Ko Kut

Ko Kut, sometimes written Ko Kood, is the fourth largest Thai island and the last before the Cambodian maritime boundary. It has around two thousand residents, no large towns, one main road down the west side and a great deal of forest - much of the interior is national park. The beaches on the west coast, Klong Chao and Ao Phrao among them, have some of the clearest water in the eastern gulf, and Klong Chao waterfall inland was visited by Rama VI and later by Rama VII, whose names are carved at the site. Fishing villages on stilts at Ao Salad and Ao Yai are the working side of the island. Accommodation skews toward mid-range and expensive resorts with fewer budget options than the other Trat islands. From May to October boats reduce sharply, resorts close and the sea is rough; the low season here is a genuine shutdown rather than a quiet spell.

What you actually see

• The west coast beaches - Klong Chao and Ao Phrao, with clear water.
• Klong Chao waterfall - visited by Rama VI and Rama VII, whose names are carved there.
• The stilt villages - Ao Salad and Ao Yai, working fishing communities.
• The forest interior - much of the island inside national park.

When to go

November to April. May to October brings rough seas, reduced boats and widespread closures. Book accommodation ahead in the high season - options are limited.

Honest expectations

Fewer budget options than neighbouring islands; accommodation is mostly mid-range and up. Low season is a real shutdown. Medical facilities are minimal and the mainland is ninety minutes away. Boat schedules are seasonal.

Nearby

Ko Mak is north-west; the Cambodian maritime boundary is south-east.