Pattaya to Koh Kood: Your Ultimate Guide to Thailand’s Hidden Paradise

Fancy swapping Pattaya’s lively buzz for a slice of tropical serenity? The journey from Pattaya to Koh Kood takes you to one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets - an island of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and laid-back vibes. Koh Kood (or Ko Kut) is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle, and getting there from Pattaya is easier than you might think. Whether you’re plotting your route or dreaming of what awaits, this guide has everything you need to plan your escape to Koh Kood.

How to Travel from Pattaya to Koh Kood

The trip from Pattaya to Koh Kood, roughly 300 kilometres, combines land and sea travel, with options to suit every budget and schedule. Most routes involve heading to Laem Sok Pier near Trat, then hopping on a boat to the island.

Bus + Ferry: The budget-friendly choice, this combo starts with a bus or minivan from Pattaya to Laem Sok Pier (about 4-5 hours, 300-500 THB). From there, ferries like Boonsiri or Koh Kood Princess take you to Koh Kood’s Ao Salad Pier in 1-1.5 hours for 350-600 THB. Total cost: around 650-1,100 THB, with a journey time of 6-7 hours.

Speedboat: For a quicker splash, book a speedboat from Laem Sok Pier (600-700 THB). Pair it with a minivan from Pattaya, and you’ll shave the sea leg down to 45 minutes. Expect to pay 900-1,200 THB total, arriving in about 5-6 hours.

Private Taxi: Want door-to-pier ease? A taxi from Pattaya to Laem Sok costs 3,500-4,000 THB (4-5 hours), then add your ferry or speedboat fare. It’s the priciest option but offers flexibility and comfort.

Book tickets in advance, especially during high season (November to April), to secure your spot. The ferry ride itself is a treat, with the Andaman Sea stretching out like a shimmering postcard.

Weather and Seasons of Koh Kood All Year Round

Koh Kood’s tropical climate keeps things warm, but the seasons dictate the vibe:

High Season (November to April): The sweet spot - sunny skies, calm seas, and temps between 25°C and 32°C. Perfect for beach days and boat trips, though it’s the busiest time.

Shoulder Season (May and October): A mix of sun and showers, with temperatures around 28°C to 34°C. Fewer crowds and decent weather make it a solid pick for a quieter visit.

Low Season (June to September): Monsoon season brings rain and rough seas, with temps at 27°C to 30°C. Some spots close, but you’ll snag bargains if you’re game for a wet adventure.

For the best experience, aim for December to March - dry, sunny, and simply stunning.

Things to Do in Koh Kood

Koh Kood is a haven for nature lovers and chill-seekers. Here’s what to get up to:

Beach Bumming: Lounge on powdery sands at Ao Tapao or Klong Chao Beach - perfect for a lazy day with a book.

Snorkelling: The waters around Koh Kood teem with fish and coral. Rent gear or join a boat trip for a peek beneath the waves.

Kayaking: Paddle through mangroves or along the coast to explore hidden bays at your own pace.

Waterfall Wandering: Trek to Klong Chao Waterfall for a refreshing swim in a jungle pool.

Scooter Rides: Hire a scooter (300 THB/day) and zip around the island’s quiet roads, soaking in the scenery.

From active to idle, Koh Kood has something for every mood.

Attractions in Koh Kood

Koh Kood’s natural wonders steal the show. Don’t miss these gems:

Klong Chao Waterfall: A three-tiered beauty with a swim-friendly pool, ideal for a cooling dip.

Ao Tapao Beach: A postcard-perfect stretch of sand with calm waters and sunset views.

Koh Rang: A tiny island nearby, great for snorkelling day trips - book a boat from your resort.

Fisherman’s Village (Ao Salad): A quaint spot to see local life and grab fresh seafood.

Klong Yai Kee Waterfall: Smaller but serene, tucked away in the jungle for a peaceful escape.

Each stop highlights Koh Kood’s unspoiled charm and laid-back allure.

Where to Stay in Koh Kood

Koh Kood’s accommodation ranges from budget huts to luxe resorts, mostly clustered along the west coast. Here’s the scoop:

Budget: Guesthouses like Eve House start at 500-800 THB per night - basic but cosy, often near Klong Chao.

Mid-Range: Bungalows at places like Tinkerbell Resort offer sea views and comfort for 2,000-3,500 THB.

Luxury: Splurge on Soneva Kiri or High Season Resort, where villas with pools start at 10,000 THB - pure indulgence.

Klong Chao is the liveliest area, while Ao Tapao offers peace. Book early in high season to nab your ideal spot.

How to Save Money on Travel in Koh Kood

Koh Kood can be kind to your wallet with a few smart moves:

Travel Off-Peak: June to September slashes accommodation costs by 30-50%, though pack an umbrella.

Eat Local: Skip resort restaurants for roadside stalls - think 50 THB curries versus 200 THB meals.

Group Boats: Share snorkelling or island-hopping trips (500 THB per person) instead of private hires (2,000+ THB).

Budget Stays: Opt for guesthouses over resorts to keep nightly costs under 1,000 THB.

Bus It: Choose the bus + ferry combo from Pattaya (650 THB) over a taxi for big savings.

A little savvy planning keeps Koh Kood affordable and fun.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Koh Kood?

Your stay depends on your pace:

2-3 Days: Enough for a waterfall visit, beach day, and some kayaking - a quick taste of the island.

4-5 Days: Perfect for adding snorkelling, a scooter tour, and proper downtime - Koh Kood’s full charm shines.

1 Week: Ideal for slow travellers wanting to explore every beach and soak up the tranquility.

Most find 3-4 days hits the spot - relaxed yet packed with highlights.

Where to Eat in Koh Kood

Koh Kood’s dining scene is simple but delicious, with fresh flavours aplenty:

Chiang Mai Restaurant: Affordable Thai staples like pad kra pao (100 THB) near Klong Chao.

Fisherman’s Hut: Seafood heaven at Ao Salad - grilled fish or prawns for 250-400 THB.

Pizza & Pasta: A cosy spot for a 200 THB pizza if you’re craving a break from rice.

Viewpoint Cafe: Sip coffee (80 THB) with a killer view - great for a light bite.

Resort Eateries: Higher-end options like Soneva Kiri’s dining start at 500 THB for a meal with flair.

From street eats to seaside feasts, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Koh Kood is a dreamy escape that’s just a hop from Pattaya, blending natural beauty with a chilled-out vibe. Whether you’re plotting your ferry ride or picturing a waterfall swim, this island delivers. Ready to go? Dive into the details above and start planning your Koh Kood adventure today!

Cheapest ticket from Pattaya - Koh Kood

Station and Locations