After several years living and travelling in Thailand, I am often asked what my favourite island is. The answer sometimes surprises people. It's neither Phuket, nor Koh Samui, nor even Koh Phangan. Without hesitation, I answer Koh Kood.
There are places that leave a greater mark on us than others.
Places where you feel instantly at ease.
Places where we naturally slow down.
For me, Koh Kood is one of those rare places.
Located near the Cambodian border, in the Gulf of Thailand, this still-untouched island offers exactly what many travellers are looking for today: peace, nature, and a sense of freedom that has become difficult to find in some more popular destinations.
Why do I love Koh Kood so much?
The first thing that springs to mind when I think of Koh Kood is that incredible feeling of tranquility.
Here, there's no constant traffic.
No large tourist complexes as far as the eye can see.
No streets filled with bars and souvenir shops.
You mainly hear the sound of the waves, the singing of the birds and the wind in the coconut trees.
And honestly, it feels good.
Having visited many Thai islands, I sometimes feel that some have lost some of their authenticity due to mass tourism.
Koh Kood, though, has managed to preserve something precious: its soul.
Crystal clear water and magnificent beaches
If you dream of white sand and clear water, you risk falling in love with the island.
Some beaches look like postcards.
The water is often so clear that you can easily see the bottom several metres away.
And unlike other, better-known destinations, it’s not unusual to walk for several minutes without coming across many people.
That's what makes the experience so enjoyable.
Bang Bao Beach: my absolute favourite
If there's one place I systematically recommend, it's Bang Bao Beach.
It's simply my favourite beach on the island.
The water is calm, clear, and the colours are magnificent all day long.
I particularly like going there in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the atmosphere becomes even more peaceful.
It’s exactly the sort of place where you sit down for a few minutes… and then, two hours later, you realise you haven’t done a single thing.
And that, precisely, is what luxury is all about.
The other beaches to discover
Klong Chao Beach
Probably the best-known beach on Koh Kood.
Despite its popularity, it remains very pleasant and much less crowded than the big beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui.
Ao Tapao Beach
A long beach lined with coconut trees, perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.
Secret Beach
More discreet and often quieter, it's well worth a visit.
What to do in Koh Kood?
Even though we mainly come here to relax, there are several activities to discover.
Explore the island by scooter
For me, it's the best way to discover Koh Kood.
The roads pass through coconut groves, small villages, and sometimes offer magnificent views of the sea.
Discover the waterfalls
Klong Chao waterfall is one of the island's best-known.
After a short walk through the jungle, you’ll arrive at a beautiful natural spot where you can cool off.
Visit the fishing village of Ao Salad
The place allows you to discover another side of Koh Kood, more local and authentic.
Go kayaking
Several beaches offer kayak rentals for a peaceful exploration of the coastline.
5 things to know before you go
1. Hotels can be very isolated
That's often what makes them charming.
However, some accommodations are far from restaurants, shops, or beaches.
Before booking, always check the exact location.
2. Without a scooter or car, getting around can be complicated
The island remains relatively wild and transport is limited.
If you're not driving, it might be wise to choose a hotel in a convenient location or one that offers a shuttle service.
3. It's not an island for partying
If you're looking for beach clubs, lively bars and parties that go on until the morning, Koh Kood is probably not your best option.
It is a perfect destination to slow down
And that's probably what makes all its magic.
We come here to enjoy the present moment, not to rush from one activity to another.
5. You might have trouble leaving
Yes, that's a real risk.
I know many travellers who planned two or three days on the island and ended up extending their stay.
How to get to Koh Kood?
Most travellers reach Koh Kood from Bangkok.
The journey generally includes:
- A bus or private transfer to Trat.
- A fast boat trip to the island.
The journey is longer than to reach some destinations in southern Thailand.
But once you arrive, you quickly understand why so many travellers fall under the island's spell.
During my trips to Thailand, I often use 12Go to book journeys between Bangkok, Trat and the islands, which allows you to have all the timetables and connections in one place.
An island that chose to stay simple
What strikes me every time I visit Koh Kood is how much the island has retained its authenticity.
In many Thai destinations, you'll now find rows of shops, international brands, and a Seven Eleven on virtually every street corner.
On Koh Kood, it's different.
The Seven Elevens are non-existent on the island and this completely changes the atmosphere.
Instead of big chains, you'll still find small local shops, family-run restaurants, and businesses run by the local people.
It may seem trivial, but I find it contributes enormously to the island's charm.
You really get the impression of being far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
My favourite hotel in Koh Kood
Among the various accommodations I've had the chance to discover, Koh Kood Resort remains one of my favourites.
The location is magnificent.
The resort directly overlooks a bay with crystal-clear waters and offers absolutely superb sunsets.
What I particularly appreciate is its peaceful atmosphere.
In the morning, having your coffee facing the sea as the island gently awakens is one of those simple moments that make a trip memorable.
The little evening market that I adore
If there's one place I always recommend to travellers, it's the small evening market on Koh Kood.
Don't expect a huge market like in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
Here, everything is on a human scale.
A few stalls offer Thai cuisine, fresh fruit, grilled dishes, local desserts, and some island specialities.
What appeals to me most is the atmosphere.
On certain evenings, a small band plays live while locals and travellers enjoy the evening.
People are chatting, eating quietly, and simply taking the time to live.
That's exactly the spirit of Koh Kood.
Simple, authentic and unpretentious.
An island where the pleasure of simple things can be found
On Koh Kood, not much happens sometimes.
And that's precisely what makes it so magical.
Here, a perfect day could simply consist of watching the sea from Bang Bao Beach, taking a scooter ride amongst the palm trees, stopping at a small café with an ocean view, and then finishing the evening at the local market.
No need for a packed schedule.
No need to run.
Koh Kood is one of those rare places that remind you that travelling isn't necessarily about doing more.
It's sometimes simply taking the time to appreciate what's around us.
My personal opinion
I almost hope Koh Kood never becomes as popular as some other Thai islands.
Not because I want to keep it a secret.
But because what makes it beautiful today is precisely this feeling of space, calm, and freedom.
In a world where everything moves fast, Koh Kood reminds us that travelling isn't just about ticking places off a list.
It's sometimes simply sitting facing the sea, listening to the waves and enjoying the present moment.
For me, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand.
FAQ
How many days should you plan for Koh Kood?
I recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 days to fully enjoy the island.
Should I rent a scooter?
Yes, it's the most convenient way to explore Koh Kood.
What is the most beautiful beach?
Personally, Bang Bao Beach remains my absolute favourite.
Is Koh Kood suitable for families?
Yes, the island is ideal for families seeking peace and quiet and nature.
The best time to visit Koh Kood is between November and April.
Between November and April, when the weather conditions are generally most favourable.
