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Koh Kood (also spelled Ko Kut) sits tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand as one of the country’s most pristine islands. Getting there isn’t as straightforward as hopping on a ferry to the more tourist-heavy islands, but that’s exactly what keeps it special. The ferry to Koh Kood departs from several mainland points, and understanding your options makes all the difference between a smooth journey and a confusing scramble.
Whether you’re island-hopping from Koh Chang or starting fresh from Bangkok, the routes to this peaceful paradise require a bit of planning. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting to this gem of an island.
Understanding Your Ferry Routes to Koh Kood
There are two main jumping-off points for your ferry to Koh Kood journey. The first and most common is Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province, located on the mainland. This is where most travelers begin their adventure if they’re coming directly from Bangkok or other mainland destinations.
The second route connects Koh Chang to Koh Kood, which is perfect if you’re already exploring the ferry connections between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. This island-hopping option has become increasingly popular among travelers who want to experience multiple islands in one trip.
Laem Sok to Koh Kood
Laem Sok Pier serves as the primary departure point for the ferry to Koh Kood. Located about 20 kilometers from Trat town, this pier handles multiple departures daily during peak season. The journey takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on which operator you choose.
Main operators on this route:
- Koh Kood Express (speedboat and ferry options)
- Koh Kood Princess (passenger ferry)
- Ko Kut Express (fast ferry service)
- Boonsiri High Speed Catamaran
Each operator offers different departure times and vessel types. The speedboats are faster but can be rougher in choppy conditions, while the larger ferries provide a smoother ride with more space to spread out.
Ferry Schedules and Frequencies
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike the super-frequent ferries you’ll find going to places like Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, the ferry to Koh Kood runs on a more limited schedule. This actually works in the island’s favor, keeping visitor numbers manageable.
During high season (November through March), you’ll typically find 2-4 departures per day from Laem Sok. Low season sees reduced services, sometimes with only one daily departure or even suspended services during particularly rough weather.
| Operator | Departures (High Season) | Journey Time | Vessel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Kood Express | 2-3 daily | 90 minutes | Speedboat/Ferry |
| Koh Kood Princess | 1-2 daily | 2 hours | Passenger Ferry |
| Ko Kut Express | 2 daily | 90 minutes | Fast Ferry |
| Boonsiri | 1 daily | 90 minutes | Catamaran |
The official Koh Kood Express schedule gets updated regularly, and I’d recommend checking it closer to your travel dates since things can shift.
Booking Your Tickets
Gone are the days when you had to show up at the pier and hope for the best. Most operators now offer online booking, though the systems aren’t always user-friendly if you don’t read Thai. This is where platforms like Thailand Boat Tickets come in super handy since they consolidate all the options in one place.
You can book tickets anywhere from a few months in advance to the day before travel. During peak season (especially around Christmas and New Year), booking ahead is smart. For low season travel, you’ve got more flexibility.
Getting to the Departure Points
The logistics of actually reaching your ferry to Koh Kood departure point depend on where you’re starting from. Most international travelers begin in Bangkok and need to cover about 330 kilometers to reach Trat Province.
From Bangkok to Laem Sok
You’ve got several options for this leg. The government buses from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) run regularly to Trat, taking about 5-6 hours. Private minivans are faster at around 4-5 hours but can be cramped.
Many tour operators offer combination packages that include bus/minivan transport from Bangkok directly to the pier, timed to connect with ferry departures. These all-in-one packages eliminate the stress of coordinating multiple bookings. If you’re curious about similar multi-leg journeys, check out this guide on getting from Bangkok to Koh Chang, which follows a similar route.
Transport options breakdown:
- Government bus: 250-300 baht, 5-6 hours
- Private minivan: 350-450 baht, 4-5 hours
- Private car/taxi: 3,000-4,000 baht, 4 hours
- Fly to Trat Airport + taxi: Fastest but most expensive
From Koh Chang
If you’re island hopping, ferries run between Koh Chang’s Bang Bao Pier and Koh Kood. This route operates less frequently than the mainland connection, typically once daily during high season. The journey takes about 90 minutes, and the scheduling can be tight, so build in buffer time.
What to Expect on Your Ferry Journey
The actual ferry to Koh Kood experience varies significantly based on which operator and vessel type you choose. Let me break down what you’re in for.
Speedboat Services
The speedboat option gets you there fast, but it’s not for everyone. These boats seat 30-50 passengers and bounce across the waves at high speed. If you’re prone to seasickness, take your medication before boarding. The ride can get seriously choppy during rougher weather.
On the plus side, speedboats offer the shortest journey time and often the most departures per day. They’re also sometimes the only option during certain times of year when larger ferries aren’t operating.
Passenger Ferries
The larger passenger ferries, like the Koh Kood Princess service, provide a more comfortable ride for most people. These vessels have indoor air-conditioned cabins and outdoor deck space. You can walk around, use actual bathrooms, and the ride is generally smoother.
The trade-off is time. These ferries take the full 2 hours to complete the journey. But honestly? The extra 30 minutes is worth it if you value comfort over speed.
