🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Kood sits at the far edge of Trat Province, right up against Cambodian waters. The middle of the island is still wild, forested hills, with several streams running down to the sea. Come the wet season, those streams turn into waterfalls you can hike in to. Around the coast, white-sand beaches are scattered here and there — some so quiet it feels like you've got the whole beach to yourself. Plan it well and you can do both a waterfall and a beach in the same area in half a day.
Klong Chao Waterfall — the island's piece of history
Klong Chao Waterfall is the one most people picture first when they think of Koh Kood. It's a medium-sized waterfall in three tiers, around 10 m high in total, with water sliding over rock faces into a wide pool that's deep enough to swim in. The water runs cool and clear all year, fed by the forest in the middle of the island. What makes this one special is the history — King Rama VI once visited, and there's a large rock near the falls inscribed with his royal cipher, "Vor Por Ror", for you to go and find.
- The walk in — from the parking area it's about a 400–500 m walk through shady forest. It's not very steep and it's an easy stroll, but the last stretch is over rocks that can be slippery, so shoes with some grip will give you more confidence.
- Swimming — the lower pool is deep enough to swim in, and there's a rope to swing off and jump in. Kids can swim here, but an adult should be watching the whole time.
- Best season — the water is fullest and clearest at the end of the rains, roughly October to November. In the dry months there's less of it, but there's still enough to splash around in.
Entry fee and when to go
Klong Chao Waterfall is free — there's just a donation box where you give what you feel is right. It's open during the day, and the best time to go is from late morning to early afternoon, when the light is nice and the crowds haven't arrived yet. Bring shoes you don't mind getting wet and 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.
Kayaking from Klong Chao Beach up to the falls
A lot of people prefer this to walking in: paddling a kayak from Klong Chao Beach up the canal to the falls. Klong Chao is the waterway that links the beach to the waterfall, so you paddle past mangroves and big trees on both sides. After about 20–30 minutes of easy paddling you reach the point where you get out and walk the rest of the way to the falls. It's a fun way to do it, and you get to see a side of the island you'd never see on foot.
- Renting a kayak — resorts around Klong Chao Beach and the shops along the shore rent kayaks, and some places throw them in free with your stay. Ask your accommodation first.
- Time the tide — paddling on a rising tide takes less effort; at low tide the canal gets shallow and harder to paddle. Check the tide times with your accommodation before you head out.
- Give yourself time — paddling there and back, plus the walk up to the falls and a swim, will take you about half a day. Don't forget drinking water and sun protection.
Huai Rae Waterfall — a quiet one deep in the jungle
If Klong Chao is the popular one everyone goes to, Huai Rae is the far quieter side of Koh Kood. It's a small waterfall deep in the jungle that few people know about — you have to hike in along a natural trail. It's shady, cool and pleasant, and it suits anyone who wants to get away from the bustle and just sit and listen to the water in peace. The falls themselves aren't big, and the flow depends on the season; in the dry months there may be very little water — but the quiet is what you really come away with.
- The trail isn't as clear as Klong Chao's — the way in is fairly rough and natural, so if you don't know it, it's safer to ask your accommodation or hire a local guide to take you.
- Go from the wet season into early dry season — the water looks its best after the rains; in the height of the dry season it can run dry enough that the walk isn't worth it.
- Come prepared — wear hiking shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet, and bring drinking water and mosquito repellent, because this really is in the middle of the jungle.
Straight talk
Huai Rae Waterfall isn't a must for everyone. If you're short on time and it's your first visit, Klong Chao is better value and far easier to reach. Huai Rae suits people who have time to spare and want genuine quiet more than a jaw-dropping waterfall.
Beaches worth a stop — Klong Chao, Ao Ta Khen and their neighbours
Koh Kood's beaches are scattered all around the island, each with its own feel. Some are packed with accommodation and restaurants; others are so quiet there's almost no one there. These are the ones people who've been keep coming back to.
Klong Chao Beach (Ao Klong Chao)
A white-sand beach roughly 600 m long, shaded by rows of coconut palms, with shallow, clear water that's easy to swim in. It's the most built-up part of the island for accommodation and food, and the starting point for kayaking up to Klong Chao Waterfall.
Ao Ta Khen
A quiet beach that still doesn't see many people, with a private feel that's great for sitting back and relaxing. There are only a handful of places to stay — good for anyone wanting to escape the crowds of the main area.
Ao Phrao
A beach nearly a kilometre long — the longest on the island — with a village community and a temple. It's one of the island's better spots to watch the sunset.
Ao Tapao / Bang Bao
A stretch of white sand shaded by coconut groves, with calm water that's good for swimming and a quiet, peaceful feel. In some spots there's shallow coral close to shore, fine for a bit of easy snorkelling.
About the tides
At some beaches the tide drops a long way during the day, leaving the water shallow with coral and rocks poking out, which makes swimming awkward. Check the tide times with your accommodation first so you can time your swim or kayak right.
Doing a waterfall + beach in a single day
If you're staying around Klong Chao Beach, Klong Chao Waterfall and the Takhian Thong wooden bridge are in the same area, so you can string them together in half a day. Start a little early and kayak or walk in to the falls in the late morning before the sun gets harsh, have a good swim, then head out in the late afternoon to sit on the beach and wait for the sunset. It's a day that gives you both jungle and sea without a long drive.
- Morning — kayak or walk in to Klong Chao Waterfall, swim, and go find the "Vor Por Ror" royal cipher.
- Midday — eat at one of the restaurants along Klong Chao Beach, then stop by the Takhian Thong wooden bridge for a walk over the mangroves.
- Afternoon–evening — move on to a quiet beach like Ao Ta Khen or Ao Phrao, wait for the evening light, and watch the sunset.
What to know before you go
- Getting around the island — most people rent a motorbike and explore on their own. Some stretches of road are steep and winding, so ride carefully, or use your resort's shuttle.
- Cash — there are few ATMs on the island, and some places take cash only. Bring enough to cover kayak rental, drinking water and food.
- Low season — in the rainy months from June to September the seas get rougher, ferry crossings are fewer, and some resorts close for renovations. Be prepared for rain and check before you book.
- Sun and bug protection — there are mosquitoes on the jungle walks in to the waterfalls, so bring repellent. On the beaches the sun is strong, so sunscreen and a hat help a lot.
- Pack out your trash — many of the waterfalls and beaches have no bins, so carry your rubbish back to your accommodation. Keep it clean so the next people can enjoy it too.
Pull together the perfect Trat–Koh Kood trip — see the things to do and places to stay across the whole province
See the Trat travel guide →