Trat, an eastern province of Thailand, is renowned for its gemstone trade and stunning islands such as Ko Chang and Ko Kradat. Experience Mu Ko Chang National Park’s lush waterfalls, rich birdlife, and pristine coral reefs.
Visit Namtok Than Mayom for its serene waterfall and historical inscriptions. Explore Ngob Nam Chiaw village, known for traditional handicrafts and seafood delicacies. Don’t miss the unique Black Sand Beach for wildlife sightings and tranquil walks. Indulge in local flavours such as Yai Saeng Grilled Cuttlefish and Pad Kra Prao.
Access Trat conveniently via Trat Airport or buses connecting major Thai cities.
Discover Trat: Gems, Islands, and Serene Beaches
Trat is one of the seventy-seven provinces located in eastern Thailand, the easternmost region along the Thai Coast. It shares its borders with Chanthaburi province, Cambodia, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Trat is very famous for gemstone mining and trading. With 52 large and small islands featuring long, white, sandy beaches, and unspoiled coral reefs. The weather in Trat is very comfortable with warm temperatures throughout the year.
This province also serves as a major fruit-growing, fishing, and gem mining region. Trat has a very famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, about 50 kilometres north of the Cambodian border.
Things to do in Trat:
1. Mu Ko Chang National Park:
This park is located in the Gulf of Thailand offshore from the coast of Trat Province. This marine national park covers an area of 650 km. sq. over 52 islands in Ko Chang Archipelago.
The major attractions of this national park are its waterfalls, trails, viewpoints, and coral reefs. The coral reefs in the park are designated as an IUCN Category II protected area.
The highest peak of this national park is at the summit of Khao Salak Phet, around 740 above sea level. You can explore around 110 bird species in this national park. The national park also hosts Indochinese lutung, a rare monkey species.
2. Namtok Than Mayom:
This waterfall is a medium-sized 4-tiered cascade located approximately 500 meters through a garden behind the national park’s headquarters. The view from the top of the waterfall is amazing and nearby the waterfall you will find inscribed stones bearing the initials of Rama V, Rama VI, and Rama VII.
It is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit and offer a magnificent view of the archipelago. You will also get plenty of opportunities to dive into a natural pool in a lush green setting.
The admission fee to this spot is 200 Baht for foreign adults and 100 Baht for kids. It opens from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
3. Ko Kradat:
It is located northwest of Koh Mak. This island covers an area of about 1.92 million square meters. It has a flat paper-like topography with Alocasia plants. Ko Kradat holds the distinction of being Thailand’s single island with a land title deed issued since the reign of King Rama V.
On this island, you can explore the long and white sandy beach with beautiful coral reefs. The best time to explore this island is between October and May. There is no passenger boat to Ko Kradat. You have to purchase a package tour offered by ko Kradat Resort.
4. Ngob Nam Chiaw:
This village is known for crafting hats called “Nhob Nam Chiaw,” a traditional handicraft of Trat passed down through generations. The hats are skillfully woven from atap palm leaves found in the nearby mangrove forests.
This community also produce fishery products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried shrimp selling to tourists. Before sunrise, each morning, boats set out from the village to catch shrimps, crabs, mackerel, and other fish.
This village is located in Tambon Nam Chiao, Amphoe Laem Ngop, Trat Province. In this village, you will see the usual trappings of modern-day life in Thailand with satellite dishes on rooftops and motorbikes weaving along the narrow lanes.
5. Visit the Black Sand Beach:
This is the only black sand beach in Thailand and one of the world’s only five. At this site, you can take a stroll in the mangrove forest and enjoy wildlife sightings such as birds, crabs, monkeys, mussels, and mudskippers.
At the end of the trail, you will find Black Sand Beach. This area is very rich in biodiversity and the dunes span over one kilometre. This beach opens at 8:30 in the morning and closes at 8:30 in the evening.
Food to try in Trat:
1. Yai Saeng Grilled Cuttlefish:
Freshly caught cuttlefish straight from the fishing boat is skewered and dipped in a special Red Sauce before grilling on a charcoal stove, creating a Mediterranean-style grilled cuttlefish.
2. Pad Kra Prao:
This is a delicious, rustic, spicy stir-fried dish featuring the aroma of holy basil. Usually prepared with chicken, this dish can also feature pork, beef, seafood, or a vegetarian version with tofu and mushrooms, served with rice and topped with a fried egg.
How to reach Trat:
1. By flight:
Trat has its airport by the name Trat Airport. The airport is located 30 kilometres from the city centre. Trat Airport receives a couple of flights daily from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Port.
Private taxis are available outside the airport to reach the city centre.
2. By bus:
The provincial bus station of Trat is located off Route 3 towards the north end of the city, around 2 kilometres.
You can easily get to Trat from Bangkok, Chanthaburi, Had Lek, Mae Sot, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Rayong, and Pattaya.
