Koh Kood (Koh Kut), near the Cambodian border in Trat province, is one of Thailand's least developed large islands, with jungle, waterfalls and quiet west-coast bays. There is no big town and no nightlife to speak of, so the choice is mostly about which beach, budget and level of isolation suit you.
Klong Chao is the best all-round area and a good pick for first-timers, with the most restaurants, a river for kayaking and the island's best-known waterfall nearby. Ao Tapao suits couples and families wanting a calm, sandy bay. Ao Bang Bao is the choice for couples on an upscale stay, with a long beach and some of the island's more polished resorts. Budget travellers do best around Ao Ngam Kho and the cheaper guesthouses near Klong Chao. Many places close or scale down from around May to October.
Areas compared
The best areas to stay in Koh Kood
1
Klong Chao
The island's most convenient beach and village
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Klong Chao, on the west coast, is where a river meets a long, sandy beach, and it is the closest thing Koh Kood has to a centre. There is a cluster of restaurants, small shops and an ATM in the area, plus accommodation from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts. You can kayak up the river through mangroves, and Klong Chao waterfall is a short ride inland. Evenings are quiet, with a handful of bars and restaurants rather than any nightlife.
Best forFirst-timersBudget travellersCouples
Why stay here
Most restaurants and services on the island
River kayaking and waterfall nearby
Wide range of prices
Watch out for
Still quiet in the evening, with few bars
Beach can collect debris in the rainy season
Getting around: Many resorts offer transfers; otherwise a scooter is the easiest way around. Taxis exist but are limited and best booked through your accommodation.
Ao Tapao is a sheltered bay on the west coast, a short ride from Klong Chao, with soft sand and generally calm, clear water in the dry season. A few mid-range and upscale resorts line the beach, along with a small pier that makes a good sunset spot. There is little beyond the resorts and a couple of local restaurants, which is exactly why couples and families like it. It is close enough to Klong Chao for supplies and dinners out.
Best forCouplesFamiliesSwimming
Why stay here
Calm, clear water for swimming
Sunsets from the pier
Quiet without being isolated
Watch out for
Limited choice of restaurants outside the resorts
Need transport to reach shops
Getting around: A scooter or resort transfer is needed to reach Klong Chao; the coastal roads are hilly in places.
Ao Bang Bao, on the west coast, has one of Koh Kood's longest beaches, with fine sand and clear water in the dry season. It has some of the island's more upscale resorts alongside mid-range and simpler options, and the best of them have their own restaurants and boat trips. It feels secluded and peaceful, with very little development behind the beach. Most guests spend their days at the resort and join snorkelling trips to nearby islands, heading to Klong Chao for an occasional meal out. Do not confuse it with Bang Bao on Koh Chang.
Best forCouplesHoneymoonersUpscale stays
Why stay here
Long, beautiful beach
Some of the island's best resorts
Very peaceful
Watch out for
Few independent places to eat
Dependent on resort transport and prices
Getting around: Most resorts include or arrange boat and road transfers; scooters can be rented, but roads to other beaches are hilly.
Ao Ngam Kho is a small bay on the west coast near Klong Chao, with a mix of sand and rocks and a handful of simple bungalows and guesthouses set in greenery. It is one of the more affordable places to stay on Koh Kood and has a relaxed, low-key feel. The beach is less polished than Ao Tapao or Ao Bang Bao, and swimming can be tricky at low tide, but Klong Chao's restaurants and services are close by.
Best forBackpackersBudget travellersSlow travellers
Why stay here
More affordable accommodation
Easy access to Klong Chao
Quiet and green setting
Watch out for
Rocky in places, especially at low tide
Simpler standards of accommodation
Getting around: Klong Chao is within easy reach by scooter; some guesthouses rent bikes and scooters.
Klong ChaoThe most services, restaurants and activities on the island.
The most services, restaurants and activities on the island.
Budget travellers and backpackers
Ao Ngam KhoThe cheapest bungalows, close to Klong Chao's restaurants.
The cheapest bungalows, close to Klong Chao's restaurants.
Couples
Ao Bang BaoA beautiful, quiet beach and romantic resorts; Ao Tapao is a good alternative.
A beautiful, quiet beach and romantic resorts; Ao Tapao is a good alternative.
Families
Ao TapaoCalm water in the dry season and a relaxed atmosphere.
Calm water in the dry season and a relaxed atmosphere.
Nightlife
Klong ChaoThe only area with a few bars, though Koh Kood has no real nightlife.
The only area with a few bars, though Koh Kood has no real nightlife.
Budget
How much for a room in Koh Kood?
Indicative nightly ranges for a double room in high season; expect lower prices from May to October.
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Budget
600–1,500 THB / night
A simple fan or air-con bungalow, mainly around Klong Chao and Ao Ngam Kho.
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Mid-range
1,500–4,000 THB / night
An air-conditioned bungalow in a resort, often with a pool, near the beach.
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Upscale
5,000+ THB / night
A beachfront resort or pool villa, mainly at Ao Bang Bao, Klong Chao and Ao Tapao.
Before you book
Booking tips from the ground
From around May to October, many resorts, restaurants and dive shops close or reduce services, and open speedboats stop running, leaving a few larger boats with fewer departures that may be cancelled in rough seas; check before you book.
Boats run from Laem Sok pier near Trat, mostly to Ao Salad pier in the north-east of the island, with island-hopping links via Koh Chang and Koh Mak in high season only; boat operators and many resorts provide transfers from the pier.
Klong Chao is the best all-round choice, with the most services and activities. Ao Tapao suits couples and families, Ao Bang Bao upscale stays, and Ao Ngam Kho budget travellers.
Is Koh Kood worth visiting in the low season?
It can be for peace and low prices, but many resorts close or scale down from around May to October and boats are less frequent. Plan carefully and check that your accommodation is open.
Is Koh Kood good for families?
Yes, for quiet beach holidays. Ao Tapao and Klong Chao have calm water in the dry season, and there are waterfalls and kayaking, but there are no big resorts with kids' clubs everywhere.
Does Koh Kood have nightlife?
Hardly any. There are a few bars around Klong Chao, but evenings are mostly dinner and quiet drinks. It is an island for rest rather than partying.
Do I need a scooter in Koh Kood?
It helps, as public transport is limited. If you are not confident on hilly roads, choose a resort that offers transfers and trips.
By Kylian Dev