Safety Considerations
Ferry safety in Thailand has improved dramatically over recent years, but it’s still worth being aware. All major operators now provide life jackets and have improved their safety protocols. However, incidents can still occur, so always follow crew instructions and know where the safety equipment is located.
During monsoon season (roughly May through October), seas can be rough and services are often cancelled. This isn’t operators being overly cautious - it’s genuinely dangerous. Don’t pressure them to run services in questionable conditions.
Pricing and Packages
Ticket prices for the ferry to Koh Kood fluctuate based on season, operator, and how far in advance you book. Here’s what you can expect in 2026.
| Route | Price Range (One Way) | Combined Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Laem Sok - Koh Kood | 500-800 baht | 1,200-1,800 baht (from Bangkok) |
| Koh Chang - Koh Kood | 600-900 baht | N/A |
| Return tickets | 900-1,500 baht | Often discounted |
The combined packages from Bangkok typically include your bus/minivan transport, pier transfers, and the ferry ticket all in one price. These represent decent value and eliminate coordination headaches.
Return tickets usually save you 10-15% compared to buying two one-way tickets separately. If you know your return date, it’s worth booking the round trip upfront.
Arrival on Koh Kood
Your ferry to Koh Kood docks at one of several piers depending on your operator. The main arrival points are Ao Salad Pier and Khlong Hin Dam Pier. Both are located on the northwest coast of the island.
Getting to Your Resort
Most resorts on Koh Kood offer free pickup from the pier - it’s basically expected. When you book your accommodation, confirm this service and let them know which ferry you’re arriving on. Some resorts have their own boats that meet certain ferries, while others send cars or trucks for the short drive.
If your resort doesn’t offer pickup, you’ll find songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and motorcycle taxis waiting at the pier. The island is small enough that nowhere is terribly expensive to reach, typically 100-300 baht depending on distance.
Timing Your Visit
The best time to take the ferry to Koh Kood depends entirely on what you’re after. High season (November-March) offers the most reliable weather and full ferry schedules, but also the highest prices and most crowds - though “crowded” on Koh Kood is still pretty chill compared to other Thai islands.
Shoulder season (April-May and October) can be sweet. You’ll find good weather, fewer tourists, and better accommodation deals. Ferry services still run regularly during these months.
Low season (June-September) is risky. Many resorts close completely, ferry services reduce dramatically or suspend entirely, and the weather is unpredictable. Unless you’re a serious adventurer who doesn’t mind being stranded by weather, I’d avoid these months.
Alternative Routes and Connections
While the direct ferry to Koh Kood from Laem Sok is most common, some travelers prefer the scenic route through Koh Chang. This lets you experience two islands in one trip and the connection between Koh Chang and Koh Kood has become increasingly popular.
Another option gaining traction is flying into Trat Airport and taking a transfer directly to the pier. Several operators now offer coordinated packages that time your flight arrival with ferry departures. This cuts your total travel time from Bangkok down to about 3-4 hours total.
For travelers already in Eastern Thailand, you can also explore routes from Rayong that connect through various islands, though these involve multiple transfers.
What You Need to Pack
A few things to bring for your ferry to Koh Kood journey:
- Motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive
- Light jacket (air-conditioning on ferries can be frigid)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Sunscreen (deck seats get intense sun)
- Snacks and water (limited food available onboard)
- Cash (not all operators accept cards)
The ferries aren’t huge, so keep your luggage reasonable. Large backpacks and standard suitcases are fine, but if you’re bringing surf boards or excessive gear, check with your operator first.
Booking Tips and Tricks
After helping hundreds of travelers coordinate their ferry to Koh Kood trips, here are my top tips:
- Book return tickets together - You’ll save money and ensure availability for your departure
- Reconfirm 24 hours before - Schedules can change, especially in shoulder season
- Arrive early - At least 30 minutes before departure to handle check-in
- Keep booking confirmations offline - Print or screenshot, don’t rely on wifi at the pier
- Check weather forecasts - Storms can cause cancellations, have a backup plan
If you’re coordinating complex routes involving multiple islands, using a booking platform that handles all the connections saves massive amounts of time. The multilingual support also helps when you need to make last-minute changes.
Current Operators and Services in 2026
The ferry landscape to Koh Kood continues evolving. As of 2026, here’s the current operator situation:
Koh Kood Express remains the dominant player with the most departures and options. They run both speedboats and larger ferries, giving travelers flexibility based on budget and comfort preferences.
Ko Kut Express has expanded their fleet and now offers more consistent year-round service. Their vessels are newer and they’ve invested in better online booking systems.
Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, which you might know from their extensive network in Southern Thailand, has recently added Koh Kood to their routes, though with limited frequency.
For the most current schedules across all operators, detailed timetables and comparisons help you see all options at once.
Planning your ferry to Koh Kood doesn’t have to be complicated, even with the limited schedules and multiple departure points. The key is booking ahead during high season and staying flexible with timing. Whether you’re coming from Bangkok, island-hopping from Koh Chang, or connecting through other routes, this peaceful island is absolutely worth the journey. Thailand Boat Tickets simplifies the entire process by letting you compare all operators, book tickets in your language, and get real-time support through WhatsApp, Instagram, or whatever messaging app you prefer - making your trip to this hidden paradise as smooth as possible.
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