Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok. Hemmed in by mountains, the Khao Banthat range serves as the natural boundary with Cambodia. There are many islands and islets with delightful natural sceneries.

How to get there

Both air and non-air conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai)

Non air-conditioned buses leave many times daily, starting from 07.00-20.30 hrs. Fare is Bt78 (Tel. 3912504)

Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00-23.30 hrs. Fare is BJ140 (Tel. 3914164)

Attractions

Namtok Khao Salat Dai (น้ำตกเขาสลัคได) is about 32 kilometers from town on Chintakanon (Saen Tung-Bo Rai) road. It has dense wood and good place for relaxation.

Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong) (วัดบุปผารามหรือวัดปลายคลอง) is 2 kms. from town, noted from the late Ayutthaya Period. This temple is noted for relics of the Buddha, Buddha images as well as praying Hall, Wooden Vihara, Bell Tower and small typical monk’s quarters (Kuthi).

Wat Muang Kao Saen Turn (วัดเมืองเก่าแสนตุ่ม) situated in Tambon Pranit about 38 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Saming. It is famed for its dark brown stones weighing 10-100 kilograms. They are varied in shape and size and produce deep resonant sounds when being knocked.

Gem Markets (ตลาดพลอย) The districts of Bo Rai and Khao Saming have been developed as the region’s major gem mining industry, specially Bo Rai is noted for being the site of the world-famous “Tab Tim Siam” or King Ruby.

The gem market of Bo Rai at Hua Tung Market (ตลาดหัวทุ่ง) takes place between 7.00-10.00 A.M. and Khlong Yo Market (ตลาดคลองยอ) from 1.00-3.00 RM. Other markets such as Nong Bon Intersection (สี่แยกหนองบอน), Ban Sa Yai Market (ตลาดพลอยบ้านสระใหญ่), Ban Nonsi (บ้านนนทรีย์) and Ban Ta Ngam (บ้านตางาม) open whole day long.

Hat Banchun (หาดบานชื่น) is about 58 kms. before Khlong Yai, take a right turn and proceed for 5 kms. It has white sandy beach with clean water. Bungalows are available at the beach.

Ban Hat Lek (บ้านหาดเล็ก) is located 95 kilometres from Trat at the end of Highway 318. Ban Hat Lek is a small village and the jumping-off point for boarding boats to Ko Kong, a border province of Cambodia.

Laem Ngop (แหลมงอบ) (cape) is about 17 kilometers from town on Highway No. 3148. From the pier located at the cape’s end, large vessels can be hired to explore the many nearby isles. Many local preserved food items can also be bought there including shrimp paste, fish sauce and native widebrim hats.

Ko Pui (เกาะปุย) a peaceful island suitable for relaxation, can be reached by boat from Laem Ngop or Laem Auan.

Mu Ko Chang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะช้าง) consisting of 52 isles, Ko Chang is the most important and biggest island (second only to Phuket). It is a peaceful and tranquil seaside destination. Most magnificent beaches are on the island’s western coast such as Hat Khlong Son

(หาดคลองสน), Hat Sai Khao (หาดทรายขาว) , Hat Khlong Phrao (หาดคลองพร้าว), Hat Kai Bae (หาดไก่เบ้), and Hat Bang Bao (หาดบางเบ้า). There is a big waterfall called Than Mayom (น้ำตกธารมะยม), which is only 500 meters from the national park office. For accommodation, contact Ko Chang Resort and Ko Chang Cabana Tel. 2770482, Khlong Phrao Resort Tel. (039) 597060, Hat Sai Khao Resort Tel. 2349294 Premwadi Resort Tel. 4249477, Sea View Resort Tel. 4113605

Other interesting islands are Ko Chang Noi (เกาะช้างน้อย), Ko Mai Si Yai (เกาะไม้ซี้ใหญ่), Ko Rang (เกาะรัง), Ko Ngam (เกาะง่าม), and Ko Khum (เกาะคลุ้ม)

There is accommodation on Ko Ngam. Contact Twin Island Beach Resort Tel. 3186073-4.

Ko Lao Ya (เกาะเหลายา) is in Ko Chang group off Ao Salak Phet (bay) (อ่าวสลักเพชร), It has white sand beach, very clean and clear water, some beautiful coral and fish. There are also bungalows on Ko Lao Ya, contact Laoya Resort Tel. 3900111 for reservation.

Ko Wai (เกาะหวาย) Resplendent with tranquil beaches, tropical flora and fantastic corals. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Ko Chang Group. Bungalows are available. Contact Ko Wai Resort Tel. (039) 597184 for reservation.

Ko Mak (เกาะหมาก) an island with a village, is located about 4 hrs. by boat from Laem Ngop. For accommodation, contact Ko Mak Resort Tel. 3196714-5, T.K. Hut Tel. 5180240

Ko Kradat (เกาะกระดาด) is small isle about 2 hours by boat from Laem Ngop. It is blessed with delightful and beautiful sceneries, ideal for relaxation and swimming. Contact Tel. 3682634, (calling after 7.00 P.M.)

Ko Kut (เกาะกูด) is a huge island second to Ko Chang, about 4 hours by boat from Laem Ngop or Amphoe Khlong Yai. With mountainous topography, Ko Kut offers scenic views of coconut groves, para rubber plantations, beautiful beaches, and also Khlong Chao or Than Sanuk Waterfall where King Rama VI paid a visit in 1911. For accommodation on the island, contact Kood Island Resort Tel. 3982444

How to get to Laem Ngop and Ko Chang

From Bangkok, take a 5-hour trip from the Eastern Bus Terminal to Trat continue by a minibus to Laem Ngop, some 17 kilometers from the provincial city. The minibus fare is Bt 10 each. A tourist center, restaurants, and guesthouses at Bt 100-300 per night can be found at Laem Ngop.

From the pier at Laem Ngop, there is a daily boat service to Ko Chang where Mu Ko Chang National Park’s office is located. The boat leaves Laem Ngop at 13.00 hours and arrives Ko Chang 45 minutes later. The fare is Bt 30 each. Visitors can also take a boat trip to various places on Ko Chang or other islands of the group as follows :

Boats for hire are also available from Laem Ngop to any islands of the group. The cost ranges between Bt 1,500-3,000 a day depending on the distance. The high season falls on December-March while between May ,to October, monsoons pose a threat to boat trip.