Koh Kood, a tropical island in Thailand’s eastern Trat province, is witnessing sustained tourism growth in 2025, with visitor numbers rising by over 40% for a second consecutive year, according to local hospitality operators.
TRAT, Thailand — Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s premier island destinations in the eastern province of Trat, continues to register robust growth in visitor numbers for 2025, marking the second consecutive year of a more than 40% increase in tourist arrivals. The trend signals a shift in seasonal travel patterns, as the island sees rising popularity even during the traditionally quiet monsoon months.
According to Ms. Piyaporn Ampai, owner of Sea Blue Resort on the island, this year’s upward trajectory follows a strong performance in 2024, during which Koh Kood ranked among Thailand’s top destinations for both domestic and international travelers.
“We’ve seen consistent growth since the New Year, Chinese New Year, and Songkran festivals,” said Ms. Ampai. “Our 1,200+ rooms are fully booked during every long holiday, and earnings are now far higher than in the years immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Despite entering the low tourism season from June through October — a period often hampered by rough seas and adverse weather in Thailand’s eastern archipelagos — Koh Kood remains attractive to nature-focused visitors. Ms. Ampai attributes this to the island’s lush, rain-nourished landscapes, cooler climate, and flowing waterfalls such as the historically significant Khlong Chao Waterfall, once visited by King Rama V.
In addition to scenic appeal, the low season brings practical advantages for travelers. “Guests benefit from lower accommodation prices and an abundance of fresh, affordable local seafood,” Ms. Ampai added. “We’re already seeing full bookings through the end of 2025.”
However, the current monsoon season has introduced safety concerns, particularly for beach and water activities. Red warning flags have been placed on beaches to signal hazardous sea conditions, with high waves and unpredictable currents posing risks.
“Different beaches have different terrain – some are steep, others shallow – so the sea can be dangerous and deceiving,” Ms. Ampai cautioned. “We’ve had past incidents, including drownings. Visitors must follow safety guidance seriously.”
District Chief Phairat Sroysaeng of Koh Kood echoed the warning, emphasizing that while local authorities have response teams in place, tourists are urged to stay out of the sea during rough conditions. “We strongly advise against swimming at this time,” he stated.
Adding to Koh Kood’s appeal is its growing accessibility. Increased ferry services and heightened competition among operators have made travel to the island more convenient and cost-effective, strengthening its status as a key destination within the Eastern Economic Corridor’s tourism framework.
As travel preferences evolve, Koh Kood appears to be emerging as a rare year-round beach destination in Thailand, with its ability to draw visitors outside traditional high seasons positioning it as a new model in the country’s marine tourism sector.
