koh kood snorkeling trip

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Koh Kood Snorkeling, Fishing and Kayaks

Snorkeling trips from Koh Kood head out to the local reefs and islands off the west coast or across to Koh Rang, the main island in the Marine Park.

Local Trips | Koh Rang | Private Snorkel Trips | Companies | Fishing | Kayaks, SUP, Water Surfing

Local Trips

For the local trips, the speedboats usually visit the small island off the north west coast of Koh Kood – Koh Raet (Rhino Island), which is great for snorkeling. This is combined with the beach opposite, Klong Rahan and the lovely beach near Captain Hook , Palm Beach (Kiki).

Alternatively, selected trips may also head up to Koh Maisi Lek and the beach area at Klong Lak Uan ( Six Senses ) or even over the top of the island to Ao Yai Kerd and Ao Kluay on the east coast (Ao Salad).

Hours are normally 09.30 to 13.30 or 13.00 till 17.30 with a light lunch, fruit, water and transfers. Prices and itineraries are standardized amongst the companies, so the resorts will book you on their favourite one. As a guide, for local trips, a join trip for 6 person is around 4,500bt including transfers and a light lunch (seafood fried rice, fruit, water).

With the trip to Koh Rang, you moor up at a couple of the small islands, Koh Yak Yai and Koh Yak Lek, which lie just offshore from Koh Rang itself. The reefs here are excellent and usually have great visibility due to the sheltered nature of the area.

Once again it’s a 1/2 day and for join trips, you should budget around 900bt to 1,100bt per person. However, there will be a minimum number of people (6) required to make the trip. It leaves at 09.30 to 10.00, back at 13.30 to 14.00, transfers included. In Koh Rang, you also pay 200bt per person, 100bt for kids, (Thais 40bt, 20bt) for the Marine Park tax.

Private Snorkeling Trips

We can organise private speedboats to visit the areas above – either Koh Raet, Koh Maisi and the beach on the north west coast or over to Koh Rang.

Our deluxe trip uses a cat style speedboat, which has a bathroom (toilet and sink), eating area, cushions, sunbathing deck and audio system on board. Food, transfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment and insurance are all included. For 2 to 10 persons, a 1/2 day is 14,000bt for a local trip. It’s 18,000bt 20,000bt for Koh Rang (Marine Park tax included).

For the regular style speedboat (local Koh Kood snorkeling trip), the price is 4,200bt for 2 persons, 5,000bt for 3, 5,500bt for 4, 6,000bt for 5 and 6,500bt for 6, half day, morning or afternoon.

A trip over to Koh Rang, also 1/2 day, is 9,000bt to 10,000bt depending on the number of people – it includes the Marine Park tax.

Prices will increase if the numbers in your group require a bigger sized speedboat (15 person or 30 person).

For those much larger groups, we can also set up one of the classic two or three decked wooden boats similar to those in Koh Chang.

If you are interested in the private snorkeling trip above – deluxe or standard speedboat – please do contact us here .

Also do come to us to help if you are wanting to add a boat trip to a wedding party.

Once we know your preferred date and requirements, we will come back to you with prices and availability.

Boat Trip Companies

Using a mini catamaran, Sirinity (sic) runs half day trips to both Koh Rang from 09.30 to 13.30. You leave from Ao Yai Kee’s tiny pier in the mangroves and once in the Marine Park, visit a couple of spots before having a light lunch aboard as you head back. Cost is 900bt per person, 4 to 9 years 1/2 price, food and transfers from (08.45 to 09.00 depending on its location) and back to your resort all included.

If weather does not allow trips across to Koh Rang, then they fallback on the a local trip using a long tailed wooden boat (with sun shade). You visit a combination of say Koh Raet, the beach at Klong Rahan and Koh Maisi Lek, with them sometimes heading over to the east coast at Ao Yai Kerd and Ao Kluai, both near to Ao Salad. It’s the same price at 900bt.

The Tail and Tail Blu, Mareblu and Maresol

Over on Bang Bao Beach, based at Koh Kood Resort , there are a selection of different sized luxury wooden boats for local snorkeling and fishing trips. Low to the water, these vessels are bedecked with lots of soft cushions and yacht style wood panelling, with the food served a notch or two up in quality from the usual fare.

The Tail and Tail Blu go out three times a day – morning, afternoon and twilight – to Koh Raet, Koh Maisi and Coral Beach. Pricse are in the region of 5,000bt to 5,500bt for 2 to 4 persons.

Mareblu and the larger Maresol offer a 3 island or a 5 island trip. Mareblu’s 3 island jaunt is as above to the same spots on 1/2 day trips, morning and afternoon. Join trips are from 1,700bt , though there is a minimum requirement of people to make the trip. A private charter is 15,000bt.

Maresol’s 5 island trip heads over to the Koh Mak area and its islands (Koh Kham, Koh Pii, Koh Rayang) before ending at sunset back to Koh Maisi off Koh Kood. It’s 2,500bt per person for a join trip (minimum 6 persons, max 16) and 24,000bt for private (10 persons).

All prices given here may go up or down at different times of the season.

If you do want to ask around about trips, try TJ Boats at Mark House by the bridge in Klong Chao or pop into the fishing village of Klong Mad, where the speedboats park up in the sea inlet between trips – Chonratee , Navigator and Natcha just three are those on show.

You can also snorkel using the dive boats , with them going out either locally at 1,000bt per person, over to Koh Rang at 1,200bt or to the wreck at Koh Chang for 1,500bt. Transfers and lunch are included, park fees where applicable are extra.

Koh Kood Fishing

Fishing trips are another option for fun out on the water. You will be mainly hunting squid and you eat what you catch.

Using either its long tail boat or a small wooden fishing boat, Sirinity runs afternoon (13.30 to 17.00) squid fishing tours off Koh Raet and nearby spots. It’st 900bt per person, with transfers from and back to you resort. You can throw everything on the little on board BBQ, with a selection of tasty dipping sauces provided!

Located in the central area of Hin Dam, on the shorcut road by the electricity station, the popular restaurant, The Fisherman Hut also organises fishing trips on its boat. Just ask at the counter.

A private 1/2 day trip starts at around 10,000bt on boats holding up to 15 people. For much smaller boats,, say for 2 persons to 4 persons, expect to pay around 3,500bt – best to enquire in your resort and see what is available.

Please do contact us for bookings on either join or private.

Kayaks, SUP and Wake Surfing

Kayaks are rented out at almost every resort, 2 00bt for a half day and this too is a great way of exploring the coastline and mangrove-lined klongs (canals).

SUP Point by the bridge in Klong Chao Beach has kayaks from 200bt a session and SUP fom 300bt. Koh Kood Cabana over in Ao Tapao too has a small watersports club, wth a catamaran available. Ask directly at the resort for more details.

Wake surfing is available at Koh Kood Resort , with an hour from 1,500bt. They also throw in a free video and photos of your trip as well as transfers from your resort.

UPDATED JANUARY 2024

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This means you are collected from your Bangkok hotel, a pre-arranged meeting point at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Trat Airport (TDX), Pattaya, Ban Phe, Laem Ngop Pier (Koh Mak), your Koh Chang resort, the Cambodian borders, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville and then dropped off at Laem Sok Pier.

All Boat tickets are extra.

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Guide To Visiting Koh Kood (Koh Kut): Things To Do + Tips For Visiting

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So, you’re thinking of visiting Koh Kood? Good for you! Koh Kood, or Koh Kut as it’s also known, is one of the most enchanting islands in Thailand!

It’s remote location means its unspoiled by overcrowding, and it has some of the most incredible beaches in the entire country, period.

However, it’s remote location can also make travelers feel a little confused about how to get there, what there is to see and do, and generally understand what Koh Kood is like.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to be confused any longer, because we’ve shared our top tips for things to do in Koh Kood, how to get there, and some tips for visiting based on our experience there.

Let’s get started…

Where Is Koh Kood?

Koh Kood is a small island of 111.9km², located in the Gulf of Thailand in an archipelago known as “The Trang Islands.” It’s located very close to the border with Cambodia. In fact, it’s the last Thai island in the waters of Thailand before Cambodia.

Its neighboring islands are Koh Mak , which is smaller than Koh Kood at just 12.4 km², and Koh Chang , which is much larger at 224.2 km².

The nearest airport is on the mainland of Bangkok at Trat Airport. The distance from Bangkok to Koh Kood is 322 km, and the distance from Trat Airport to Koh Kood is 83.7 km.

To get to Koh Kood, you must travel by land to the Trat district, and from here catch a ferry to Koh Kood which takes approximately 45 minutes by speedboat. There is no airport on Koh Kood and it has two piers.

How to Get to Koh Kood

Getting to Koh Kood is actually very straightforward. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may want to either fly to Trat Airport and catch a bus and ferry, or simply catch a bus and ferry.

How to Get to Koh Kood from Bangkok by Bus

Most likely, you will start your journey to Koh Kood from Bangkok. If so, there are two ways you can get to Koh Kood from Bangkok; the first is to catch a bus and then a ferry.

This is the best and cheapest option, because the bus journey is only 5 hours and the ferry is 40 minutes, and includes transfer to your hotel when you reach Koh Kood.

The company that takes you from Bangkok to Koh Kood is Boonsiri, and the bus departs from outside their office near Khao San Road at 6.00am, and you will arrive in Koh Kood at around 3.00pm.

The bus includes the price of the ferry, a bottle of water, snack, and a fully cooked lunch of your choosing.

How to Get to Koh Kood from Tran Airport

Another way to get to Koh Kood which is more expensive and also more of a hassle, is to fly to Trat Airport and then take the bus.

Bangkok Airways has two flights per day to Trat from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the flight takes one hour .

From Trat Airport, the bus service takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, and includes the bus to the pier in Trat, the price of the speedboat, and the shuttle service to your hotel.

Honestly, the price of the bus from Trat Airport to Koh Kood is the same as the bus from Bangkok to Koh Kood, so unless you are traveling from Phuket or somewhere else further away, we wouldn’t recommend you take this route to Koh Kood because it doesn’t save you time or money.

Things to Do in Koh Kood

Now you know how to get to Koh Kood and where it is, let’s look at some of the top attractions and places to visit on the island…

1. Relax on Koh Kood’s Beaches

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Koh Kood is to explore its beaches. The beaches in Koh Kood are some of the best in Thailand, hands down.

They are pure white, soft, and unspoiled. One of the best things about the beaches in Koh Kood is that there is rarely a piece of trash in sight.

If you’re a fan of beaches, make sure you check out White Beach . This is probably one of the most famous beaches on the island and is known for its twin palm tree. It has several resorts nearby and local restaurants, so you can easily find refreshments. It faces west, so it’s a popular spot for sunset.

Another popular beach is Bang Bao Beach , which is also lined with resorts. What makes this beach unique is that it’s nestled inside a bay, and come late afternoon, the beach almost disappears due to high tide. However, get there in the morning and you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island.

If you want somewhere quiet and remote, consider heading to the south side of the island to Ao Phrao Beach or Haad Khlong Hin .

Haad Khlong Hin is probably one of our favorite beaches on Koh Kood, purely because it’s beautiful, has calm, turquoise waters, and plenty of shade under the palm trees. Despite the fact there is a resort right on the shoreline, it’s pretty quiet too.

Secret Sunset Beach on the northwest of the island is another quiet beach, though not so secret anymore. It’s remote, and clothing optional. While some go here for sunset, we personally didn’t think the sunset was that great since the sun is blocked by Ko Raet Island. Some people prefer to head just a short scooter ride south to Nang Yai Beach instead.

And finally, another unmissable beach you need to check out is Ao Tapao Beach on the west of the island. It’s a long stretch of pure white sand with three palm swings, where you can sit back and swing over the shallow, calm waters. It’s also a popular spot for sunset.

2. Dip in An Enchanting Waterfall

When beaches become too much, a waterfall is the perfect place to cool off in. Fortunately, there are three excellent waterfalls in Koh Kood that have large, deep swimming holes that you can jump into.

The biggest waterfall, with the biggest pool, is Khlong Chao Waterfall . It’s located pretty much central in the island, making it easy to get to from anywhere on the island.

You can scoot all the way to a car park, and then walk for 5-10 minutes through a jungle before reaching the pool. There are some sections where you need to climb over rocks, but only for a minute or so.

