Koh Kood island: Thailand’s hidden paradise with beaches & waterfalls
Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, is a small paradise island in Thailand. This island is located near Koh Chang and Koh Mak and many people who visited this island, consider it one of the most beautiful islands in Thailan. For us it’s easy to see why! The island has everything you could wish for: peaceful white beaches lined with lush palm trees, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and stunning waterfalls waiting to be explored.
Koh Kood is part of the Koh Chang Marine Park, a protected area famous for its amazing underwater world. It’s a great spot for snorkelers and divers alike!
What really makes Koh Kood stand out is that it still keeps that authentic Thai vibe, even though there are plenty of tourist facilities. It feels like a hidden gem you want to keep all to yourself. In short, it’s the perfect place where nature, tranquility, and culture come together. Koh Kood is in our top 3 islands of Thailand for sure!
Beaches
The beaches of Koh Kood are, in our opinion, some of the most beautiful in Thailand. It’s hard to describe them without sounding repetitive because it really comes down to the same thing: crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and stunning palm trees. You can’t really go wrong on Koh Kood. The main differences between the beaches are mostly about what’s around them—like resorts, restaurants, the vibe, activities, and how easy they are to get to.
Klong Chao Beach
Klong Chao Beach
Klong Chao Beach (Tinkerbell Beach) is one of Koh Kood’s most popular spots. The shoreline has stylish resorts—many with private pools and beachfront views—like Tinkerbell Re […]
Ao Tapao Beach
Ao Tapao Beach
Ao Tapao Beach is one of Koh Kood’s most developed beaches. Next to Nam Leuk pier, it’s still stunning, with crystal-clear water and visible fish right off the boat.
Hat Na Lai
Haad Na Lay
Small, laid-back beach with wooden boardwalks and charming details. A-Na-Lay Resort’s family bungalows sit among the rocks with sea views. You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel […]
Huggy Beach / Million Beach
Million Beach
Million Beach (also known as Huggy Beach) is a compact white-sand cove with volleyball, calm water, and a quirky vibe. Easy stop for beach-hopping near cafés and nearby bays on Ko […]
Ao Phrao Beach
Ao Phrao Beach
Discover Ao Phrao Beach on Koh Kood: a tranquil, palm-fringed paradise with calm waters, local charm, and stunning sunsets away from the crowds.
Ao Jark Bay
Ao Jark Bay
Discover Ao Jark Bay on Koh Kood: a quiet beach where jungle meets sea, with calm waters, cozy resorts, and laid-back island vibes.
Koh Kood
Secret Sunset Beach
Quiet, hidden cove on Koh Kood with soft sand, golden sunsets, and no crowds—perfect for couples, solo travelers, and photographers.
Ao Noi beach
Ao Noi Beach
Discover Ao Noi Beach on Koh Kood: a quiet cove with clear water, a wooden pier, soft sand, and one relaxed resort—perfect for couples.
Bang Bao Beach / Siam Beach
Bang Bao Beach
Discover Bang Bao Beach on Koh Kood: soft sand, calm turquoise sea, great food, and relaxing resorts—perfect for your Thailand island escape.
Haad Khlong Hin
Haad Khlong Hin
Haad Khlong Hin is a 500-meter, white, bowl-shaped beach with plenty of palm shade. The shallow, warm sea is great for kids. Besides Khlong Hin Beach Resort and the upscale A la Ko […]
Accommodations
Koh Kood offers a wide range of luxury hotels and resorts, most of which are right on the beach. In fact, the most luxurious resort in all of Thailand is located here. There are cheaper places to stay as well, but they’re usually a bit further from the beach. That’s not really a problem, though, since you can easily get around on a scooter. Just keep in mind that some hotels close during the rainy season.
If you ask us how long you should stay on Koh Kood, we would say a minimum of 4 days, but if you have more time, 6 days or longer. Especially if you want to see more than just the beach where you’re staying. Koh Chang is truly a wonderful place to stay.
The Survival by Seudam
- Accommodations
- Glampings
review
Siam Beach Resort
- Accommodations
- Resorts
Peter Pan Resort
- Accommodations
- Family Rooms
- Pool Villas
- Resorts
The Beach Natural Resort
- Accommodations
- Pool Villas
- Resorts
Bann Makok The Getaway
- Accommodations
- Resorts
Eat & Drink
Koh Kood still has plenty of small, locally-run restaurants, and since it’s located pretty far north, you can try dishes you don’t often find elsewhere in Thailand. One great example is the delicious Thai dish Khao Soi—definitely worth trying! Just a heads-up though, if you’re craving your favorite toasted sandwich, you’ll be out of luck here because there’s no 7-Eleven on Koh Kood. And honestly, the locals don’t want one either. We saw quite a few posters around town opposing the arrival of a 7-Eleven on the island.
