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Koh Kood is located at the very end of the Thai eastern maritime territory bordering Cambodia.
Covering 105 square kilometers, it is the second biggest island of the province of Trad , after Koh Chang. Due to past political problems in Cambodia , it was unaccessible for many years but it is now popular with those who seek an untouched paradise. What draws visitors, mostly locals, to come to this island is its completely pristine nature, both inland and underwater. Small mountains and ridged plains have given rise to many inland brooks, streams and waterfalls. Klong Chao Waterfall in particular is particularly spectacular. With three tiers, it brims with glittering water all year round, superb for soaking and swimming. It was once visited by King Mongkut (King Rama VI) and was given the royal name ‘Anamkok Waterfall' in commemoration to Ong Chiang Lue, a Vietnamese king taking refuge in the Kingdom of Thailand during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century.
 The original inhabitants were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. The oldest community is Klong Mad Village whose residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, coconut trees and basic fisheries. But the biggest community here is Ao Yai Village, a harbor where many fishing boats seek refuge during rough weather.
There is no regular public ferry route to Koh Kood. Some tourists catch a local boat that transports goods to the island, a trip of four to five hours. The boat leaves on Friday and returns on Monday. Chartered boats to the east side of the island take approximately 2 hours – twice that for the west side. There are also speedboats, mostly operated by the resorts, that reach this tropical haven in about 90 minutes. The best bet is to buy a package tour that covers accommodation, meals, activities and most importantly – transportation. Common activities here are island excursions, a visit to a fishing village, boat tours to nearby islands, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and coral reefs.
Bays dot the perimeter of the island with accommodation on Ao Prao, Ao Tapao, Ao Yai Kerd, Ao Klong Jao, Ao Klong Ta Din, Ao Klong Yai Kee, Ao Klong Hin, Ao Klong Hin, and Ao Ngam Kho. The resorts and hotels on the beaches listed above also offer tours. There is no commercial accommodation on Ao Prao, but it's possible to camp on the beach or to take shelter at a nearby temple.
Before heading out you may want to pack a few essentials such as imperishable instant foods, sunhat, sandals, sun block, insect repellent lotion and balm, seasickness pills and a basic first aid kit. And don't forget to bring enough money – there are no banks on the island.
Beached in Koh Kood
Had Ao Pro
Located in the west of Koh Kood, Had Ao Prao is a one – kilometer beach with the lines of coconut trees. The longest beach on the island, it’s also the residential area of local fishermen. The beach is good enough for swimming even though tourists like to come here for sunset watch or shopping for small items from a small local shop.
Ao Tapao
Perhaps the best beach in Koh Kood is Ao Tapao. Lying on the west of the island, the beach has powdery sand with the backdrop of coconut trees. The natural beauty of Ao Tapao beach is seen from early morning until late evening both at high tide and low tide when the full width of the beach becomes exposed towards sundown, revealing classic sunset views while presenting photographic opportunities. It is quite convenient to walk from Tapao Bay to Ban Klong Mat, and nearby bays and inlets, an area considered the center of Koh Kood because of the facilities offered such as the sub district office, hospital and police station. All are located not far from Tapao beach and close to Klong Hin Dam pier. Ban Klong Mat is the island’s oldest fishing community and a spot where tourists can buy souvenirs.
Had Yai Koed
For those who like basking in the sun in seclusion, Had Yai Koed could be the answer. Mixed with stones and fine white sand, this 800 meters long beach can be accessed by boat only. Indeed, what makes this beach unique is a resort whose bungalows stick out to the sea.
Had Klong Chao
Cut through by a canal, Had Klong Chao is a quiet beach. The slightly sloppy beach is safe for swimming. But if you are bored with swimming in the sea water, you can try taking a dip in the fresh water basin of Klong Chao Waterfall. Although with only a single tier, Klong Chao Waterfall is considered the most beautiful on Koh Kood, cascading into a large pool providing tourists a welcome spot for some freshwater swimming. It is tucked away in the jungle and can be reached by boat from this beach. Many island visitors choose to kayak through a lush mangrove forest and trek for another 15 minutes to get to the waterfall.
Had Klong Yai Ki
Still on the island’s western coast, Klong Yai Ki Bay seems more striking than other bays and beaches on Koh Kood. A visit to Klong Yai Ki Bay puts tourists among some wonderful scenery and sandy-white, clean beaches, including Koh Raed, a small island close-by, plus a chance to visit Klong Yai Ki Waterfall.
Adjacent to Klong Yai Ki Bay is a canal called Klong Yai Ki. Across the canal is a long beach suitable for swimming. At low tide it’s possible to walk across the canal. Spectacular sunsets are also an attraction viewed from the tip of the cape.
The walk from Klong Yai Ki canal to Klong Yai Ki Waterfall is just 200m and the distance from Klong Yai Ki pier to the waterfall is about 1.5km. Despite being small in size, the waterfall funnels into a large basin of freshwater, which tourists find quite invigorating after a dip in the briny sea.
