Koh Kood is the fourth largest island in Thailand, located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, close to Koh Chang and Koh Mak. This island is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful waterfalls, laid back atmosphere, and authentic fishing villages.
I love visiting Koh Kood due to its quiet beaches, untouched nature, unforgettable sunsets, and charming local vibe. It is a great place to enjoy the peaceful beach holiday and escape from touristy islands in South Thailand like Phuket or Koh Samui.
I had a good time traveling around Koh Kood on a motorbike. In this article, I will give you some information on Where to stay in Koh Kood, which areas and beaches are best to book hotels, and some of the best resorts on the island.
See more:
- 20 Best Things to Do in Koh Kood
- How to get to Koh Kood & Get Around
- How to Spend 3-4 Days In Koh Kood
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Kood
Hotels and resorts are scattered around Koh Kood, especially on the island’s west coast. You can find several small hotels and guest houses in Ao Salad Fishing Village on the north coast and Ao Yai Fishing Village on the south eastern coast.
The most popular areas to stay in Koh Kood are the beaches on the west coast. These include Klong Chao, Bang Bao, Khlong Hin, Ao Jark, Ao Phrao, and Ao Ta Phao.
Klong Chao is the most popular beach in Koh Kood to book accommodations. This is because it is located on the central west coast, has easy access to a wide range of amenities, and is home to lots of high end resorts and budget-friendly options. Other beaches offer a more secluded atmosphere.
A note to take in mind is that if you are traveling to Koh Kood in the high season (from November to April), make sure to book your hotel at least a few weeks in advance. Hotels are often sold out very quickly during this season, and you might be left with nothing if you book at the last minute.
I booked the hotel just a few days before my arrival and there weren’t many available options for my stay in mid December. Two hotels, Kama Siri and Janzo House, were available on certain dates and within my budget range, so I booked both of them.
They are located within walking distance from each other, so it was easy to just walk to the new hotel when checking out the old town. I prefer staying at Kama Siri because of its welcoming owner and comfortable rooms. I will share full details of my stay in Koh Kood at the end of this article.
My top hotel picks in Koh Kood:
- Luxury: High Season Pool Villa & Spa
- Mid-range: Tinkerbell Resort
- Budget: Mangrove bungalow & restaurant
Best Places to Stay in Koh Kood
1. Klong Chao Beach
Klong Chao is considered the tourist center of Koh Kood island. It is located on the middle of the west coast, which is convenient to explore both north and south Koh Kood.
This area is home to a wide range of accommodations and tourist amenities. You can find upscale 5-star resorts along the beach front and more budget-friendly guest houses inland along the river estuary and the main road.
Klong Chao has more restaurants, beach bars, minimarts, cafes, and souvenir shops than other areas of Koh Kood, making it convenient for those who don’t plan to rent a scooter. You can walk to these amenities.
You can find some popular restaurants and cafes at the southern end of Klong Chao like JK Khao Kaeng, Nuch-Luang Seafood Restaurant, Goodview Coffee, and Chaiyo Restaurant.
Klong Chao is home to Klong Chao Waterfall, which is one of the must-see waterfalls on Koh Kood, along with Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall and Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall. You can swim at the waterfall, chilling, or take an hour hike along the stream.
I tried to hike to Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall from Klong Chao Waterfall. But the path ended at some point after a one hour hike. I stopped and walked back to the parking area at Klong Chao. You can visit Huang Nam Khiao by driving to the direction of the Sai Yai and Makka ancient trees.
Another historical attraction in Klong Chao is the Kao Ruerob, which is a small rock formation that has the shape of the warships. It is also home to the statue of the Prince of Chumphon. You can have a quick look if you have a scooter. Be sure to bring insect repellant with you.
Klong Chao is a beautiful beach with a calm vibe, crystal clear water, and fine white sand. It is a perfect place for swimming, chilling, and taking photos. The sunset is magnificent at Klong Chao Beach and is a must see. The beach is right next to the island’s main road, making it very easily accessible by scooter.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Klong Chao Beach:
Places to stay in the Klong Chao Beachfront Area:
Tinkerbell Resort
Tinkerbell is a 5-star resort located in a beautiful beachfront location of Klong Chao Beach. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watching the beautiful sunset on one of the best beaches on Koh Kood.
It also has an outdoor swimming pool, well maintained ground, and a wide selection of food. You can easily walk to a range of restaurants near the resort.
High Season Pool Villa & Spa
This beachfront hotel is one of the best resorts on Koh Kooh and is a good base for families and couples. It has great facilities including comfortable pool villas, a gym, multiple restaurants, an orchid garden, and a spa. It is set near the mangrove forest, where you can kayak along the estuary all the way to waterfalls.
