Five Reasons to Visit Koh Kood

With Phuket overrun, and Koh Samui headed that way, Koh Kood could become Thailand’s next holiday bolt-hole. This pristine isle is reached only by ferry, keeping tourist traffic low. Here are five Koh Kood essentials.

1. Soneva Kiri
Six Senses resorts are known for their quirky facilities, and the newest (above) is no exception. Scan the heavens at a real observatory, or dine on a wooden platform high in the jungle canopy, with surreal meal service by waiters on zip lines.

(See 10 things to do in Bangkok.)

2. Two Wheels Good
Koh Kood has few vehicles, making it a fun and safe place to explore by scooter. Almost all hotels have rentals ($8-$12 daily).

3. Diving
Over a dozen dive shops offer PADI courses and snorkeling excursions, starting at $30 for four or five hours, including lunch. Andy Wade of the Activity Center at Away Koh Kood, tel: (66) 8183 54517, arranges trips to 52 surrounding isles and islets.

4. Jungle Exploration
With so few residents, the whole island is a nature retreat. Swim at the Nam Tok Khlong Chao waterfall, take a boat trip through the mangroves (book through your hotel), or hike to Ban Chum Phon to see a famed pair of 500-year-old trees.

5. Laid-Back Dining
The Koh Kood Beach Resort offers great curry, seafood and billion-dollar ocean views. Book through its Bangkok office, tel: (66-2) 630 9371. Locals praise the food — and waterside vistas — at Mangrove (no phone) on Khlong Chao beach.

See pictures of luxury private islands.

See 25 authentic Asian experiences.