Why Koh Kood Beats Koh Samui: Thailand's Last Paradise vs. The Overcrowded Hotspot
Back in 2009, I stepped onto Koh Samui and found paradise—crystal-clear waters, pristine empty beaches, and an authentic slice of Thai life. Today, that same paradise has become a case study in over-tourism.
Samui welcomed over 3.50 million visitors in 2023 alone. If they came for the diving and snorkelling, they would be sorely disappointed though. As a result of repeated coral bleaching events, combined with the pressure on infrastructure from all these extra visitors, survival rates of local coral reefs have plummeted to just 20–30%.
Koh Samui now represents everything wrong with over-tourism in Southeast Asia.
The final nail in the coffin? The White Lotus effect. Even before Season 3 of this [admittedly fabulous] show premiered, searches for Koh Samui jumped 115% in the US, 95% in Singapore, and a mind-boggling 370% surge in searches for the Four Seasons Resort among Hong Kong travellers.
The result? The island isn’t coping: it’s creaking.
But here’s the thing: while everyone’s rushing toward this overcrowded hotspot, they’re missing Thailand’s actual last paradise—Koh Kood.
Having spent a week exploring both Koh Kood and its neighbouring islands recently, I can tell you that this hidden gem offers everything that made Koh Samui special nearly twenty years ago, minus the crowds, environmental damage, and inflated prices.
But, you’d better be quick, as visitor numbers increased by over 40% for the second consecutive year in 2025, with over 100,000 tourists arriving.
The Samui Problem: When Paradise Becomes a Tourist Trap
White Lotus Tourism Surge Creates Chaos
The numbers don’t lie. Fodor’s Travel placed Koh Samui on their infamous “No List” for 2024, specifically citing overtourism concerns that were expected to worsen after The White Lotus Season 3 aired. Tour bookings surged by over 30% compared to the previous year, with cruise ships now regularly disgorging 1,300-3,000 passengers at a time onto the island’s already strained infrastructure.
This isn’t sustainable tourism—it’s environmental vandalism disguised as economic development.
Environmental Devastation: The Hidden Cost of Popularity
The environmental consequences are heartbreaking. As a result of repeated bleaching events and human pressure, coral survival rates have plummeted to just 20–30%. Recent visitors report that many previously vibrant snorkelling spots now feature dead coral fields.
“All corals dead due to climate change,” one recent snorkeler reported, with local guides confirming that fish populations have declined dramatically. Where colourful reef fish once thrived, you’ll now find mostly empty water.
Fortunately, artificial reef installations are increasing to compensate for what nature once provided freely.
Beach Quality Decline and Overcrowding Issues
Even at Koh Samui’s “better” beaches like Silver Beach and Coral Cove, visitors are now advised to arrive during early morning hours to avoid crowds and find relatively clear water. The island’s infrastructure simply wasn’t built to handle millions of annual visitors, leading to overcrowded beaches, traffic chaos, and a complete loss of the authentic Thai island atmosphere that made it special in the first place.
Who should choose what – Which Island Fits You?
⭐ Choose Koh Kood if you want…
- Uncrowded white-sand beaches and healthy reefs
- Fishing villages and authentic Thai island life
- Boutique resorts and fair pricing
⚠️ Choose Samui if you accept…
- Crowds, traffic, and premium resort prices
- Variable water clarity and damaged reefs
- A busier, commercial island vibe
Koh Kood: Thailand's Authentic Island Paradise
Pristine Marine Environment and Crystal-Clear Waters
While Koh Samui battles environmental damage, Koh Kood’s house reefs still feel alive—with soft corals, sponges, and plenty of reef fish. If you fancy something different, take a short day trip to Koh Raet, where artists and divers have built an underwater sculpture reef that now attracts schools of fish. Prefer wild coral gardens? Mu Ko Rang National Park (easiest from nearby Koh Mak) delivers that classic, clear-water snorkelling.
During my recent visit, I spent hours exploring the underwater world around Koh Kood. The shallow reefs are rich with colourful corals and fish, making snorkelling ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.
How Long Should You Stay?
- 48–72 hours: Khlong Chao base + Bang Bao + waterfall dip
- 4–5 days: Add Takhian + boat/snorkel day + fishing village
- 1 week: Slow mornings, south-coast beaches, day trip to Mu Ko Rang
Uncrowded Beaches and Authentic Experiences
Koh Kood’s beaches stretch for miles, but the best way to explore them is by motorcycle.
My wife had recently had a shoulder replacement following a fall, so she was incredibly nervous AND brave to agree to come pillion with me.
The roads are quiet and it’s not too hilly (compared to Koh Chang), so we were able to explore all the way south from Khlong Chao beach where we stayed at High Season Pool Villa & Spa.
Our favourite was probably Bang Bao Beach, which is hugely photogenic – yet typically the sun was hiding the day we visited, so it was hard to capture its beauty.
Further down the coast, there was a huge and deserted beach at Takhian. The only downside is there are no bars or cafés, so best bring snacks with you.
The island maintains its authentic character through traditional fishing villages where locals still practice age-old techniques rather than posing for tourist photos. There’s space to breathe, explore, and actually connect with Thai culture rather than fighting through crowds for the perfect Instagram shot.
Superior Value and Genuine Thai Hospitality
At High Season Resort & Villas on Koh Kood, I experienced genuine Thai hospitality without the tourist trap pricing that plagues Samui. The beachfront location, lush tropical gardens, and easy access to motorbike rentals for island exploration provided exceptional value compared to overcrowded Samui resorts charging premium prices for increasingly diminished experiences.