From High Season Resort, you can easily walk to a selection of tourist amenities like restaurants, and travel agencies. If you want a luxury retreat and relaxing holiday into nature, High Season is a great choice. Be sure to enjoy a cocktail and watch the stunning sunset at the resort’s onsite beach bar.
Wendy the Pool Resort
This is a nice 4-star hotel located on the white sandy Klong Chao Beach and close to the river estuary. It has an outdoor swimming pool and sunbeds on the beach.
You can rent watersport equipment at the resort like kayak, SUP board, or ask the hotel to help with organizing tours such as snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving.
Peter Pan Resort
This is a mid-range 4-star hotel centrally located on the west coast of Koh Kood on Klong Chao Beach. Klong Chao is one of the best beaches on the island. This is a good base for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying breathtaking sunset views.
They have an onsite beach bar, fire shows, and some free activities such as kayaking along the river through the mangrove forest, fishing, and volleyball.
Places to Stay in the Klong Chao Inland Area:
The beachfront is lined with luxury resorts, so if you travel on a budget and looking for somewhere central to stay, I recommend searching for hotels more inland, along the riverside or the main road toward Bang Bao Beach.
Mangrove bungalow & restaurant
This is an excellent hotel located in Klong Chao, along the river next to mangrove forest. It is within a 5 minute walk from Klong Chao Beach and various restaurants. It has an onsite coffee shop, restaurant, and a mini-market. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards from the hotel for free.
The hotel is also very close to Klong Chao Waterfall, local supermarket, and the night market. The owner can help you organise taxis, book tours and boat tickets for you.
Suan Maprao Ko Kut Resort
Suan is a good value for money, located south of Klong Chao Beach, on the quiet road to Kao Ruerob. The hotel has lovely bungalows set in a nice coconut garden.
The location is also great, short distance from a selection of restaurants, shops, and massage parlours. It is also easy access to both Klong Chao and Bang Bao Beach. You can rent a scooter at the hotel.
Just be mindful that like many other islands on Thailand, there will be many mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season, so be sure to bring insect repellent with you.
2. Bang Bao Beach
Bang Bao is one of the best beaches in Koh Kood, located on the west coast, south of Klong Chao Beach. This horseshoe shaped bay is known for its powdery white sand, crystal clear calm water, and lots of shades on the shore from the palm trees.
Bang Bao is lined with mid-range to luxury resorts and villas like Kood Kood Resort, Siam Resort, To The Sea The Resort, and Sand & Sea resort. You’ll be likely to access the beach through one of those beachfront resorts.
Most of them are free access for outsiders but you’re welcome to use their services like massage, beach bars, restaurants, or kayak/ SUP board rentals.
You can find tourist amenities on the main road that is located around 0.5-1km from the Bang Bao’s beachfront resorts. There are a handful of restaurants, massage shops, motorbike rentals, cafes, and groceries on road 6038 passing through this area.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Bang Bao Beach:
Siam Beach Resort
Siam Beach Resort is a popular resort in Bang Bao Beach. The hotel offers bungalows that are well-equipped with either a fan or air conditioning. The beachfront at Siam Beach Resort is calm and beautiful with lots of shade and never feels crowded.
There is a beach bar, massage shop, and kayak rental services on the beach. You can just chill under the shades of the palm trees, swim, or dive into the water from the beautiful wooden pier in front of the hotel.
Koh Kood Resort
Koh Kood Resort is set in a beautiful beach location of Bang Bao Beach. The resort has a beautiful onsite beach bar, The Deck Bar, with beach chairs and beach nets on the water overlooking the sea and the pier. They also offer two swimming pools, giving you the option to swim in the sea or relax by the pool.
The Beach Natural Resort
This is a 4-star beachfront hotel, close to the pier, Bang Bao Beach and Sai Daeng Beach. Ideals for families and couples who want to be located in a quiet serene beach.
The hotel has a beautiful private beach area with crystal clear water. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. They have an onsite restaurant and bar with a good selection of dishes.
3. Ao Taphao Beach
Ao Taphao Beach is a nice beach located north of Klong Chao Beach. This beach has white sand, clean water, and is lined with palm trees. It is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and watching the sunset.
The beachfront is lined with beach resorts like Seafar, Koh Kood Paradise Beach, Shantaa, Cabana, or Medee Resort. All resorts have their own beach bar/restaurant, so you can use their services.
You will likely be able to access the beach via Sea Far Resort. There is a small local minimart within walking distance to the beach called Goods Market.
There are several cafes and restaurants inland, within a few minutes drive from the beachfront area of Ao Taphao Beach. I recommend checking out The Fisherman Hut, Little 9 Cafe, Little Bird Restaurant, and Kodmookrob restaurant.
