Koh Chang: A large island known for Mu Ko Chang National Park, which features beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island, making it popular for divers and snorkelers.
Koh Kood: A less developed, rustic island offering a peaceful beach getaway with calm, crystal-clear waters.
Koh Mak: Another of the popular islands in Trat province, perfect for exploring the archipelago.
Bang Bao Beach: A great family-friendly beach with gentle slopes and shallow waters, perfect for relaxing.
Kai Bae Viewpoint: Offers great panoramic views of the sea.
Khlong Phlu Waterfall: Located on Koh Chang, this waterfall cascades into a serene pool, surrounded by lush jungle.
Mu Ko Chang National Park: Visit this park to experience stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life underwater.
Trat City Museum: A place to learn about the history and culture of the Trat region.
Trat Provincial City Pillar Shrine: A sacred site where locals come to pray for good fortune and visit for spiritual reasons.
Salakphet: A bay known for its lush greenery, rich biodiversity, and natural beauty.
Laem Ngop: A town in the province from which boat trips to the nearby islands can be arranged.
TRAT
Trat is a province in eastern Thailand bordering Cambodia, best known for its stunning islands such as Koh Chang and Koh Kood, featuring long sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. Beyond its natural beauty, the province offers cultural experiences, including the Franco-Thai War Memorial, lively gem markets in the Bo Rai district, and a vibrant Muslim community in Ban Nam Chiao. Visitors can savor local cuisine, explore lush mangrove forests, and participate in community-based tourism initiatives that support responsible and sustainable travel.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
POPULAR MARKETS:
Trat City Night Market / Trat Street Food Night Market: Located in downtown Trat, this market is a lively street with food vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, herbs, and ready-to-eat meals. It’s a great spot to experience local culture and cuisine.
Main Indoor Market: A large, permanent indoor market in Trat city, offering a wide variety of goods.
Morning Street Markets: Various street markets operate in the morning, providing a local experience for finding fresh produce and local products.
Bo Rai Ruby Market: A smaller, early morning gem market in the village of Bo Rai, known for its ruby trading.
White Sand Beach Night Food Market: A vibrant flea and street market on Koh Chang, featuring a diverse array of food options.
Neighbor Koh Chang Night Market: Another night market on Koh Chang, offering a similar experience with local vendors.
Local Experience: For the most up-to-date information on the best local markets, it’s recommended to ask locals in the area as market locations and popularity can change.
Culinary Focus: Many of the markets, especially the night markets in Trat city and on the islands, focus on providing fresh, local seafood and ready-to-eat dishes.
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
Island Exploration: Trat is a province known for its many islands, offering opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, visit local fishing villages, and learn about the lives of the people who depend on the sea.
Historical Significance: The province has a rich history, having played an important role in Thailand’s stability and economy due to its strategic location. You can learn more about its past by visiting historical sites and learning about the culture of the region.
Gem Mining: Trat is also a region known for gem mining, which is a cultural element tied to the local economy and way of life that you can explore.
Seafood: As a major fishing region with many islands, Trat offers an abundance of fresh seafood. You can experience this by visiting local restaurants and markets.
Tropical Fruits: The province is a large fruit-growing region, so you can expect to find a variety of delicious tropical fruits, which are used in many Thai dishes and desserts.
Cooking Classes: Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a Thai cooking class in Trat to learn how to prepare the local dishes, which can provide a hands-on and interactive culinary experience.
Local Flavors: Like other parts of Thailand, Trat embraces the core flavors of Thai cuisine – spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. Your culinary journey here will likely involve a balance of these tastes in your dishes.
WHY VISIT:
Trat to explore the beautiful islands like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood for beaches, snorkeling, and island hopping Experience the ecotourism and cultural life of villages such as Baan Nam Chiao Discover historical sites, including the Koh Chang Naval Battle Memorial and the Trat City Museum Enjoy natural attractions like the Salak Phet Mangrove Forest and the Khlong Phlu Waterfall
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bangkok to Trat, you can take a Car or Bus/ Mini van. (about 06 hours)
Pattaya to Trat, you can take a Car or Bus/ Mini van. (about 04 hours)
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
November – February (High Season): Warm, sunny, and dry with relatively stable temperatures and pleasant sea conditions. Ideal for beaches, island hopping, and outdoor activities.
March & April: Still excellent for beach holidays, though temperatures can become oppressively hot, especially in mainland cities.
October & November: Can be very wet in the early part of this period, particularly in the southeastern region, making this a less ideal time to visit.
May – October (Low Season): Southwest monsoon brings wet and stormy conditions. Expect occasional short, heavy showers and generally less stable weather for island activities.