Dreaming of an idyllic ‘back to nature’ Thai Island? Then look no further; the lesser known Thai Island of Koh Kood has it all. Whether you love luxury hotels or back to basics hostels, you have all the choice you could desire in a dreamy tropical setting. Only a few miles from the Cambodian border, it takes a bit more effort to get here, but I can assure you it is well worth it! We drove from Bangkok, it took 5 hours, I would recommend you take the flight to Trat which we didn’t know existed – much quicker! Then it’s just an hours ferry to the island which will not disappoint!
The Koh Kood Golden Buddha
Arriving here by boat you will instantly see the tell-tale mountainous jungle terrain but with a really large golden Buddha statue in front of it. Visiting this you are able to climb the steps to the top of the temple giving you a lovely view over the bay, fishing village and neighbouring beach.
Fishing Village
Visit a local fishing village such as An Song. By the time you have woken, had breakfast, made it the short drive here the fishermen will have been out, got their catch and now be fast asleep. But there are some quirky wooden walkways to stroll along and get a glimpse in to everyday life for a local on the island. We saw shrimp drying in the open with no birds trying to eat it! There are guest houses along the main walkway you can stay at and there are places you could eat along the shore front too. I’m sure the fresh fish would be tasty! We were on a tight schedule so only time for a cooling drink before we moved on.
Klong Chao Waterfall
Take a Songthew in to the centre of the island to visit the waterfall (Klong Chao). The volume of the waterfalls flow will depend much on the time of year you visit. We went in the drier season and were able to walk up the river bed a long way, climbing over large boulders which was quite cool. The waterfall was still fairly impressive and people were swimming in the pool & using the rope swing.
Eat local – Koh Kood Style!
Don’t eat at your hotel apart from breakfast (if you have already paid for it, if not get out then too). There are lots of lovely restaurants dotted around the island run by locals who cook the most amazing food. Some dishes might blow your head off with the amount of chilli in them which is normal to the locals but not for me! I felt like a fire breathing dragon by the end but the taste was amazing! The restaurant we loved was called Ra Beang Mai, family run, gorgeous lantern garden to eat in and very delicious and cheap. We wished we were on the island longer as the menu had a lot more to offer and we love supporting locally run places.
Find a Sunset Bar/Restaurant
To the left hand side of the beach we were staying on was a bar set up on the hill, just the perfect place to have a beer at sunset. It was called the Good View funnily enough. We also had lunch & dinner here one evening and the food was just lush! Much variety, cheap and tasty. They have little chalets to stay in on the hill (with a sea view) too.
Take a Songthew
These open air converted jeep taxis are dotted all over the island and are available to hire to take you around. It’s an experience you wont forget, just hold on tight!
Walk Along The Beaches
What is not to like about powder white sand beaches, crystal clear water and a beautiful palm tree backdrop? Koh Kood has a number of beaches for you to choose from. This is the long stretch our hotel was set on.
Watch Local Life
There is nothing quite like sitting down and watching the world go by whilst you have a coffee. When the passing setting is so vastly different from the one we leave at home it is entertainment in its own right. I saw this dad and child whizz past going about their business and it made me smile.
Jungle Walks
While you are out in your open air jeep or on your own moped get yourself into the jungle in the centre of Koh Kood. Really near the waterfall you will find some of the largest trees on the island. And I really mean it when I say they are ginormous!! Goodness knows how old they were (I’m sure our guide told us, I just haven’t retained it). Apart from the biting insects, the inner part of the island is lovely & cool. You can lose yourself in the shade away from the tropical sunshine and just enjoy the nature.
Pad Thai – Koh Kood Style
Literally my favourite Thai dish, I will seek this out wherever we stay in Thailand. This is the Koh Kood Pad Thai from the ‘Good View’ restaurant I mentioned earlier and it was delicious! Find your favourite dish on their lush menu!
High Seasons Resort And Spa
My husband and I spent 3 amazing nights staying at the High Season Pool Villa Resort & Spa. Oh my goodness I think I had a glimpse at what it is like to be a celebrity! The rooms were amazing, the staff couldn’t do enough for you and who wouldn’t love their own private pool!
Still too busy for you? Want something a little sleepier? Head over to Koh Mak for an even sleepier but equally as beautiful island!
Alternative Hotels With Restaurants
(Important as the island is quite small, a restaurant at the hotel is a good back-up).
