If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing beach destination in Thailand, you might want to consider Koh Kood. This island is the fourth largest in the country, but also one of the least developed and most unspoiled. It’s located in the southeast of Trat province, near the border with Cambodia, and it’s part of the Koh Chang island chain.
Koh Kood has a mountainous terrain covered by tropical rainforest, and a coastline dotted with pristine beaches, clear water, and coral reefs. It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature, relax, and unwind. Here are some of the attractions and activities you can do on this island.
Attractions within the island
Namtok Khlong Chao : This is a beautiful waterfall that flows into a large pool where you can swim and cool off. It’s one of the most popular spots on the island, and it was visited by King Rama VI in 1911. You can reach it by motorbike, bicycle, or on foot from the main road.
Namtok Khlong Yai Ki : This is another waterfall that’s located in the south of the island. It’s smaller than Khlong Chao, but still worth a visit. You can hike through the jungle to get there, or take a boat from Ao Yai village.
Ao Yai Fisherman’s Village : This is a small fishing village on the east coast of the island, where you can see the local way of life and buy fresh seafood. You can also take a boat trip from here to explore the nearby islands and mangroves.
Khao Ruea Rop : This is the highest hill on the island, and it offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding islands. You can hike up to the viewpoint, or rent a motorbike and drive up there.
Beaches : Koh Kood has many beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own charm and atmosphere. Some of the best ones are Ao Klong Chao, Ao Ta Pow, Ao Prao, Ao Phrao, and Ao Noi. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on these beaches.
Expenses
Koh Kood is not a cheap destination, as it caters mostly to high-end and mid-range travelers. However, you can still find some budget options if you look around. Here are some average costs for a trip to Koh Kood.
Accommodation : There are many resorts and bungalows on the island, ranging from luxury to basic. You can expect to pay between 1,000 to 10,000 baht per night for a room, depending on the season and the location. You can also find some cheaper guesthouses and homestays for around 500 baht per night.
Food : There are not many restaurants on the island, so most people eat at their resorts or at the local shops and stalls. The food is generally more expensive than on the mainland, as most ingredients have to be transported from there. You can expect to pay between 100 to 300 baht for a meal, depending on what you order and where you eat.
Transportation Inside Koh Kood : The easiest way to get around the island is by renting a motorbike or a bicycle. You can rent them from your resort or from some shops on the main road. The price is usually between 200 to 400 baht per day for a motorbike, and between 50 to 100 baht per day for a bicycle. You can also take a songthaew (a shared pick-up truck) or a taxi for longer distances, but they are not very frequent or cheap. The fare is usually between 50 to 200 baht per person, depending on the distance.
Activities : There are not many organized tours or activities on the island, so most people do their own thing. You can snorkel or kayak at some of the beaches for free or for a small fee. You can also take a boat trip to visit other islands or mangroves for around 500 to 1,000 baht per person. If you want to dive, there are some dive shops on the island that offer courses and trips for around 2,000 to 4,000 baht per person.
Time and travel to Koh Kood
The best time to visit Koh Kood is between November and February, when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season lasts from May to October, but it’s not very heavy compared to other parts of Thailand. However, some resorts may close during this time, and some boat services may be limited.
The most convenient way to get to Koh Kood is by flying to Trat airport from Bangkok or other cities in Thailand. From there, you can take a taxi or a minibus to Laem Sok pier, where you can catch a ferry or a speedboat to the island. The ferry takes about 4 to 5 hours and costs around 350 baht per person. The speedboat takes about an hour and costs around 600 baht per person. Some resorts also offer their own transfer service, which may be more comfortable and convenient.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or a minibus from Bangkok or other cities in Thailand to Trat town, and then take another bus or a taxi to Laem Sok pier. The bus takes about 5 to 6 hours and costs around 300 baht per person. The minibus takes about 4 hours and costs around 400 baht per person.
Koh Kood is a great destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful and natural island. It’s not a place for partying or shopping, but for relaxing and exploring. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise in Trat province, you should definitely check out Koh Kood.
Schedule of bus to Trat Province from Suvarnabhumi Airport
