TRAVELThailand Has Islands Most Tourists Never Find8 min read

Ko Kut — Waterfalls and Undeveloped Coastline

Ko Kut, also spelled Ko Kood, is one of Thailand’s most visually striking islands — a mix of coconut palm beaches, remote jungle, and cascading waterfalls near the Cambodian border. It is significantly less developed than the nearby island of Ko Chang, which is a meaningful part of its appeal. The island accommodates everything from basic beach bungalows to genuine luxury resorts, but large sections of coastline remain untouched. Two fishing villages along the east coast give the island an authentic local character, and public beaches like Ao Tapao are accessible to independent travelers. Popular activities include sea kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking to Klong Chao Waterfall. With minimal road traffic, scooters are the preferred and most practical way to explore the interior and coast.

Ko Lanta Has Better Diving Than Most People Realize

Ko Lanta sits in Krabi province and is technically a cluster of islands, with Ko Lanta Yai as the main tourist hub. Part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, the island holds ancient caves, jungle mountains, and waterfalls alongside some of the best diving and snorkeling in Thailand — a fact that routinely surprises travelers who associate serious diving primarily with Phi Phi. The west coast beaches range from Pra Ae (Long Beach) in the north to wilder, quieter stretches further south. Sunset views from Khlong Dao and Khlong Nin are consistently excellent. Ko Lanta’s old town is worth an afternoon, and the Khao Mai Kaew cave network adds an underground dimension. After dark, bioluminescent plankton occasionally illuminates the shoreline — one of those natural events that no amount of planning guarantees.