🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Kood isn't an easy island to reach like Samui or Samet. You take a road trip down to Trat, then catch a ferry for a little over an hour. But once you arrive you'll understand why people put up with the long haul. The sea on this side is still quiet, the water is clear, and it doesn't get packed like the famous islands. This plan has you reaching the island on day one, knocking out the waterfalls and beaches on day two, then finishing with Koh Rang snorkeling before you head home.
Before you go: ferries, getting there, and timing
From Bangkok it's about a 5–6 hour drive or minivan ride down to Trat, then you board the boat at Laem Sok Pier (Mueang Trat district). Ferries and speed ferries like Koh Kood Express take roughly 75 minutes to a bit over an hour to reach the pier on the island. Most accommodation includes a transfer pickup. Book your ferry and pickup ahead of time, since boats run on a limited number of departures per day.
- Limited boat departures — the main run leaves Laem Sok in the late morning (around 10:00 a.m.) and leaves the island in the early afternoon (around 1:00 p.m.). Always check the latest schedule with the boat company first. A round-trip ticket runs roughly a few hundred to just over a thousand THB per person, depending on the boat type.
- The island closes during monsoon — from around May to October the swells pick up, several speedboat operators stop running, and some hotels and shops close. The best window to visit is November to April.
- Things on the island cost more than on the mainland — water, food, fuel, all of it gets hauled across by boat. Bring enough cash; there are very few ATMs on the island.
- Signal and power are limited in places — some resorts only supply electricity during set hours, and mobile signal is weak in certain bays. Go in expecting that.
Book ahead
During high season and long weekends, the nice beachfront places fill up fast. Book your ferry and accommodation at least 2–3 weeks ahead, and give yourself even more lead time if you're going on a long weekend.
Book the activities in your Koh Kood trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Arrive on the island, catch the evening beach
Arrive, settle in, watch the sunset
Day 2 — Waterfalls, the giant Makha tree, and the best beaches
Day two is your land-exploring day: two waterfalls, the giant Makha tree, then a long afternoon lying on the prettiest beach on the island. Start a little early, because the midday sun is brutal.
Waterfalls – giant tree – Ao Phrao
Day 3 — Snorkel the Koh Rang islands, then head back
The last day is the underwater highlight: a snorkeling tour of the Koh Rang islands (within the Mu Ko Chang National Park) where the coral is still in good shape. Most tours head out in the morning and return in the afternoon, so sort out the timing of your return ferry to the mainland before you book.
Snorkel Koh Rang – ferry back
Snorkeling depends on the weather
The snorkeling trip lives and dies by the wind and waves. If the sea is rough, the guide may cancel or move spots. Don't pencil in your snorkeling day with no backup plan — if you can, leave room to swap it with day two.
Rough budget per person
- Round-trip ferry — roughly a few hundred to just over a thousand THB per person, depending on the boat type and pickup point.
- 2 nights' accommodation — anything from a few hundred THB for a guesthouse to a few thousand THB a night for a beachfront resort.
- Koh Rang snorkeling tour — around 900–1,000 THB per person, including lunch, gear, and the national park fee.
- Motorbike rental — a few hundred THB per day, plus fuel that costs more than on the mainland.
- Food for 3 days — budget more than usual, since everything on the island costs more. All in, the trip runs from a few thousand to low five figures of THB per person, depending on your accommodation level.
All told, on a budget this trip comes to around five to seven thousand THB per person; pick a nice resort and it can climb into five figures. The main variables are your accommodation and the type of boat.
How to pack so you don't get caught out
- Enough cash — there are few ATMs on the island, and plenty of places take cash only.
- Reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling day.
- Non-slip shoes for walking the wet waterfall rocks.
- A power bank and a flashlight, in case your resort only runs power during set hours.
- Personal meds + seasickness pills if you get motion sick easily.
Ride the motorbike carefully
The roads on the island are narrow, and some stretches are steep and slick after rain. Ride slowly and wear a helmet. If you're not used to mountain roads, use the resort shuttle or hire a car instead — it's safer.
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