LEISURE ISLANDS - KOH KOOD (KOH KUT)

KOH KOOD (Koh Kut) SUB-DISTRICT
A group of 24 islands south of Koh Chang was designated as the Koh Kood sub-district in 1990. These include the main island of Koh Kood (Koh Kut), 9 islands of Koh Maak (Koh Mak) and 12 islands of Koh Rang. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) sub-district has a very small population of less than 2,000. About 70% of the population is on Koh Kood (Koh Kut) while the rest live on Koh Maak (Koh Mak). Almost all other islands are uninhabited. Fishing and agriculture are the main occupations.

Situated 80 kms southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the farthest island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Cambodia. With an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the second largest island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and fourth largest in Thailand, after Koh Samui. It is supported by essential infrastructure, which includes a hospital, schools, police station, electricity (mainly for state-run facilities), water and telephone system. Fuel and solar energy are the main sources of electricity here. Most resorts generate their own electricity.
The oldest village in Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the Klong Mad Village where the people are of both Thai and Cambodian origins. These early dwellers had migrated from neighboring Koh Kong since the turn of the 20th century during the French colonization of Indochina. Koh Kood has a mountainous terrain in the central region. About 70% of Koh Kood is covered by tropical rainforest. Development is scarce and mostly in coastal areas. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) boasts of scenic beauty, crystal clear sea, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and a very pure natural environment.

The resorts tend to cater to the higher priced market and include boat transfers in their packages. For example, The Beach Natural Resort offers a 3 days, 2 nights full board package which is inclusive of round-trip speed boat transfers, accommodation, 8 meals, snorkeling trips, waterfall tour, fishing gears, local guides, music/ karaoke lounge, banana boat, donut boat, sea-kayak as well as tour insurance. All for 4,500 baht per person (air-con rooms)! The Bai Kood Shambala Resort offers similar deals starting from 4,500 baht per person up to 6,500 baht depending on the room type. For those who prefer outdoor living, tents sometimes are available. There are several other resorts, most of them on the west coast. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is little known to foreigners. Most of the visitors are Thais who find it a paradise. Most resorts have a minimum requirement on number of guests per package, usually 10. However, if you do not have your own group you can join the others to meet the minimum required.
The west coast is lined with a series of pristine beaches, sparkling clear sea, captivating views and a great place to catch the magnificent sunset. Most of the best known beaches are along the bays. Noted fishing villages include the Ban Klong Mad and Laem Hin Dan. The famed Klong Chao Waterfall is situated further inland between Ao Klong Chao and Ao Tapow. This is a fabulous waterfall with a large pool at its front. A 20-minute boat ride from the Klong Chao Bay plus a short hike leads to the fall. Alternatively, you can hike up the 4 kms trail.
Two of the most beautiful islands closest to the shores of Koh Kood (Koh Kut) are Koh Mai Si Lek and Koh Raet. Both are small islands of coconut trees, fine beaches, healthy corals and excellent sunset viewpoints.

Khun Chamorn Chumsai, a former resort owner on Koh Kood, says that the island is now attracting more visitors with higher budgets despite their short term stay. One of the small, specialized cruise lines, Seaborne Cruises has a global travel itinerary which now docks at Koh Kood. "They come for the day and we provide food and day accommodation for what's considered an older crowd with more sophisticated tastes," he says. Meals on the beach can be five-star feasts, which may include barbecues, caviar, etc, and drinks at times may be served by a uniformed waiter wading through the water, right up to a swimmer.

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