Despite being a beautiful mountainous island with white sandy beaches and crystal blue water, for the independent traveller, Ko Kut (also spelt Ko Kood) is a difficult destination to explore. Resorts cater specifically to package tourists, and although most will take walk in guests, there are few restaurants, shops or travel services available for those not booked on a package. Ko Kood is the southernmost and second-largest island in the Ko Chang archipelago, and the closest to Cambodia. Rumour has it that there's a secret ladies village of Cambodian and Vietnamese refuges somewhere on the island, and many of the island's residents are undoubtedly from Indochinese stock.For explorers there's a temple to be found in the centre of the island in a small valley, and also on the south point of the island is a huge lighthouse. If you can manage to find out how to reach it, it's supposedly possible to climb up to the top where amazing views can be had of both Thailand and Cambodia. Neither of the aforementioned have roads however, so you'll need some walking boots and a machete!Accommodation-wise, the theme is overwhelmingly up-market. That occasional whine of a helicopter flying low overhead... that's the sound of Bangkok's mega-rich business set taking their families to a hermetically sealed hideaway for the weekend. Many of the super-class resorts are accessible only by boat or helicopter, so to be honest you don't even know they're there.Fortunately there has been an expansion in the budget range over the past five years and now there's more than a half dozen places in the Klong Chao area which cater to the more modestly financed traveller, with the odd small eatery or bar to be found around; just don't come here expecting any nightlife as it simply doesn't exist. A relaxing spot for romantic couples to unwind, but for boys on tour its better to stick to Ko Chang.It pays to book ahead, as many places fill up during the high season or close down for the low season, depending on how busy they are in any particular year.
Sights and activites
Take it easy
Beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling and fishing are the main pastimes on Ko Kut, and there's really not much else to do on the island. Kayaks can be rented from some resorts, count on paying 40B/hr or 300 for the day. There is a waterfall close to Khlong Chao beach with a pool at the bottom that's suited for swimming. Aside from the Thai-only signed food pavillions in the villages and along the sides of the road the island lacks a restaurant or nightlife scene, as visitors would rather stay at their bungalow or resort and let them take care of everything. The one alternative which stood out is the Sunset Bar and restaurant, run by the same friendly bunch from Happy Days guest house. They have delicious food including home made bread and sometimes even pizza, internet and a full booking facilities for diving or further travel. Have a chat with the owner Miss Gai and if you are lucky she may agree to take you to a secret waterfall in the middle of the jungle! One of the latest additions to the tourism offerings is the development of the firefly mangroves. They used to be only accessible by river or by hike, but recent developments now allow tourists to go via a government funded road. Follow signs for the Klong Chao waterfall and its on the same road.
Getting there and away
Boat
Boats to Ko Kut leave the mainland from Laem Sok, about 30km from Trat, from Ko Mak or from Ko Chang. Times as follows;Ko Kut Ferry T: (086) 126 7860High season timetable:Ko Kut 10:00 – Ko Mak 10:40 – Ko Chang 11:40.Ko Chang 12:00 – Ko Mak 13:00 – Ko Kut 13:40.Low season timetable:Ko Kut 10:00 - Laem Sok 11:30.Laem Sok 13:00 – Ko Kut 14:30.Siriwhite Speed BoatKo Kut 10:00 – Laem Sok 11:00.Laem Sok 13:00 – Ko Kut 14:00Alternatively there are boats from Ko Chang and Ko Mak circulating at various times of the day from smaller companies; check about for details on the Bang Bao Boat or Island Hopper, both of which run out of Ko Chang.
Beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling and fishing are the main pastimes on Ko Kut, and there's really not much else to do on the island. Kayaks can be rented from some resorts, count on paying 40B/hr or 300 for the day. There is a waterfall close to Khlong Chao beach with a pool at the bottom that's suited for swimming. Aside from the Thai-only signed food pavillions in the villages and along the sides of the road the island lacks a restaurant or nightlife scene, as visitors would rather stay at their bungalow or resort and let them take care of everything. The one alternative which stood out is the Sunset Bar and restaurant, run by the same friendly bunch from Happy Days guest house. They have delicious food including home made bread and sometimes even pizza, internet and a full booking facilities for diving or further travel. Have a chat with the owner Miss Gai and if you are lucky she may agree to take you to a secret waterfall in the middle of the jungle! One of the latest additions to the tourism offerings is the development of the firefly mangroves. They used to be only accessible by river or by hike, but recent developments now allow tourists to go via a government funded road. Follow signs for the Klong Chao waterfall and its on the same road.
Getting there and away
Boat
Boats to Ko Kut leave the mainland from Laem Sok, about 30km from Trat, from Ko Mak or from Ko Chang. Times as follows;Ko Kut Ferry T: (086) 126 7860High season timetable:Ko Kut 10:00 – Ko Mak 10:40 – Ko Chang 11:40.Ko Chang 12:00 – Ko Mak 13:00 – Ko Kut 13:40.Low season timetable:Ko Kut 10:00 - Laem Sok 11:30.Laem Sok 13:00 – Ko Kut 14:30.Siriwhite Speed BoatKo Kut 10:00 – Laem Sok 11:00.Laem Sok 13:00 – Ko Kut 14:00Alternatively there are boats from Ko Chang and Ko Mak circulating at various times of the day from smaller companies; check about for details on the Bang Bao Boat or Island Hopper, both of which run out of Ko Chang.
Getting Around
Travel around the island is difficult and expensive. A taxi ride to your bungalow or resort should be included as part of any boat ticket Ko Kut. But the local drivers are prettty much a law unto themselves, and might ask as much as 400B for a 5km journey. Considering you could take a 12hr bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for less, politely refuse and they'll probably end up taking you for free anyway. Motorbike rentals are possible, but it's expensive at 400B a day. Drive carefully as the roads are very hilly and windy and there's just enough space for a songthaew to pass a bike without someone ending up in the ditch. Parts of the road south of Khlong Chao are unmade and should only be attempted by experienced riders.
Travel around the island is difficult and expensive. A taxi ride to your bungalow or resort should be included as part of any boat ticket Ko Kut. But the local drivers are prettty much a law unto themselves, and might ask as much as 400B for a 5km journey. Considering you could take a 12hr bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for less, politely refuse and they'll probably end up taking you for free anyway. Motorbike rentals are possible, but it's expensive at 400B a day. Drive carefully as the roads are very hilly and windy and there's just enough space for a songthaew to pass a bike without someone ending up in the ditch. Parts of the road south of Khlong Chao are unmade and should only be attempted by experienced riders.
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