🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Kood differs from Koh Chang in that there's no buzzing nightlife, no 7-Eleven, and most restaurants sit inside resorts or in the small communities along the beaches. The appeal here is the simplicity: emerald-green water where some beaches still have shallow coral close to shore, and forested hills in the middle of the island with waterfalls you can walk in to swim. If you're set on a quiet getaway, Koh Kood delivers. But if you want to party or browse the shops, this place can feel too quiet for some.
Khlong Chao Waterfall — a historic falls in the island's heart
Khlong Chao Waterfall is the central highlight almost everyone stops at — a mid-sized three-tier falls where the lower level has a wide pool you can swim in, with cool clear water flowing down from the watershed forest inland. What makes it special is the history: King Rama VI once visited here and gave it the name Anam Kok Waterfall. Today you can still find traces of his royal cypher carved into a large boulder near the falls.
- The walk in — from the parking area it's a flat 10–15 minute walk to the falls, not steep, but the last stretch is rocky and can be slippery, so shoes with decent grip help.
- Swimming — the lower pool is deep enough to swim, with a rope to swing and jump in. Kids can play, but they should have an adult keeping an eye on them.
- When the water's best — the flow is fullest and clearest from late rainy season into early dry season, roughly November to February. In the height of the dry season the water drops off.
Before you head to the falls
Entry to the waterfall is around 40 THB per person, open during the day. Aim for late morning to early afternoon — the light is nice and it's not very crowded. Bring shoes you don't mind getting wet, plus a waterproof pouch for your phone.
Want more out of Trat? Book tours & activities
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.
Takian Thong Wooden Walkway — a mangrove check-in spot
The Takian Thong wooden walkway is a long boardwalk that runs alongside the mangroves in the Ban Khlong Chao community, built from locally sourced Takian Thong (golden ironwood). You stroll past mangrove trees on both sides, and the far end opens onto a view of the canal and the sea. It's a popular photo spot, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens — shady, easy walking, and a good pairing with Khlong Chao Waterfall since they're in the same area.
- Best time — late afternoon to early evening when the light is soft makes for easy walking and good photos. Skip midday: it's hot and there's little shade.
- Footwear — the path is wood and some sections can be slippery if it's just rained, so watch your step.
- Pair it up — it's near Khlong Chao Waterfall and Khlong Chao Beach, so you can plan all three into one half-day and it works out nicely.
Quiet, clear-water beaches worth a stop
The beaches on Koh Kood are spread around the island, each with its own feel — some so quiet it's like you've got the whole stretch to yourself. These are the ones people actually go to and end up loving.
Khlong Chao Beach (Ao Khlong Chao)
A long white-sand beach shaded by coconut palms, with shallow clear water that's easy for swimming. It's near the waterfall and the wooden walkway, and it's the densest area for accommodation and restaurants on the island.
Ao Phrao Beach
A beach running close to a kilometre long, considered the island's longest. There's a fishing village community and Wat Ao Phrao, and it's one of the better spots for catching a sunset.
Bang Bao Beach
A white-sand beach curved almost into a full circle, shaded by coconut groves, with calm water good for swimming. It stays fairly quiet and peaceful.
Ao Ta Khao / Ao Yai Ki
The side with clear water and shallow coral close to shore — a popular snorkelling spot where you can see colourful fish and coral without heading far out.
About the tides
At some beaches the tide goes well out during the day, leaving the water shallow with rocks and coral exposed, which makes swimming awkward. Check the tide table with your resort first so you can time a swim or a kayak paddle to the right moment.
How to get to Koh Kood
Koh Kood has no airport on the island — you have to get to Trat by road and then take a boat. The main pier for crossing to Koh Kood is Laem Sok Pier, about 25–30 minutes from Trat town. The main ways to get there break down like this.
- Road + boat from Bangkok — drive, or take a minivan/coach to Trat (around 5–6 hours), then transfer to Laem Sok Pier. Several boat companies offer a Bangkok-to-pier shuttle bundled with the ticket as a package.
- Fly into Trat — fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport (Bangkok Airways), then transfer by road to Laem Sok. It saves a lot of time over driving, but it costs more.
- The ferry crossing — from Laem Sok there are both ferries and speedboats/catamarans. The main companies are Boonsiri, Koh Kood Express, and Seudamgo. Most arrive at Ao Salad Pier, where you transfer by resort vehicle to your accommodation.
On fares and timing: based on 2025–2026 figures, a one-way boat ticket runs around 500–600 THB per person, and many operators include the transfer from the pier to your resort in the ticket. Catamarans/speedboats take about 1 hour, while ferries are slower and some routes stop at Koh Mak first. There are several departures through the late morning and afternoon, but during the June–September low season many sailings are cancelled and fewer runs remain — always check the schedule with the boat company first.
Book ahead
During high season (November–April) and long holiday weekends, boats and accommodation fill up fast. Book your boat ticket and resort in advance, then pick a sailing that lines up with your accommodation's check-in time so you're not left waiting.
When to go + what to know
- Best window — late November to early May: clear sea, small waves, good weather. This is the island's high season.
- Rainy season (Jun–Sep) — bigger waves, fewer sailings, and some resorts close for maintenance. But it's quiet and cheaper, just be ready for rain.
- Cash — there are few ATMs on the island and some spots take cash only, so bring enough cash with you.
- Getting around the island — renting a motorbike to explore on your own is popular, but some roads are steep and winding, so ride carefully — or use your resort's transfer service.
- Signal / power — mobile signal works but is weak in spots, and internet depends on the resort. Be ready to genuinely unplug from the screen.
Plan a Trat–Koh Kood trip that fits together — see things to do and places to stay across the province
See the Trat travel guide →