Stunning bays and deserted beaches, thick jungle and hidden waterfalls, charming Thai-style resorts and over-the-water fishing villages, unbeatable peace and serenity, welcome to Koh Kood. Off-the-beaten-path and mostly undiscovered, Koh Kood is the last secret island in Thailand. Compared to Koh Samui twenty years ago, Koh Kood strikes with authenticity, indeed.
Koh Kood island is located in the southernmost part of the Trat province of Thailand, next to a Cambodian border. Koh Kood remains underdeveloped as it’s still out of a regular tourist route. Koh Kood sits in the shadow of Koh Chang, the third largest island in Thailand, serving as a getaway for travelers in-the-know only. Troublesome to reach but so worth it.
Why visit Koh Kood
- Off-the-beaten-path island exploration
- Kayak the National Geographic route across diverse mangrove forests
- Discover all three hidden waterfalls in the jungle
- Snorkel in Koh Raet to find sunken temple statues
- Go diving in Koh Rang archipelago
- Enjoy calm waters on Ao Phrao beach surrounded by tall palm trees
- Visit over-the-water fishing villages and mingle with locals
- Go trekking to find unique birds of Koh Kood island
- Island hopping to Koh Mak and Koh Chang
- Hush. Could you keep it to yourself?
Ao Phrao beach
Ao Phrao beach is exquisite. It looks almost pristine with the white foam of waters lapping lavishly as you walk the coconut plantations that fill the flat land. But it is mainly the river trip that begins at Ao Phrao that gets the plaudits. A National Geographic-like journey that seems forgotten by time, with its water village, monastery, and life-sustaining river, make it a cultural delight. Venture deeper on a kayak along the river to witness big hills that create a lush backdrop of unblemished, primary forest. The overall panorama up and down Ao Phrao is a near-pristine environment with just minor specks of color indicating the creep of civilization and the arrival of tourism.
Klong Chao waterfall
Klong Chao is the best of three waterfalls on Koh Kood. It hides in the middle of the island on the river that flows to the west coast at Klong Chao Beach. This part of Koh Kood island features the longest mangrove streams, winding its way behind the beach into the hills towards Klong Chao waterfall. There is an incredible opportunity for adventurers first to kayak up the creek through the mangrove and boost their energy level by hiking up through the forest to Klong Chao waterfall for delightful swimming. In 1911, King Rama VI visited Klong Chao and called it one of the most beautiful places he has ever seen.
Koh Kood snorkeling
Koh Kood doesn’t promise diverse and colorful coral reefs, so there is a lack of world-class snorkeling spots. However, there is a tiny island Koh Raet just off the Ao Yai Ki beach, which you can snorkel around from the beach. Koh Raet is famous for its rocky bottom filled with preserved coral reefs and underwater statues. The waters around Koh Raet hide animal sculptures of a tiger, elephant, cow, horse, and dog, all of which became home to a variety of fish species.
Ao Tum is another snorkeling spot just off Koh Kood, home to sea creatures such as octopus, stingrays, eels, and catfish. The depth doesn’t exceed 15 meters, which makes it a perfect snorkeling spot for beginners. However, the best snorkeling in Koh Kood by far is on nearby Koh Rang archipelago. Go there for a snorkeling day trip, it is totally worth it.
Koh Kood best beaches
Koh Kood is a beautiful island packing a punch with its secluded beaches. Koh Kood beaches are mostly situated on the west side of the island, while access can be quite limited on the rocky coastline on the east side. Apart from Ao Phrao mentioned above, few other beaches on the west coast deserve your attention.
Bang Bao
Horseshoe-shaped Bang Bao Bay is another favorite hideaway beach on Koh Kood. This charming, sandy-bottom bay has excellent protection and is the best place to anchor up on your private boat tour. Enjoy powder-sand on Bang Bao Beach and relax after exploring the surrounding jungle and hidden waterfall. Besides swimming in remarkably clear water, you will enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in Bang Bao Bay.
Ao Yai Ki
Ao Yai Ki is another destination to be discussed when talking about Koh Kood beaches. Also known as Captain Hook’s Bay, Ao Yai Ki welcomes with coconut trees spread along a milky-white beach, crystal clear water, and protected anchorage. Besides fantastic snorkeling, yet another waterfall awaits you if you venture inland from secluded Ao Yai Ki beach.
