Where is Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is the name of the island the belongs to Trat - Thailand's eastern-most province, bordering Cambodia. Located south-east of its larger, but more famous brother Koh Chang, Koh Kood island is only a few miles away from Cambodia. If we put a straight line between Bangkok and Koh Kood, we measure a distance of about 320 km.

What makes Koh Kood island so special?

Simply put: it's this island's slow life. Unlike other major tourist destinations in Thailand like Phuket or Koh Samui, Koh Kood has remained widely untouched. Until recently, Koh Kood had kept a low profile and was quite unknown. Mass tourism has not reached its sandy shores, yet. While becoming more and more popular among Thais, it has not caught much attention on the international stage yet.

Koh Kood is a quiet, tranquil paradise that is covered by lush, tropical vegetation. Due to its relatively small population (less than 3000 inhabitants over an area 110 sq.km) and limited influx of tourists, nature has been widely preserved. You will not get to see many structures or resorts. There are no shopping malls or not even a 7-11 convenience store that you usually see on every corner in Thailand. While most smaller local shops, houses, resorts and plantations are located along the main roads, the major part of the island consists of jungle.

There is no nightlife -No bars, clubs or other sources of noise. Some hotels have smaller pubs, but you will not see any party going on here. It's dead silent after dark. Thus, we recommend travelers to come in a group, with family or at least as a couple. Otherwise you might feel lonely. However, this is exactly what many people look for:  A retreat from civilization, noise and stress.  Just nature, lonely beaches.

Furthermore, its waterfalls and gorgeous beaches with turquoise clear water,white fine sand add to the beautiful character of this island.

 

 

What to do on Koh Kood island ?

 

 

1) Enjoy  Koh Kood's beautiful beaches

Koh Kood has several nice beaches with fine white sand and clear blue water (note: not so clear during rain season).  While you'll encounter smaller crowds at beautiful Khlong Chao beach, other beaches and bays such as Takhian Beach, Ao Phrao, Ao Noi, Ao Yai are more secluded, calm and sometimes even empty. Especially Ao Bang Bao beach that is surrounded by hills with lush vegetation, palm trees and crystal clear waters, resembles a peaceful tropical paradise that we see on postal cards.

It is highly recommended to spend time relaxing there, swimming or walking along and exploring these beautiful beaches. Unlike other popular tourist destinations, you will not see buildings or constructions near the beaches here. There are no benches or umbrallas lined up along the beach. People here chose a shady place under palm trees at the beach.

 

 

 

 

2) Kayaking along the waterways in Koh Kood's mangrove forest

Another popular activity on Koh Kood is kayaking. Koh Kood island has a 1.5 Km long waterway in a mangrove forest area that extends from the Klong Chao waterfall to the sea. A 1 km stretch of this waterway is accessible for kayaking. Undisturbed by the ocean's waves, you can have a relaxing kayak ride through calm water with the only sources of noise being the water or birds. Along the waterway, both sides of the waterway are covered by a lush mangrove forest. This place is the perfect spot to enjoy pure nature. While the water is salty near the delta, it turns into fresh water when going further upstream towards the waterfall.

The location is marked on the map below. Kayak equipment can be borrowed from the nearby Peter Pan resort. The price is about 200 THB per kayak for an hour.

Map: Kayak rental and the nearby waterway

We recommend to take sunscreen and a bottle of water with you on your kayaking trip, as it might become hot and you will sweat. You will be exposed to direct sunlight and paddling can be exhausting. Best time for kayaking is after 5 PM, before sunset. It gets less hot and you will enjoy the idyllic tropical sunset scenery.

 

 

3) Trekking to Koh Kood's beautiful waterfalls

Koh Kood has 3 waterfalls in the jungle, each with a trekking path to the main falls. Furthermore, each waterfall has pools allowing visitors to swim and refresh in its waters:

• Khlong Yai Kae
• Huang Nam Kae
• Klong Chan Waterfall

 

4) Diving and snorkeling around Koh Kood

Koh Kood offers its visitors several options for both snorkeling and scuba diving, with some breath taking locations on the local reefs, as well as further out at sea. As for diving, Koh Kood is well served with three good companies, BB Divers, Koh Kood Divers and Paradise Divers, newly discovered local dive sites and easy access to the Marine Park at Koh Rang and the wreck off Koh Chang.

Additonally, off the main beaches such as Bang Bao Beach, the waters are nice and shallow with only weak currents, so making it an ideal place to learn.

 

5) Visit the 500 years old Makka tree in the jungle

Koh Kood is host to two stunning ancient makka trees of an age somewhere between 200 and 500 years old. To reach the trees, after leaving Klong Chao Beach, follow the road past the hospital and the petrol station until the crossroads. At these crossroads, take a right and shortly afterwards, turn right again at the vegetable store.

Once on this road, follow it for a few kilometers until you reach another small shop at a fork in the road. Here, take the straight-on option with the blue sign for Makayuk-Saiyai. Again, carry on straight until you see the wide new road on the right, the turning you want. Follow this road right to the end and you will see small signs for the two trees, the first, Sai Yai is easily found on the right and the second, Makayuk, is further into the forest, about a ten minute walk.

 

6) Explore the island by motorbike (viewpoints, temples, jungle and beaches)

Another option is to rent a motorbike and explore the island by cruising around. There are several viewpoint that offer a scenic view over large parts of the coastline. The roads are mostly paved and you will barely encounter traffic. Furthermore, you will have the chance to drive along roads that go through Koh Kood's jungles and small villages that will give you a feeling of a peaceful paradise island.