What we love about Khlong Chao Waterfall is that there is more than just a waterfall here. You can swing on a rope swing, stand on a ledge under the falls and have one of nature’s massages, or cool off in the flowing river.

Another waterfall worth visiting in Koh Kood checking out is Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall , which is a bit of an adventure to get to, but so worth it. To get there, you can drive along a paved road until you reach a parking area.

From there it’s a 5 minute walk down a steep set of stone steps, which can be slippery after a rainfall. Then you’ll reach a platform which takes you onto the rocks. You will need to walk through the pool and scramble over rocks to get to the waterfall, but it’s not that far. Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall is always quiet – there was one other person there when we visited.

The most remote water fall on the island is Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall , which was once called “Secret Waterfall” but the cat was let out of the bag. It’s another big waterfall with a cafe next to it, though the road to it is pretty steep and rocky, so be careful when driving a scooter there. Don’t attempt it in the rain.

3. Eat Seafood at Ao Yai Fisherman Village

Koh Kood is full of charming little villages, but none more so than Ao Yai Fisherman Village. This cute little village sits on stilts, off the Eastern shores of the island.

One of the best things to do here is to eat at the seafood restaurant which floats over the water. It’s a quiet, tranquil and remote village with a peaceful setting.

Be sure to stop off at the viewpoint on the way into the village for lovely views of the bay.

4. Get A Thai Massage on the Beach

At Ao Tapao Beach , you will find a small massage parlor to the northern side of the beach, next to the Sea Far Resort.

This is the perfect spot to get a Thai massage whilst watching the waves lap against the shore.

5. Enjoy the Koh Kood Nightlife

Now don’t expect Koh Kood’s nightlife to live up to a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, but there is still some nightlife to explore.

The area around White Beach is where you will find the most happening bars. At night, the cocktails bars will host DJs, or play music, while fire performers captivate their audiences from the beach.

6. Swim Over to Ko Raet

If you visit Secret Beach on the Northwest of the island, you’ll notice a little island across the waters. This is Ko Raet, and is a tiny and rugged island with a small restaurant on it.

In low tide, you can swim over, sometimes even walk, or you can rent a kayak from the Seacret Resort and paddle yourself over.

7. Take A Snorkeling Boat Trip

You’ll notice that even from the shore there is an abundance of fish and marine life in the waters around Koh Kood. But if you really want to see thriving ocean life, then you need to head out on the water.

Hop in an authentic long-tail boat and visit the nearby protected waters which are teaming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.

The benefit of the snorkeling tour is that the boat tours know where all the best life is found, and they also provide food, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day.

If you’re an animal and nature lover, this is the best thing to do in Koh Kood.

8. Scoot Through the Jungles

One of the top things to do in Koh Kood is to simply grab your scooter and go for a long drive around the island.

Pass through the small, quaint villages and wave at the locals, before passing through the dense jungle and palm forests.

Koh Kood is mostly paved and has a well maintained road that connects most of the attractions on the island, but there are also some rugged terrain roads that are more for the adventurous scooter drivers.

Scooting around the island is the best way to experience how green and lush its nature is. Not to mention the ocean views are incredible.

9. Try Freediving or Scuba Diving

One of the big reasons people come to Koh Kood is for its excellent diving position. The nearby waters of Koh Rang National Park boasts crystal clear waters and thriving coral, making it the perfect spot to dive and witness Thailand’s diverse marine life.

Whether you’re looking to try your hand at freediving or you’re looking to get your PADI certification, you can do all that from Koh Kood.

If you’re feeling adventurous and you’ve been diving before, you can even do a night dive from Koh Kood , which gives you the opportunity to witness the nocturnal marine animals come out for their night time hunt. Look out for stingrays, parrot fish, maybe even a shark! This is only for advanced level divers though.

Where to Eat in Koh Kood

Knowing where to eat can be a challenge, especially if you’re a fussy eater. Most of the restaurants on Koh Kood are family-owned businesses offering home-cooked meals, so it doesn’t matter where you pull over to eat, you can be sure it’s going to be satisfying.

Best Breakfast in Koh Kood: Koh Kood Mermaid Boutique & Café

If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that’s delicious and good value, then Koh Kood Mermaid Boutique & Café is a sure winner.

We loved their smoothy bowls, which you could also swap out for a yoghurt bowl if you prefer, which are packed with different fruits, museli and honey. The bowl makes the dish look small, but it was never ending! I don’t think I’ve never not been able to finish a yoghurt bowl before.

If you prefer something more filling, they also serve croissants, sandwiches, toast and desserts.

They also have a great selection of teas, coffees and smoothies.

Best Lunch in Koh Kood: Black Bananas Koh Kood

Black Bananas became my regular spot for lunch in Koh Kood. It’s a small, intimate, family-owned restaurant with a tranquil setting next to a pond.

The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s so they can put love and care into every dish they serve. I particularly love the Pad Thai, which is a generous portion size, and the Masamam curry, which was really filling and delicious.

Best Dinner in Koh Kood: The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood

While most restaurants on Koh Kood are primely located on the beach, those who are looking for a more relaxing jungle vibe should definitely check out The Fisherman Hut .

They have a wide range of Thai and Western food, whether you prefer a burger or pizza, or a Thai curry or Pad Thai, you can find it all there.

Not only is the food great, but they also regularly have live entertainment, such as acoustic acts and singers. Not to mention one of the best price tags on the island.

Best Western Food in Koh Kood: Kood Vibes Bakery & Restaurant

Had enough of Thai food and need a hearty burger? Then Kood Vibes Bakery & Restaurant has some of the best burgers on the island.

The menu is more tailored towards breakfast and lunch meals, but they do open until 10.00pm if you need somewhere for dinner.

They have excellent sandwiches, juicy burgers, and colorful smoothie bowls. And if you’re looking for a nice, refreshing dessert, try one of the sundaes!

Where to Stay in Koh Kood

The good thing about Koh Kood is that it’s so small, it really doesn’t matter where you position yourself on the island. The most you will need to scoot is for about 20 minutes to reach one side of the island to the other.

One of the biggest reasons to visit Koh Kood is for the beachside resorts. The most popular spots to stay at are White Beach, Bang Bao Beach, Ao Tapao Beach, and if you prefer something more quiet, Haad Khlong Hin.

If you’re traveling on a budget, we recommend you stay further away from the beach in the jungles.

A great budget-friendly accommodation is Wave-F Homestay , which is a 5-minute scooter ride from Ao Tapao Beach. It has private, self-contained bungalows with a garden view, which are kitted out with A/C, private bathroom, and soft double beds.

If you prefer a little more high-end luxury, a great mid-range resort is Koh Kood Resort on Bang Bao Bay. It has beach access, a lovely bar and restaurant, and private self-contained bungalows.

For those who are willing to splurge, High Season Pool Villa & Spa located on the desirable White Beach is the place to be. They offer large, cosy rooms with ocean views, have a beachside pool, bar, restaurant, and of course, is steps away from the beach. It’s also more tailored to couples than families, so it’s nice and quiet.

Tips for Visiting in Koh Kood

Before you go, we have a few words to the wise we need to share based on our own personal experience visiting Koh Kood. These are things we wish we knew before visiting!

• If you have a Mastercard, take cash out before you get to Koh Kood. There are four ATMs on the island, but two of them didn’t work with our UK bank account. The ATM Krungsri doesn’t take Mastercard, ATM GSB was sometimes out of cash. You will be able to get cash at one of the ATMs but it may require you to drive to each one, so come prepared before you go and you can avoid wasting time on this. We have marked the ATM that accepted our Mastercard on the map below.
• Wear bug spray! Koh Kood is absolute paradise, but there is one thing that stops it from being perfect and that’s sandflies. They are most active during sunset, which is frustrating as this is prime time to hit the beaches that face West. Don’t neglect the bug spray during these hours.
• Hire a scooter. You can get around using taxis but its expensive and you may have to wait a while, because there’s a limited number on the island. Hiring a scooter is the best way to get around and is the most cost effective way.
• But test the brakes first. Koh Kood is quite a hilly island with lots of steep sections of road, as well as some off-road, rugged terrain. Make sure the scooter you hire has good brakes.
• Prepare for WiFi to go down. Sometimes the WiFi will cut out on the whole island after a lot of rain, and may not come back up for a day or so. Make sure you have a local sim card or some other way to stay connected, just in case.
• Get out of the resorts! The resorts are so nice and it’s easy to think “I can just stay here all day!” but there is so much to see and do on the island, make sure you go out and see it.

Map Of These Attractions in Koh Kood

To round things off, here is an interactive map that shows the best restaurants, resorts and attractions on Koh Kood that we mentioned in this guide…

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, this is everything you need to know about visiting Koh Kood. It’s one of our favorite islands in Thailand, and by now we hope you can see why.

It’s tranquil, it’s remote, it’s unique – it’s 100% worth adding to your Thai bucket list .

If you have any questions about visiting Koh Kood, let us know in the comments and we’d be happy to help!

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Snorkeling ( start at Ko Kut)

• Use of Snorkelling equipment
• Thai Lunch Buffet
• Coffee and/or Tea
• The National Park Entry Fee is not included.
• bb divers koh kood บีบี ไดเวอร์ส เกาะกูด, 141 moo2 klong chao koh kood, ตำบล เกาะกูด อำเภอ เกาะกูด ตราด 23000, Thailand Our boat leaves from Siam Beach resort in high season, and from Ao Salad in Low season. We do offer pick up from your resort, so please provide us with this information.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• O6907TRmr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super!! Amazing team. Super professional. Really enjoyed the dives. Special thanks to Makiya and Louis. Will be back for more! Read more Written 11 May 2024
• sanidwongl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The wonderful trip with BB divers in Koh Kood All staff and k’Manu are very kind and helpful. We feel really safe for the whole trip. The trip was amazing, clear water and lots of fish with beautiful corals. Recommended! Read more Written 9 May 2024
• Paradise39970994184 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Dive Experience at BB Divers, Koh Kood! Our experience at BB Divers in Koh Kood was truly outstanding. While I enjoyed fun dives, my wife took the Advanced Open Water course, and we were both impressed by the professionalism and safety-focused attitude of the staff. Their friendliness and the top-quality, new equipment provided added comfort and confidence to our dives. The boat was spacious and comfortable, making the journey to the beautiful dive spots a pleasure. These locations were teeming with vibrant marine life, chosen perfectly by the knowledgeable staff to suit all skill levels. Moreover, the camaraderie among divers and the crew enhanced our overall experience, making us feel part of a welcoming community. BB Divers is highly recommended for their professionalism, quality gear, and exceptional dive spots. An unforgettable diving adventure awaits at BB Divers, Koh Kood! Read more Written 1 May 2024
• bosE1774NY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful and sm fun! It was my first time diving, i was a little nervous, but the amazing bb-divers team made me feel safe and relaxed. It was an amazing experience, the under water world is just stunning. The bb-divers team also explained wich fishes we might see underwater, i really liked this because once we went under i started recognising them. So so cool!! Thank you all so much!! I will definitely come again. Much love <3 Read more Written 30 April 2024
• dionnen704 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great snorkel and dive trip! We had a fabulous snorkel and dive trip. The people from BB divers are so kind and helpfull. Nice food on the boat and e vary nice boat to stay on. Read more Written 29 April 2024
• R2195VLmichaelb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles BB Divers and Manu are great! What a great family experience. We spent the day diving with Manu on the “experience diving” package. She was an incredible instructor who instilled confidence and calm. We enjoyed lovely dives in the National park. Highlight of our Thai vacation! Read more Written 4 April 2024
• redap2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best first dives with Manu Was super nice day, Manu is great instructor and a person. It was my first time, but I wasnt scared that much, as I felt that I had great support. Really enjoyed time together. Thank you so so much for this experience. Read more Written 3 April 2024
• Daydream39622349574 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Funebris We had good time and enjoyed under the water. Our dive master is so professional who can take care about me when I had some issue under the water. We saw many fishes and corals. Boat staffs are kind and really helpful. We were impressed. Read more Written 31 March 2024
• iztokg2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dive with BB divers and You' ll be satisfied! We were on 6 dives in two days. One day national park, second day around Koh Kood. Dives were great, staff professional, heplfull, but also funny. Diving equipment - perfect, they have all sizes, everything. Trip with "no hurry tempo", all smooth, they picked us at the hotel and drove us to the dive center, where we went on a dive boat. Lunch great, drinks like water, coffee, Cocacola, tea, available at anytime on the boat. Tnx to Luis & Kevin, Po and all the guys that took care of us. Best regards to all, Nina and Iztok Read more Written 30 March 2024
• Q6352ABalessandrob 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A nice boat trip along the shores of Koh Kood Very good organization, accurate briefing, nice boat, experienced crew, would recommend it for family and friends. To be repeated! Read more Written 25 March 2024
• mehdibM635HE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Good bubbles 😄 Beautiful national Park, amazing dives with Garance especially the second one in Koh Laun. The equipment is very good. We spend an amazing day. Thanks to the crew and to Kevin for sharing experiences. Read more Written 24 March 2024
• Mannah09 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing An Amazing experience with Garance Kevin and boat crew who are very nice. Diving with them was wonderfull and the food was very good Read more Written 24 March 2024
• GinaSidd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing, 5 star trip! Amazing way to ease into diving! We did the 1 day dive which involved 2 x dives and snorkelling inbetween. Our diving instructor Kevin was amazing, he made us feel so comfortable and safe, if I had a little panic he gave me a good pep talk and we carried on. He made the experience for us. Would 100 % recommend this company, lunch, drinks etc provided. Will be looking to do the open wager course with this company next! Read more Written 19 March 2024
• PrachiM82 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Manu: The mother of sea dragons The best snorkelling experience with Team BB Divers Koh Kood. Big thank you to Manu (mother of the ship) for being SO HELPFUL from the day I connected with her on WhatsApp and her fabulous team: Somlak, Tim, Pui, Kevin, Makiya, Captain Naat. We experienced the stunning Koh Rang islands, thanks to our guide who took us around to see magnificent fishes and corals - it was magical to say the least. We had a lovely group of co-divers/snorkelers who we chatted away with while exchanging some notes on the new ways of “work-life”. Everyone: do not miss this experience. And do it with Team BB! You can thank me later ;) Read more Written 8 March 2024
• A2976KMmartind 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Scuba Diving Experience Amazing scuba diving trip with Kevin today! He was extremely professional and friendly. We started as complete beginners and he made us feel safe and improve drastically throughout the day!! Thank you Kevin, highly recommend!! Read more Written 8 March 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Snorkeling ( start at Ko Kut) provided by BB Divers Koh Kood