Only a 300m walk from Klong Yai Ki Bay, opposite Koh Raed is Rahan beach, another one of Koh Kood’s beautiful beaches whose long, white sandy beach, offering wide stretches at low tide, is ideal for sunbathing or swimming in the emerald-green sea, or for just relaxing under shady coconut palms. This is another great place to admire the wonderful sunsets.
Had Klong Ta Tin
Further north on Koh Kood is Klong Ta Tin Bay with its long beach of very clean, white sand with safe swimming. A canal called Klong Ta Tin flows across the beach and into the sea. The small island of Koh Mai Si Lek can be seen from the beach and is another hot spot for watching the sun go down. The only way to get to the beach is by boat, which makes this a private hideaway.
Further north still is Ta U Bay towards Maphut Bay with a small beach good for swimming. Here, another small canal traverses the beach with a resort to the left and coconut groves offering shade on the other side. There are a few houses in the area belonging to villagers; accessible only by boat therefore the beach offers a private environment.
Maphut or Bon Nay (upper bay) has a long beach and is good for swimming. There is a coral reef at the head of the bay. Sunsets over Maphut Bay are a sight to marvel at with the island of Koh Mai Si Lek in full view from the beach, which is also the pier for the Sea Ball Spirit Cruise that moors in this bay every year when it comes to Thailand. Maphut Bay can be reached only by boat.
Islands around Koh Kood
Koh Rang islands
Koh Rang islands are a group of islets off Trad’s coast and about 30 minute boat ride from Koh Kood. It consists of 6 islets; namely Koh Tien, Koh Kra, Koh Thong Lang, Koh Rang Yai and Koh Rang Lek. Most of them are a popular site for snorkeling. Only Koh Rang Yai and Koh Kra have a beach suitable for swimming. There is a park ranger unit at Had Ao Cho on Koh Rang Yai. The office provides water supply and toilets for campers who like to stay over night here.
However, the best beach on Koh Rang Yai belongs to San Chao Beach. Located at the end of the eastern side of the island, San Chao Beach has powdery sand and the water is clear. From here, you can go to Koh Rang Lek, which is another good snorkeling spot in the area. A significant feature of this islet is its small reservoir that serves as the main water supply for Koh Rang Yai.
Koh Mak
The third largest in Trad Province, Koh Mak covers an area of 13 square kilometers. It is surrounded by 8 small islands. Inland are steep hills except at the northwestern and western bays where plains hug the seashore and where most resorts and bungalows are located. Most tourists are found in this area.
Islanders are scattered around the island in the hills and most beach areas. Coconut farming has been the villagers’ main occupation since the reign of King Rama V (1868 – 1910 AD).
Beaches in Koh Mak
Nit Bay and Nit Bay Pier
Boats arrive at Nit Bay pier from Laem Ngam pier making this the center of transportation. Despite not having any outstanding beaches, Nit Bay’s location on the southeastern part of Koh Ngam makes this a great spot to view fantastic sunsets looking towards the west. Roads, as well as walkways, start from Nit Bay pier to other beaches around Koh Mak. It is also possible to rent a boat here to visit nearby islands such as Koh Rang and Koh Kood.
Pai Bay
Located on the east coast of Koh Mak, Pai Bay beach is of reddish-colored sand running parallel with a grove of coconut trees. It is not suitable for swimming but is a good spot to observe villagers’ lifestyles and to watch sunsets. Villagers engage in coconut farming, rubber tapping and the fishery industry. From Pai Bay there is a very clear view of the larger island of Koh Kood in the distance.
Laem Son
Located in the northeast, near Tan Bay, Laem Son has sandy beaches stretching for hundreds of meters and is a good place for fishing. The island of Koh Kradad can be seen just one kilometer away and is accessible by boat in just 15 minutes. Laem Son area is inhabited and there are coconut plantations where the laterite road connects the cape with other bays on Koh Mak.
Had Ao Suan Yai
Situated in the west of Koh Mak, Had Ao Suan Yai is considered the best and longest beach in the island. The waters here are crystal clear with beaches of white powdered sand, an excellent place for swimming. The beach offers views of Koh Chang, Koh Phi and Koh Kham, which can be reached by long-tail boat in 10-15 minutes. At low tide, you can walk from the beach to its nearest island. There is several nice small resorts on this beach as well as a post office, phone booths and restaurants.
Na Nok Bay and Ban Yai Bay
Further down the island, on the western side, are Na Nok Bay and Ban Yai Bay. Tourists call each beach along the way by the resort name. Holiday Beach Resort has fine areas for swimming, and a wonderful beach of shallow waters shaded by coconut groves close to the beach. Views overlook Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok, which can be reached by long-tail boat in 10-15 minutes. Koh Kood can also be seen in the distance. Another beach, called Lazy Day Beach, is close to this area.
Lazy Day Bay
Also a wonderful spot for swimming, Lazy Day Bay is shaded by coconut palms and a great spot for watching sunsets over Koh Mak. Tourists favor the hut-style resort here. They also access other beaches around the island via the beach road.
Khao Bay
Located in the northwest of Koh Mak, Khao Bay has a wonderful beach and is a great place for marveling at sunsets and views of the scenic Koh Kook, Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok. Rocky pools here are homes to schools of fish and a favorite fishing area.
Other Islands
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