Trat
,Trat is a province in eastern Thailand known for its beautiful islands and unspoiled beaches. The main town, also called Trat, serves as a gateway to popular destinations such as Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving, and hiking in the lush jungles.
Trat also has a vibrant local culture, with markets selling fresh seafood and traditional handicrafts.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Island Hopping Adventure
morning
:Start your day early with a boat trip to the beautiful islands of Koh Chang and Koh Mak. Enjoy the serene waters and powdery beaches as you soak up the sun.
afternoon
:After lunch on one of the islands, explore hidden beaches and indulge in water activities like snorkeling or kayaking. Don’t forget to capture the stunning scenery.
evening
:Return to Trat and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant. End your day with a leisurely stroll through the night market.
Relax and Unwind
morning
:Spend your morning lounging on the pristine beaches of Koh Chang. Take in the fresh sea breeze and the sounds of the waves.
afternoon
:Enjoy a massage or spa treatment to rejuvenate. Have a delicious seafood lunch at a beach restaurant.
evening
:Watch the sunset over the ocean, then head to a beach bar for cocktails. Enjoy live music while savoring local dishes.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful beaches and islands, such as Koh Chang and Koh Kood, offering stunning scenery and relaxation opportunities.
- Rich cultural heritage with local markets, temples, and festivals showcasing Thai traditions.
- Less commercialized compared to other tourist destinations in Thailand, providing a more authentic experience.
- Excellent seafood and Thai cuisine available at local restaurants and beachside eateries.
- Variety of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and exploring national parks.
Bad
- Limited infrastructure and public transportation options may make travel within the area challenging.
- Fewer international amenities and services compared to larger cities like Bangkok or Phuket.
- Some areas may be subject to seasonal monsoon rains, affecting travel plans during certain months.
- Healthcare facilities may not be as advanced or readily available as in major urban centers.
- Potential for overcrowding during peak tourist seasons, impacting the serene atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Island Hopping
Explore the stunning islands in the Koh Chang Archipelago, including Koh Mak and Koh Kood, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation.
Koh Chang National Park
Hike through the lush jungle trails in Koh Chang National Park, where you can see exotic wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.
Kayaking
Kayak through the mangroves and clear waters around Trat, offering a unique perspective of the natural beauty and wildlife.
Snorkeling and Diving
Discover the rich underwater life at various snorkeling and diving spots around Trat, including the coral reefs near Koh Rang.
Fishing Tours
Join a fishing tour to experience local fishing techniques and catch fresh seafood in the abundant waters around Trat.
Visit Wat Buppharam
Explore historic temples like Wat Buppharam, known for its unique architecture and serene environment.
Cycling
Cycle through the tranquil countryside of Trat to enjoy the picturesque scenery and local villages.
Beach Time
Relax on the stunning beaches of Koh Chang, such as White Sand Beach and Klong Prao Beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Trekking
Experience trekking options available in the hilly areas, with guided tours to explore waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.
Cultural Village Visits
Visit local fishing villages or ethnic minority communities to learn about their cultures and lifestyles.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Trat with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Koh Mak
An idyllic island known for its stunning sunsets and crystal-clear waters, offering breathtaking views and great photo opportunities along its pristine beaches.
Koh Chang
One of Thailand's largest islands, featuring lush rainforests and high viewpoints such as the Pha Khao Noi viewpoint that offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding sea and islands.
Trat Pier
A bustling area where you can capture photographs of local life, boats, and beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Koh Kood
A serene island known for its untouched nature and beautiful beaches, providing numerous spots for stunning landscape photography and tranquil settings.
Ban Nam Chiao
A traditional fishing village that offers unique opportunities to photograph local lifestyles, mangroves, and picturesque views of the waterways.
Namtok Than Mayom National Park
A national park featuring beautiful waterfalls and lush greenery, perfect for nature photography and capturing stunning landscapes.
Koh Rayang
A small, picturesque island known for its beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints, ideal for capturing tropical paradise photos.
Trat's Night Market
A vibrant spot filled with local food and crafts, perfect for street photography and capturing the essence of Thai culture.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hor Mok Pla
A fragrant fish curry steamed in banana leaves, a must-try dish. Best enjoyed at local seafood restaurants like Rim Klong Seafood Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Khao Mun Gai
A Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice, served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Look for it at street food stalls or Hua Hin Soi 7 Restaurant.
