. Pool use costs extra, so check before you book.

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


Rest Sea Resort

Rest Sea Resort sits 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 on Koh Kood

Black Bananas

Good food, friendly people, and a pleasant atmosphere make Black Bananas the most popular restaurant on Koh Kood. They serve very good Thai food as well as bakery items. It’s usually full at dinner, so go early or ask your resort to book a table.

Chaiyo

Not far from Black Bananas, 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’s a small night market near Klong Chao Beach, on the road towards the waterfall. It’s a good place for cheap Thai street food and snacks after a day on the beach. Opening days change with the season, so ask at your resort.

Seafood at Ao Yai

On the way back from Ao Phrao Beach, if you carry straight on to the main road, you pass through Ao Yai, the small fishing village I mentioned in the beaches section. Its seafood restaurants are simple and sit right by the water, and it’s the place to eat if you want something more local than the resort restaurants.

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.

Best Places to Watch the Sunset on Koh Kood

All the beaches in this guide face west, so you can watch the sun set over the sea from any of them.

Sunset from Tinkerbell Beach

Tinkerbell beach is one of the best places to watch the most beautiful sunsets in Koh Kood

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.

Surreal Sunset Koh Kood
It’s calm and serene!

One of my favourite 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

Koh Kood Sunset
End of another day – sunset in Koh Kood

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 heavy, just enough to enjoy watching the sun set.

Koh Kood Travel Tips

A few practical things to know before you go:

Cash and ATMs: Koh Kood has a bank (GSB) and a few ATMs, including machines in the Klong Chao area and a Krungsri ATM on the main road, but there’s no 7-Eleven. Bring a good amount of cash from the mainland anyway: smaller guesthouses, restaurants and scooter rentals often take cash only. Many resorts accept cards, and some will give cash against a credit card for a 2 to 5% fee.

SIM cards and mobile data: Mobile coverage is good, with 4G and 5G in most places, and it’s often faster than resort Wi-Fi. Buy a Thai SIM or eSIM at Suvarnabhumi Airport or in Trat before the ferry.

Medical help: There’s a small public hospital on the inland road near Ao Tapao and a 24-hour medical post run by Bangkok Trat Hospital at Ao Salat. For anything serious, you’ll be taken to Trat by boat, so travel insurance that covers evacuation is a good idea. Bring any medication you need.

Sandflies: sandflies can be a nuisance at dawn and dusk on some beaches. Bring insect repellent and cover up for early morning or evening walks on the sand.

Electricity and water: since a power cable from the mainland was laid, the island has electricity around the clock, with only occasional cuts. Water pressure can be low at budget guesthouses.

Koh Kood vs Koh Chang vs Koh Mak

If you’re choosing between the three islands, here’s a simple way to think about it:

Koh Kood

  • The best beaches of the three, in my view
  • Quiet, with little nightlife
  • Big enough to need a scooter
  • Passenger boats only

Koh Chang

  • The biggest and most developed
  • Most restaurants and nightlife
  • Busier beaches
  • Car ferries from the mainland

Koh Mak

  • Small and flat
  • Very quiet, good for couples
  • Fewer things to do
  • Some Koh Kood boats stop here

If quiet beaches are your priority, Koh Kood wins. If you want more choice of food, bars and things to do, Koh Chang is easier.

Koh Kood Itinerary: How I’d Spend 3 Days

Here’s how I’d plan three days on Koh Kood if I went back, based around the Tinkerbell and Klong Chao area, which is the most convenient base. The last ferries leave the island in the early afternoon, so your departure day is mostly a travel day. If you want three full days, book four nights.

Day 1: Arrival and the Northern Beaches

Morning: arrive on the island and check in. I’d stay near Tinkerbell or Klong Chao for the best mix of beach access and restaurants.

Afternoon: swim at Tinkerbell Beach and walk up to Klong Chao. The water is calm and shallow here, ideal for a first swim.

Evening: sunset from the rocks at the far left of Tinkerbell Beach, then dinner at Black Bananas (go early, as it fills up).

Day 2: Waterfall and the Southern Beaches

Morning: Klong Chao Waterfall before it gets hot, then ride south to Bangbao (Siam Beach) and jump in off the pier.

Afternoon: try the swing in the water at Klong Hin, then carry on to Ao Phrao, the wildest beach on the island, with the longest and most beautiful pier.

