Wondering where to stay in Koh Kood?
This small island near Koh Chang is a peaceful island located in the Trat province of Thailand and is a bit of a hidden gem as it’s untouched by mass tourism.
Although you can find about fifty different hotels here, it’s far from touristy.
This has some advantages and disadvantages.
Yes, the nature and beaches are stunningly beautiful and you can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests.
But you will miss common facilities.
Some people can only dream of such an island, unspoiled by mass tourism, while others prefer to enjoy the comforts of a more developed island.
If the latter is the case for you, you should stay at Koh Chang and take a day trip to Koh Kood.
Have a look at our article about Where to stay in Koh Chang.
If you’re into something unique, then keep reading!
Each area has its own atmosphere, advantages, and disadvantages, which we will detail in the following paragraphs.
Let’s start with an overview that allows you to quickly analyze which part could be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas to stay in Koh Kood are Klong Chao Beach, Ao Tapao Beach, Bang Bao Bay, Ao Salad Village, and Ao Yai Beach.
Koh Kood is all about stunning beaches, laid-back vibes, and untouched nature.
Klong Chao Beach is the most popular spot, offering a perfect mix of soft sand, great resorts, and easy access to restaurants and activities.
For a quieter but still convenient stay, Ao Tapao Beach has long stretches of golden sand and some of the island’s best beachfront resorts, while Bang Bao Bay is ideal for those craving calm, crystal-clear waters and a more secluded atmosphere.
If you want to experience local island life, Ao Salad Village and Ao Yai Beach offer a more authentic feel, with fishing villages, fresh seafood, and budget-friendly stays away from the tourist crowds.
Below, we’ll dive into each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which one is best for you.
Tip: Tap the area name to jump straight to that section of the article for more information!
Klong Chao Beach – is one of the most popular beaches on the island and has the best range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly guesthouses and luxury resorts.
Ao Tapao Beach – is another great beach for travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the island without the crowds. It has a few resorts and bungalows that are perfect for a quiet getaway.
Bang Bao Bay – This is a scenic area with a small fishing village, and it offers a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury villas.
Ao Salad Village – This is a quiet area with a few resorts and bungalows that offer easy access to the island’s stunning beaches.
Ao Yai Beach – This is one of the quieter beaches on the island, and it is ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful holiday. There are a few resorts and bungalows here that offer a comfortable stay.
If it’s your first time on Koh Kood and you’re looking for a mix of stunning beaches, decent restaurant options, and a relaxed but social vibe, Klong Chao Beach is your best bet.
This is the most developed area of the island—though “developed” on Koh Kood still means peaceful, quiet, and low-key.
The beach itself is gorgeous, with powdery soft sand and shallow waters perfect for swimming.
It’s also home to some of the island’s best accommodations, ranging from beachfront bungalows to boutique resorts.
There are a few beach bars and restaurants here, making it one of the few places on Koh Kood where you can grab a drink at sunset without trekking too far.
That being said, Klong Chao is still nothing like the more touristy beaches in Koh Chang or Phuket.
There’s no nightlife scene to speak of, and while there are some restaurants, your options will be limited compared to bigger islands. If you’re after peace but don’t want to feel completely isolated, this is the place to be.
Pros:
Stunning beach with soft sand and clear waters
A good selection of accommodations for all budgets
Some dining and drinking options nearby
Close to Klong Chao Waterfall and other activities
Cons:
Can feel a bit busier compared to other parts of the island (though still quiet by Thai island standards)
Slightly higher accommodation prices due to popularity
For those looking for a little more tranquility and perhaps a touch of luxury, Ao Tapao Beach is a fantastic option.
This is where you’ll find some of Koh Kood’s most beautiful resorts, with beachfront villas and bungalows offering direct access to the island’s golden sand and calm waters.
The atmosphere here is peaceful, making it perfect for couples or anyone wanting to disconnect and relax.
The beach is long and quiet, ideal for morning walks or simply lounging in a hammock. However, since this area is more resort-focused, most of the dining options are attached to the hotels.
If you’re staying here, you’ll likely be eating at your resort unless you’re willing to take a motorbike or taxi to other parts of the island.
If you don’t mind a quieter stay and are happy with resort dining, Ao Tapao is one of the best choices on the island.
Pros:
Beautiful, quiet beach with calm waters
Home to some of the best beachfront resorts on Koh Kood
Close to the pier, making it easy to reach
Cons:
Limited restaurants outside of the resorts
Fewer budget-friendly accommodation options
If your dream island stay involves a hidden cove with calm, crystal-clear waters, Bang Bao Bay is where you want to be.
This little bay on Koh Kood’s west coast is the definition of paradise—soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The accommodations here are smaller, often boutique resorts or bungalows right on the beach. It’s a place to truly relax, far from any crowds.
The trade-off is that it’s a bit more isolated, with only a handful of restaurants around.
Most people staying here eat at their resort or take short trips to other parts of the island for more dining options.
Bang Bao Bay is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who just wants to chill in one of the most scenic spots on the island.
Pros:
Stunning, secluded bay with calm, swimmable waters
Great for snorkeling and paddleboarding
Relaxed, quiet atmosphere
Cons:
Very few restaurants and bars nearby
Limited nightlife and activities
For travelers looking for something beyond the beaches, Ao Salad Village offers a completely different side of Koh Kood.
This is the island’s main fishing village, home to colorful boats, wooden houses on stilts, and local seafood restaurants.
Staying here gives you a glimpse into daily island life, where fishermen unload their catch in the morning and local markets serve fresh seafood dishes at unbeatable prices.
It’s a great option for budget travelers since accommodations here tend to be cheaper than beachfront resorts.
However, there’s no beach access—this is a working harbor, not a place to swim. If you don’t mind trading a beachfront stay for a more authentic local experience, Ao Salad is an interesting option.
Pros:
A chance to experience local island life
The best fresh seafood on Koh Kood
Budget-friendly accommodations
Cons:
No beaches for swimming
Very few restaurants outside of local seafood spots
Far from tourist activities
If you’re looking for a remote, untouched paradise, Ao Yai Beach is the perfect escape.
Located on the southern part of the island, this area is far from the more developed parts of Koh Kood, making it ideal for travelers who want to disconnect.
Accommodations here are mostly small bungalows or eco-lodges, perfect for those who don’t mind a rustic stay in exchange for a quieter, more nature-filled experience.
The beach is wild and beautiful, but the area lacks many restaurants, bars, or conveniences.
Getting around requires renting a motorbike, as it’s a long way from the island’s main areas.
If you’re happy with minimal amenities and want to experience a truly peaceful part of Koh Kood, Ao Yai Beach is a hidden gem.
Pros:
Quiet, remote, and untouched nature
A few budget-friendly beachfront bungalows
A great choice for an off-the-grid stay
Cons:
Limited dining and nightlife options
Harder to reach without a motorbike
Very basic infrastructure
