Thailand's fourth-largest island remains blissfully undeveloped with pristine beaches, jungle waterfalls, and laid-back fishing villages. No 7-Elevens, no ATMs, no crowds - just pure tropical paradise.
Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is Thailand's fourth-largest island, covering 105 square kilometres in the Gulf of Thailand close to the Cambodian border, administratively part of Trat Province. Accessibility is intentionally limited — the only way to reach the island is by speedboat or slow boat from Laem Sok pier near Trat (2 to 4 hours depending on vessel), which filters out day-trippers and maintains the island's undeveloped character. No 7-Eleven, no ATM (bring cash), no nightclubs, and few paved roads beyond the main east-coast route give Koh Kood the feel of a place genuinely outside the Thai tourist circuit. The west and south coasts hold the island's best beaches: Ao Khlong Phrao on the west is a long sandy bay with clear water and a handful of resorts; Ao Bang Bao in the southwest is a fishing village beach with a small pier where speedboats dock; Hat Khlong Phrao in the southwest is among the most pristine beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. The interior is forested with rubber and palm plantations, and several waterfalls cascade from the hills — Klong Chao waterfall (3 tiers, swimmable at the base) and Nam Tok Khlong Yai Ki are both reachable from the main road. The island's small permanent population is concentrated in Koh Kood village on the eastern coast where a community of Thai, Chinese-Thai, and Thai-Khmer residents has lived for generations. Electricity on the island is generated locally and can be intermittent outside resort areas.
Highlights
- Ao Khlong Phrao — a wide, quiet bay with gin-clear water and almost no tourist infrastructure
- Klong Chao waterfall — three tiers through jungle with a swimmable pool at the base
- Koh Kood village — a traditional fishing community with a Thai-Khmer heritage on the east coast
- No 7-Elevens, no ATMs, no traffic — one of the last undeveloped large islands in the Gulf
- Hat Khlong Phrao in the southwest — wide fine sand beach with minimal development behind it
Tips for visiting
- Bring enough cash for the entire stay — there are no ATMs on the island
- Book accommodation in advance; the island has limited beds and fills quickly in December to February
- Rent a scooter to explore; the main east-coast road is paved but most beach roads are unpaved
- Speedboats from Laem Sok take 2 hours; slow boats take 4 hours and are far cheaper
- Electricity can be intermittent outside resort areas — check with your accommodation
When to visit
November through April is high season in the Gulf of Thailand; the island is at its best from December to March when seas are calm and skies clear. May to October brings rough seas and boat cancellations during the monsoon; some resorts close entirely.
Accessibility
Koh Kood's unpaved roads, sandy beaches, and boat-based access make it difficult for wheelchair users. The main east-coast road is paved, but beach access points typically involve sand or uneven ground. Some resorts have more accessible pathways within their grounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Koh Kood?
Boats depart from Laem Sok pier near Trat, reached by minivan from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (about 5–6 hours total to the pier). Speedboats take 2 hours and cost around 700–1,000 baht; slower wooden boats take 4 hours for around 300 baht.
Is Koh Kood suitable for families?
Yes. The calm, clear water on the west coast is excellent for families with children. The lack of nightlife and the quiet pace make it better suited to families than party-oriented islands. Accommodation ranges from budget bungalows to eco-resorts.
Are there any ATMs on Koh Kood?
No. As of 2026, there are no ATMs on Koh Kood. All transactions on the island are in cash. Visitors should bring sufficient Thai baht for the entire duration of their stay plus contingency for delays.