Things to do in Koh Kood, Thailand: paradise beaches, tips and map

The best time to travel to Koh Kood, Thailand, is during the dry season, from November to April. During those months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the paradise beaches without rain.

The rainy (or monsoon) season, on the other hand, runs from May to October. If you want to enjoy the crystal-clear sea and the sun, ideally visit Koh Kood between December and March, when the weather is most stable.

💡 Tip: January and February are the months with the lowest chance of rain and the most sunny days on the island.

Getting to Koh Kood is easier than it looks. Although it has no airport, the island is well connected by ferry from Trat, and you can also get there from Bangkok or even from Cambodia. We recommend using the 12go.asia website to check schedules and book your transfers.

✈️ From Bangkok to Koh Kood

1. Bus + ferry (the most popular and cheapest option)

• There's a combined service from Khao San Road all the way to your accommodation in Koh Kood.
• Includes: bus, ferry and taxi on the island.
• Duration: ~7 hours

2. Plane + ferry (the fastest and most comfortable option)

• Fly from Bangkok to Trat airport (1 hour).
• From the airport, take a taxi to Laem Sok pier (approx. 45 min).
• From there, take the ferry to Koh Kood.

🚢 From Trat to Koh Kood

• Ferries to Koh Kood leave from Laem Sok pier.
• There are 3–4 departures a day.
• Duration: 1h 30min
• Price: around 550 baht
• You can also book a service that includes the transfer to your hotel in Koh Kood.

💡 Be sure to check in advance whether your ferry includes the transfer from the port to your hotel on the island.

🏝 From nearby islands (Koh Chang or Koh Mak)

• Ferries connect Koh Chang – Koh Mak – Koh Kood directly.
• The crossings take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the island.

🇰🇭 From Cambodia to Koh Kood

• You can reach Koh Kood from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh via Trat.
• International minivans cover these routes.
• Approximate price: 850 baht
• Estimated time: 7 to 10 hours (depending on where you start)

✍️ We made the trip from Koh Kood to Siem Reap and share all the details in this dedicated post.

Koh Kood is one of the quietest and most authentic islands in Thailand. If you're looking for a place to rest, relax on paradise beaches and connect with nature, this is the ideal destination.

Most of the beaches and tourist activities are on the west coast, which is also where almost all the places to stay are.

Here's a list of things to do in Koh Kood and the places you can't miss:

1. Visit Klong Chao Waterfall

One of the island's most famous natural attractions.

This multi-tiered waterfall forms a big pool, ideal for cooling off surrounded by jungle.

• Walk: 10 minutes from the parking lot.
• Free entry (a small donation is usually requested).

🧭 It's well signposted and easy to reach by motorbike or scooter.

2. Explore Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall

This waterfall, farther inland and tucked away in the jungle, gets fewer visitors.

The route is well marked on Google Maps and accessible by motorbike. From the parking lot, you have to walk a stretch to reach it.

• Free entry
• Tip: It can have little water in the dry season

3. See the giant Makka trees (Sai Yai and Makayuk)

Very close to the road to Huang Nam Keaw are these two centuries-old trees: Sai Yai and Makayuk.

They're between 300 and 500 years old and truly impressive for their size.

🌱 A perfect stop if you're into nature!

4. Relax on the best beaches in Koh Kood

Koh Kood has some of the prettiest, quietest beaches in Thailand, with crystal-clear water, white sand and palm trees everywhere.

🐚 Ao Phrao Beach

Our favorite. A long, uncrowded beach with palm trees and a turquoise sea.

• Ideal for watching the sunset.
• You can get there by motorbike or kayak (15 minutes from Klong Hin).

🌴 Klong Hin Beach

Full of hammocks strung between palm trees, perfect for a quiet morning.

• You get there on a dirt road surrounded by tropical vegetation.
• Nearby is A La Koh Kood, a boutique hotel we highly recommend!

🌅 Klong Chao Beach

The island's main beach, with several places to stay and restaurants nearby.

• Ideal for the sunset
• Much quieter than other main beaches in Thailand

✨ Tapao Beach

Small and picturesque.

• Quiet, ideal for watching the sunset without the crowds.

🏝 Bang Bao Beach

Another paradise beach, with piers and hammocks over the sea.

• Some of the island's most luxurious resorts are here.

📍 Tip: Mark all the beaches on Google Maps and ride around them on a motorbike to pick your favorite.

5. Go snorkeling in Koh Kood

Snorkeling tours in Koh Kood are very popular and affordable.

• Includes: boat transfers and equipment
• There are several spots with coral and colorful fish

🌊 We didn't do it ourselves, but several travelers recommended it to us as one of the best activities on the island.

👉🏻 Here's a tour with very good ratings: Snorkeling tour with lunch and transfer.

6. Rent a kayak or paddleboard

Paddling on Koh Kood's calm waters is an incredible way to enjoy your surroundings.

• Kayak/paddleboard price: from 100 baht an hour or 300 baht a day
• Ideal for exploring the coast or even reaching some remote beaches

Koh Kood has places to stay for every taste and budget, from luxury resorts with beachfront bungalows to simple, inexpensive hostels and homestays. Most are on the west coast, close to the main beaches such as Klong Chao, Ao Phrao and Bang Bao.

Here are some options by type of traveler:

💸 Budget places to stay in Koh Kood

• Dusita Koh Kood: Basic bungalows at a good price, in the middle of nature.
• Koh Kood Garden House: Simple private rooms with a bathroom. A quiet, family atmosphere.
• Happy Days Guesthouse: Inexpensive and well rated, ideal if you want something simple but comfortable.

🛏 Mid-range places to stay in Koh Kood

• A La Koh Kood Resort: Boutique hotel facing a mangrove and very close to Klong Hin Beach. We recommend it 100%. Spacious, clean rooms, with breakfast.
• Baan Bua Cottage: Wooden cabins with a garden, warm decor and excellent service.
• Suan Maprao Ko Kut: Surrounded by vegetation, ideal for resting. Good value for money.

🌟 Luxury resorts in Koh Kood

• Tinkerbell Resort: Seafront villas with a private beach, pool, spa and excellent food.
• High Season Pool Villa & Spa: A 5-star resort with private-pool villas and every comfort.
• Soneva Kiri (ultra-luxury): One of the most exclusive places to stay in Thailand. Private villas in the jungle and unique experiences like dinners in treehouses.

📝 Advice: Book in advance if you're traveling between December and March, which is high season in Koh Kood.

Motorbike: For us, this was the best option for exploring the island. The main road is in excellent condition, there's almost no traffic and people drive pretty slowly. If you've never ridden a motorbike, it could be a good place to learn. Renting a motorbike costs around 300 baht a day.

Songthaew: These are red pickup trucks that work like a shared taxi. You can also hire one privately.

Hotel tours: Another way to get around is to arrange a tour through your hotel.

As always, the islands are more expensive than the mainland. Both restaurants and hotels are a little more expensive than in the rest of Thailand. There are no 7-Elevens on the island, but there are a few inexpensive grocery stores.

There's one exchange office that changes money, but the rate isn't the best. We suggest changing money on the mainland.

There are also several ATMs on the island, which charge a fee of 3 to 5%.