Discover Kok Kood: a hidden gem in Thailand
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If you're looking for an idyllic and peaceful island getaway in Thailand, you might want to consider visiting Koh Kood. Located near the border of Cambodia, Koh Kood is often overlooked by tourists due to its remoteness, making it a hidden gem waiting to be explored. In this article, we'll share with you everything you need to know about visiting Koh Kood, including the best things to do, how to get there, where to stay, and when to visit.
Getting to Koh Kood
The easiest way to get to Koh Kood is from Bangkok, you'll need to take a bus ride of a few hours to Trat, followed by a boat ride to Koh Kood. Upon arrival at Koh Kood, you can take a taxi to your hotel. Alternatively, you can also combine your visit to Koh Kood with a trip to Koh Mak and Koh Chang, two other beautiful islands in the area.
Exploring the Island
Koh Kood might look small, but it stretches 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long, making it bigger than it looks. The best way to explore the island is by renting a scooter, which is available at most accommodations for 250 Baht per day. The island is very quiet, so even if you have no experience riding a scooter, it is perfectly doable. With a scooter, you have complete freedom to explore the most beautiful places on Koh Kood. Random roads lead to the most stunning beaches and sights.
Visiting the Waterfalls
There are three waterfalls on Koh Kood, and they are easy to find on Google Maps. They are called Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall, Khlong Chao Waterfall, and Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall. While they may not be the most beautiful waterfalls, they are worth a visit.
We found the most enjoyable waterfall to be Khlong Chao Waterfall, which has plenty of water to swim in, regardless of whether it has rained or not. You can also swing into the water using ropes. Arrive early, as there is limited seating space. The waterfalls are free to visit.
The Most Beautiful Beaches
Most of Koh Kood's beaches are located on the west coast, and there are many to choose from, ranging from famous beaches like Bang Bao Beach and Ao Tapao Beach to those that can't be found on Google Maps.
It is useful to note that when the tide is out, there is less beach visible. Here are some of our favorite beaches:
Ao Ta Khian Beach: Our favorite beach on Koh Kood, it is also known as "the beach without a name." To get there, navigate to Cham's House Koh Kood Resort, park your scooter there, and walk left up the path to reach the most beautiful beach on Koh Kood. It gets more beautiful as you move further to the left. Few people know how to find this beach, making it especially enjoyable.
Ao Jark Bay: We found this beach to be the most relaxing, with a pleasant atmosphere. There are a few beach bars at the beginning where you can have a drink. The further you walk, the more beautiful and peaceful it becomes. The beach is surrounded by many palm trees and is protected from the wind.
Huggy Beach: This quiet beach cannot be found on Google Maps, making it an excellent spot to relax. The water is shallow and clear blue. The beach is accessible by boat or by foot through a jungle trail, and it is known for its stunning sunsets.
Where to stay
Koh Kood offers numerous accommodation options. When searching for a place to stay, we prioritize establishments with excellent ratings and a commitment to sustainable practices. Here are two of our top picks on the island:
Soneva Kiri: Soneva Kiri is an award-winning eco-luxury resort that features sustainable practices, such as organic gardens, composting, and a water filtration system that recycles waste water.
The resort also offers activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. As you can see in the picture above it is also a stunning place!
Koh Kood Beach Resort: Koh Kood Beach Resort is a sustainable and eco-friendly resort on Koh Kood island. The resort is powered by solar energy and operates a recycling program to minimize its environmental impact. In addition to its eco-friendly practices, the resort also offers a range of exciting activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Best time to visit
Koh Kood, Thailand has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season runs from November to April, with average temperatures around 27-30°C (81-86°F) and low rainfall, while the wet season from May to October brings higher temperatures, with April being the hottest month with an average maximum temperature of 33°C (91°F).
August is the wettest month with 756mm (29.8in) of rainfall, while December is the driest month with only 43mm (1.7in) of precipitation. If you're looking for sunny days, January is the sunniest month with an average of 231 hours of sunshine. Click here for more climate information.