A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Kood (Ko Kut)

Koh Kood Things to do Itinerary Map

7 Best Things to Do in Koh Kood

Out of all the beaches I visited on Koh Kood, Ao Phrao Beach is, hands down, the best beach to visit. I highly recommend finding a resort near this beach so you will have access to it anytime you like.

Ao Phrao Beach is situated in the southernmost part of the island, and it is one of the longest and most spacious beaches in Koh Kood, spanning about 1 km along its southwestern coastline. Thanks to its remote location and expansive beach, Ao Phrao Beach also doesn’t feel as crowded as other beaches on the island.

At the beach, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful coconut trees, which is probably how it got its name (Prao or Ma Prao means coconut in Thai). The white sand is fine to the touch; the water is crystal clear and shallow, making it the perfect place to swim.

At Ao Prao, you will also find many beautiful photo spots, from a swing in the middle of the ocean to a wooden pier that goes out into the ocean. There are also plenty of shaded areas along the beach where you can hide from the sun. It has all the qualities of being the perfect beach, in my opinion.

That said, many beaches in Koh Kood do harbor quite a few sand flies, as they often lay their eggs at remote beaches such as Ao Prao, and they are more active around dawn and dusk. So, be sure to cover yourself in insect repellent during those times.

There are many beachside resorts you can choose from at Ao Phrao Beach. I stayed at Sunshine On The Rock, which is very affordable and only 2 minutes away from the beach. You can also go with Sunshine Resort or Rest Sea Resort as well.

The sunset in Koh Kood is also quite a sight to behold, and there is no better place to be than at Ao Phrao Beach. I would never miss a chance to go swimming every sunset and watch the sky turn orange and purple when I was here, sand flies be damned.

If you are looking for the best beach to stay in Koh Kood, you are going to love Ao Phrao Beach. You can find more beachside resorts in Koh Kood here. Make sure you book your accommodation early, as there are not a lot of them on the island, and all the good ones get booked out very quickly.

2. Explore Khlong Chao Waterfall

Other than beaches, there are also a few waterfalls you can explore on Koh Kood. One of the best waterfalls here is Khlong Chao Waterfall, located in the middle of a thick jungle in the heart of the island.

You can drive your motorbike to the entrance, and you have to walk about 300 meters to get to the waterfall. The trail is well-maintained, and it runs along the stream with ropes installed in certain areas, as it can be a bit slippery at times.

That said, the hike is pretty simple and straightforward, and it should take you no more than 10 minutes to reach the waterfall. You can easily do the hike in flip flops without any problems.

Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can jump in, go for a swim, or walk up a hidden trail to the top of the waterfall to check out the view from up there. There is also a swing rope installed for you to jump into the water in style.

The waterfall is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and it is free to enter. There are toilets at the entrance, and the upkeep fee is 5 THB per person. You won’t find any toilets inside, so make sure you take care of your business before hiking.

3. Explore the Mangrove Forest with a Kayak/Paddle Board

Koh Kood is also a great place to go kayak/paddleboarding, with one of the best areas to explore being the estuary near White Beach. There is a mangrove forest that runs along the river, which you can explore.

You can rent a kayak or a paddle board from SUP Point Koh Kood. It should cost about 300 THB for 3 hours, which is a good amount of time to explore the beautiful mangrove forest at your leisure.

If you are already getting bored of the beach and are looking for something more adventurous to do, be sure to drop by here and explore the stunning rivers of Koh Kood. The shop should be open around 8 AM and close around 6 PM every day (just an estimation).

4. Rest By the River with a Cup of Coffee at Nomkhon Station Cafe

Not too far from White Beach, you will find a cozy little cafe called Nomkhon Station Cafe located right on the estuary, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee by the river as you watch the world go by.

The café has a small white sign by the road, approximately 400 meters south of White Beach, which is not very noticeable. In fact, I completely missed it the first time around. However, after finding the sign and driving into the little street, I’m glad I found this place. The café is so cozy that I could sit there for hours, reading a book.

It’s such a hidden gem on Koh Kood, and if you’re looking for a nice cafe to chill, keep an eye out for this place. The cafe is open from 10 AM to 9 PM every day, and they serve coffee, drinks, and some food at a reasonable price.

Klong Mad Jetty is a small fishing community located about 30 minutes north of Ao Prao beach, where you can get a glimpse of what life is like for the locals who actually live here.

There are a number of restaurants, cafes, and a small strip of beach that you can enjoy here. You can also go for a little stroll around the fishing community and interact with the locals.

It is a good place to visit for those who are interested in experiencing a more authentic side of this island. If you have the time, be sure to drop by and check out Klong Mad Jetty.