It is still best to have a scooter when staying in this area to explore the other parts of Koh Kood.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Ao Taphao Beach:
Shantaa Resort
Shantaa is a popular beachfront resort in Koh Kood located in a quiet and peaceful area on Ao Tapao Beach. It is within walking distance to Nam Leuk Pier, Goods Market local supermarket, and Wat Rat Bamrung.
The resort has beautiful grounds with an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. You can rent a scooter from the resort to explore the island. Ideal for family and couples who want tranquility.
Koh Kood Paradise Beach
This is a 4-star mid-range hotel located on Ao Tapao Beach. It has a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful beach bar/restaurant, and a nice garden. The location of the resort offers magnificent sunset views.
Seafar Resort
This is one of the several resorts located on Ao Tao Beach. This resort has a nice wooden pier and a beach bar, which is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. You can use sunbeds and bean bags on the beach for free. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and comfortable front beach rooms.
4. Khlong Hin Beach
Khlong Hin Beach is a tranquil beach located in the southwest coast of Koh Kood, south of Bang Bao beach. You can access this beach by walking through Khlong Hin Beach Resort.
The beach is calm with crystal clear water, white fine sand, and is lined with palm trees. Lots of shady areas on the beach. There is a beach bar/restaurant, massage parlor that belongs to Khlong Hin Beach Resort. You can rent their kayak equipment if you like kayaking.
There are just a couple of restaurants on the main road, located a few minutes drive on Klong Hin Beach. It is best to rent a scooter when staying on this beach as it is quite a remote area.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Klong Hin Beach:
Hideout Koh Kood
Hideout is a beautiful place located in the remote area within a few minutes walking distance to Klong Hin Beach. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, picturesque garden, and a private beach area (quite rocky though). You can rent a kayak for free if you stay at the hotel.
The Hideout is Best suited for couples and travelers who want a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and plan to rent a scooter to explore. You can book a bungalow with a private pool for the best experience.
À La Koh Kood Resort
This is an off the beaten track beachfront hotel located close to Klong Hin Beach, a quieter area of Koh Kood. The hotel is popular for couples. They have an onsite restaurant serving delicious food.
You can rent a motorbike to explore other parts of the island. The downside is the hotel is quite far from the main road and the road to the hotel is unpaved and quite rough. If you want a relaxing stay to unwind in a natural setting, this resort is a good choice.
5. Ao Jark Beach
Ao Jark Beach is a small secluded bay located just a short drive south of Khlong Hin Beach. This beach is home to two major resorts, Neverland Resort and Rim Talay. You can follow the directions to these two resorts to get to the beach.
There are a few restaurants, beach bars, and massage parlors on the beach. These places and resorts have bedchairs, tables, chairs, and bean bags on the beach.
Ao Jark Beach is another white sandy beach lined with palm trees and calm water in Koh Kood. If you want a few days stay on the beach on a remote peaceful beach area, Ao Jak Beach is a good choice.
There are no restaurants and amenities on the main road located 1 km to the beach, so you will mainly dine and relax at your resort. You can rent a scooter to explore the island.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Ao Jark Beach:
Rim Lay
Rim Lay is a budget-friendly hotel located right on the beach. They have a private beach area, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent a kayak to explore the neighboring bays. Ideal for couples who want a relaxing holiday.
Koh Kood Club
This is a great accommodation on the quiet and undeveloped Ao Jark Beach. It never feels crowded even in the high season. The hotel provides free SUP boards and sunbeds for the guests. There are two restaurants on the beach at Neverland and Rimlay within walking distance from Koh Kood Club.
Neverland Beach Resort
Neverland is a beachfront resort located on the hidden gem Ao Jak Beach. You can pay a bit more to stay in a beachfront bungalow.
6. Ao Phrao Beach
Ao Phrao Beach is a long and quiet beach located on the southwest coast of Koh Kood. The beach is home to just a few resorts and its onsite beach bars/ restaurants. Like Khlong Hin and Ao Jak beaches, Ao Phrao Beach is a great place to stay if you’re looking to spend a few days away from it all.
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and a quiet atmosphere. Like all other beaches on the west coast, Ao Phrao beach is a great place to watch the beautiful and peaceful sunset.
Ao Phrao Beach is 10 minutes drive from the local fishing village on the east coast called Ao Yai Fishermen Village. This village is home to several famous seafood restaurants like Noochy Seafood and Chonthicha Seafood. It is to visit during daytime for a meal and to explore the floating village. Avoid visiting this village at night, as the road is quite remote and hilly.
Where to Stay in Koh Kood in Ao Phrao Beach:
I-Lay House
This guest house is located on Ao Phrao Beach, featuring beautiful rooms and tents with sea views. Located right on the gorgeous beach, and the hotel provides SUP boards and kayaks for free.
Rest Sea Resort
This is a lovely hotel located close to Ao Phrao Beach and is a short drive from Ao Jark Beach. It has an outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant. The hotel offers free Kayaks and paddle boards. It is best to rent a scooter to explore the island when staying here.
