The raw beauty of Koh Kood

Koh Kood is also spelt as Ko Kut. The island is peaceful with not many tourists.

Koh Kood is known for crystal picturest waters, but If you visit this island for a long weekend in July like we did, the waters will more than likely be choppy.

Trat Airport

We flew from Bangkok to Trat. The airport in Trat felt local and reminded me of a golf course. Bangkok Airways operate a great boutique service. Trat airport was relaxing.

As we left the airport there was a taxi/minibus stand, where we booked transport to take us to the Laem Sok pier. The return ticket cost 900 baht per person. We did not book in advance.

Check in and chill out

This resort is located next to the pier in Trat. We checked in and chilled out. The resort upgraded us to a little wooden cabin and prepared us for our island trip. The owners were very friendly. After the check in we unpacked, chilled by the pool, had some food and drank some coffee.

That evening we played snooker. Yes, they had a full size snooker table!

We slept amazing here, the cabin had all the modern day appliances such as a TV, air conditioning and lots of windows.

we casually woke up to the sound of birds, had breakfast and then walked to the boat. Super practical.

The Ko Kut Express Ferry

If you visit this island during busy thai holidays, remember to book a ferry! Ferries only run a few times a day and get busy/sold out fast. The boats depart from the Laem Sok pier. We didn’t buy a ferry ticket so that’s the reason for our stay in Trat. These things happen. Tickets can be purchased here. there isn’t a vehicle ferry to this island.

The Ko Kut Express songthaew takes you to your resort and picks you up at the end of your stay.

Paradise Beach Resort

This resort had everything for a relaxing island escape. The staff were friendly and the rooms were reasonably priced and spacious. There was a small onsite shop where you could buy your essentials, this was handy because 7-eleven shops or places of mass tourism do not exist here. The hotels continental breakfast was good and varied.

Ao Tapao Beach

Ao Tapao Beach was connected to our resort. The beach had soft sands, blue waters and was filled with palm trees, coconuts and swings.

If you are looking for peace and quiet on this island, this is the place. Ao Tapao is enclosed by large rocks at both ends, we climbed the rocks to visit a neighbouring beach, but I do not advise this because its rather dangerous. There was not much of a nightlife/bar scene on this beach.

The Fishermans Hut

On the second day of out trip we stumbled upon this restaurant and had some fresh and tasty food. Definitely worth a visit!

Klong Chao waterfall

This waterfall was the highlight of the trip. The first natural waterfall that I have ever seen/swam in. I was surprised how fresh it was, probably even drinkable!

This waterfall was free to enter. We were here for around two hours. Not much work was done to maintain this site. There is a donations box as you leave which I placed some change into. I suggest giving this waterfall a visit before it develops into something else.

If you want to see a perfect waterfall, visit Klong Chao in the rainy season, preferably in the morning as there are less people than in the afternoon. I was told that His Majesty King Rama VI visited this waterfall. This place is magical.

Tips

Roads

Most roads are in good condition and are almost deserted, there is no regular public transport; you’ll need to hire your own motorbike, bicycle, boat or kayak, or charter a songthaew to get around. The songthaew cost us 600 Baht for 4 hours.

Cash

Bring cash with you. As there are not many ATMs on the island.

Torch

There isn’t much street lighting. Bring a flashlight with you. Handy for when you want to take a shortcut via dirt track.