We are a group of friends planning to travel to Koh Kood.

We are planning to stay at a resort in Ao Bangbao, but would like to know if it is difficult to get around the island. None of us can ride a motorbike. What's the best way to get from one beach to another, or from the resort to other places? Thanks a lot, Helga.

 

Getting around Koh Kood is quite a hassle especially if you don’t ride a motorbike, as this is definitely the best way to get around the island and they are available for rent at almost every resort.

However, cycling is also a good way to explore the island. You can rent a bike from any resort, and the routes are well-paved both up and down the hills and on the off-road paths. Bikes will be adequate to take you to a waterfall or nearby beaches though may not be the best bet for getting to the other side of the island, which is Thailand’s fourth largest. From Ao Bangbao, which lies on the southwest, you can travel along the road to Khlong Jao and Khlong Yai Gee waterfalls and to Ao Salad fishing village in the northeast, to enjoy good seafood and watch the local fishermen.

Koh Kood is considerably less developed than Koh Chang. There are a couple of cars on the island offering transport, and maybe you can rent one at your resort. 

Alternatively, you may opt for a taxi boat service to hop around from beaches to beaches or nearby islands. There are very few tours on offer on Koh Kood, so you will have to rely on your resort to organise it for you.

 

  

I am travelling from Phuket to Koh Lipe in May and have already booked and paid for my accommodation in both places. My plan is to travel by boat from Phuket to the island. Should I buy my ticket in advance or is it easy enough just to get one when I am in Phuket? Thank you for your help, Jones

 

Koh Lipe can be reached from several destinations across the Andaman Sea during the high season, which runs from October to the end of April. This year, Tigerline Travel is operating connecting ferries from Phuket to Koh Lipe until April 28, with the ferry leaving Phuket at 8am and arriving at 3.30pm. 

If you travel in May, considered the beginning of the low season for the Andaman sea, it is only possible to travel to Koh Lipe from Pak Barra pier in Satun province. The boat from Pak Barra pier takes 90 minutes to two hours depending on sea conditions. 

To get from Phuket to Pak Barra, you need to take an air-conditioned bus to Satun and get off at La-nga. The Phuket-Satun buses usually leave at 8.15am and 10.15am, passing through La-ngu at 3pm and 5pm. From then, you can take a local bus or taxi to Pak Barra pier. It is also possible to get a connecting bus in either Trang or Krabi,

From Pak Barra pier, slow ferries leave for Koh Tarutao and Koh Adang at 10.30am and 3pm, dropping passengers off at Koh Lipe as well. There are also speedboat services from Pak Barra pier to Koh Lipe. Some of them may be in contact with the hotel you have a booking with. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the hotel in advance to give you the most suitable timetable on your travel date. Bon voyage!