Tourism Boom on Koh Kood and Koh Mak
During the long weekend from May 9 to 12, Koh Kood and Koh Mak have witnessed an astonishing boom in tourism, with an estimated influx of over 10,000 visitors to these idyllic islands. This surge coincided with the Royal Plowing Ceremony and Visakha Bucha holidays, paving the way for an enticing four-day vacation that attracted both local and international tourists in droves.
Massive Crowds at Key Departure Points
The primary gateway to these islands, Laem Sok Pier in Ao Yai Subdistrict, became a bustling hub, particularly on May 9. Crowds flocked to the pier from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM to catch ferries. The major ferry operators—Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Seudamgo Company, and Koh Kood Express—responded by increasing their ferry trips, scheduling over ten departures in the morning alone and adding three more in the afternoon. Moreover, speedboats from other operators provided over 20 total trips to accommodate the overwhelming demand. Atthaphon Klinthap, the manager of Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, remarked that the number of local tourists surged beyond figures from 2024, showcasing a remarkable incline in domestic travel during this holiday period.
Accommodation Fully Booked on Both Islands
Chief of Koh Kood District, Phairat Sroisaeng, confirmed that more than 1,000 rooms on Koh Kood are completely booked, leaving only a handful of homestays available. Similarly, Koh Mak’s accommodation options, numbering between 400 and 500 rooms, also reached full capacity. The islands are witnessing a constant rotation of visitors, and officials estimate that total tourist numbers will surpass the 10,000 mark for the weekend.
Growing Popularity Evident Through Google Trends
As per Lieutenant Kornkot Opas, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Trat Office, Koh Kood has become the top trending search term on Google across various platforms. Notably, videos related to Koh Kood on TikTok have attracted nearly one million views, with Koh Mak also ranking among popular search topics. This enormous surge underscores the islands’ growing appeal, aligning seamlessly with the broader tourism strategy set for Trat Province.
Support for Local Tourism Strategies
Recent initiatives, such as international sailing regattas, fruit festivals, and a variety of cultural events, are bolstering Trat’s reputation as an attractive tourism destination. These campaigns are pivotal in enhancing visitor interest, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of tourism in the region.
Understanding the Impact on Taxi and Transfer Services
This significant rise in tourism is expected to yield a parallel increase in the demand for taxi and transfer services in the area. With more visitors needing efficient transport options between the pier and their accommodations, local taxi companies and transfer services must adapt quickly to the shifting landscape. Services like LocalsRide.com, which offers personalized vehicle selection along with comprehensive details about drivers and fares, can play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience for tourists visiting Koh Kood and Koh Mak.
Concluding Thoughts
The recent tourist influx to Koh Kood and Koh Mak not only reflects the islands’ rising allure but also underscores the ever-important role of transportation services in the travel industry. Reliable and personalized transfer options can significantly enhance visitors’ experiences, ensuring they can easily navigate their holiday adventures.
In summary, this surge exemplifies how local tourism can transform destinations and promote economic benefits for the community. While multiple online resources and reviews provide valuable insights, nothing can truly compare to personal experience. LocalsRide empowers travelers by offering a range of vehicles for hire from verified providers at competitive prices, thus enabling them to make informed decisions without breaking the bank on their travels. For the utmost convenience and a plethora of choices tailored to individual needs, consider booking your ride with LocalsRide.com and enjoy your journey with ease.