Koh Kood Resorts, Trat, Thailand

Koh Kood - Koh Kut Sub-District

Second in size to Ko Chang, Ko Kut is located in the southern-most point in Trat territorial waters. A speed-boat needs only one hour to reach the island whose inhabitants are growers of rubber, coconut and other fruit-yeilding plants, as well as fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees, mostly to the west of the island, it also is blessed with rich mangroves.

Usually package tours are offered including accommodations (on Ko Kut, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Ngam) as well as return fares. Those wishing to charter a boat can contact the Laem Ngop landing or make advance enquiry at the Ko Chang Centre Point at Tel: 0-39 53-8055, 0-3953-8059.

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.

Koh Mak (Koh Maak)

Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood (Koh Kut), about 40 kms from the mainland is a group of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Maak (Koh Mak). Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Maak (Koh Mak), Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Maak (Koh Mak), with an area of only 16 square kilometers and a 27 km coastline, is the third largest island of the Marine Park. It has a flat terrain with plenty of coconut and rubber plantations. The main attractions are the long beaches and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here, most of them related.

In order to get there from Koh Chang, there are daily trips leaving early in the morning from Bang Bao pier. These are usually large boats offering snorkeling excursions to the four main islands of Koh Maak, Koh Wai, Koh Kradang and Kho Kham who drop you off at your place of choice. There are two operators that drop people off, namely companies like Bang Bao Boat and Greham Boats. A one-way trip to Koh Maak from Bang Bao costs 300 Baht. From other parts of Koh Chang situated closer to Koh Maak, prices can start at 80 Baht when you rent a long-tail boat.

Koh Maak is an island with shores of soft sand beaches, with a particularly scenic beach on the northwest. Inland, there is a vast area of rubber plantations and coconut plantations. Visitors get around by renting motorbikes on days when they're not at the beach.

Accommodations are mostly charming bungalows like the Koh Mak Resort at the north-west of the island. Bungalows are situated right by the beach and the resort is geared up to satisfy your seaventure fantasies. Architecturally interesting resort bungalows like Cococape Resort also offer different design themes for their rooms, including that of a traditional Thai bungalow to a mediterranean family room. Places like Holiday Beach Resort and Kooh Mak Buri Hut Natural Resort feature colorful bungalows and a community atmosphere of locals and visitors alike. Kooh Mak Buri Hut Natural Resort offers short trips to a nearby temple and rubber plantations besides cliff climbing.

There are about 10 resorts mostly situated at the northwest or southwest of the island. Almost all the resorts are sold on full board packages with sightseeing trips and transportation. Some good examples are the Koh Mak Cococape Resort and Koh Mak Resort which offer packages that include 2 nights ccommodation plus snorkeling trips by speed boat or fishing boat.

Koh Mak is shaped like a cross. The best beaches are on the south-west coast at Ao Kao, and the northwest coast at Ao Suan Yai, where the tiny Koh Kham lies in the distance. The main pier to Laem Ngob is the Ao Nid Pier, east of the island. Infrastructure is limited but there is a road system that conveniently links up the island. Ao Suan Yai, to the northwest has the longest and most beautiful beach where you can view Koh Raet, Koh Phee, Koh Kham as well as the captivating sunset. The beach is lined with lazy coconut trees. There are some fine restaurants here too. During low tide a sand dune appears between Koh Maak (Koh Mak) and Koh Kham (Koh Kham) allowing you to walk across.

Ao Khao on the southwest is another spectacular site of fine beach with clear waters and great views of Koh Kood (Koh Kut), Koh Rayang Nai (Koh Rayang Nai), Koh Rayang Nok and the beautiful sunset. There are some reefs teeming with plentiful fishes and is a favourite site for the anglers.
There is no public transport on the island. Visitors walk or rent bikes to get around. Some of the resorts have cars and vans for quick trips at a minimum fee. From November to April, one boat a day leaves from Laem Ngob boat pier to Ao Nid on Koh Maak's southeastern coast.