Koh Kood (Ao Salad Pier) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Koh Kood by taking a ferry from Trat province on the mainland, with the journey typically lasting 1-2 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions. From Bangkok, you can reach Trat by bus (5-6 hours), private car (4-5 hours), or domestic flight (1 hour), before continuing to the mainland piers. Regular songthaews (shared taxis) connect Trat town with the various mainland piers serving Koh Kood. If arriving by private vehicle, several secure parking facilities are available at the mainland departure points, with daily rates ranging from 50-100 baht. During high season, booking your ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended as services can fill quickly.

Nestled in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Kood remains one of the country's last unspoiled island treasures. With crystal-clear waters lapping against powder-white beaches and lush tropical forests covering its interior, this island offers a genuine escape from the mainstream tourist trail. The Ao Salad Pier serves as a vital gateway to this tranquil haven, welcoming visitors to a place where time seems to slow down and nature takes center stage.

Koh Kood enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons that shape the island experience. The prime visiting period runs from November through April, when days are sunny, humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal, creating perfect conditions for beach activities and exploring. March and April offer the warmest temperatures, ideal for swimming in the gloriously clear waters. The monsoon season (May to October) brings regular rainfall and occasionally rougher seas, with some ferry services reduced during this period. For those seeking the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of November and early December offer excellent value and a more peaceful island atmosphere.

Koh Kood serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Thailand's eastern seaboard islands. From Ao Salad Pier, ferries connect to neighboring Koh Mak, a family-friendly island with shallow beaches and laid-back atmosphere, just 30-45 minutes away. The larger Koh Chang, with its developed tourism infrastructure and mountainous jungle interior, can be reached in about 1.5 hours, offering a contrasting experience. Marine enthusiasts shouldn't miss Koh Rang, part of the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park, accessible via day trips for some of the region's best snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens. The journey between these islands offers spectacular views of the archipelago, with the emerald waters and distant island silhouettes creating a photographer's dream.

Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, Koh Kood offers a wealth of experiences for the curious traveler. Trek to the magnificent Klong Chao Waterfall, where emerald pools invite you for a refreshing swim after your jungle hike. The island's fishing villages, particularly Ao Salad itself, provide an authentic glimpse into traditional Thai coastal life, where you can watch fishermen bringing in their daily catch and sample incredibly fresh seafood prepared with local recipes. Kayaking through the ancient mangrove forests reveals a complex ecosystem teeming with wildlife, while the island's interior hides abandoned rubber plantations that tell the story of Koh Kood's economic history. Seafood lovers should head to the small restaurants near Ao Salad Pier, where the day's catch is transformed into delicious Thai classics with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Despite being Thailand's fourth-largest island, Koh Kood has a permanent population of only about 2,000 people, giving it one of the lowest population densities of any inhabited Thai island. The island was once a strategic outpost for the Royal Thai Navy, and remnants of military installations can still be found in certain areas. Koh Kood's interior contains some of the last remaining virgin rainforest in Thailand, with trees estimated to be over 500 years old. Local fishermen still practice the traditional art of squid fishing using lights at night, creating magical constellations of illumination on the water that rival the stars above.