Exploring 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. Islanders here number less than 2,000 and they make most of their living from ether fishing or the cultivation of coconuts palms as well as the collection of rubber from the boundless plantations on the island.
Hin Dam Pier on the Island
Ko Kood Administrative Centre
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 kilometres eastbound from the main Hin Dam Pier on the western side of the island and 9 kilometres 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 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide while covering some 105 square kilometers, there are only a grand total of around 20 kilometres 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
Koh Kood is the forth largest of Thailand's many islands and the second largest of the 52 island archipelago located in the province of Trat on the east coast of the country. Ko Kood lies south of
Ko Chang
and considered one of the perfect places for lovers of nature as it retains a somewhat sensual beauty with it's natural forested interior. Also the island has not become overly commercialized. 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.
Looking out across the Bay
Ko Kood Island Interior
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. That 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.
Sandy Shore on Ao Taphao Beach
The Beaches
Ao Taphao is considered the most popular beach on Ko Kood, located on the mid western side of the island near the Hin Dam Pier. It's a wonderful stretch of coastline with soft white silky sand and a background of sweeping coconut palms. Peaceful and relaxing with fabulous sunsets to enjoy. From here you can take stroll to all the nearby inlets and bays. The beach is conveniently situated near the administrative village of Ban Khlong Hin Dam as I mentioned earlier.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.
Across the Bay from Hin Dam Pier
The Beaches
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 Ao Khlong Chao Beach
Where to stay in Koh Kood
If you want to know just
where to stay on the island
from the most luxurious resorts to the more (depending on your budget) affordable ones, take a look at some of the reviews I have compiled for your convenience on my hotel page.
Return from Ko Kood to the Thailand Islands Page
Return from Ko Kood to the Koh Kood Resort Page
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