Trat Travel Guide: Gateway to Koh Chang and Thailand’s Hidden Island Paradises
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Trat is a coastal province in eastern Thailand, bordering Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its stunning archipelago, especially Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, Trat offers a tranquil alternative to the country’s busier beach destinations. With its mix of pristine beaches, rainforest-covered mountains, historic towns, and multicultural villages, Trat is ideal for travellers seeking nature, cultural immersion, and laid-back island life.
Popular Tourist Destinations
Koh Chang
The largest island in Trat and the second-largest in Thailand, Koh Chang boasts white sand beaches, dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and a thriving backpacker scene at Lonely Beach. Popular beaches include White Sand Beach and Kai Bae Beach, with activities ranging from jungle trekking to snorkelling and nightlife.
Koh Kood
Perfect for those seeking peace and unspoiled nature, Koh Kood features powdery beaches, calm turquoise waters, and laid-back beachfront resorts. Ao Phrao Beach and Klong Chao Waterfall are among the island’s highlights.
Koh Mak
A quiet island known for coconut plantations, Koh Mak offers low-key eco-resorts, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear snorkelling spots. It’s ideal for digital detoxing and sustainable tourism.
Ban Nam Chiao Village
A coastal Muslim-Buddhist fishing village that exemplifies Thailand’s multicultural harmony. Visitors can take boat tours through the mangroves, learn about traditional boat making, and sample fresh seafood.
Temples in Trat
Wat Buppharam
A historic temple over 300 years old, showcasing Thai-Chinese architecture and housing ancient Buddha images. It’s a centre for local spirituality and heritage.
Wat Yotha Nimit (Wat Bot)
Trat’s only royal temple, known for its elegant murals and religious significance. A quiet, respectful stop for travellers interested in Buddhist culture.
Wat Phai Lom
A serene riverside temple in Trat Town offering insight into local monastic life, perfect for a peaceful afternoon visit.
Nightlife and Evening Activities
Koh Chang Nightlife
Lonely Beach and White Sand Beach are hubs for nightlife, featuring beach bars like Ting Tong Bar and Sabay Bar. Fire shows, live music, and full moon parties attract younger crowds.
Trat Town Bars
For something more relaxed, riverside bars in Trat Town provide local drinks and live acoustic music in a mellow setting.
Night Markets
Trat Night Market and Ban Tha Ruea Market offer tasty street food, handmade goods, and a chance to mingle with locals. Not wild party zones, but culturally rich and lively.
National Parks and Natural Wonders
Mu Ko Chang National Park
A marine park covering Koh Chang and nearby islands, offering jungle trails, coral reefs, and scenic lookouts. Highlights include Klong Plu Waterfall and Kai Bae Viewpoint.
Mu Ko Rang National Park
A pristine snorkelling and diving destination. Koh Rang and Koh Yak are well-known for their coral reefs and biodiversity.
Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park
Located on the mainland, this park is home to forested trails and waterfalls like Khlong Kaeo, ideal for trekking and wildlife spotting.
Where to Watch Sports
Oodies Place, Koh Chang
A popular bar on White Sand Beach showing football and international sports in a casual, friendly environment.
Beach Bars and Pubs
Many local bars on Koh Chang, especially around Lonely Beach, screen major football matches and host sports nights.
Best Beaches in Trat
White Sand Beach, Koh Chang
A long, family-friendly stretch with calm waters, plenty of resorts, and sunset-facing views.
Lonely Beach, Koh Chang
Popular among backpackers, offering affordable accommodation, fire shows, and an energetic vibe.
Ao Phrao Beach, Koh Kood
A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by nature—perfect for swimming and lounging away from crowds.
Accommodation: From Hostels to High-End Resorts
Backpacker Hostels
Lonely Beach Huts and Pajamas Hostel on Koh Chang provide clean dorms, communal spaces, and great social atmospheres.
Mid-Range Resorts
Sea View Resort and KC Grande Resort on Koh Chang offer beachfront comfort with pools and dining.
Luxury Escapes
Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood is one of Thailand’s most exclusive eco-luxury resorts, offering private villas and curated experiences.
Transportation Around Trat
Songthaews and Tuk-Tuks
Readily available on Koh Chang and in Trat Town for local travel between beaches, markets, and piers.
Motorbike Rentals
Affordable and widely available on all the islands—ideal for self-guided exploration.
Ferries and Longtail Boats
Operated from Laem Ngop Pier to Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, with inter-island boat services and snorkelling tours also available.
Bus and Van Services
Trat Bus Terminal offers reliable connections to Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong, and Chantaburi.
Flights to Trat
Trat Airport (TDX) has daily direct flights to Bangkok, making access to the islands easy for short stays.
Things to Do
Snorkelling in Mu Ko Rang
Join a snorkelling tour to discover coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles.
Trek to Khlong Plu Waterfall
A 30-minute jungle walk leads to this refreshing waterfall and natural pool on Koh Chang.
Kayak Through Mangroves
Paddle through the mangrove tunnels of Koh Kood for a peaceful and scenic adventure.
Visit Trat’s Traditional Markets
Browse fresh seafood, fruits, and snacks while interacting with welcoming local vendors.
Muay Thai in Trat
BB Gym, Koh Chang
A well-equipped gym offering daily training sessions for all levels. Visitors can try a single class or book multi-day packages.
Local Fights and Events
Ask around during Thai festivals or New Year periods—Muay Thai events are occasionally held as part of temple fairs or cultural celebrations.
Fun Facts About Trat
- Cross-Border Access: Trat is a key route for overland travel to Cambodia via the Hat Lek border crossing.
- Cultural Melting Pot: Influences from Thai, Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cultures are reflected in local architecture and cuisine.
- Pirate Past: Trat’s waters were once frequented by pirates. Some coastal areas still reference this history in local lore.
- Rubber and Durian: Trat is a major producer of rubber and Thailand’s famously pungent but beloved fruit—durian.
Where to Watch or Train Muay Thai
- Train at BB Gym (Koh Chang): Drop-in sessions are available for fitness or fighting goals, with classes suitable for beginners to advanced levels.
- Watch Matches During Festivals: Temple fairs and Thai holidays occasionally feature local Muay Thai matches—ask your hotel or check local posters.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: November to April offers dry, sunny weather perfect for beach and water activities.
- Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Thai greetings helps enhance interactions with locals.
- Money Matters: Carry cash when exploring smaller islands and markets—ATMs are limited on Koh Mak and Koh Kood.
- Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering temple buildings. Ask before taking photos inside.
Final Thoughts
Trat is a tropical gem that blends beautiful island escapes with rich cultural heritage and local charm. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, kayaking through mangroves, learning Muay Thai, or watching sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand, Trat offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller.
Have you been to Trat or planning a trip? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to follow our YouTube channel for travel videos from across Thailand.