Som Tam
A spicy papaya salad that can be found at street food vendors across Trat, try it at the Trat Night Market for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Trat better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Trat Night Market
This bustling market is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of local dishes, seafood, grilled meats, and refreshing beverages.
Ban Nam Chiao Seafood Market
For an authentic seafood experience, head to this market and sample the fresh catch of the day, prepared in various local styles.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Local Customs
When visiting Trat, it's important to familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions. This includes understanding appropriate dress codes, especially when visiting temples or rural villages, where modest attire is often expected.
Use Polite Greetings
In Thai culture, greetings are important. Use the traditional 'wai' gesture, which involves pressing your palms together and bowing slightly, to show respect. Always greet locals with a smile and a polite 'sawasdee' (hello).
Mind Personal Space
Thais generally prefer personal space, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance, especially in public settings. Avoid overly physical interactions, such as touching someone on the head, as the head is considered sacred in Thai culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Trat with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Trat, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice, but it is becoming increasingly accepted in tourist areas. While service charges are usually included in restaurant bills, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated by service staff.
Payment
Payment methods in Trat include cash, which is widely accepted, and digital payment systems that are gaining popularity. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Trat.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to February
This is the cool and dry season, ideal for visiting Trat. Temperatures are pleasant and range between 20-30°C. It's perfect for exploring the beaches, islands, and local attractions without the humidity or intense heat.
March to May
This period is the hot season, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. While it can be uncomfortable due to heat, it is still a good time for beach activities. However, do be prepared for occasional rain as the season progresses towards May.
June to October
This is the monsoon season in Trat. Expect heavy rainfall and higher humidity levels. It may not be the best time for outdoor activities, but the landscape becomes lush and beautiful. Travel during this season can be more challenging due to weather conditions.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
A vast wildlife sanctuary featuring beautiful hiking trails through lush jungles and mountainous terrain, offering stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Khao Banthad National Park
This national park encompasses scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers.
Mu Ko Chang National Park
While primarily known for its islands, there are hiking opportunities on Koh Chang with spectacular views, tropical forests, and wildlife.
Namtok Klong Plu Waterfall
A popular hiking spot leading to a beautiful waterfall, where hikers can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.
Khao Khitchakut National Park
Famed for its challenging hikes that lead to stunning vistas and sacred sites; an adventurous trek best done early in the morning.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Trat through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Trat by plane.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Located in Bangkok, approximately 300 kilometers from Trat, Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport serving Thailand.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Also located in Bangkok, about 320 kilometers from Trat, this airport mainly serves low-cost carriers and domestic flights.
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Located in Phuket, around 800 kilometers from Trat, this airport serves numerous international and domestic flights.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Approximately 750 kilometers from Trat, this airport serves the northern region of Thailand with both domestic and international flights.
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
Located in Hat Yai, about 800 kilometers from Trat, this airport serves southern Thailand with international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai
The predominant ethnic group in Thailand, making up the majority of the population in Trat.
Chinese
A significant ethnic minority in Thailand, especially in urban areas, with roots tracing back to migrations over centuries.
Khmer
An ethnic group living in the border areas of Thailand and Cambodia, with cultural influences from both countries.
Lao
People of Laotian descent, often found in the northeastern regions, including connections to Trat.
Mon
An ethnic group with historical roots in mainland Southeast Asia, found in various provinces including Trat.
Other Ethnic Minorities
Includes various smaller groups, such as the Malay, who may reside in specific areas ofTrat.
The Soul of Trat
Discover the essence of Trat through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football is one of the most popular sports in Trat, with local teams and enthusiastic fans participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a traditional martial art that is widely practiced in Trat, often reflecting the local culture and heritage.
Volleyball
Volleyball is favored, especially in schools and communities, where both beach and indoor versions of the game are played.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw is a unique sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball. It is popular in Trat as a recreational activity.
Basketball
Basketball has been gaining popularity in Trat, with many young people playing in local courts and schools.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian Options
While seafood is prevalent, vegetarian options are available at many eateries, and the Trat Night Market offers an array of vegetable-based dishes.
Vegan Options
Several restaurants are accommodating to vegan preferences upon request, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Gluten-Free Options
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like grilled seafood, fresh fruit, and sticky rice, widely available and naturally gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Trat with these cultural adventures.
