Favourite destinations

Trat

The far east of Thailand, Trat borders the Gulf of Thailand to the south and Cambodia to the east. Its location makes for a convenient transit point between Thailand and Cambodia’s popular beach resort, Sihanoukville, as well as other up-and-coming destinations like Battambang. However, the city is far more than a transportation hub and you’ll be missing out if you don’t hang around.

While the city area is a quiet and unassuming, Trat is blessed with over 50 islands, some of them among the most beautiful in Thailand. The 3 most popular islands are Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak, where you can enjoy not only sea, sand and sun but also rich marine life, greenery and local ways of life. From Bangkok to the islands in Mu Koh Chang National Park, it takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus and then a 45-minute ferry ride. Quite a long journey, but it’s very worth it. If you feel the need for speed, Trat Airport is served by direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport, though it’s a much pricier option.   

Other islands and some inland attractions, especially eco-friendly community-based tourism, have also been making a name for themselves among Thai travelers, so be sure to put them on your travel plan.

Mangrove forests are not that well known in Thailand, but there are plenty of them here. Ban Tha Ranea is a small village, where you can hire a boat and sail to see one. The ride is very enjoyable and on a sunny day, it’s a perfect opportunity for pictures and videos. During the trip, you will be able to stop, experience clams farming, play bowling using fruit and bamboo and relax a little. Remember to take a mosquito spray!

The only black sand beach in Thailand and one of the world’s only five. Black Sand Beach in Laem Ngop area is a unique nature experience. Stroll in the mangrove forest and enjoy wildlife sightings, such as birds, crabs, monkeys and mudskippers. At the end of the trail, you’ll find Black Sand Beach. Bury your feet in the warm, soft sand for a while, it’s really relaxing and your feet will love it.

Trat grows the best salaks in the whole country. Taste the best of the best (and salak-based desserts) at Somphoch Farm and learn about the hard work and great care put into the fruits from the founders, Uncle Krachang and Aunt Somphoch.

If your next Southeast Asian stop is Cambodia, you can opt to cross the border in Trat to Sihanoukville – a charming coastal town. From there, you can make your way down to Kampot, a charming small town known for its quality pepper and serene river view.

Trat has a very small airport and you can take a flight to and from Bangkok. There are also buses from Morchit Bangkok directly to Trat. The journey takes 6 hours and tickets cost around 350 Baht.

If you’re traveling from Chanthaburi, you will be able to catch a direct bus to Trat from the main bus station. The ticket costs 50 Baht and the journey takes 1.5 hours.

That’s it for things to do in Trat, Thailand, but that’s not all you can do on your journey. Pair your visit to Trat with a trip to its charming neighbor, Rayong.