If Koh Chang Isn't Fancy Enough, There's Koh Kood!

Koh Kood (Koh Kut): Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret, Unless You’ve Talked to Literally Any Travel Blogger Ever

Welcome to Koh Kood (aka Koh Kut, because spelling is a suggestion in Thailand). This island is so untouched, so stupidly gorgeous, and so blissfully quiet, you’ll start to question your own existence. “Why don’t more people come here?” you’ll ask, while sipping fresh coconut juice under a palm tree that somehow hasn’t been monetized yet.

Spoiler: it’s because it’s annoying to get to. But if you're willing to brave the trek, you’re rewarded with crystal-clear water, empty beaches, no 7-Elevens, and the kind of serenity that makes you wonder if you accidentally joined a cult of inner peace.

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Beaches: Where the Sand is Soft and the Tourists Are on Koh Samui Instead

Ao Tapao Beach – Long, clean, and quiet. There’s a literal palace nearby (no big deal), and a few laid-back resorts where the most exciting event is “reading.”

Ao Prao – Secluded, stunning, and might as well be your own private island. If you share it with more than 5 people, it’s considered “crowded.”

Klong Chao Beach – The “busy” beach of Koh Kood. Which means it has more than one restaurant, and occasionally someone might fly a drone. It’s still insanely chill.

Ao Noi – A little wooden pier, a lot of postcard vibes, and possibly the best nap you’ll ever take under a palm tree.

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Where to Stay: From Jungle Huts to Fancy “Why Am I So Zen?” Resorts

Budget (< 1000 baht/night) – Bamboo bungalows with hammocks, fans, and the occasional gecko roommate. You didn’t come here for air conditioning. You came to find yourself.

Mid-range (1000–3000 baht/night) – Beautiful beachfront resorts that make you feel richer than your bank account says. Private porches, nice bathrooms, and probably a dog who follows you around like a vacation buddy.

Luxury (3000+ baht/night) – Think infinity pools, secluded villas, and complimentary sarongs. You may have to sell a kidney, but the view while sipping your imported wine will make it worth it.

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How to Get There from Bangkok: A Hero’s Journey

Koh Kood is beautiful because it’s hard to reach. You will earn your beach time.

Step 1: Get to Trat

Fly: Bangkok to Trat Airport (1 hour). Bangkok Airways is the only one that flies there, so hope you like their snacks.

Bus/Van: 5–6 hours from Ekkamai station or Mo Chit. Cheap. Slightly soul-crushing.

Step 2: Get to Laem Sok Pier

From the airport or bus station, take a shuttle or van to Laem Sok Pier (another 30–45 min). There will be zero signs, one old guy giving directions, and a dog who might or might not be your guide.

Step 3: Take a ferry to Koh Kood

Fast catamarans or slow boats: pick your poison. Possibly a speedboat charter. Sell a Bitcoin.

Trip takes around 1–1.5 hours. It’s scenic unless you get seasick, in which case: the fish will be ecstatic that you're blowing chunks, Your fellow passengers, not so much. Before you know it, it'll be a barf fest you never signed up for.

Step 4: Arrive and question why everyone goes to Koh Phi Phi instead.

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Getting Around: Scooter or Nothing

Rent a scooter (250–350 baht/day) – The roads are quiet, the scenery is lush, and the traffic consists of other confused tourists and the occasional chicken.

Taxis (aka pickup trucks) – They exist but cost 200+ baht per ride. Good for people who don’t believe in left turns or personal risk.

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Nightlife: LOL, What Nightlife?

You want Full Moon Party? Go to Koh Phangan.

You want quiet beers under the stars with fireflies and the sound of the ocean? That’s Koh Kood.

A few resorts have bars open past 10 p.m.

You might hear reggae covers of Bob Marley, or the soft clink of someone stirring a mojito.

No buckets. No glow paint. No one trying to sell you a "mystery milkshake."

Just you, a drink, and the realization that this is what peace feels like.

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Daytime Activities: Yes, You Can Do More Than Float in the Sea (But You Don’t Have To)

Waterfalls – Nam Tok Klong Chao is the most famous. Go for a swim, pretend you're in a shampoo commercial, and wonder how it’s not crawling with tourists.

Snorkeling & kayaking – Clear water, coral reefs, and zero human traffic jams. Paddle down the river near Klong Chao for max zen energy.

Visit local fishing villages – Ao Yai and Ao Salad are charming little communities where you can eat seafood fresh enough to slap you.

Do nothing – Like, seriously. Sit. Read. Float. Think. Or don’t. Koh Kood is the PhD of doing nothing.

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Final Thoughts: Koh Kood is Where You Go When You’re Over the Backpacker Circus

This is the island for people who:

- Want beauty without crowds.

- Like hammocks more than hostels.

- Think nightclubs are overrated but stargazing is severely underrated.

- Want to disconnect so hard their phone develops trust issues.

Koh Kood is Thailand’s answer to “Can I just exist quietly near a palm tree, please?”

And the answer, dear friend, is yes. Yes, you can.