6. Enjoy Fresh Seafood Dishes at Ao Yai Fisherman Village

If you wonder why most attractions are on the west coast of the island, well wonder no more, as I will be taking you to the east coast and visiting Ao Yai Fisherman Village, home to a small fishing community with the best seafood restaurant on the island.

If you are craving seafood dishes, Noochy Seafood is the best place to be with its variety of dishes, made fresh every day, straight from the source. You can even see the staff preparing and washing recently caught fish and clams in their kitchen.

They are not cheap, with prices ranging upward of 120 THB, but at least you get the quality and quantity you paid for, unlike many restaurants inside resorts here. The restaurant is open from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day.

7. Explore Other Beaches and waterfalls on Koh Kood

Last but not least, if you are already bored at Ao Prao Beach and want a little change in scenery, there are several other beaches you can explore like Ao Tapao Beach, White Beach, and Bang Bao Beach.

My favorite of the three is White Beach, which is located right along the main road, and the sand here is exactly as the name suggests. It is completely white, and the water is as clear as it gets. There is a large resort nearby; it might not be as empty as Ao Prao, but definitely way better than beaches on other islands.

Ao Tapao Beach and Bang Bao Beach are also good, but you have to walk through resorts to get there, and they don’t feel as open as Ao Prao Beach due to their smaller sizes, especially with all the people staying and chilling at those resorts. They still have all the qualities of great beaches but just not as great as Ao Prao Beach.

Another waterfall you might want to check out is Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall, located in the northern part of the island. Similar to Khlong Chao Waterfall, it has a large cascade with a pool you can swim in. It’s a great place to stop by while you explore the northern part of Koh Kood.

Koh Kood or Koh Chang or Koh Mak, which one should I visit?

If you still cannot decide whether you should visit Koh Chang, Koh Mak, or Koh Kood, here are my thoughts on these islands, which should help you decide which island you should include in your itinerary.

Koh Chang is the largest island of the three, and it is the closest to the mainland of Trat, which makes it the easiest island to visit, taking only about 20 minutes on a 100-THB ferry from Aow Thammachat. Koh Chang is also the only island where you can take your car/motorbike across, making it the most convenient of all.

Size-wise, Koh Chang is the third-largest island in Thailand, and because of that, it has the most things to do, as well as the most accommodation options, at different price points available out of the three. That said, it also attracts the most tourists out of the three, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Personally, I found Koh Chang to be the best island to visit if you are looking for a beautiful and affordable island to explore. The island has a ton of things to do, the beaches are amazing, and although it attracts the most tourists out of the 3 islands, the place is nowhere near as crowded as Phuket or Koh Samui. You will love the island nonetheless.

For the best things to do in Ko Chang, check out:12 BEST Things to Do in Koh Chang

Koh Kood is the most beautiful of all, with the clearest water and the most pristine beaches I have ever seen in Thailand. It is like the Maldives of Thailand, with its white sand beaches all along the east coast and beautiful blue water that no other island can rival.

The best part is that, due to the island’s remote location and limited accommodation availability, it does not attract as many tourists as Koh Chang. In fact, at times, it almost feels like I am on an uninhabited island as I walk along the vast white sand beach alone in the early morning.

That said, it is also a bit more expensive than the other 2 islands, with the accommodation priced from 30 USD all the way to 2,100 USD per night! It is also not as cheap to get to as you will have to rely on a speedboat, which will set you back 600 THB per person each way.

Be sure to book accommodation on Koh Kood in advance as all the best and affordable resorts get booked out very quickly. I recommend you book your accommodation via Booking.com or Agoda at least 2 weeks in advance before you arrive.

If you are looking for the most beautiful island in Thailand and do not mind paying more to get that experience, Koh Kood is definitely for you. If you would rather save money and just want a simple and nice beach to stay at, Koh Chang is more suited for you.

Koh Mak is located between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, both in terms of beauty and location. It is also the smallest of the three and attracts the fewest tourists, as there is not much to do on the island except spend time on the beach. Accommodation is even more limited and can be priced as high as on Koh Kood during the peak season.

Koh Mak is best for those who simply want a quiet resort to spend a few days at and do nothing else but relax on the beach. If you are looking for an island with more activities, Koh Kood and Koh Chang are better suited for you.

When to Visit Koh Kood?

The best time to visit Koh Kood is from November to January when it is the driest and less likely to rain. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season between July and October as rain is the last thing you need when you are stuck on an island like Koh Kood.

There are also fewer boat services during the off-season, so for the best experience, I recommend you stick to the November to January period.

How to Get to Koh Kood?