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The Ultimate Koh Kood Guide: Thailand’s Pirate Paradise 

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Koh Kood, Thailand is a large jungle-covered island with very little development situated in the Gulf of Thailand precariously close to Cambodia. It’s also known by the name Koh Kut. Not super popular yet among foreign tourists — this island has been a haunt for pirates bound for nearly lawless Cambodia and wealthy Thai vacationers sailing on their own private yachts for decades. But it’s truly a spectacular slice of paradise. 

Let me just preface this Koh Kood Guide by saying, THIS is my favorite island in Thailand. Probably one of my favorite islands in the world for relaxing on white sand beaches and swimming–but not for snorkeling. 

Literally, nothing compares to the Maldives however. And they are only a $90 flight from Bangkok. It’s also totally possible to visit on a budget. Be sure to check out my blog posts if you are interested. Or my full Thailand itinerary while you’re at it.

Your Complete Guide to Koh Kood

Koh Kood, Thailand is nestled up against Cambodia and in a lot of ways it reminded me of Koh Rong Sanloem. But it’s not popular with the backpacking crowd yet.

Don’t forget to pull out money from a gold ATMs (Krung Sri). These let you pull out 10,000 baht at one time with just the single 220 baht fee. There is one on the island.

Why Visit Koh Kood? 

The beaches, obviously. The lack of tourists and rugged jungly vibe of this pirate island is just an added bonus. 

The island has remained undeveloped and will likely remain that way, mostly because the entire Eastern half is a Thai Army base. This means no resorts or visitation of any kind of this part of Koh Kood’s shores. Its relative isolation is what made this place popular with pirates hiding their booty and what has also discouraged tourists from making the arduous bus + boat journey from Bangkok to Koh Kood. 

But bus rides deter no backpackers. In all honestly, it’s not THAT difficult to get to. It’s just likely out of your way. But it’s 100% worth it. 

Read More: My three (other) favorite islands in Thailand- Koh Libong, Koh Muk, and Koh Kradan.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Koh Kood 

This is a super important piece of information that I feel like most blogs on Koh Kood gloss over. 

While many Thai Islands like Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phangan are relatively serene and beautiful year-round, albeit with a little more afternoon rain— Koh Kood is practically closed for 6 months out of the year. During that half of the year, currents swell causing otherwise calm beaches to crash with unpredictable waves and poor weather. Ferries also run infrequently to the island during the off-season, mostly just to serve the people who live there. 

Time to Visit: November-April

During the high season, you can expect that Koh Kood is generally a little pricier than other islands. This is because it has virtually no backpacker scene. The visiting crowd is typically older travelers or families looking for that postcard-perfect beach getaway at a very nice resort. Of those, there are plenty. Hostels on the other hand, not so much. But don’t let that discourage all you budget travelers. Koh Kood can still be very affordable. 

How long should I stay on Koh Kood? 

As long as you can! This island is paradise. But I would recommend no less than 3 nights using my Koh Kood Guide because of the ferry departure times. If you want a good mix of activity and relaxation while seeing the whole island— I say 5 days. You can easily add in a trip to Koh Mak and even stay on the island overnight with 5-7 days allotted for the region.

How to Get to Koh Kood 

To reach Koh Kood island, you’ll have to transit through the small Southeastern town of Trat. To reach Trat, you’ll likely come from Bangkok (or Pattaya if you were unfortunate enough to visit the town). 

I’ll break down the cheapest options here. 

If you’re not necessarily looking for cheap you can always fly from Bangkok to Trat or from any other regional airport in Thailand. Just be warned your flight will most likely route through Bangkok.

Bangkok to Koh Kood 

At the Mochit MiniBus Terminal in Bangkok (across the street from the Mochit Bus Terminal) you can buy a minibus ticket from Bangkok to Trat for 270 baht per person ($8) at ticket station C. It leaves several times per day (we took the one at 12:30 PM) but it would be best to go as early as possible. 

This terminal has a few food shops, 7/11, and a coffee stand if you need breakfast. 

The journey will take about 5 hours, after stopping once for lunch, and will drop you at the Trat bus terminal. 

If you have arrived before 1 PM you could continue on to Koh Kood the same day by taking the 1:30 PM ferry BUT I don’t recommend it. Instead, stay one night at Pano Solar Guesthouse in Trat. It’s within walking distance or a 30 baht per person songthaew ride from the bus station and very close to the Trat night market which has lots of great local food stalls. 

Another reason I suggest one night in Trat is that there is one ferry to Koh Kood (at 12:30 PM) that costs 350 baht per person. The rest are all 500 baht or more. 

Trat to Koh Kood 

When you wake up in Trat make sure to arrange your Koh Kood ferry with your homestay host. Preferably the night before. He will make sure a songthaew arrives at 10:45 to pick you up (for 70 baht each) to deposit you at the Princess Ferry office about a 45 min drive away. The ferry leaves from Laem Sok Pier. Your 350 baht per person ferry ticket covers your transport from the boat office to the pier, the 1.5-hour ferry itself, AND transport directly to your accommodation from the pier on Koh Kood island. This is awesome because the island is quite large and it’s unlikely you’ll be staying anywhere near the arrival pier. 

You should arrange your ferry ticket with your host in Trat. He gets a small cut which helps his business survive and you don’t pay any extra. I promise you— it’s the cheapest way to the island. 

If you don’t want to do the cheapest option from Trat to Koh Kut you can also do one of these ferry routes, some of which are on a catamaran…

Koh Kood Express

• 10 AM – 600 Baht
• 11:30 AM – 500 Baht
• 1:30 PM – 500 Baht

Don’t confuse your piers! 

Travelers visiting Koh Chang (the most popular island in the region) will leave from Ao Thammachart pier. This is also 45-min for Trat but this pier does not sail to Koh Kood. Koh Chang is not recommended to visit (by me) because it’s overcrowded, overpriced, not as pretty, and super over-developed. 

Koh Kood Guide to Getting Around

You will need to rent a motorbike to get around on Koh Kood. The island is large and the sights are far apart. Okay, not that far just a 15-20 min drive but still too far to walk. Unless you just want to sit on one beach the whole time you will need to rent a bike for 250 baht per day. Your guesthouse can arrange this. 

Koh Kood Accommodation

As I mentioned Koh Kood is quite popular with the bougie luxury travelers. Because of this most accommodation options are $50+ per night with some being far more expensive like Koh Kood Resort ($87), Soneva Kiri ($1,077), and Tinkerbell Resort ($268). These alongside The Beach Natuaral Resort Koh Kood are supposedly the best Koh Kood hotels.

But two options run by the same Aussie host are budget-friendly. For about $20 or 700 baht per night, we snagged a private room at the centrally located Chor Chaba . While it’s not on a beach, it is within walking distance of two of the best beaches and far cheaper than all other options on the island. 

A few other budget options are Ao Salat View , Koh Kood Garden House , and PD Guesthouse .

Best Places to Eat in Koh Kood 

Koh Kood had a surprising amount of restaurants. Literally all over the island. But the best ones are again, within walking distance of Chor Chaba. The best budget ones with local food that is.  Thai food is the absolute best.

• Chor Chaba itself has great tofu dishes + a wonderful Muesli with fruit for breakfast. And fresh press coffee for when you just can’t handle another packet of instant. 
• Full Moon Bar. 
• Chill Out. Exceptional food. Get there before 7:30 PM or they will likely be full. 
• Chonthicha Seafood. This is one of two places inside the small fisherman village on the other side of the island that’s a favorite spot for pirates. The seafood is good, fresh, but not cheap. We paid 500 baht for seafood fried rice and a whole fried fish that was perfectly cooked. It’s pretty cool to visit and eat right on the water. 
• Night Market. Every evening on the road to the Khlong Chao waterfall a night market pops up. Here you can get cheap grilled fish (180 baht), sausages, Pad Thai, and beer. There are also a few good used clothing shops here. 

There is a shop up the hill from Chor Chaba where you can buy all sorts of snacks including cheap beer and wine. You’ll see it labeled on maps.me and it’s very easy to find. There aren’t many shops around.

Things to do in Koh Kood 

It’s perfectly acceptable to spend your time on the island laying in the sun and swimming in the crystal clear warm oceans that kiss the white sandy island. But there are some fun things to do and see in our Koh Kood Guide. Here’s a quick collection of the non-beach attraction in Koh Kood for my fellow restless souls.

Warning! There are lots of sandflies on Koh Kood. Coconut oil is a great solution to prevent the bites. You can bring your own or buy some high-quality stuff on the island. There is also Malaria on this island. Be sure to use lots of mosquito repellent.

Head to Khlong Chao Waterfall for an early morning swim. 

This is a popular swimming hole on the island and gets busy mid-day. But in the early morning hours, you’ll have the jungle all to yourself. 

If you are visiting during the off-season you can also hike to Khlong Yai Kee waterfall and Huang Nam Khiao waterfall. They become basically dry during the busy dry season though. 

Visit the Fisherman village 

There’s a very beautiful viewpoint along the drive. The village is called Laem Ao Yai. This is where the old pirates have congregated now that they have realized tourism makes even more money than pirating.

Catch an epic sunset at Sunset Beach 

This is one of my favorite beaches on the island. It’s by no means remote or free of fellow travelers but it’s absolutely perfect for a sunset swim and maybe a beer shared on the sand.

Jump off the stunning pier at Ban Ao Phrao (my favorite beach) 

This beach is incredible. Hands down my favorite. At high tide, it is the most swimmable. It’s mostly undeveloped with only a few small hotels and guesthouses on the shore.

Take a snorkeling trip to Koh Rok Marine Park  

This is where the marine park is located and even at 1400 baht per person and an hour from the island, it’s the only good place to snorkel from Koh Kood. The water here is spectacularly clear but there is very little live coral and fish on and around Koh Kood.