The food scene on Koh Kood focuses on fresh, local seafood and authentic Thai cuisine rather than overpriced tourist menus. Local restaurants serve meals that would cost three times as much in Samui, while actually tasting better and supporting the genuine local economy.
Koh Kood vs Koh Samui - which to choose?
If you only have a short time to visit the islands in Thailand, Koh Samui is a safe bet and is much easier to get to.
However, and as the table below shows, you must accept what you are getting for your money.
If it’s authenticity that you are after and have more time to spend exploring, then make a diversion to the eastern part of Thailand and discover Koh Kood. It’s everything that Island Hopping in Thailand used to be like – for the moment!
For more comparisons, take a look at this story on Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Chang.
| Feature | 🌴 Koh Kood | 🌿 Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, explore in 2–3 days | Larger, 4–7 days |
| Annual visitors | <100,000 (uncrowded feel) | Millions (peak crowds) |
| Vibe | Peaceful & authentic | Busy & commercial |
| Best for | Couples, slow travel | Families, convenience seekers |
| Beaches | Uncrowded, pristine white sand | Popular, often crowded |
| Snorkeling | Healthy reefs, abundant life | Damaged reefs, fewer fish |
| Accommodation | Boutique resorts, good value | Overpriced big resorts |
| Cultural feel | Fishing villages, local rhythm | Tourist-focused |
| Accessibility | Ferry from Trat, less direct | Direct flights, many connections |
| Overall | Thailand’s last paradise | Overtourism hotspot |
Getting There: Accessibility vs. Authenticity
Koh Kood Transportation Options
Yes, Koh Kood takes a touch more planning; however, that small barrier keeps the magic intact.
Reaching Koh Kood requires slightly more planning than the well-trodden Samui route, but that’s precisely what keeps the crowds away. From Bangkok, Boonsiri Ferry offers a luxury coach service (6 hours) to Hat Lek Pier, followed by a scenic 75-minute catamaran journey to Ao Salat Pier on Koh Kood, with hotel drop-off included.
Alternative routes include flying to Trat Airport and taking connecting ferry services through companies like Seudamgo Ferry, which also provides seamless connections between Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Chang for island-hopping adventures.
The Journey Is Part of the Experience
While Koh Samui’s airports and ferry terminals now resemble overcrowded transport hubs, the journey to Koh Kood feels like an adventure. The luxury coach ride through rural Thailand provides scenic views, while the catamaran journey offers your first glimpse of pristine waters and uncrowded islands.
This accessibility barrier isn’t a bug—it’s a feature that preserves the island’s authentic character and ensures that only travellers genuinely interested in experiencing Thai island culture make the journey.
Where to Stay: Authentic Resorts vs. High End Prices
Koh Kood Accommodation Recommendations
High Season Resort & Villas exemplifies what makes Koh Kood special. The beachfront property offers private villa accommodations surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with easy access to motorbike rentals for exploring hidden beaches and waterfalls. The resort maintains an intimate scale that preserves the natural environment while providing modern amenities.
Other standout options include eco-friendly boutique resorts that focus on sustainable tourism practices, locally-sourced cuisine, and authentic cultural experiences rather than generic luxury amenities.
Why Koh Samui Resorts Fall Short
Even high-end Samui resorts now struggle with overcrowding, environmental damage, and inflated pricing driven by White Lotus tourism hype. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, featured prominently in the series, has seen search interest surge by 370% in some markets, leading to booking challenges and premium pricing that doesn’t match the increasingly degraded surrounding environment.
When to Go: Timing Your Escape to Paradise
Koh Kood’s Perfect Season
We visited in February and found ideal conditions—calm seas, clear skies (although not as sunny as we wanted), and water so transparent it looked artificial. The November-March window offers consistently excellent weather, but unlike Samui, you won’t need to book months in advance or fight crowds even during peak season.
The island’s infrastructure comfortably handles current visitor numbers while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that makes it special. No queue for restaurants, no reservation battles for activities, no crowded beaches even during the busiest months.
Avoiding Samui’s Chaos Completely
Here’s honest advice: if you must visit modern Samui, avoid December through March entirely. The post-White Lotus tourism surge means even “shoulder seasons” now feature overwhelming crowds and inflated prices.
But really, why would you choose struggle over serenity when Koh Kood offers everything that made Samui famous in the first place?
Final Verdict: The Real Question
In the end, you’re not choosing between two maps—you’re choosing between mass-market chaos and authentic calm. This isn’t just a comparison of two islands. It’s a choice between paradise and a cautionary tale of over-tourism.
Koh Kood still delivers everything that made travellers fall in love with Thai islands in the first place—pristine beaches, healthy reefs, genuine hospitality, and that rare sense of magic you only find in places untouched by mass tourism. Meanwhile, Koh Samui now shows us what happens when we love a destination to death: overcrowded beaches, broken ecosystems, and inflated prices for experiences that feel less authentic every year.
Here’s the truth: Koh Kood won’t stay hidden forever. Tourism in Southeast Asia shifts quickly, and its untouched charm will eventually draw global attention. So the real question isn’t whether Koh Kood is better than Samui—that debate is already settled. The real question is whether you’ll experience Thailand’s last authentic island paradise before the rest of the world rushes in.
We chose Koh Kood. We found magic. Now the choice is yours.
Practical Travel Tips
Plan Koh Kood in 4 easy steps:
- Protect reefs by using reef-safe sunscreen (free from ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate)
Bring enough cash — ATMs are limited on Koh Kood.
Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December–March).
There’s a huge ocean marine park to visit, so let’s keep it full of fish!