My First Time Visiting Koh Kood: What Surprised Me

Wow! You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place that just exceeds all your expectations? That was my first time visiting Koh Kood, also known as Ko Kut, and let me tell you, this island is an absolute dream! Tucked away in Eastern Thailand, close to the Cambodian border, it’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. But stepping onto its shores revealed a paradise that genuinely surprised me with its untouched beauty and incredibly laid-back charm. If you’re searching for Thailand’s peaceful island gem, you have to read on!

Getting There: Part of the Thrilling Adventure!

Getting to Koh Kood isn’t quite as straightforward as flying into Phuket or Samui, and honestly, that’s part of its magic! The main way to arrive is via a high-speed catamaran from Trat’s Laem Ngop Pier. The journey takes about an hour and is a breezy start to the island escape. What surprised me was the thoughtful touch upon arrival at Ao Salad Pier – a complimentary baht bus was waiting to whisk visitors right to their accommodation! During the high season, you can also catch a speedboat from Bang Bao on Koh Chang, which takes a bit longer (around two hours) and costs more, but offers another route to this incredible island. Just a heads-up – maybe pack extra sunscreen and check for life preservers on those speedboats! If you want to book transport Trat to Koh Kood ahead of time, smartenplus are super trusted for booking local tickets online. You can book to travel from Bangkok to Koh Kood as well.

Getting Around: Embracing the Local Vibe!

Prepare for a delightful surprise – there’s virtually no public transport on Koh Kood! This might sound daunting, but it means renting a scooter or bicycle is really the best way to explore, giving you total freedom to discover hidden spots. While the main roads are less treacherous than on Koh Chang, some interior paths can be a bit rough. Finding certain spots, like the path to Klong Chao Waterfall, might take a little navigating – all part of the adventure! A surprising but important note: exercise caution when renting scooters, as some travellers have reported issues with maintenance and being charged for repairs. If scootering isn’t your thing, you can charter a songthaew (pickup truck taxi) to get around, otherwise, you might find yourself limited to the area near your stay.

My Koh Kood Stay: Beyond the Brochure!

I was pleasantly surprised by the range of accommodation options available, proving Koh Kood isn’t just for the super-luxury crowd. From surprisingly affordable hostels and homestays with great reviews to hotels and resorts right on stunning beaches or nestled along estuaries, there’s something for every budget. You can even find unique natural homestays or experience ultra-luxury at places like Soneva Kiri. Just be ready for the island’s famously laid-back atmosphere – sometimes that extends to the service, but it’s all part of the charm! Websites like Booking.com, Agoda.com, and Hostelworld were incredibly helpful for finding the perfect spot.

The Beaches: Utterly Stunning and… Empty?!

Okay, THIS was the biggest and best surprise of all! Koh Kood is famous for its beaches, and I’d read they were beautiful. But actually seeing them… wow! Pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water everywhere you look. Beaches like Klong Hin, Klong Chao, and Bang Bao were absolute postcard perfection. What completely blew my mind was the lack of crowds. Even the most popular beaches felt relatively empty compared to islands like Phuket or Samui. I found myself waiting for the crowds to appear, but they just never did. It felt like discovering a secret slice of paradise. Beaches like Klong Mad offer a quieter vibe, perfect for relaxing with a book, while Sai Daeng is a quirky wildcard with red cliffs, great for exploring and vibrant sunsets.

Beyond the Beach: Discovering Delightful Corners!

While relaxing on the beach is definitely a top activity, Koh Kood has some wonderful surprises inland too! There are three waterfalls on the island, with the largest, Klong Chao Waterfall, being a must-visit for a refreshing dip after a day in the sun. Exploring the ancient trees was also a cool discovery. Visiting the fishing villages, like Ao Yai or Klong Mad, offers a glimpse into local life and the chance to sample incredibly fresh seafood – definitely recommend the crab if you find it! For water lovers, the snorkeling and kayaking are well worth it. The waters are beautifully clear, and kayaking through the mangrove forests is a peaceful adventure. While it’s not a party island, spots like the Sunset Bar or Eco Bar offer nice places to wind down in the evenings.

Staying Connected: The Unexpected Challenge!

One surprising hurdle was the internet situation. While hotels often offer WiFi, it’s commonly described as “questionable” or “incredibly bad” [from conversation]. The absolute best practice for reliable internet access, which was a total game-changer for me, is to get a local Thai SIM card or dongle and use it to hotspot [from conversation]. Fast 5G is available across Thailand, even on the islands, and providers like AIS, True, and DTAC are recommended . If your phone is compatible, an eSim like Airalo is also a super convenient option. Don’t rely solely on hotel WiFi if you need to stay connected!

Foodie Finds: Fresh and Delicious!

Being an island with active fishing villages, it’s no surprise that the seafood is fantastic! Eating fresh seafood, especially in places like Ao Yai village, was a highlight. Beyond seafood, you can find cheap Thai diners, cafes, and restaurant options at resorts. A delightful discovery for something different was the Pizza and Pasta restaurant, run by a friendly Italian guy named Alex, who is a great source of local tips!

Planning Your Trip: Lessons Learned!

Based on my first visit, here are a few practical tips that really help:

Best Time to Visit: The peak season, typically November to February, offers cooler, drier weather – perfect for exploring [52, 77, from conversation]. The shoulder seasons (March-May and September-October) might offer fewer crowds and potentially better deals.
How Long to Stay: While you can see the key sights in 2 nights, a 3-day getaway feels just right to truly relax and explore. Many fall in love and stay longer!
Packing Essentials: Don’t forget the basics for a tropical island adventure: lightweight clothing, lots of sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle (hydration is key!). Comfortable shoes are useful for exploring waterfalls or walking. An outer shell jacket can be handy for unexpected rain.
Safety: Koh Kood feels very safe, but it’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings.
Travel Insurance: As with any trip, travel insurance is strongly recommended for peace of mind, covering potential medical issues.

Koh Kood’s Unique Charm & Context: More Than Just Beaches!

What really makes Koh Kood special is its character. It feels genuinely less developed than places like Koh Chang, partly because it lacks a car ferry, which means goods can be pricier. Its economy still relies significantly on fishing and agriculture alongside tourism. This contributes to its feeling of being an “untouched” paradise, a refreshing contrast to islands affected by mass tourism. There’s also a growing focus on eco-tourism, which is wonderful to see.

The Verdict: My New Favourite Island!

My first time visiting Koh Kood was an absolute revelation. It delivered on the promise of stunning beaches and tranquility, but the extent of its unspoiled nature and peaceful vibe truly surprised and captivated me. If you’re looking for an island escape in Thailand that feels like a genuine hidden gem, away from the usual crowds, Koh Kood is calling your name. Don’t wait too long to visit this enchanting paradise!