To get to Ko Kood, you can take a bus or rent a car and drive straight from Bangkok to get to Laem Sok Ferry Pier in Trat, where you can take the speed boat across to Koh Kood. The drive should take about 4 hours, and the speed boat should take about 1 hour to reach the island.

You cannot take your car with you, but you can leave it at the pier. Depending on the boat company you choose for your journey to Koh Kood, you can park your car in their designated area for 50 THB per day.

There are several companies to choose from depending on the time you want to depart. The earliest boat, operating during the peak season, departs at 10 AM and is operated by Koh Kood Express, while the last boat at 4 PM is operated by Seudamgo.

Most speedboats cost about 600 THB per person each way, and if you want to leave your vehicle at the pier, it is an additional 50 THB per day. You can purchase the ticket directly from the kiosk at Laem Sok Ferry Pier, or you can opt for the transfer package directly from Bangkok’s Khaosan Road or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The boat ticket will also include a land transfer from Koh Kood Pier to your accommodation, so make sure to let the ticket clerk know where you want to be dropped off when you purchase the ticket.

To get back, you can either book the return boat from your accommodation or buy it together with your departing ticket if you know the exact date and time you want to return. It’s the same price, so it doesn’t matter when you buy it.

Once you have the return ticket, they will pick you up an hour before the departure time and take you to the pier, and you will be on your way back to Trat. The night before your departure, make sure to confirm the time with the reception at your accommodation, and they will call the boat operator to confirm the time with you.

How to Get to Around Koh Kood?

Being the fifth-largest island in Thailand, Koh Kood is not small. Therefore, the best way to get around Koh Kood is to rent a motorbike and drive yourself. You can rent one at almost any accommodation on the island for about 300 THB per day. The gas required for a full tank is around an additional 100 THB.

The island is a bit hilly, and there are certain roads that can be quite steep, but it’s not difficult to navigate. In fact, Koh Kood is probably the best island to drive on if you are a beginner, as there isn’t a lot of road traffic. Just be extra cautious when you are going up and down steep hills.

You can also rent a Song Taew, but it can be quite expensive and not worth the hassle unless you are traveling with more than four people in your group. You should be able to organize one at your hotel.

How many days to spend in Koh Kood?

With the number of things to do on the island, it should keep you occupied for at least 2 days. But trust me, you are going to want to spend more time here. Koh Kood is one of the most beautiful islands in the country, and it would be a shame if you had to rush through it.

I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Koh Kood. On the first day, relax by the beach; on the second day, explore the waterfalls and other beaches; and on the last day, go kayaking or paddleboarding along the river through a mangrove forest and relax.

Some people love the island so much that they decide to spend 5 days here, so it entirely depends on how many days you want to be in this paradise. However, three days is a good starting point though.

How much money do I need for Koh Kood?

Assuming you are planning to spend 3 days in Koh Kood, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending as follows:

Accommodation: For 4 nights in Koh Kood, you can expect to pay a minimum of around 152 USD for accommodation.

Food: On average, food costs about 100 THB minimum in Koh Kood, so you can expect to pay around 17 USD (600 THB) for 3 days, excluding breakfast, as most accommodations already include it.

Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay approximately 55 USD (1,800 THB) for transportation, including the ferry from Trat to Koh Kood, motorbike rental plus gas for 2 days, and more. Additionally, add around another 1,000 THB if you want to include your transfer from Bangkok to Trat and back.

Activities: Most attractions on the island, such as waterfalls and beach access, are free. Kayaks can also be rented for free straight from your hotel, or if you want to explore the mangrove tree with a paddle board, it’s around 10 USD (300 THB) per hour.

Total budget for 3 days in Koh Kood: 234 USD

What to Pack for Koh Kood?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Koh Kood, Thailand:

Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.

Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.

Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi’s jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.

Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It’s lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.

Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker’s towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.

Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Koh Kood, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.

Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.

Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.

Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It’s a total game-changer.

Universal Adapter: You’ll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.

Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.

Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It’s large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it’s stylish as hell!

Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can’t go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Eastern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Eastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Eastern Thailand that you might find useful:

Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
Pattaya City is no longer a sin city it used to be as the city shifts its focus to becoming a more family-friendly destination. Here are the 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pattaya City.
Want to visit Rayong soon? You are going to love this! Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Rayong.
Chantanburi’s old town is the most historic part of the province and is rich in history and plenty of things to do. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi’s Old Town.
For the best things to do in Chantaburi, be sure to check out our guide: 13 Best Things to do in Chantaburi.
For the best island getaway in Eastern Thailand, Koh Chang is still the best with its stunning beauty and affordability. Here are the 12 Best Things to do in Koh Chang.
For a complete travel guide to the whole of Trat province, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Trat.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand – The Essential Packing List.
Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn’t do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn’t miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.