Some people recommend snorkeling at Bang Bao Beach but we checked and there was very little to see even in the rockier area of the beach. There’s also an underwater sculpture park on Koh Kood but that wasn’t our kind of thing. 

Padi Certified? Try a dive! 

Paradise Diver comes very highly recommended.

Rent a sea kayak or SUP and explore the shores at Bang Bao Beach.

I don’t recommend splurging on a clear kayak (300 baht per hour). As I mentioned, there isn’t too many fish so you might as well just have a cheaper regular one. 

Hop over to Koh Mak. 

We didn’t make it here so I can’t speak too highly. But from what I’ve heard it’s an even more remote destination than Koh Kood. Our guesthouse owner in Trat recommends it highly for those who love nature. He runs a beautiful seaside bungalow ( Pano Resort for $16 per night ) there as well.

Best Beaches on Koh Kood 

No Koh Kood guide would be complete without the best beaches. The beaches in Koh Kood are exceptional all around. My advice? Stay away from the main ports and towns for clean water and always go at high tide! High tide made all the beaches prettier and more swimmable. Look the tides up online — but typically the morning hours are best. 

Ban Ao Phrao Beach

100% this is our favorite beach on Koh Kood for swimming. The waves were minimal, the water was crystal clear, and you can jump off the pier into the sea. It’s palm-fringed and picturesque. The kind of beach you see on postcards with huge swathes of white sand and enough shade for lounging. There are a few hotels on the beach but no huge resorts— another major perk. 

Bang Bao Beach

I would say this was our second favorite beach for daytime use. It’s also the most popular and it can feel a little crowded with all of the insane resorts rimming the shore. This is the beach Koh Kood Resort is on. We enjoyed it because it also had a diving pier, shallow warm clear water, and it had an array of activities you could do. 

This is where you can rent sea kayaks! 

The only downside to this beach (besides the crowds) is that the beach itself although white and soft — it is rather narrow. Just a thin line of sand by the water. There can also be a lot of jellyfish when the tide turns. We saw two people get stung back to back when the current changed. If you do get stung be sure to put some lime or vinegar on it after scraping off the invisible barbs and tentacles while in the salt water. The resorts here have special stuff to help you out with the sting too. 

We also saw some tree snakes here. We looked it up and it was a Golden Tree Snake which is venomous but not harmful to humans. 

Sunset Beach 

This one also tops our list of best beaches in Koh Kood. Facing west it offers exceptional sunset views and the beach itself is huge!! Great for a sunset swim or stroll. 

We did not like Nang Yai Beach . It was rocky, overcrowded, and a little dirty. Most bloggers disagreed in their Koh Kood Guide so I don’t know if we visited at the wrong time of day or if they have changed over the years but I wasn’t impressed. 

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Further Reading...

The Biggest Off-the-Beaten-Path Backpacker Guide to Thailand (Maps & Insider Tips)

Happy Elephants: Your Guide to Visiting Truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries

28 Thailand Street Foods You Cannot Miss

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Explore Trat Sea with BB Diver Koh Kood

Starting at ฿ 1,000

We have daily boat trips with wooden boat, on which we visit different snorkel spots. On our regular daytrips we offer a lunchbuffet, hot and drinks, snacks and fruit.

Snorkelers use full equipment: mask, snorkel and fins. There is a snorkel briefing before you enter the water and a snorkel guide to show you the best spots or to help you get used to the equipment.

The half day trip on  Koh Kood offers two snorkel spots. We leave in the morning and after 25 min. we’ll reach the first spot. During the boat ride there will be stunning views of the island Koh Kood. The boat will be back around 3pm.

The trip to  Koh Rang National Park  will take a full day, the boat trip out is a bit longer, we make 3 stops (2 dives) in the park. We should be back on Koh Kood around 5 pm. The surroundings in Koh Rang are great: nice views, lovely bays, great beaches and of course very nice coral reefs full of fish for diving and snorkeling.

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Please note that these two activity options may not be available every day due to weather conditions. Some days, we will explore Koh Kood, and on other days, we will head to Koh Rang. When making a booking, our system will send your order for us to review first. Once approved, we will send you an email invoice for payment.

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Snorkeling ( start at Ko Kut)

• Use of Snorkelling equipment
• Thai Lunch Buffet
• Coffee and/or Tea
• The National Park Entry Fee is not included.
• bb divers koh kood บีบี ไดเวอร์ส เกาะกูด, 141 moo2 klong chao koh kood, ตำบล เกาะกูด อำเภอ เกาะกูด ตราด 23000, Thailand Our boat leaves from Siam Beach resort in high season, and from Ao Salad in Low season. We do offer pick up from your resort, so please provide us with this information.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• O6907TRmr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super!! Amazing team. Super professional. Really enjoyed the dives. Special thanks to Makiya and Louis. Will be back for more! Read more Written May 11, 2024
• sanidwongl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The wonderful trip with BB divers in Koh Kood All staff and k’Manu are very kind and helpful. We feel really safe for the whole trip. The trip was amazing, clear water and lots of fish with beautiful corals. Recommended! Read more Written May 9, 2024
• Paradise39970994184 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Dive Experience at BB Divers, Koh Kood! Our experience at BB Divers in Koh Kood was truly outstanding. While I enjoyed fun dives, my wife took the Advanced Open Water course, and we were both impressed by the professionalism and safety-focused attitude of the staff. Their friendliness and the top-quality, new equipment provided added comfort and confidence to our dives. The boat was spacious and comfortable, making the journey to the beautiful dive spots a pleasure. These locations were teeming with vibrant marine life, chosen perfectly by the knowledgeable staff to suit all skill levels. Moreover, the camaraderie among divers and the crew enhanced our overall experience, making us feel part of a welcoming community. BB Divers is highly recommended for their professionalism, quality gear, and exceptional dive spots. An unforgettable diving adventure awaits at BB Divers, Koh Kood! Read more Written May 1, 2024
• bosE1774NY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful and sm fun! It was my first time diving, i was a little nervous, but the amazing bb-divers team made me feel safe and relaxed. It was an amazing experience, the under water world is just stunning. The bb-divers team also explained wich fishes we might see underwater, i really liked this because once we went under i started recognising them. So so cool!! Thank you all so much!! I will definitely come again. Much love <3 Read more Written April 30, 2024
• dionnen704 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great snorkel and dive trip! We had a fabulous snorkel and dive trip. The people from BB divers are so kind and helpfull. Nice food on the boat and e vary nice boat to stay on. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• R2195VLmichaelb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles BB Divers and Manu are great! What a great family experience. We spent the day diving with Manu on the “experience diving” package. She was an incredible instructor who instilled confidence and calm. We enjoyed lovely dives in the National park. Highlight of our Thai vacation! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• redap2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best first dives with Manu Was super nice day, Manu is great instructor and a person. It was my first time, but I wasnt scared that much, as I felt that I had great support. Really enjoyed time together. Thank you so so much for this experience. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• Daydream39622349574 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Funebris We had good time and enjoyed under the water. Our dive master is so professional who can take care about me when I had some issue under the water. We saw many fishes and corals. Boat staffs are kind and really helpful. We were impressed. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• iztokg2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dive with BB divers and You' ll be satisfied! We were on 6 dives in two days. One day national park, second day around Koh Kood. Dives were great, staff professional, heplfull, but also funny. Diving equipment - perfect, they have all sizes, everything. Trip with "no hurry tempo", all smooth, they picked us at the hotel and drove us to the dive center, where we went on a dive boat. Lunch great, drinks like water, coffee, Cocacola, tea, available at anytime on the boat. Tnx to Luis & Kevin, Po and all the guys that took care of us. Best regards to all, Nina and Iztok Read more Written March 30, 2024
• Q6352ABalessandrob 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A nice boat trip along the shores of Koh Kood Very good organization, accurate briefing, nice boat, experienced crew, would recommend it for family and friends. To be repeated! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• mehdibM635HE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Good bubbles 😄 Beautiful national Park, amazing dives with Garance especially the second one in Koh Laun. The equipment is very good. We spend an amazing day. Thanks to the crew and to Kevin for sharing experiences. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• Mannah09 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing An Amazing experience with Garance Kevin and boat crew who are very nice. Diving with them was wonderfull and the food was very good Read more Written March 24, 2024
• GinaSidd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing, 5 star trip! Amazing way to ease into diving! We did the 1 day dive which involved 2 x dives and snorkelling inbetween. Our diving instructor Kevin was amazing, he made us feel so comfortable and safe, if I had a little panic he gave me a good pep talk and we carried on. He made the experience for us. Would 100 % recommend this company, lunch, drinks etc provided. Will be looking to do the open wager course with this company next! Read more Written March 19, 2024
• PrachiM82 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Manu: The mother of sea dragons The best snorkelling experience with Team BB Divers Koh Kood. Big thank you to Manu (mother of the ship) for being SO HELPFUL from the day I connected with her on WhatsApp and her fabulous team: Somlak, Tim, Pui, Kevin, Makiya, Captain Naat. We experienced the stunning Koh Rang islands, thanks to our guide who took us around to see magnificent fishes and corals - it was magical to say the least. We had a lovely group of co-divers/snorkelers who we chatted away with while exchanging some notes on the new ways of “work-life”. Everyone: do not miss this experience. And do it with Team BB! You can thank me later ;) Read more Written March 8, 2024
• A2976KMmartind 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Scuba Diving Experience Amazing scuba diving trip with Kevin today! He was extremely professional and friendly. We started as complete beginners and he made us feel safe and improve drastically throughout the day!! Thank you Kevin, highly recommend!! Read more Written March 8, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Snorkeling ( start at Ko Kut) provided by BB Divers Koh Kood

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9 Fabulous Things to Do in Koh Kood

Koh Kood is an island in southeast Thailand, in the Trat Region, near Koh Chang. Don’t get confused when you see the spelling Koh Kut, as it’s the same island as Koh Kood.  There are three islands in this group, which are often called the Trat islands, as that’s the closest town on the mainland.  Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and this one Koh Kood.  The most visited island of the chain is Koh Chang, which we’ll head to soon, but our first island is Koh Kood.  Unlike the neighboring island of Koh Chang, Koh Kood is more laid back and has fewer foreign visitors. The island is known and loved for its beach life, and Bangkokians head here for weekends.  It’s also quiet and laid back, and for me, it’s the perfect island life.    Here are 9 glorious things to do in Koh Kood.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

After we had such a fabulous time on Koh Yao Noi island , we decided that we’d head to another island after spending a week in Bangkok.  And so, as we are leaving Thailand and heading towards Cambodia, we picked the Trat Islands and decided to visit all of them.  We started with Koh Kood.

#1 THING TO DO

Snorkel Koh Rang Marine Park

Take a 3 stop snorkeling full-day trip from Koh Kood to Koh Rang National Park with a buffet lunch. Diving options are also available.

Want to know how to get there?  Here’s how to get to Koh Kood from Bangkok

Koh Kood is the largest undeveloped island in Thailand.  In years gone by it was a haunt for wealthy Thai tourist groups who arrived here in private boats.  Because of the proximity to Cambodia, there was (allegedly) a lot of smuggling here and it wasn’t until they built the road that linked Ao Salat and Ao Yai that western tourists started arriving.  It appears the piracy has stopped because tourism is more lucrative and the pirates make more money from the restaurants in Ao Yai.

Again because of the proximity to Cambodia, much of the eastern coast of the island is controlled by the Thai armed forces and you can’t access it.

Koh Kood is a fantastic island to visit if you want to escape the usual tourist trail and busy crowd. You can enjoy the same charming Thai beaches, culture, incredible food, and beautiful scenery, but at the same time, you can get away from the noise of vehicles and people. It’s also more affordable than the trendy islands such as Phuket , Koh Chang , and Koh Samui. You can spend two to three days here and see the top-rated locations, but you can easily spend a week doing nothing but relaxing.

Where to Stay in Koh Kood

Although it’s a pretty laidback and quiet island, Koh Kood has ample accommodation (but book ahead at weekends and holidays) to choose from, depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. This is the most expensive of the three Trat islands to stay on.  You will NEED to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling at weekends and during Thai holidays.  There are fewer budget options, but there are also some fabulous beach places to stay!

