Whether you call it Koh Kood or Ko Kut (both are correct), it’s easy to see why this is one of Thailand’s most loved tropical islands. Known for its crystalline waters and incredibly vast shores of white powdery sand, it is what you would expect to see in a movie that takes place on an exotic paradisaic tropical island. Out of all the Thai islands, Koh Kood has been dubbed one of the most beautiful in the Kingdom. Relaxing is the predominate activity on this island, whose unspoiled nature and leisurely local lifestyle are the prime attractions.
Located in Trat, in the easternmost point of Thailand, near Cambodia and about 315 kilometres from the capital, Koh Kood is the fourth largest island in the country and the second biggest island in Trat Province after Koh Chang.
The island is 25 kilometers in length and 12 kilometers wide, covering nearly 105 square kilometers. Its characteristic highlights are mountains and fields where numerous streams begin and progress toward becoming waterfalls. A definite must-see for those who make it to this piece of paradise.
Early settlers of Koh Kood were Thais and Khmers who fled to the island when the French assumed control over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. Original island settlers lived in Klong Mad Village, whose inhabitants then, and still today, plant rubber and coconut trees as part of their subsistence along with fishing. The biggest village on the island is Ao Yai Village, where you’ll find many fishing boats taking shelter.
Furrowed fields have made way to numerous inland creeks, streams, and waterfalls. The Klong Chao Waterfall is likely the most amazing due to its size. With three levels, it enables guests to swim and bathe in the waters all year around. King Rama VI visited in 1911, and gave it the illustrious name “Anamkok Waterfall” in remembrance to Ong Chiang Lue, a Vietnamese ruler who sought shelter in the country amid the reign of King Rama I in the late eighteenth century.
While staying on the island, you can have a day trip to snorkel around the island or to nearby islands such as Koh Rang and its vicinities. You can also kayak along the coastal area or the Khlong Chao waterway. Along the River, you will see marine life around the dense mangrove forest area.
The shorelines with crystal clear waters are well known amongst guests, especially Taphao Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, and Phrao Beach.
If you’re wondering where to stay during your visit, there are many hotels and cabins; however, none is as luxurious as the Soneva Kiri resort. Situated on a shoreline that borders the rainforest, the resort features private infinity pool villas, stunning interiors, buggies, and private butlers.
The Coastal street keeps running down the west side of the Island round toward the south and cuts over the island and through the wilderness, ending up in Aow Yai.
The street is a blend of dirt roads, rough pavement, and newly cemented roads, making it an energizing and engaging course for mountain bikers. This course takes one past Bang Bao and the immaculate Siam shoreline, which is exceptionally enticing to swim in.
The street brings you down to another delightful shoreline called Klong Hin; this is where the beachfront begins. The way is steep most of the way up but gives you a stunning perspective of the shorelines – and on a sunny morning, it is possible to see Cambodia. This bluff edge way brings you down to a little angling town with a staggering shoreline called Baan Aow Pharo. At Baan Aow Pharo one begins to head inland and through numerous palm oil plantations (fields of tall coconut trees) and rubber plantations. Aow Pharo, Bang Bao, and Siam Beach are probably the most flawless and confined shorelines you will find in the bay of Thailand.
Fishing trips are led by local fishermen who take visitors for an entire day of boat adventures on their customary wooden fishing pontoons. Food and drinks are both included.
Since Koh Kood and the encompassing waters are not inclined to big commercial fishing, there is an abundance of fish to be seen when snorkeling or diving.
All in all, be it for the splendiferous beauty of its geography or the priceless quality of the beaches in which it lies, Koh Kood is a must-go destination if your idea of heaven is a tropical island paradise, and whose isn’t?