Klong Chao Beach
Mermaid Restaurant
Mermaid Restaurant & Café on Koh Kood is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal, offering both delicious Thai classics and familiar Western dishes. Located near Ao Chao Beach, you ca […]
Ao Tapao Beach
The Fisherman Hut
The Fisherman Hut on Koh Kood is a small restaurant near Ao Tapao Beach, run by a friendly couple. Known for authentic Thai dishes, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality, it turns ma […]
Koh Kood
Black Bananas
Black Bananas on Koh Kood is a hidden gem since 2019, known for its cozy vibe and surprisingly diverse menu. Whether you crave Thai classics, fusion pasta, or fresh cocktails, this […]
Ao Yai Fisherman Village
Noochy Seafood
Noochy Seafood is Koh Kood’s most famous seafood restaurant, uniquely set in the floating fishing village of Ao Yai. A special spot — and a must if you want to swap your beach […]
Koh Kood
Gathie Cafe
Gathi Café is a cozy seaside spot near Nam Leuk Pier. Enjoy delicious shakes and homemade treats like brownies and cakes. Take in stunning ocean views from the boardwalk—sunsets […]
Koh Kood
Goodview Resort and Coffee
Goodview Resort and Coffee has not only a resort but also a restaurant. It’s a great spot for a drink while watching the sun set over the sea. Next to the restaurant is a popular […]
Koh Kood
Koh Reat Sashimi Man
If you love sashimi and a touch of adventure, don’t miss Koh Raet near Koh Kood. From Secret Sunset Beach, a short boat ride takes you to a tiny floating fish restaurant where th […]
Bang Bao Beach / Siam Beach
Heaven Sense
Serving some of the best pizzas and pastas on Koh Kood, HeavenSense uses fresh ingredients imported from Italy. Portions are generous, prices higher (because of import), and delive […]
See & Do
Koh Kood is a paradise for adventurers and beach lovers! Besides enjoying the stunning beaches, there are plenty of exciting activities on and around the island that you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Koh Kood
Big Chai Tree & Makkayuk Tree
The Big Chai Tree and the Makkayuk Tree are massive, ancient trees deep in the jungle of Koh Kood. They’re over 500 years old and hold a special spiritual significance for the Thai people. According to local belief, when a woman passes away on Koh Kood, her spirit is said to go to these trees. You’ll notice several of them wrapped in orange cloth, and on one tree, there was even a dress adorned with flowers. It’s a unique, mystical spot that’s definitely worth a visit if you’re heading to the nearby Huang Nam Waterfall.
Koh Kood
Sabai Dog
On the tranquil island of Koh Kood, Sabai Dog shines as a beacon of hope for stray dogs. Founded by the devoted Lithuanian couple Mantas and Rasa, this humble rescue offers more th […]
Koh Kood
Kayak & Paddleboard
Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Koh Kood and explore stunning waterfalls, hidden bays, and charming fishing villages. Perfect for adventure lovers!
Ao Yai Fisherman Village
Ao Yai Fisherman Village Koh Kood
Ban Ao Yai is a small fishing village built on stilts over the sea. Besides giving you a glimpse into the lives of the local fishermen, it’s also one of the best spots to enjoy fresh seafood. This stilt village is home to several fish restaurants. The pier is tucked away on the east side of Koh Kood, and the scenic drive there along winding roads is beautiful in itself. On your way to Ao Yai Pier and Ban Ao Yai, you’ll pass a great viewpoint where you can already see the village — definitely worth stopping for a photo!
Koh Kood
Koh Kood Gym
Koh Kood Gym (เกาะกูดยิม) gives you that extra boost of movement in paradise. Located on the beautiful island of Koh Kood, this gym combines a relaxed atmospher […]
Klong Mad Fisherman Village
Klong Mad Fisherman Village
Klong Mad is partly a small fishing village with friendly locals and cozy coffee spots, and partly a beautiful little bay with sun loungers. You can rent kayaks to explore the crystal-clear water. But honestly, we’d totally get it if you just decide to stay put and soak it all in.
Koh Kood
Klong Yai Kee Waterfall
Discover Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall on Koh Kood: a short but adventurous jungle hike leads to a natural pool where you can swim most of the year. Enjoy lush scenery, rock sunbathing, and multiple waterfall levels—a peaceful nature escape
Transportation
Getting around
Rent a scooter
The best and cheapest way to explore Koh Kood is by renting a scooter. You can get one for around 250-300 baht a day. The roads are narrow but quiet and in good condition. The only exception is the last stretch to some of the more remote beaches, like Oa Jark Bay, where the road gets a bit rough. As long as you’re not trying to be a daredevil and have some scooter experience, riding around Koh Kood is a lot of fun. Plus, the island is beautifully green!
Taxi’s / Songtheaw
Another way to get around Koh Kood is by taking a songthaew taxi. But exploring the island this way can get pretty pricey quickly — we saw signs advertising “Discover island tours for 2000 baht.” We haven’t tried that ourselves. If you’re just heading to the pier or another hotel, songthaews are usually shared, which keeps the cost reasonable. You’ll typically pay around 150 baht per person. It’s easy to arrange through your accommodation.
Getting to Koh Kood
Trat, near the Cambodian border by the Gulf of Thailand, is where boats depart for Koh Kood. From Bangkok, you can take a bus, hire a taxi, or fly—the fastest and often affordable option if booked early.
From Bangkok to Trat province, it takes about five hours by bus. By plane, the journey takes just over an hour. From Trat to Leam Sok Pier, it’s a 45-minute drive, and from the pier, it’s about an hour’s boat ride to Koh Kood. Boat tickets include shared taxi transport to your hotel, which is super convenient! In the past, Koh Kood was closed during the rainy season, from June to mid-October. Nowadays, at least one boat runs daily during the rainy season.
Plan your trip to Koh Kood
Combine Koh Kood with Koh Mak and Koh Chang
Koh Kood is close to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, so a lot of people just visit all three during their trip. That way, you get to mix it up and enjoy a bit of everything each island has to offer! Here is the route with approximate distances between islands and Trat:
Koh Kood → Trat: ~45 km (about 1.5 hours by boat)
Trat → Koh Chang: ~30 km (about 30-45 minutes by boat)
Koh Chang → Koh Mak: ~25 km (about 1 hour by boat)
Koh Mak → Koh Kood: ~15 km (about 30-45 minutes by boat)
Best route summary: Trat → Koh Chang → Koh Mak → Koh Kood → Trat. Or the other way around, like we did.
This route sticks to the islands’ order and distances, so you don’t have to zigzag around. That way, you can see all the islands without wasting time.