High Season Pool Villa is an incredible choice if you want a place to stay on the beachfront. Apart from the private beach, it has an outdoor pool, sunbeds by the shoreline, and beautiful and spacious bungalows.  Check rates and availability for beachfront Koh Kood villas here.

A great mid-range option is Bann Klong Jao . This homestay option has bungalows along the sleepy Koh Kood River. The rooms have a balcony for your own private river view and you can borrow kayaks from the owners to explore the river. It also has a great on-site restaurant serving food from breakfast to dinner.  Bungalows sell out quickly here so reserve well in advance.

For a more budget stay, but with great reviews and hospitality you can’t go wrong with Suan Nai Kokut Resort . The owners are very helpful and a daily breakfast is served as well as other meals at the on-site restaurant. The rooms have a terrace , there is free wi-fi and parking available for your scooter. Check rates and availability here.

For a more basic stay, but close to one of Koh Kood’s best beaches (Koh Chedi Beach), Chor Chaba is a fab budget option in Koh Kood. This is the only Koh Kood dorm option, and the owners are great fun and helpful too; Enjoy a game of pool, and watch international sports, and it’s also a fun place to socialize. Check rates and availability here for Chor Chaba .

9 Fabulous Things to do in Koh Kood

Like any of your typical Thai destinations, the best things to do in Koh Kood include water activities such as snorkeling, boat tours, hiking, biking to waterfalls, and enjoying the fabulous beaches here.  You can also explore Thai cuisine with fresh seafood and fruits.

1.     Rent a motorbike and explore Koh Kood

One of the best ways to explore the island of Koh Kood is by renting a motorbike and driving around on your own. While there are plenty of motorbike rental places around the island (just look for the signs), getting one from your accommodation is much better to avoid the hassle of picking up and returning the bike.

The rental cost of a motorbike on Koh Kood is around 150 to 250 THB daily/24 hours and should include a helmet. Getting gas for your motorbike is different from what you might have at home. When you need to fill up, look for a stand on the road with plastic water bottles filled with colored liquid. The cost is about 40 to 50 THB for a liter bottle.

If renting a motorbike is not something you’re interested in doing, the other option is to rent a bicycle, the island is hilly, so keep that in mind.  While there are taxis available, they are few and far between and they’re not cheap.  If you need a taxi ask your accommodation provider and confirm the price before you get in.  There are songthaews, but they only usually provide transports between the ferries and the fisherman’s villages.

2.      Relax on Koh Kood

The main thing to do in Koh Kood is to chill out and enjoy the peace and quiet and the beaches. Most accommodations here have hammocks where you can just relax, order a fresh coconut, and appreciate the views and quiet atmosphere. The popular High Season Pool Villa and Spa is where you can completely chill out and enjoy the slow-paced island life.

If you’re by the river, you can go to Mangrove Bungalow & Restaurant. It’s a favorite spot because of the gorgeous view of the river, which you can admire while lying down on a hammock and sipping a coffee, fresh fruit smoothie, or, of course, a cold beer.

3.      Go diving from Koh Kood

This is Thailand, so diving is a top thing to do in Koh Kood. Koh Kood is less touristy and visited than many other islands and the diving is more peaceful and enjoyable.  There are three great dive shops on the island.  You’ll find them by Ao Tapao Beach and Bang Bao Beach.   All of the dive schools here have English-speaking dive masters.

• Koh Kood Divers located at the Garden View Resort on the island has a great reputation and is also a fabulous restaurant and homestay too.
• BB Divers has been around since 2003 (they’re on Koh Chang too) and comes with a great rep and also some freediving courses too.
• Paradise Divers – another shop with a great rep, they’re located next to the Chor Chaba homestay and hostel.

Diving here is in the glorious Koh Rang National Park and you should bear in mind that there’s a National Park fee to pay for any dives you do.

The cost of a dive trip depends on the diving you want to do. A discovery dive (no experience needed) is the most affordable, between 2,500 THB to 4,000 THB.  This is a great way to check out if you actually like diving without the expense of a certified course, although Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn to dive in the world!  Try this package of two discovery dives on Koh Kood.

If you decide to get your certification – the dive schools on Koh Kood work to the PADI certification standard and this is a great and cost-effective place to get a certification.  You can sign up for a PADI course on Koh Kood here. The cost can be up to 14,500 THB if you want a course to get your PADI license .

If you’re already certified, then a dive trip costs around 3,000 THB to 10,000 THB – and you can pre-book diving trips to Koh Rang National Marine Park here .

4.     Go snorkeling from Koh Kood

The number one thing to do in Koh Kood is to take a snorkeling trip.  There’s no need to be licensed like diving, and snorkeling at Koh Kood is another fantastic option to enjoy the incredible waters and marine life here. The waters near the beaches are crystal clear, but there’s not much to see near the beaches and the best way to go snorkeling is by booking a boat tour for the day. You’ll be taken to three snorkeling spots for the best chance of seeing marine life and coral.  Book a snorkeling day trip here.

5.     Visit the Fisherman’s Village for lunch or dinner

As a famous fishing island, it’s no surprise that one of the attractions in Koh Kood is visiting the fisherman’s villages of Koh Kood.  It’s easiest to get to them if you’ve rented a bike, and you can either have lunch or dinner in houses built on stilts over the water.  The villages here on the island are Ao Yai, Ao Salad, and Bang Bao Bay. It’s better to come out earlier than your intended time to eat, good food at the best spots tends to go early, so aim closer to noon than 2 pm and 6:30 pm rather than 8 pm!

6.     Find your Private Beach on Koh Kood

I loved our time on Koh Kood.  It was laidback and quiet.  There were hardly any folks around and it was possible easily find your own private beach.  Sunset at the Million Beach Bar near Chor Chaba was glorious too.

If you want an isolated beach, go to Khlong Hin Beach. Although it’s not too far from the busy area of Koh Kood, you’ll definitely be able to find your own little spot.

For another great sunset spot head to Ao Jak Beach, where the bay is covered with white sand and surrounded by coconut trees, and it is beautiful. You can also check out Ao Phrao Beach in the southern part of the island. The beach is long but narrow. It’s also deserted, so bring your own drinks and snacks if you plan to stay for a few hours.

7.     Watch the Sunset on Koh Kood

Secret Sunset Beach is located on the northern part of Koh Kood island, it’s even quieter and perfect for admiring the sunset. But remember to check that your motorbike’s light works because the drive back to Koh Kood town center or the river area is bumpy with no lighting on the road.

View Point Cafe is located by the river facing the beach. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset in Koh Kood since there are plenty of places to sit and even tables on the sand. Get here around 4 PM and order cocktails, dessert, or food while waiting for the sun to set. They also play music, and the prices are reasonable for such a fantastic location.

If you don’t want to go too far, Ao Tapao Beach is another fantastic sunset spot. The water is clear with a shade of dreamy blue-green and shallow, the ideal place to sunbathe and then go for a quick swim to cool off.

8.     Bike, Walk, or Take a Tour of the Waterfalls of Koh Kood

Koh Kood also has its fair share of waterfalls, although the amount of water flowing over them will depend on the time of year.  When we visited only Khlong Chao had water in it.

Some of Koh Kood’s waterfalls can be reached on foot, and the others require a trip by motorbike or a push bike. The most popular and easiest to get to is Khlong Chao. The entrance is free and it’s easy to walk to from the main beach at the High Season Villa area.

If you want more waterfalls, then you can also go to Khlong Yai, a bit further north, about a 20-minute ride from the center of the island, and it’s free of admission as well. Finally, Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall is east of Khlong Chao. You can visit both waterfalls on the same day if you start exploring early in the morning.

9.     Go Kayaking up the river on Koh Kood

The river on Koh Kood is pretty peaceful and quiet and it’s a great place to go kayaking, especially if you’re staying nearby (most accommodation here either has free or for rent kayaks). If you’ve never tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), this is your chance to try it, as it’s pretty calm here. If your accommodation is by the river, you can rent your kayak and SUP from them, if not, you can simply head to the river, where you’ll find places to rent one. The price is usually 300 THB for a 2-person kayak for 3 hours of rent.

Where to Eat on Koh Kood

You won’t be overwhelmed with places to eat on Koh Kood, but there are some good spots to go to.

The food at Chor Chaba is excellent and Cherry cooks both excellent western style breakfasts and Thai food.  For something unique, head to the Fisherman’s village of Ao Yai and eat in one of the stilt houses.  For a great budget lunch go to the Ta Yai Homestay.  They only serve food until 4 PM, and the bestsellers, such as roast pork noodle, usually gets sold out by 1 PM.  Chill Out Koh Kood is a fabulous option for lunch, dinner, and drinks with mostly locals propping up the bar – food is tasty and you get a lot for your money too. 

How to Get to Koh Kood

There is no airport in Koh Kood, so there are limited options to get here.

Most people come to Koh Kood from Bangkok – and the easiest way to do this is to book a through ticket that includes the bus, transfers to the boat, and a transfer to your accommodation on the island.  Book the through ticket here.

However, there are other ways to get here…

You can take different routes, but it will always end up with traveling by land or air, then taking the boat from either the mainland or one of the other islands in the group. You can fly to Trat from Bangkok, then transfer from the airport to Laem Sok Ferry Pier, and then take the boat.

You can also take a bus from Bangkok directly to Laem Sok Ferry Pier and then get the boat. It’s a bit more affordable but will take nearly 7 hours.

We wrote a more extensive guide on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Kood to help you with planning.

When you’re leaving the island, just book your onward transport with your accommodation provider and pay them.  All boat tickets include a transfer from your accommodation to the ferry pier and you’ll be told what time you’re collected.  Transfers are in Songthaews. (there’s more on transport types in Thailand in our guide here )

How to get around Koh Kood

Walking is the best option for going around the area around the river or along the river, but to get further afield you will want to rent a motorbike as mentioned before.

Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand

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Map of Things to Do on Koh Kood

You can also see the full Koh Kood things to do map here

Travel Essentials for Koh Kood

Need to know more before coming to the island?  Here’s what we looked up before coming and confirmed when we arrived.

Is there an ATM on Koh Kood?

Yes, you’ll find ATMs on Koh Kood.  They’re marked on Google Maps and easy to find, and I’ve marked them on our map of things to do on Koh Kood.  As a foreign debit card holder, it will cost you 220 THB for each withdrawal.  (AEON Bank is the only ATM in Thailand that has cheaper withdrawal fees (at 150 THB per withdrawal) but there aren’t any of those on Koh Kood).

Is there a supermarket on Koh Kood?

No, but there are mini-markets around where you’ll be able to buy snacks.

Is there a gas station on Koh Kood?

Yes.  You can buy gas for your motorbike /scooter pretty much anywhere on the island you’ll easily spot the plastic bottles full of gas, just pull over and the owner will come out and top you up.

Can you get laundry done on Koh Kood

Yes.  You’ll spot the signs around the island, where laundry is done.  Costs are by the kilo and the service is usually for washing, drying, and folding.  You’ll pay around 60THB a kilo.  It’s best to try and get laundry done where you’re staying, in case there are any problems.

Safety on Koh Kood

Koh Kood is a pretty safe place to travel to.  Follow all the usual precautions that you would when traveling.

• Keep valuables out of sight
• Always lock your valuables away when they’re not with you ( read how we use a portable travel safe here )

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• Use a VPN when utilizing public WiFi networks in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses ( read about VPNs here )
• Tap water is NOT potable in Thailand. Consider taking a refillable water bottle to reduce the use of single-use plastic.  We always travel with a filter water bottle, which I wrote about here.

Travel Insurance for Thailand

Koh Kood and Thailand are pretty safe locations to travel to, but accidents can happen.  If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip to Thailand, then you can get a quote from World Nomads for your travel insurance for Thailand

Final Words on Things to Do in Koh Kood

Koh Kood is an idyllic place where life is slow-paced, everyone knows everyone, and choices are limited but ample. If you have extra time in Thailand to burn or decide to redo your itinerary and go for a more relaxing island, check out Koh Kood. It’s the best place to go if you want to chill out but at the same time with enough things to do to keep you occupied. Koh Kood is a great choice to take a break from the busy city scene, or you’re probably looking for a place to wrap up your Thailand trip in a more calming setting.

