I truly believe that Ko Kut is “Thailand’s Best-kept Secret Island” that remains beautifully unspoiled. (As someone who had visited Ko Kut, or Koh Kood, three times over the past 10 years)
Let’s dive into what Ko Kut has to offer…
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Quick Remarks: I fund all my trips by myself to ensure that my reviews are genuinely honest. Also, this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you book through them, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When is the best time to visit Ko Kut?
According to Thailand Authority of Tourism, the best time to visit is between November and February. During the low season, which runs from April to November, boat services to the island are limited.
How to get to Ko Kut?
1. Bus + Ferry
The most popular and economical route to Ko Kut is by bus followed by a ferry from Trat province.
This method is not only budget-friendly but also reliable, ensuring you won’t miss the ferry with guaranteed transfers.
How to travel: Take a public bus to Trat from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Khao San Road in Bangkok, then connect to a ferry, speedboat, or catamaran to Ko Kut.
Schedule: Buses leave Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, arriving in Ko Kut by 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM respectively.
Tickets: You can book your tickets online here.
2. Bus + Taxi + Ferry
This option is suitable if you prefer to depart from inner-city locations like Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit.
It involves a mix of bus, taxi, and ferry, allowing more flexibility in your travel plans.
How to book: Reserve a bus ticket from Ekkamai or Mo Chit for 5:00 AM departure only. Make sure your ferry is booked for a slot after 12:30 PM to ensure a seamless connection.
How to travel: Board the bus at 5:00 AM, then take a local taxi or “Songthaew Car” in Trat to reach the ferry terminal, where you’ll catch your ferry to Ko Kut.
Bus schedules: Check available bus times here.
3. Private Car/ Private Bus + Ferry
If you’re traveling as a large family or group, you might consider renting a private car or bus.
This gives you the freedom to travel directly to Trat’s ferry terminal at your own pace but be mindful to arrive about an hour early to avoid missing your ferry.
Note: Separate bookings for the ferry increase the risk of miscoordination, so please plan accordingly.
4. By Air
Bangkok Airways operates flights from Bangkok to Trat (BKK-TDX). From Trat Airport, you’ll need to travel about 52 kilometers (32 miles) to the ferry terminal. This method is less cost-effective compared to others due to the additional transport required from the airport to the ferry terminal.
How to travel: Flight to Trat, then bus or taxi to the ferry terminal.
Flight Availability: Check available flights here.
Things to do in Ko Kut?
Upon arriving by ferry at Ko Kut, I was warmly greeted by hotel staff—a welcoming sight indeed!
Interestingly, most of my fellow passengers were Thai, making the experience feel deeply authentic from the start.
Every day, the resort offered a variety of activities prepared for guests. Alternatively, renting a motorcycle to explore the island further was also a great option.
1. Enjoy the Best Seafood Buffet
Right when our ferry pulled up to the resort, it was time for lunch. The resort set up a huge seafood buffet just for us.
We filled our plates with fresh, tasty seafood and ate our fill before heading to our rooms to relax and settle in. This wonderful meal was a great start to our vacation.
2. Take a Long-tailed Boat Ride to Klong Chao Waterfall
We went on a long-tailed boat through beautiful waterways lined with lots of trees to get to Klong Chao Waterfall. After the boat ride, we walked a little bit through the forest and soon reached the waterfall.
Klong Chao isn’t just pretty, it has a story too. It was named “Anamkok” by King Mongkut in 1911 to remember a Vietnamese king who hid on the island when there was trouble in his country.
There’s a stone at the bottom of the waterfall with this story written on it, which makes the place even more interesting.
3. Paddle Boarding or Kayaking at Sunset
We went paddle boarding and kayaking near our resort, which was fantastic. The resort provided all the necessary equipment, including life jackets and boats. The sunset at Yai Kee Beach was breathtaking—truly the most stunning sunset I’ve ever seen.
Another great option is to kayak along the route to Klong Chao Waterfall, stopping at various cafes along the river.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a slow, relaxing cafe hopping experience while surrounded by nature.
4. Watch Fire Spinning Show
We had dinner at the resort, and after eating, we watched a fire spinning show on the beach. The performance really captured the island vibe and was thrilling to see.
After the show, my friends and I even got to try holding the fire sticks ourselves. We managed to snap some amazing pictures of the experience, making it a night to remember!
5. Snorkeling to See Fishes and Coral
We spent almost an entire day snorkeling, exploring the vibrant underwater world. The resort provided us with snorkeling gear, including a special shampoo to prevent our masks from fogging up.
We took a boat to various snorkeling spots. I noticed that the marine life here is more abundant and diverse than what I’ve seen in Phuket.
6. Enjoying Cocktails at the Beach Bar
We sipped cocktails at the beach bar, sitting around a cozy fire with friends. With snacks to munch on, the whole vibe was incredibly relaxing.
It felt like the perfect way to chill out and truly unwind.
7. Photoshoot
Trust me, this island’s light and natural beauty are stunning.
If you love taking photos, you can’t miss out. You’re sure to get loads of Instagram-worthy photos here. The scenery makes every shot look like a postcard!
8. Cafe Hopping
Before heading back, we had some time left, so we decided to check out some local cafes with great views. We drove up to the Good View Cafe, which lives up to its name with stunning views from its high vantage point.
It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and soak in the scenic beauty of the island one last time.
Where to Stay in Ko Kut?
I’ve had fantastic experiences over the past 10 years with a local resort chain that offers great food, excellent value for money, and consistently good service.
Here are three resorts from the same owner that I highly recommend:
- Peterpan Resort – Located on Klong Chao Beach, this resort offers a friendly atmosphere with direct beach access, making it perfect for those looking to relax by the sea.
- Captain Hook Resort – Situated on Klong Yai Kee Beach, this resort is ideal for adventure lovers. It’s close to natural attractions and offers various activities.
- Tinkerbell Resort – This is the most luxurious option among the three. Located on Klong Chao Beach, Tinkerbell Resort provides top-notch amenities and service, ensuring a plush stay on the island.
All three resorts are part of the same local chain, which I found out after chatting with the staff. Booking any of these would give you a wonderful base to explore the beauty of Ko Kut.
Notes on Other Island Adventures
If you’re considering more stunning island destinations like Ko Kut, don’t miss my detailed review on “The Best Phuket Island Tour of 2024.”
It’s perfect for anyone planning to explore the beautiful islands in Phuket.
Check it out for all the insights and tips to make the most of your island adventures!
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