KOH KOOD (Ko Kut)

KOH KOOD (Ko Kut) A group of 24 islands south of Koh Chang was designated as Koh Kood sub-district in 1990. These include the main island of Koh Kood, 9 islands of Koh Maak and 12 islands of Koh Rang. Koh Kood sub-district has a very small population of less than 2,000. About 70% of the population is on Koh Kood while the rest live on Koh Maak. Almost all other islands are uninhabited. Fishing and agriculture are the main occupations.
Situated 80 km southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh Kood is the farthest island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Cambodia. With an area of 129 sq km, Koh Kood is the second largest island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and the 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 is the Klong Mad Village where the people are of both Thai and Cambodian origins, mostly migrants from neighbouring 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 making about 70% of Koh Kood covered by tropical rainforest. Development is scarce and mostly in coastal areas. Koh Kood 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 those who prefer outdoor living, tents are sometimes available. There are several other resorts, most of them on the west coast. Koh Kood 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 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, or you can hike up the 4-km trail.
Klong Chao Waterfall was once visited by King Mongkut (King Rama VI) and was given the royal name ‘Anamkok Waterfall’ in commemoration to Ong Chiang Lue, a Vietnamese king taking refuge in the Kingdom of Thailand during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century.
Two of the most beautiful islands closest to the shores of Koh Kood are Koh Mai Si Lek and Koh Raet. Both are small islands of coconut trees, fine beaches, healthy corals and excellent sunset viewpoints.