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Sarah Carter

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3 thoughts on “ 9 Fabulous Things to Do in Koh Kood ”

• 3 comments

This is a really helpful article, thanks. Just one thing though, not many people actually have motorcycle licences so recommending hiring a bike is probably not an option for many /most. How would we get around without our own transport? Would it be worth coming but only for a day or two as opposed to a week?

You can take songthaews to get around, but they tend to be focused on getting people to and from the speedboats. However, they are there. It is very rare to be asked for a motorbike license in Thailand, especially on the islands. If you’re asked for a license, then its usually a car license.

and also, if you just want to see the island, yes you could come for 1-2 days

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Koh Chang snorkeling

Shaped almost like the national symbol of the country, Koh Chang benefits so much from having a seat on the Gulf of Thailand. That awards this location much magic – from excellent snorkeling around its many secluded beaches to vast presence of jungle greens, an abundance of waterfalls, and such other natural phenomena. Within the easy reach of Koh Chang, many islands sit in the center of the Marine Park with distinct sets of its own tiny isles off its shores, snorkeling and diving gems.

Koh Chang snorkeling beaches

The first two snorkeling beaches to consider in Koh Chang would be the North and South white sand beaches. Situated at opposite ends, they are just that too – opposite. For those who like to see the bustling action of other travelers around the beach, the North White Sand beach is the place for you. You also get to enjoy premium service from all of the holiday conveniences, restaurants, shops, and every other establishment. When the action starts getting ahead, see what the Southside has to offer – some peace, relatively. That said, the beautiful Pearl beach should also be sought out for good snorkeling from the beach. Rounding up the top five for us is the duo of North and South Klong Prao Beach, offering the same kind of snorkeling off the beach contrast you would expect.

Koh Chang snorkeling tours

Koh Chang National Marine Park covers an area of 650 km² spanning 52 islands in all shapes and sizes, with many perfect for snorkeling. Marine Park starts from Koh Chang, the third largest island in Thailand, and ends with pristine Koh Kood, the closest to Cambodia. In the center of the Marine Park, twelve uninhabited Koh Rang islands promise the best snorkeling near Koh Chang, with many snorkeling tours daily. A diversity of marine life in this part of the Gulf of Thailand is also visible when you take a snorkeling tour from Koh Chang to nearby Koh Wai and Koh Kham islands. Alternatively, you can also take a snorkeling tour to Koh Raet to see how well you can snorkel around the vibrant ocean ground and beautiful waters that this location offers.

Best diving in Koh Chang

Being a large island does have its perks. Besides the large bodies of water, the expanse of land, and fantastic snorkeling locations, the beauty of Koh Chang’s diving is overwhelming. This becomes clear when you visit any of the twelve Koh Rang islands, and especially Koh Mapring. Koh Rang archipelago is waiting for you to make your famous dives onto the clear, safe waters. Lest we forget, Koh Klang and Koh Klum are also great for diving, attracting some of the most ambitious divers across different experience ranges.

Koh Klum is entirely uninhabited and welcomes you with cliffs that reach the water’s edge. You can find a sandy spit or two at low tide and a pleasant, rocky beach in the south. On your diving trip from Koh Chang, you will come across several islands nearby. Koh Klum Island lies approximately 7 km south of the fishing hamlet of Bang Bao. There are different spots around the island to enjoy terrific snorkeling and diving from Koh Chang.

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• Visit Thai Site

Koh Kood or Koh Kut island is one of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Because of its magnificent beaches and far less touristy atmosphere than Koh Samui , Koh Kood has become many Thais’ favorite.

As the fourth largest island in Thailand, Koh Kood has numerous attractions and activities that enrich your stay. This article will drill deep into each one and recommend suitable options that provide you with the best experience.

Affiliate Disclosure: We use affiliate links in this article. If you book tours through them, we will receive a small commission from our partners.

However, we prioritize our audience’s interests. You can then rest assured that we will always provide unbiased opinions.

How to Get to Koh Kood Island

Koh Kood is part of Trat province (approximately 320 km from Bangkok). Thus, the island is much closer to the capital than Phuket or Koh Samui. Although Koh Kood is not an undeveloped island, traveling to Koh Kood can be more challenging than other Thai islands.

First, you will need to get to the Laem Sok pier , which is 30 km from Trat city. From Bangkok, you have the following options:

Buses – Thai intercity buses are reliable and safe, especially if you pick first-class providers. Get to Eastern Bangkok Bus Terminal (near Ekkamai) and buy the tickets there. Buses to Trat depart from the terminal every hour. The fares are approximately 8 USD (250-270 Baht)

Vans – Vans are fast and inexpensive transportation to Trat city. Once there, you need to catch a local ride to Lam Seok (some speedboat providers may offer this service).

However, Thai vans are particularly dangerous . Fatal accidents occur pretty often. If possible, choose the buses.

Drive – You can rent a car and drive directly to Laem Sok from Bangkok. However, I do not recommend this option. Driving in Thailand can be very risky for newly arrived foreigners, plus you will need to leave your car in the car park for days.

Flights – You can also fly directly to Trat. The flight typically takes an hour or so. Still, you have to go to the Bangkok airport, collect your luggage, and use local transportation to the city. The entire trip will take 3-4 hours.

On the other hand, traveling to Trat by road typically takes no more than 5 hours, but you will pay only one-tenth of your air ticket fares. This is why I do not recommend flying to Trat.

Once you reach Laem Sok , several ferry and speedboat providers will be available, including the following:

• Boonsiri High Speed Boat
• Express Speed Boat
• Koh Kood Princess
• Ko Kut Express

Note : All speedboats and ferries depart Laem Sok only once or twice a day. Most depart around 10 AM. It is crucial to get to the pier before 1 PM.

Speedboats are generally faster than ferries. You will reach the island within an hour or so, but the price tag is higher (500-600 Baht vs. 350 Baht)

Finally, once you arrive at Koh Kood, you will need a transfer to an accommodation you booked earlier. Some 4-5 star Koh Kood resorts like Soneva Kiri Resort provide complimentary shuttle service. You just need to inform them about your itinerary in advance.

Generally speaking, traveling to Koh Kood is undeniably tedious. This is why many Thais choose to visit other Thai islands instead.

However, the itinerary would be far less complicated if you booked a private transfer beforehand. The service includes the following:

• A professional driver will drive you to Lam Seok in a private, comfortable SUV from the location of your choice (Bangkok airport, your hotel, etc.)
• A ferry ticket to Koh Kood
• Transfer to your Koh Kood hotel

This option is more expensive than traveling from Bangkok by bus and ferry on your own. However, it is far more comfortable, less time-consuming, and, most importantly, much safer.

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Like other famous Thai islands, Koh Kood has numerous beautiful beaches. Some of them have very few tourists, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate your soul at will.

Below are some of the best beaches in Koh Kood:

Klong Chao Beach – Located on the island’s west coast, Khlong Chao beach is a white sand beach under the shadow of coconut trees. The seawater there is bluish and crystal clear.

Apart from swimming and sunbathing, you can rent a bike or a kayak at this beach. In addition, the beach is connected to Klong Chao Waterfall so that tourists can also paddle their kayaks inland.

Bang Bao Beach – Bang Bao Beach is another popular white sand beach on the western coast of Koh Kood. It is known for its almost-spherical beachline populated by a stand of coconut trees, which makes it highly photogenic.

Visiting the island would not be complete unless you watch a sunset at this beach. The scenery of the glowing sun shining over the turquoise water is stunning.

Khlong Hin Beach – Khlong Hin beach is a small, isolated beach on the west coast of Koh Kood. Unlike its peers, this beach has numerous stones scattered throughout the area. Thus, walking barefoot on the white sand is not recommended.

However, the beach is tranquil since it has very few visitors. Those who want to take a nap or lie down to listen to the sound of the wind may find this beach worth visiting. Also, the beachline has crystal-clear waters with some corals, providing a modest snorkeling experience.

Ao Phrao Beach – Another top photogenic spot of Koh Kood, Ao Phrao is a picturesque bay with a magnificent white-sand beach. Its curved beachline has many coconut trees, covering its visitors from the sun’s heat.

Like Bang Bao beach, Ao Phrao is an exceptional sunset viewpoint, which you also should not miss.

Ngam Ko Bay – This bay is located on the western coast of Koh Kood. The highlight of this bay is its white-sand beach with a straight line of coconut trees. The beach is also the longest on the island.

Not far from the beach is a small white pagoda located on top of the stone pile nearby. You can visit it only when the tide recedes.

Ao Tapao Beach – Ao Tapao beach is a part of Tapao bay. Many praise the beach as the most beautiful in Koh Kood due to its soft white sand and clear waters. Like Ao Phrao and Bangbao, Ao Tapao is one of the top spots where you can watch the sunset.

Ao Jak Beach – Ao Jak is a bay located on the east coast of Koh Kood. The bay has a white-sand beach populated by a forest of coconut trees, where you can swim or sunbathe freely.

However, what makes this beach different is that the beach is one of the best sunrise viewpoints in all of Koh Kood. Hence, if you can wake up early, do not hesitate to visit Ao Jak to appreciate its outstanding view.

Note: Most Koh Kood resorts are located above beach areas. Still, many resorts offer access to their private beaches as well.

2. Visit the Waterfalls

Koh Kood has a lush tropical forest that remains undisturbed. Inside dense trees are several waterfalls. The flow of water is beautiful and provides some sort of relaxation that can clear up your mind from stress and work fatigue.

The following are the waterfalls in Koh Kood

• Klong Chao Waterfall – A secret waterfall that lies deep in the dense forest, which is difficult to access but definitely worth it.
• Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall
• Huang Nam Kaew Waterfall

Unlike in some countries, you may swim or bathe in the small lakes near the waterfall, an activity that Thais are very fond of.

Just a word of caution – the grounds and the rocks are dangerously slippery . Being too adventurous can result in severe injuries or even death.

3. Snorkeling

Koh Kood itself is an excellent snorkeling spot. You can snorkel at some beaches like Khlong Hin beach without a tour package, but the experience would be just decent.

Thus, I recommend booking a snorkeling trip to nearby islands instead. You will get in a boat with a tour guide and other travelers. Your tour guide will then drop you off at top snorkel sites around Koh Kood.

However, if you want an even better snorkeling experience, you can buy a one-day dive trip to Koh Rang national park (located halfway between Koh Kood and Koh Chang.)

Based on my experience, this national park is a wonderful diving spot with far more abundant marine life. I was satisfied with all of the three dives I had that day.

To book the tour package, I recommend booking with BB Divers (near the entrance of Siam Beach Resort), a long-standing diving school in Koh Kood and Koh Chang. You can also book in advance through Viator by clicking on the link below.

4. Free Diving and Scuba Diving

Koh Kood and nearby islands are rich in marine life. Some of which may be experienced better through sub-surface diving. Hence, free diving and scuba diving are also possible.

For free diving, you can buy a tour package to Koh Rang. You will be accompanied by your tour guide and veteran Koh Kood divers, who will bring you to the best free diving sites.

If you want to go scuba diving , you must have a license to buy a one-day scuba dive trip. Your dive leader will then bring you to Koh Rang. In total, there will be two dives.

Another fascinating option is the nightdive. You will go into the water during the sunset and explore the rich underwater life there.

However, if you do not have a license, you have two following options:

• Buy a basic dive trip – This trip provides fundamental training in scuba diving, plus hands-on exercises in the pool. Subsequently, your instructor will take you to two dive sites and help you get started in the underwater world.
• Enroll in a PADI Open Water Course – You can become a licensed diver after completing this 3-day training course at Koh Kood. Included in the program are four dives in Koh Kood and Koh Rang.

5. Experience the Local Lifestyle in Fishing Villages

Koh Kood is located in the easternmost part of Thailand, near the Cambodian waters. However, the island has a thriving local culture that dates back a few hundred years.

The locals there have been fishermen for generations. Their houses are built on top of multiple poles lunged into the seabed. Each is connected to one another through a small wooden footpath.

The best places to see these villages are Ao Salad or Ao Yai . At both, you can observe their unique daily life, buy unique souvenirs, and even taste the freshest seafood just caught from the sea, offering a remarkable experience like none else.

Ao Salad is more lively than Ao Yai fishing village because it is the ferry pier where tourists from the mainland arrive. On the other hand, Ao Yai is a serene place where you can get a sight into the local life without the frustrating noise from tourists.

