Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, has all the makings of a paradise island: long stretches of white sand, crystalline waters, coconut palms as far as the eye can see and barely a soul on the horizon. Yes, you read that right—this island, still little known to tourists, attracts only a handful of travelers seeking peace and serenity. Here's more about this Thai island you absolutely must visit to decompress far from the tourist masses…

A paradise still untouched by mass tourism

Koh Kood is located in Trat Province, in the Southeast of Bangkok within the Gulf of Thailand—the fourth-largest island of Thailand by area. Situated near the Cambodian border, it long remained isolated due to conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand. It wasn't until the 1990s that the island opened to tourism. And precisely because it took so long to welcome visitors, Koh Kood remains wonderfully authentic with its nature still largely untouched! Moreover, when the island first emerged as a tourist destination, it catered exclusively to luxury resort complexes for the elite.

Rest assured, while Koh Kood was long branded as a luxury tourism destination, it is gradually becoming more accessible, and today you'll find small hotels and guesthouses for all budgets. That said, don't expect shopping or nightlife! Here you won't find boutiques, bars or nightclubs—only a road and near-pristine nature… Even today, the island's economy is built primarily on fishing, coconut cultivation and rubber production. You'll find just a single ATM, so plan to bring enough cash just in case…

What to do on Koh Kood?

Of course, the best thing to do on Koh Kood is to explore all the beaches by renting a scooter, on foot for the more adventurous, or by taxi for those who prefer comfort. Each beach is more stunning than the last, each with its own character: hammocks suspended in the middle of the water, coconut groves lining the shore, rocky outcrops and wooden jetties straight out of postcards… Among them, we recommend Hat Klong Chao, Neverland beach, Ao Noi beach, Ao Prao beach, Away beach and Secret beach. If you enjoy snorkeling, don't forget your mask. For the more active, you can rent a kayak to paddle along the beaches or venture into the mangrove!

Beyond the beaches, Koh Kood boasts 3 waterfalls that will delight fans of cool, refreshing water: the Khlong Yai Kee, Khlong Chao and Khlong Nam Kaew waterfalls. On the path to the latter cascades, we highly recommend stopping on a dirt road that leads to two centuries-old trees. One is said to be 700 years old (the Chai tree) and the other 500 years old (the Makka tree)! You can spot them by the orange cloth wrapped around their base, marking their sacred significance.

Finally, visiting the fishing villages is among the must-sees on Koh Kood! There are 4 in total, but we'd especially recommend Ao Yai and the Ao Salat village. The first is a floating village, located on the island's east side, where you can stroll along wooden jetties and sample the local catch! The second attracts us with its colors and unique story. Located in the north, this village was, just a few years ago, a pirate haven! You can also see a large golden Buddha sitting facing the sea… Pure contemplation awaits!