Koh Kood
เกาะกูด · Trat Province
Population
2K
Budget / Month
$611
Internet
15 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season, calm seas)
About Koh Kood
Koh Kood lies in the eastern Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border, making it one of the most remote major islands in the country. Its inaccessibility has preserved it from mass tourism, resulting in an island that feels decades behind the development curve — and that is precisely its appeal. Crystal-clear waters lap against powdery white-sand beaches shaded by coconut palms, while the interior remains cloaked in dense tropical jungle.
The coastline features some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, with Klong Chao Beach and Ao Tapao being standout stretches. Inland, Klong Chao Waterfall tumbles into a natural swimming pool surrounded by jungle, and the mangrove-lined Klong Chao river offers peaceful kayaking. The fishing village of Ao Salat on the northern tip provides a glimpse into traditional island life with wooden houses on stilts and fresh seafood straight from the boats.
Accommodation ranges from rustic bungalows to exclusive beach resorts including Soneva Kiri. Infrastructure remains basic — few ATMs, limited medical facilities, and patchy internet. Roads are mostly unpaved and the island is best explored by scooter. This rawness is what makes Koh Kood special.
Historical Note
Koh Kood has been inhabited by Thai fishing communities for centuries. Its remote location near Cambodia kept it largely isolated and it served as a naval outpost during border conflicts. International tourists only discovered it in the early 2000s.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season, calm seas)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะกูด
Province
Trat
Region
Eastern
Population
2,000
Area
105 km²
Elevation
315 m
Postal Code
23000
Airport
TDX
Local Language
Central Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month22,000 THB
~$611 USD
comfortable
/month48,500 THB
~$1,347 USD
luxury
/month130,000 THB
~$3,611 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 80 | 150 |
| Restaurant meal (Thai) | 150 | 350 |
| Upscale restaurant meal | 500 | 2,000 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 60 | 100 |
| Beer (bottle) | 80 | 120 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 20 | 30 |
| Fresh seafood meal | 200 | 600 |
| Coconut | 40 | 60 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget bungalow | 600 | 1,200 |
| Mid-range resort | 1,500 | 4,000 |
| Luxury resort | 8,000 | 50,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter rental (day) | 250 | 350 |
| Speedboat transfer (one way) | 450 | 800 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Longtail boat trip | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Massage (1 hour) | 300 | 500 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
8% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry season with calm seas and clear skies. December to February is peak with warm days around 28-32°C. May to October brings rough seas, heavy rain, and many resorts shut down entirely.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 23 | 15 | 70% |
| Feb | 32 | 24 | 20 | 68% |
| Mar | 33 | 25 | 50 | 70% |
| Apr | 34 | 26 | 100 | 74% |
| May | 33 | 26 | 250 | 80% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 350 | 84% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 380 | 85% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 370 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 350 | 85% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 280 | 82% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 100 | 75% |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 30 | 70% |
Things to Do
Klong Chao Waterfall
น้ำตกคลองเจ้า
Jungle waterfall tumbling into a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Bring water shoes for the rocky bottom.
Snorkeling at Ao Tapao
Crystal-clear water with excellent visibility and coral reefs close to shore on the island's quieter southwest coast.
Ao Salat Fishing Village
Traditional fishing village on the northern tip with wooden houses on stilts and the island's best and cheapest seafood restaurants.
Kayaking Klong Chao River
Paddle through mangrove-lined channels upstream toward the waterfall. Peaceful and scenic morning activity.
Beach Hopping by Scooter
Rent a scooter and explore Klong Chao, Ao Tapao, and Ao Ngam Kho beaches along the island's coastline.
Bioluminescent Plankton
On moonless nights, wade into shallow water to see bioluminescent plankton glowing blue-green with every movement.
Food & Dining
ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว
Pla Kapong Neung Manao
Steamed sea bass with lime, garlic, and chili. A Thai seafood classic prepared with the freshest island-caught fish.
250-400
Ao Salat seafood restaurants
กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น
Kung Ob Woonsen
Glass noodle shrimp pot baked in a clay pot with pepper, coriander root, and soy sauce.
200-350
Beachfront restaurants
แกงส้ม
Gaeng Som
Sour curry with fish, tamarind, and vegetables. A tangy, warming southern-style curry using local catch.
100-200
Local family restaurants
ผัดไทยกุ้ง
Pad Thai Goong
Classic pad thai made with fresh local prawns. Available at most beach restaurants across the island.
100-180
Beach restaurants
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
500 - 800
THB / night
Budget Hotel
600 - 1,200
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Luxury
8,000 - 50,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
12,000 - 20,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
15,000 - 30,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Book well in advance for peak season (December-February). Many resorts close entirely from June to October. Bring cash — card acceptance is limited.
Getting There from Bangkok
Trat Airport
Airport Code: TDX
Flight + speedboat
1 hour flight + 1.5 hours boat
3,000-5,000 THB
Bus + speedboat
5-6 hours bus + 1.5 hours boat
500-700 THB
Minivan + speedboat
5 hours + 1 hour boat
400-600 THB
Getting Around
Scooter rental
WidespreadThe primary way to get around. Roads are mostly unpaved.
250-350/day
Resort transfers
Tourist areas onlyMost resorts offer pier pickup and drop-off.
Included or 200-500
Neighborhoods
Klong Chao Beach
Relaxed tropical beachfront villageThe main tourist hub with the highest concentration of resorts, restaurants, and the island's best beach. The waterfall is a short ride inland.
Best for: First-time visitors seeking convenience
Ao Tapao
Secluded and peacefulA quieter stretch of coastline on the southwest with beautiful sand and excellent snorkeling. Fewer restaurants but several good mid-range resorts.
Best for: Travelers seeking solitude and snorkeling
Festivals & Events
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating lantern festival celebrated on the beach with an intimate small-island atmosphere far from the mainland crowds.
Koh Kood Sea Festival
Local festival celebrating seafood and island culture with boat races and community gatherings.
Practical Info
Hospital
Basic clinic on island; Trat Hospital on mainland
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only at most places. Basic English at tourist resorts. Bring a translation app.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected but appreciated at resorts
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Mak
Eco-island with cycling paths, relaxed beaches, and no ATMs. A quieter, flatter alternative with a car-free atmosphere.
Koh Wai
Tiny Robinson Crusoe-style island with excellent snorkeling and virtually no development.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Koh Kood?
Fly to Trat Airport from Bangkok (1 hour) then speedboat from Laem Sok pier (1-1.5 hours). Alternatively, bus from Ekkamai terminal (5-6 hours) then boat.
Are there ATMs on Koh Kood?
A few unreliable ATMs exist. Bring plenty of cash in Thai Baht from the mainland as they may run out.
Can I work remotely from Koh Kood?
Internet is available but unreliable at 10-30 Mbps. Not suitable for video calls or large uploads. This is a digital detox destination.
When do resorts close for low season?
Many resorts close from June to October. Some stay open year-round with reduced services. Always confirm availability before booking.
Do I need a scooter?
Strongly recommended. The island is large and public transport is nonexistent. Scooters cost 250-350 THB/day.
What is the best beach?
Klong Chao Beach is the most popular and accessible. Ao Tapao is quieter with excellent snorkeling. Both have stunning white sand.