6. Kayaking

Unlike other Thai islands, Koh Kood does not have many water sports for tourists. Jet skis and banana boats are not available due to past accidents. Still, you can rent a kayak from your resort or providers at the beaches.

7. Visit Koh Mak

Koh Mak is another beautiful island next to Koh Rang national park and halfway between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. With pristine nature, some Thais even consider Koh Mak an alternative to Koh Kood.

Like Koh Kood, Koh Mak has various picturesque bays, beaches, and dive spots. Its beaches rival that of the best of Koh Kood.

Thus, if you have time to spare, do not hesitate to add Koh Mak to your itinerary.

8. Enjoy Your Stay

The calmness and tranquility make Koh Kood different from Koh Samui and Phuket. This is why Thais and foreigners think Koh Kood is an island getaway where you can relax without worries.

One of the best ways to enrich your Koh Kood trip is to stay in a beachfront resort with decent facilities to get some good rest and immerse yourself in nature.

If you are not too price-conscious, I recommend booking a spacious pool villa at Koh Kood . Many resorts in Koh Kood offer such rooms at a rate cheaper than other popular islands, so you will make the most of your stay.

You can read this article to learn about the best Koh Kood hotels.

9. Try Fresh Seafood

Although Koh Kood has far fewer restaurants than its counterpart, Koh Chang, you can still get some good food from local restaurants.

The following received very positive reviews from diners:

• The Fisherman Hut Koh Kood
• Ra Beang Mai
• Chonthicha Seafood

Also, I find out that some resorts serve delicious seafood at a reasonable price, such as the Blue Coral in the Beach Natural Resort or the beachfront restaurant at To the Sea Resort Koh Kood.

Therefore, do not hesitate to try different restaurants during your Koh Kood stay.

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Home » Activities » Snorkelling Trips to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and Other Islands

Snorkelling Trips to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and Other Islands

Koh Chang Snorkelling Guide

Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Koh Chang.  The best snorkelling sites rival those you’ll find in the south of Thailand.  The visibility might not always be as awesome but you are guaranteed to see a lot of large schools of fish.  This is an activity that definitely should be on your itinerary.  

But if you have younger children, bear in mind that most snorkeling is off the boat – rather than from the shore.  So they have to be comfortable swimming in deep water.  If you just want your kids to be able to walk into the water from the beach and see some fish then a half day trip to Koh Wai would be a better option.

Types of Snorkeling Trip

There are various kinds of boat trips available, all of which include some snorkeling.   But you’ll need to think about a few factors such as how much or little time you want to spend on the boat compared to in the water, what type of food you require – a western buffet or regular Thai food, how much you want to pay etc . before you book a trip.   Pick up a few leaflets from tour agents first, don’t just go with what your hotel recommends – as they’re going to push the more expensive trips, with higher commissions, first.  Plus the reception staff have probably never been snorkelling here.

The best snorkeling spots are the small islands to the northeast of Koh Rang – a large uninhabited (except for a few National Park rangers) island south of Koh Chang and west of Koh Mak .   You’ll see names such as Koh Lon, Koh Yak, Koh Thonglang mentioned on adverts. Boats will often also stop at Koh Wai, which is a good spot for  snorkeling off the beach and feeding the fish from the pier or whilst standing waist deep in water.

In High Season,  especially New Year or long weekends, when a lot of Thais are visiting the islands,   the boats get packed out.   It’s better to delay your trip for a day or two unless you enjoy  being squashed into a seat with nowhere to go during the ride to the islands and then sharing a relatively small snorkeling spot with literally hundreds of others.

There are a dozen boat companies offering snorkeling trips. You’ll see most full day trips advertised as ‘Four (or Five) Island Tours’ and they’ll be a list of small islands which you will visit.  With the exception of Koh Wai, these small islands, so small you can snorkel around, are all located of the north and east of Koh Rang.   Koh Rang is a large island that is home to a National Park Ranger Station.  Intrepid adventurers can also camp there and there are four bungalows that can be rented form the park authorities.

Many trips also include a stop at ‘Monkey Rock’ which is an area on the west coast of Bangbao peninsula where monkeys come down to the sea when boats pass by in the hope of getting thrown some fruit.  The boats will pull up just a few metres in front of the cliffs so passengers can see the monkeys running around.

For full day trips you’ll be picked up from your resort around 08:00 – 08:30 and taken by pick up truck taxi to Bangbao.  The boat will depart around 09:30.  You’ll head to the Koh Rang area first, this will take around 75 minutes.  Then you’ll have roughly 45 minutes snorkeling in each of the three different spots around Koh Rang.  During this time lunch will be served aboard the boat. Then you will head towards Koh Wai for a final stop, before arriving back in Bangbao around 17:00.  You’ll be back at your resort around 17:30 – 18:00. And will be ready for a big dinner.

Half day trips are possible but are best done by speedboat.  These usually skip the islands near Koh Rang and instead visit Koh Klum, Koh Wai and Koh Laoya.  Koh Laoya is a private island with beautiful white sand beach. The big boats don’t go there, so it’s always a good option of you want to avoid crowds during peak season.

Every snorkeling trip include free transfer to/from your hotel and the boat in the price plus a lunch of some description. On the wooden boats food will be cooked onboard and you’ll be able to eat as much as you like.  ( Vegetarians will also be catered for – just tell the boat staff ) .  On speedboats you’ll get a cold lunchbox of rice and Thai curry of some sort.  Also included is a mask and snorkel.  But if you have you own, then I’d advise bringing it as those supplied on boats are lower quality are are often well worn.   Fins aren’t included in the ticket price but usually you can hire them for an additional 100 Baht on Bangbao pier.

In 2014, an entry fee for the Marine National Park began to be charged.  This isn’t included in the cost of snorkeling ( or dive ) trips.  It only applies to the trips going to the Koh Rang area.  Islands such as Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood aren’t within the Marine National Park boundaries, so are exempt.  The fee is 200 Baht for Adults and 100 Baht for children.  ( Thai nationals pay 40 / 20 Baht respectively ).  This is usually collected by National Park staff on Bangbao pier before you get on the boat, but sometimes they board the boat when it nears Koh Rang.  So, don’t forget to take money to pay this.

Koh Chang Snorkelling Tours

Sattra Tour,  Attipol Tour & Permpoonsub. Think of them as the budget carriers of Koh Chang’s boat trip world.   Big converted fishing boats, good, freshly made basic Thai food lunches and stops at the main snorkeling islands for around 800  – 900 Baht/person. If you want to see fish, want to be well fed and don’t mind that the boats will often be busy   – especially at weekends – then any of these companies is fine.

Mr. Khai . Usually uses smaller, nicely painted boats, smaller groups and offers the same level of service and itinerary as the larger boats.   Tickets 700 Baht / person.  The vuidoe below was taken on a Mr Khao snorkeling trip in November 2023.  Tip: Try to avoid going at the weekend.  It is always busier as there are more Thai tourists visiting Koh Chang.  

Bangbao Boat Speedboat, Permpoonsub Speedboat & Kai Bae Hut Speedboat . The benefits of taking a snorkeling trip by speedboat are less travel time, more time in the water, fewer people on the boat.   Balanced out by no toilet, no freshwater shower, no buffet lunch or tea making facilities and no deckchair to sit in. Figure on around 800 – 1,100 Baht/person for a day trip by speedboat to the main snorkeling islands.   If the weather is a bit windy be prepared to be bounced about a bit. The boats can also be rented privately if you’d prefer a private trip with a group of friends or family.

Permpoonsub now also run a half day – either morning or afternoon – trip by speedboat to Koh Khlum, Koh Wai and Koh Laoya.  A good option if you want to avoid the large tour boats and visit quieter islands where you can snorkel or swim in peace.

Sea Adventures . The only sailing ship currently operating day trips, this catamaran cruises slowly down the west coast of Koh Chang to the small islands off Kai Bae and Klong Prao beaches, then heads back to Klong Son bay for a spot of snorkeling at two rarely visited small islands.  If a day lazing in the sun, enjoying good food and slowly watching the beaches of Koh Chang go past is for you, then take this trip.   You won’t get to see many of the outlying islands closely though but it’s a chance to be on a large catamaran for a day.

Thai Fun . You’ll see a lot of different islands on this 1,500 Baht day trip aboard a large white vessel.   But it is a long day on a boat, you’re looking at around 10 hours or so if you are staying on White Sand Beach.   This is more of a nice sightseeing cruise with a bit of snorkeling thrown in rather than a trip you’d take specifically if you wanted to snorkel.

Dive Companies.  It’s also worth noting that all dive companies will take snorkelers on the boat.  However, there will be a compromise as the best dive sites aren’t necessarily the best for snorkeling.  But it’s worth bearing in mind if some of your family want to dive and others want to snorkel – you can all go on the same boat.  Plus dive companies will have far better equipment  – mask / snorkel and fins – for you to use.

Private Boat Trips.   These can also be arranged through most tour companies.  These are a good option if you’re traveling with with extended family or in a group of friends.  Figure on around 6,000 – 10,000 Baht / day for a day trip by wooden boat from Bangbao.  Or from around 6,500 – 15,000 Baht for a full day by speedboat from Kai Bae or Bangbao.

There is an option to avoid the crowds and take a private boat trip to a couple of islands off the north coast of Koh Chang.  This is run by https://fishing-snorkeling-koh-chang.com  and is ideal for large families or groups who want to avoid the crowds in high season. To rent the boat privately is from 9,500 – 11,500 Baht total.  Depending on the number of passengers.  ( The maximum is 20 )   This price includes a lunch and fruit on board, drinking water, coffee, life jackets and snorkeling equipment.

The islands to the south of Koh Chang offer a far better underwater experience than snorkelling off Koh Chang itself.  But there are three main spots if you want to try spotting fish without taking a boat trip – Pearl beach; Chai-chet headland and the cove at Cliff Cottage, Bangbao.

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The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Best Koh Lipe Snorkeling and Island-hopping Tour

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I visited Koh Lipe in 2015 when I first wrote this Koh Lipe snorkeling guide. It has come to my attention since then that Koh Lipe is not what it once was and that much of the land was stolen from the original inhabitants as far back as two decades ago. I no longer support travelers visiting Koh Lipe.

I highly recommend visiting one of the quieter and less developed Thai islands instead, where locals own many of the accommodations, travel agencies, and restaurants. Koh Libong , Koh Mook, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood are all great options.

Beach life on the island paradise that is Koh Lipe was pretty damn sweet so it was going to be hard to drag ourselves away from its calming shores, but there was one activity that managed to entice us: a Koh Lipe snorkeling day trip in the pristine Tarutao National Marine Park .

Tarutao National Marine Park is made up of 51 islands, including Koh Lipe itself. Many of the islands are small, remote, and uninhabited, making them difficult and expensive to get to independently.

The best way to affordably see a few of these stunning islands is to jump on a day trip from Koh Lipe, snorkeling and island-hopping, and there are a number of tours to choose from.

I’m pretty sure that any of the tours on offer would have been amazing but for me, choosing one was a no-brainer. I wanted to snorkel with bio-luminescent plankton.

Embarking on Our Koh Lipe Snorkeling Day Trip

The plankton tour started after lunch and would take us to three islands where we could snorkel and swim, followed by dinner on one of the largest islands in the park, Koh Adang, before we were dropped in the waters off Koh Lipe to experience the plankton.

It is something that has been on my bucket list since I read ‘The Beach’ years ago and I was so excited I was finally going to see the natural underwater light show for myself.

After lunch on Walking Street, we hopped in a covered long tail with the guide and the other four people on our tour then headed out to sea from the sandy shores of Koh Lipe.

The water was translucent and remarkably blue, like the sky we were traveling under. It was a beautiful day to be at sea.

The first stop of our Koh Lipe snorkeling and island-hopping adventure was Jabang, an underwater seamount covered in colorful soft corals.

The corals were a few meters under the surface and although I could see them and they were indeed beautiful, I couldn’t get too close as I am the worst free diver ever. They were mostly red and pink and reminded me a lot of burgeoning rhododendron trees.

I really wish I had an underwater camera, luckily my friend did and we shared it. In the future I will make sure I get my own, there are some great budget underwater cameras on the market.