7. Klong Mad fisherman Village
Klong Mad fisherman Village is one of a few popular fishing villages in Koh Kood, located on the west coast of Koh Kood. Other fishing villages on the island are Ao Salad on the east coast and Ao Yai on the north coast.
Klong Mad is home to a small but lively pier with lots of speed boat docking in the pier area. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes near the pier and floating houses where local fishermen live. A small sandy beach can be found near Suanya Koh Kood Resort.
There are several resorts, homestays, and guest houses in and around Klong Mad fisherman Village. This area is a short drive from numerous attractions like Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall, ancient trees, Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall, and Ao Taphao beach.
Where to stay in and near Klong Mad fisherman Village:
My personal experiences staying in Koh Kood
I booked my stay in Koh Kood at the last minute, just 2 days before my arrival. I didn’t have many choices and had to book two hotels during my time in Koh Kood. Luckily, these two available hotels were located within walking distance from each other, so I can transfer between them easily on foot.
Taxis are not widely available in Koh Kood like they are on other islands in Thailand, and using them is usually expensive. So having places within walking distance of each other helps me save money and avoid the hassle of organizing transfers.
I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance in the peak season. If you book at the last minute, your choices will be very limited, as hotels and resorts fill up quickly during the high season.
The accommodations you want might still be available, but not for the entire duration of your stay, which may require booking additional hotels, something that can be inconvenient.
Kama Siri
I loved my stay in Kama Siri. The first impression was the warm hospitality of the owner and the staff. They all greeted me with big smiles when I arrived and offered me a welcome drink and a cold towel.
I rented a scooter from them and it was in good condition. They also gave me a big paper map and advised me where to explore. They helped me to book a boat and bus ticket to Bangkok.
Location
The location of Kama Siri is not the best if you are not renting a scooter and organizing guided tours. You need to walk around 30 minutes to get to the closest beach, Ao Taphao Beach. The beach is beautiful, and the sunsets are amazing too.
There weren’t many tourist amenities around Kama Siri, but it is located right next to one of the best restaurants on the island, The Fisherman Hut. You can easily walk here to have dinner and enjoy the music on some nights.
There are several restaurants further away within 15-20 minutes walk including Kodmookrob, Little 9 Cafe, or Little Bird Restaurant. Landry shops, minimarts, local groceries, and motorbike rental shops can be found between the hotel and Ao Taphao beach.
Amenities
I stayed in a tent room, more specifically, the Deluxe Tent. My room has comfortable queen beds, air conditioning, a fan, and a private bathroom. There are chairs in front of the rooms where I can sit and enjoy garden views. I slept very well in my room.
I didn’t have breakfast at the hotel, but it looked very nice to the other guests. I would add it to my stay if you come back. They also do laundry if you need. I highly recommend staying here if you don’t mind being a bit further away from the beach and renting a scooter.
Janzo House
Location
I booked a double room with a balcony at Janzo House. The hotel is located right on the main road of Koh Kood, just 15 minutes drive from the island’s main pier, Ao Salad Pier.
There is nothing much happening in the immediate area where the hotel is located. But, you can walk to the couple of local restaurants like The Fisherman Hut and Kodmookrob restaurant. The Fisherman Hut is one of the best restaurants on Koh Kood where you can try delicious Thai food and listen to live music.
The hotel is located 30 minutes walk from the closest beach called Ao Taphao beach. It can be tiring walking on a hot day. I recommend avoiding walking in the evening as there is little street light in the area. It is best to rent a scooter when staying here.
Amenities
My room has a double bed with a balcony, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. There were two towels provided and there were no bottles of water and a mini fridge in the room. It was very simple, just a bed and a bath for sleeping.
They have an outdoor swimming pool outside, which is good for cooling off. There are dorm room options for backpackers. At night, you can hear loud frog sounds from the jungle next to the hotel. You can ask the owner to help with motorbike rental services.
See more:
- Koh Chang vs Koh Kood vs Koh Mak?
- Is it better to stay in Koh Chang or Koh Kood?
- Should You Visit Koh Kood or Koh Mak?
- Should You stay in Koh Kood or Koh Yao Yai/ Noi?
- Where to Stay in Thailand
I hope you found some helpful information about where to stay in Koh Kood. This is a very undeveloped island with plenty of remote beaches, natural, and cultural attractions to explore.
I recommend looking at Klong Chao, Bang Bao, or Ao Taphao Beach area if you want more accessible amenities. If you want a remote location on the beach, have a look at places like Ao Phrao, Ao Jak, and Khlong Hin Beach.
No matter where you choose to stay, if you want to explore all the island, it is best to rent a scooter or organise tours in advance. Public taxis (local songthaews) are not widely available like other islands in Thailand.