Evening: seafood at Ao Yai on the way back, or sunset from Goodview Resort and Coffee near Tinkerbell. Ride back carefully: the roads are hilly and dark.

Day 3: A Boat Trip or the Quiet North

Morning: from November to April, join a half-day snorkelling trip to Koh Rang. Otherwise, ride north to Ao Noi and its pier, then Ao Tapao.

Afternoon: a last swim, a kayak, or nothing at all. Koh Kood rewards slow travel.

Snorkelling from Koh Kood
Snorkelling day trip with lunch
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With a fourth day, spend it doing nothing at Ao Phrao, or break the trip back to the mainland at Koh Mak, where some of the boats stop.

Watch Koh Kood Before You Go

Sometimes a video says more than words and photos. This short one shows the beaches, the clear water and the feel of Koh Kood before you arrive.

Have a glimpse of best of Koh Kood in motion pictures
Read next My 1-Month Thailand Itinerary How Koh Kood fits into a month from the north to the islands, with every stop and night count.
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Koh Kood FAQs

Where is Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is in Trat province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border. Ferries leave from Laem Sok Pier near Trat town, which is roughly 300 km south-east of Bangkok.

How do I get to Koh Kood from Bangkok?

Take a bus or minibus (5 to 6 hours) or a Bangkok Airways flight (about 1 hour) to Trat, then a transfer to Laem Sok Pier and a ferry of about an hour. Joint bus and ferry tickets leave Bangkok early in the morning and reach the island around midday. Allow about 7 hours in total.

Can you fly to Koh Kood?

No, there’s no airport on the island. The nearest is Trat Airport, with Bangkok Airways flights from Suvarnabhumi. From there, take a transfer to Laem Sok Pier and the ferry.

Which ferry is best for Koh Kood?

Boonsiri, Koh Kood Express and Seudamgo all run from Laem Sok Pier for about 600 THB one way, taking about an hour. I took the Boonsiri catamaran over, with its open upper deck, and Koh Kood Express back via Koh Mak. Koh Kood Princess is suspended.

What is the best time to visit Koh Kood?

November to April, the dry season. December to February has the best weather and the highest prices. May to October is the rainy season, with rougher seas, fewer boats and no speedboats from June to September.

How many days do you need in Koh Kood?

Three to four days is ideal for the main beaches, a waterfall and some slow time. The last ferries leave the island in the early afternoon, so treat your departure day as a travel day.

Is Koh Kood worth visiting?

Yes, if you want quiet beaches and clear water. It’s the most beautiful island I’ve seen in Thailand, with a fraction of the crowds of Phuket or Koh Samui. It’s harder to reach and has little nightlife, so it suits a slow, relaxing trip.

Is there an ATM on Koh Kood?

Yes. There’s a bank and a few ATMs, but no 7-Eleven. Bring enough cash anyway, as smaller guesthouses, restaurants and scooter rentals often take cash only.

Can you swim in Koh Kood?

Yes. The water is calm and shallow at Tinkerbell, Klong Chao and Ao Noi, with flat, sandy seabeds. Ao Phrao had big waves when I swam there, and the sea is rougher in the rainy season.

Is Koh Kood good for snorkelling?

Yes. You can snorkel off the pier at Bangbao (Siam Beach), and half-day trips to Koh Rang run mainly from November to April, for about 1,000 to 1,200 THB plus a 200 THB marine park fee.

Is Koh Kood good for families?

Yes, for calm, shallow beaches like Tinkerbell and Klong Chao. The journey from Bangkok is long, though, and the island has only a small hospital, with serious cases taken to Trat.

Do you need a scooter on Koh Kood?

Almost certainly. There’s no public transport, and the beaches are spread along the west coast. I paid 300 THB a day for a 125cc scooter. The roads are hilly, so ride carefully.

Koh Kood or Koh Chang: which is better?

Choose Koh Kood for quieter, more beautiful beaches. Choose Koh Chang for more restaurants, nightlife and easier access, as car ferries run there from the mainland.

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Fuad Omar

Fuad loves to travel! A lot! Carrying a Bangladeshi passport means he needs a prior visa for visiting most of the countries. He got detained in many borders because of his nationality but; he didn’t give up - he set his foot to 44 countries. He believes, if he could travel the world despite all the odds, you can, too. Fuad is a Computer Engineer by profession, and author of a travelogue in Bangla. He currently lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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