There were a few schools of stripy yellow fish near the surface getting very close (they thought we had food for them perhaps?) and I saw a school of small purple squid gliding by which was pretty special as that was something I had never seen before.

Hin Ngam was our next stop and was much better for snorkeling as the colorful coral was much closer to the surface and was a lot more varied than Jabang. The visibility was super clear and there were so many different types of fish, including cute little clownfish (Nemos!).

I had started feeling a bit sick floating on the surface at exposed Jabang but as soon as I exited the boat in a calm cove of Hin Ngam, I quickly started feeling better.

After we had finished snorkeling off the boat, we continued around the island and pulled up to shore to get out and explore. Hin Ngam is unique in that it is entirely covered in polished black stones.

It is only small but we walked around and stretched our legs before floating in the shallows, surrounded by small fish.

Koh Yang was next for snorkeling. I didn’t think the coral was as varied or colorful as Hin Ngam but I enjoyed swimming to shore onto a small, white sand beach. I sat in the warm shallows talking to some of the others from the boat.

The water was impossibly clear there, accentuated more so by the white sand bottom. I could have sat there all day.

Koh Adang was our last island stop and where we were given an awesome chicken curry dinner on the beach, followed by fresh tropical fruit.

After brilliant sunshine all day, storm clouds had begun to gather and surround us. Lightning flashed in the ominous black clouds to either side of us and thunder rolled through the air toward us in an audible wave.

The air felt electric and I sat on the beach as the sky darkened further. I could see the heavy rain hitting the trees on the other side of the lake in front of us then moving quickly over the water, unsettling the formerly still surface.

Then it finally hit and I hurried to the shelter of the boat with the others.

A tropical storm raged around us for the next half hour then when it eased, we headed out to sea again for the last stop of our trip and the one I had been excited about the most. We were going to see the bio-luminescent plankton.

Swimming With Bio-luminescent Plankton

Our boat stopped off the rocky shore of Koh Lipe and we were told to jump into the inky depths. I was reluctant, as were the others because we couldn’t see any of the plankton from the boat. One of the guys on our tour jumped in first and as soon as he said he could see them, you couldn’t keep me out of that water.

The water was murky and of course, it was very dark but sure enough, once I started moving my arms and legs, I could see glowing green lights in the darkness. It was them! They weren’t as bright as I had imagined them to be (or seen pictures of) but they were there and I was ecstatic.

The plankton reacts and light up when there is movement in the water so I exhausted myself pretty fast by maniacally moving my arms and legs backward and forward.

After about fifteen minutes we all got back on the boat for the short trip back to Pattaya Beach, exhausted but happy. It was a great end to an incredible day.

With the waters surrounding Koh Lipe crystal clear and teeming with marine life, it was the perfect place for a day of snorkeling, in fact, it was some of the best snorkeling I have ever done.

A Koh Lipe snorkeling and island hopping tour is a definite Thailand must-do if you love the underwater world.

Nemo and his friends are waiting for you.

Have you been snorkeling with bio-luminescent plankton? Did you do a Koh Lipe snorkeling and island-hopping tour? I would love to hear about your experience!

Big thanks to my friend Kerry who took a lot of the photos above as I don’t have an underwater camera.

How To Plan Your Koh Lipe Snorkeling Trip

Booking your koh lipe snorkeling trip.

There are a number of tour operators on Koh Lipe and they mostly offer the same snorkeling trips. Check them out the day before you want to go and decide which one has the best price for you.

If you want to do the same tour I did, look for the Jabang –  Hin Ngam – Koh Yang – Koh Adang afternoon snorkeling trip with bioluminescent plankton spotting at the end.

How To Get to Koh Lipe

The most common way to reach Koh Lipe is by flying to Hat Yai from Bangkok or other points in Thailand, then booking a bus and ferry combo to get you from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe .

You can also reach Koh Lipe from Koh Lanta by ferry, and you can travel from Krabi to Koh Lipe by bus and ferry.

If you liked this post, why not check out some more of my Thailand content:

• Fun Things To Do in Koh Lanta For Budget Travelers
• Why You Shouldn’t Just Visit Koh Kradan on a Day Trip
• Don’t Miss Koh Libong: One of Thailand’s Most Authentic Local Islands
• Why I Didn’t Love Koh Tao
• A Fun Thai Adventure: Exploring and Rock Climbing in Railay Bay
• Koh Phi Phi Island Tour: A Day at ‘The Beach’
• One Week Koh Lanta Guide: The Imperfect Island of My Dreams
• Thong Nai Pan: A Quieter Side to Koh Phangan
• Things To Do in Koh Lipe: A Real Thai Paradise
• Falling in Love with Pai
• Temple Hopping and Stuffing my Face in Chiang Mai

4 Comments on The Best Koh Lipe Snorkeling and Island-hopping Tour

AHH I SO wanted to visit Koh Lipe on my trip to Thailand this month, but monsoon season probably isn’t such a good time for it so… Koh Tao it is! 😛 I loved swimming with the plankton in Maya Bay – so magical!

You can save it for next time. I’m sure you sill have a blast on Koh Tao too

I love this! I just snorkeled for the first time between Cancun and Isla Mujeres…over the MUSA museum. It was beautiful, but I am so jealous of you! You were seemed to be able to get a lot closer to the coral and natural life than I was. Everything looked blue rather than colorful lol.

Thanks Ashley! I also snorkelled of Isla Mujeres and my boyfriend at the time actually was bitten by an over-eager fish there! The snorkelling was so great off Ko Lipe because I could get so close to the coral. The coral was more colourful in real life, the camera makes it look very blue 🙂

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Southeast Asia, a region celebrated for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok’s grand palaces and Bali’s sun-kissed beaches lie lesser-known spots that offer an authentic and enriching experience. This guide uncovers ten hidden gems across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, promising unique adventures and memories that last a lifetime.

Koh Mak, Thailand

In Koh Mak, you’ll discover a tranquil haven distinct from the typical tourist destinations. As you explore this serene island in the Gulf of Thailand, the calmness of the environment becomes palpable. It’s a place where the beaches remain unspoiled, showcasing their natural beauty with crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim or a snorkel.

The laid-back vibe of the island resonates through every corner, from the gentle sway of palm trees to the unhurried pace of life of the locals. You can unwind in true solitude, with the quiet hum of nature as your backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s rubber plantations and coconut groves on a rented bicycle.

When To Travel: November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant.

How To Get There: Take a boat from Trat, which is accessible by bus from Bangkok.

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Mai Chau is in the midst of a peaceful valley, a world away from the bustling city life. This area is famed for its stilt houses, an architectural style that speaks volumes about the local culture. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice the vibrant customs and traditions that are still very much a part of daily life here.

The rural charm of Vietnam comes alive in Mai Chau, offering you a chance to experience a different, more tranquil way of life. The simplicity and hospitality of the local people add to the authenticity of your experience, making your stay both enriching and memorable.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local villages to see traditional weaving and embroidery.

When To Travel: March to April or September to November for the best climate.

How To Get There: A scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi.

Koh Bulon, Thailand

On Koh Bulon, a small island nestled in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find an ideal escape for a digital detox. Here, the absence of cars and the tranquility of its streets instantly sets a tone of peace and quiet. As you step onto the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm permeating the air.

The simplicity of life without the usual bustle of traffic or the constant buzz of technology allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself. It’s a place where your days can be spent enjoying the serene environment, listening to the gentle waves, and embracing the slow pace of island life, making Koh Bulon the perfect setting for anyone looking to step away from the digital world and indulge in the tranquility of nature.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs surrounding the island.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the monsoon season.

How To Get There: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier, reached by bus from Hat Yai.

Pu Luong, Vietnam

In Pu Luong, a nature reserve known for its spectacular landscapes, you’re treated to a feast of mountain vistas and terraced rice fields. This reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity, immersing you in an environment where nature’s beauty is on full display. As you trek through the reserve, the changing scenery — from lush greenery to traditional agricultural landscapes — provides a refreshing backdrop to your adventure.

The terraced fields, in particular, showcase an age-old farming practice that shapes the land into a stunning patchwork. This area is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s rural heartland and to witness firsthand the harmony between humans and nature. Pu Luong’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway.

Insider’s Tip: Trekking and homestays offer immersive experiences in local hill tribe cultures.

When To Travel: May to September for lush landscapes post-rainy season.

How To Get There: 4 hours by road from Hanoi.

Koh Kood, Thailand

You’ll encounter an unspoiled natural environment on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth-largest island. This island is renowned for its raw beauty, encompassing everything from majestic waterfalls to ancient rainforests and tranquil beaches. As you explore, the diverse landscape offers a variety of experiences.

You can trek through dense rainforests, feeling the ancient trees’ presence and the untouched nature’s richness, or relax on serene beaches, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a calming soundtrack to your relaxation. The island’s waterfalls, hidden among the foliage, offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Koh Kood is a destination where the simplicity and beauty of nature are at the forefront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more developed tourist areas.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Ao Salad fishing village for a glimpse into local life.

When To Travel: November to February for ideal beach weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Trat, which is connected by bus to Bangkok.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

In Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” you’ll find yourself amidst a landscape of striking limestone karsts reminiscent of its famous maritime counterpart. As you travel through this region, the impressive formations rise dramatically from the earth, creating a unique and captivating scenery.

The area is not just about natural beauty; it’s also steeped in history, with ancient temples dotting the landscape, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural past. The serenity of the rivers flowing through Ninh Binh adds to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing for tranquil boat rides that weave through the karsts, giving you a close-up view of this geological wonder.

This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Trang An by boat to see its magnificent caves and temples.

When To Travel: March to May, when nature is at its most vibrant.

How To Get There: 2-hour train ride from Hanoi.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Situated between the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi stands out as a peaceful haven with a distinctly rural charm. As you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, starkly contrasting to the bustling tourist hotspots nearby. This island is ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

The local community maintains a traditional way of living, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. The scenic beauty of Koh Yao Noi, with its unspoiled beaches and lush greenery, adds to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, exploring the rural landscapes, or interacting with friendly locals, Koh Yao Noi offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood, freshly caught and deliciously prepared.

When To Travel: December to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

In Ha Giang, a region known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich ethnic diversity, you’ll find an adventurer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. As you navigate the winding roads, each turn presents a new breathtaking view of steep hillsides and deep valleys, offering a thrilling experience for those who relish challenging drives or bike rides. This area is also a mosaic of diverse cultures, home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions and lifestyles.

Exploring Ha Giang, you can immerse yourself in these distinct cultures, gaining insights into the ways of life preserved for generations. Whether you’re trekking through remote villages, sampling local cuisines, or simply taking in stunning landscapes, Ha Giang offers a rich and authentic experience that connects you with nature and Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Take the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning panoramic views.

When To Travel: October to April for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

How To Get There: A 6-hour bus journey from Hanoi.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta, a destination that strikes a perfect balance with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, is an ideal getaway for families and couples. As you explore the island, you’ll find picturesque and peaceful beaches, providing ample opportunities for relaxation or playful beach activities. The island’s interior, covered in dense forests, invites you to explore its natural beauty through hikes or guided tours, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of leaves create an immersive experience.

The laid-back vibe of Koh Lanta is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing you to enjoy a holiday at your own pace, whether that means lounging on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in water sports. The welcoming and family-friendly environment of the island ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors of all ages, making it a delightful choice for a memorable vacation.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center to learn about local wildlife conservation.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the rainy season.

How To Get There: Ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.

Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

In this archipelago, you’ll be introduced to a world of pristine beaches, a rich historical background, and abundant marine life, creating an ideal setting for eco-tourism. As you explore the islands, the untouched beaches offer a serene and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to connect with nature.

The area’s history is palpable, with remnants of the past waiting to be discovered, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. The marine life here is particularly vibrant. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving, where you can witness a diverse range of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

This focus on preserving the natural and historical aspects makes this archipelago a prime destination for eco-tourists keen on experiencing the environment responsibly while enjoying the unique offerings of this remarkable destination.

Insider’s Tip: Dive or snorkel to explore the stunning coral reefs.

When To Travel: February to July for the best underwater visibility.

How To Get There: Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a ferry from Vung Tau.

The Bottom Line

Each Southeast Asian destination has its unique charm, offering more than just beautiful scenery. They are gateways to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a leisure traveler, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.

The post Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Preto Perola.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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