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Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has announced the launch of Soneva Kiri’s latest experience, Koh Kood by Sea. This is a completely new way for guests to explore the coastline of Thailand’s fourth largest and least populated island entirely by speedboat.

The island itself is covered in verdant rainforest, with cliffs and secluded bays. The water around Koh Kood is crystal clear and has some of the most vibrant hues of blue found anywhere in Thailand. The whole experience takes around five hours and costs THB 20,000 (approximately USD 612) per couple and THB 12,000 (USD 370) per person.

The experience begins at Soneva Kiri’s arrival jetty and follows the eastern shore of Koh Kood, through the Ao Salad fishing village where guests can see the traditional Thai houses built on stilts and the brightly coloured fishing boats. Next, the speedboat can stop at AoYaiKert for some snorkelling, before continuing on through Ao Kuai to AoChak for more snorkelling. Along the way, guests are encouraged to ask the captain to stop off at any of the private bays that pepper the coastline. This experience is also ideal for bird watching and for spotting marine life. At AoYai, the final stop along the route, guests will dine at a local seafood restaurant for lunch.

The local Thai restaurant, which has uninterrupted views across the bay, serves seafood caught fresh that day, and is owned and operated by a Chef who previously worked at Soneva Kiri.

The lunch menu includes dishes featuring crab, prawns, squid, and sea bass. Each of these seafood items have at least two options to choose from, for example stir-fried crab with black pepper or curry powder. Lunch also comes with steamed rice, stir-fried mixed vegetables, water, chilled rose wine, and soft drinks. Once guests are ready the captain will take them back to Soneva Kiri along the same route.

Koh Kood is located south east of Bangkok, towards the coast of Cambodia. There is no airport on the island, however Soneva Kiri guests can arrive on Soneva’s private eight-seater aircraft, which lands on a nearby island with an airstrip. An alternative way to reach the island is by domestic flight to Trat, and then by a 60 minute speedboat or ferry ride.