Ko Kood Island

The rewards of the journey far outweigh
the risk of leaving the harbour.

Unknown Author

Ko Kood or Ko Kut as this splendid piece of paradise is also known, can only be described as rather wickedly wild and wonderful. In part due to the island's vast virgin tropical rain forested interior which is mostly smothered in slender swaying coconut palms and rubber plantations but also part due to it's outlying location close to Khmer territory near Cambodia at the far eastern corner of Thailand.

Many inhabitants living here still have some Khmer blood running through their veins, as both Thai's and Cambodians who where once resident in Cambodia, fled French control at the turn of the 12th century and settled on Ko Kood.

The islanders number less than 2,000 and make most of their living from ether fishing or the cultivation of coconuts palms and the collection of rubber from the boundless plantations.

The most populated area of Ko Kood is at Ban Khlong Hin Dam which also doubles up as the administrative centre of the island. You will find a police station, a hospital, a school and the island's main temple but little else. The village is located 2 kilometers eastbound from the main Hin Dam Pier on the western side of the island and 9 kilometers southbound from Ban Ao Salat Pier on the northern side of the island.

I suggest you go to Ko Kut Natural opposite the hospital for the best source of information regarding the island. The English teacher and computer specialist here will help you get settled. While you are here, you can access the internet, rent a motorbike or mountain bike as well as hire imported sea kayaks.

Don't forget to pick up a free map of the island showing all the best beaches, waterfalls and more importantly the island's road system. Albeit the roads are few, narrow, unpredictable, concrete in places, then right on down to mostly dirt and stone trails. Although Ko Kood is 25 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide while covering some 105 square kilometers, there are only a grand total
of around 20 kilometers of concrete roads then again alternated by gravel and sandy tracks. Exploring the island by foot can be a rather pleasant alternative.

Slender Swaying Coconut Palms

Ko Kood Island

Substantial parts of the plains are still wonderfully wickedly wild. Oh! how I enjoy this phrase... I just have to say it again. "Wonderfully Wickedly Wild" This particular phrase surely sums up many aspects of life in Thailand. Wild tropical jungles. Wild thunder storms. Wild party animals. These are just some thoughts I'll leave with you. Well now where was I... Yes! Wild was it.

Towards the southeast of the interior in the rain forest is Khao Phaenthi, the highest point of the island at only 315 metres. It is a wonderful area to explore on foot especially during the cool season between November and February as refreshingly light breezes prevail on most days.

Towards the north of the interior near Ban Chum Phon, is a five hundred year old maka tree known to the locals as the dtohn maai yai. It stands tall at some 35 metres or more. Lianas and epiphytes hang from it's branches. To reach the tree you need to take the one kilometer path from Ban Chum Phon which runs through forest and rubber plantations. It requires some navigation so it's best to take a local guide to show you around. This way you won't get lost.

The interior also provides very welcome freshwater pools from several waterfalls where you can enjoy a leisurely swim. The more famous one is the three-tiered Nam Tok Khlong Chao waterfall accessible from Ao Khlong Chao beach via a canal and towards the north-west you would stumble across the three-tiered Nam Tok Khlong Yai Kee waterfall, accessible via a short steep path.

Long Sandy Shoreline on Ko Kood

Ko Kood Beaches

Ao Klong Chao a little further south but still on the west coast, is a long bay separated by a canal. This pleasant beach is quiet safe for swimming. Tucked away in the jungle close by is the Nam Tok Klong Chao waterfall which can easily be reached by trekking along the canal or by kayaking through a lush mangrove forest. The waterfall cascades down into a large pool and provides a welcome spot for some freshwater swimming should you so wish.

Ao Khlong Yai Kee is a winding bay situated on the mid west coast consisting of a 500 metre long beach where you can enjoy some scuba diving or perhaps kayaking through the mangrove forest in the area. There is a great observation point where you can view the small island of Ko Raet as well as witness some amazing sunsets. Nam Tok Klong Yai Kee waterfall is situated 4 kilometers inland from the beach and accessible by road from nearby Ban Khlong Mat.

Ao Klong Mat is a quiet beach situated slightly further south of Ao Khlong Yai Kee and very close to the small village of Ban Klong Mat where you will find the island’s oldest fishing community. The locals here offer a warm welcome to tourist as it gives them a chance to sell some of their souvenirs.

Solitary Kayak on Khlong Chao Beach

All photos on this page are courtesy of Pajaree Suwannakarn

Ko Kood Resorts and Spas

Soneva Kiri By Six Senses

Apart from superlative accommodation, all quests have a personal butler on hand to ensure ultimate comfort during their entire stay. Some of the unique facilities include private spa relaxation areas offering personalized sensory spa journeys while enjoying some of the most spectacular views imaginable.

The resort also offers a wide selection of water-sports including catamaran sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, water-skiing, wake boarding and snorkeling with all manner of crafts provided. The resort has it's own Cinema Paradiso for your pleasure and an observatory for star gazing. The list just goes on and on.

Away Resort Bungalows and Cottages

Should you require something a little more energetic though, you could always take part in a number of water sports on offer at the resort's activity and dive centre, which is said to be the largest on the island. Water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. The resort's restaurant provides a fine selection of international cuisine, with seafood and Asian dishes a specialty.

Koh Kood Coral Beach Resort

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