Trat
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Trat General Information
Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52 large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.
The city of Trat is a starting point for Ko Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in Thailand due to Cambodian coastal trade.
Like Chanthaburi, Trat is a very important ruby-mining province, with the most famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, some 50 kilometers north of the Cambodian border.
CWith an area of 2,819 square kilometers, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Muang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.
The weather in and around Trat is very comfortable with warm temperatures throughout the year. The region is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern winds, which sometimes limit sea transport to a group of islands particularly from May to October when the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the western coast can be wet and stormy and occasionally unsafe for ferries and smaller boats to lift anchor. However, visitors can still visit the islands via the normally more popular routes, most of which are to the northeast of Ko Chang, anyway.
The Past
The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Formerly known as Muang Thung Yai, Trat has played an important role in the development of country's stability and economy due to its strategic location. The town of Trat has later become a community of Chinese Merchants.
Trat served as a checkpoint and buffer city in 1767 and was responsible for providing provisions to King Taksin the Great before he moved his navy from Chanthaburi to Ayutthaya, where he expelled the Burmese and liberated the Kingdom from Burmese rule.
In the Ratanakosin period, during the reign of King Rama V, Trat played an important role again in stabilizing the country's sovereignty. King Rama V made an agreement with the French government (who had also taken Chanthaburi under its supervision) to get Trat back. In doing this, Phra Tabong, Siamrat and Sri Sophon were traded off.
During the Indochina War, the French Navy tried to seize Trat again. The French Thai Battle broke out on 17 January 1941 at Ko Chang. The Thai Navy successfully drove out the French Navy.
Trat Festival Information
- The Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day
The Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Ko Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop. The event is to commemorate the bravery of the Royal Thai Navys action against the French on January 17, 1941. Merit-making and tribute rites are performed and there is exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy.
- Trat Fruit Fair
Trat Fruit Fair , usually in late May or early June, features exhibitions and agricultural produce. There fruit contests, particularly of sweet Salak (or Rakam).
- Trat Memorial Day
Trat Memorial Day , on March 23, marks the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after the French occupation. The celebrations are held at the provincial town hall.
Trat Attactions Information
- Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre
The Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre on Trat-Khlong Yai Highway at Km. 48 was formerly a facility to assist Cambodian refugees who fled the fighting in their country into Thailand from 1978 until peace was restored in 1986. After the refugees were repatriated, the centre was closed.
- Ko Chang
stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut tree orchards is a common sight on Ko Chang the largest and busiest island in Trat and the second largest island in the country after Phuket.
Covering an area of 429 square kilometers, Ko Chang, boasts several amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading from the north to the south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai Khao , Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the foot of the hill in the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated and Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Ko Chang.
In addition to sea-based attractions Ko Chang has numerous inland attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access. They are the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall, a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Phet.
As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many other attractions including waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers will find fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, sunken warships, a reminder of times past, can be visited in the Salak Phet Bay.
The Ko Chang National Park occupies an area of 650 square kilometers and is comprised of 47 islets, which spread from Laem Ngob to Klong Yai Districts. . The most popular islands includes Ko Chang, Ko Klum, Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Rung where natural wonders await travelers. The most popular season for traveling to the National Park is from November to March. The park headquarters are divided into 4 units namely Tha Than Mayom, Ban Khlong Son, Tha Khlong Plu and Ban Salak which provide useful tourist information. At any one of the headquarters, an entry fee of 200baht is collected.
For transportation to Ko Chang, please refer to the traveling to Ko Chang section.
Wat Bang Bao is on the roadside, next to the turn-off to Ban Bang Bao.
Wat Khlong Prao is located in Baan Khlong Prao, also right off the main road.
Wat Khlong Son is approximately 500 metres from the intersection in Ban Khlong Son, in the direction of the bay.
At the top of the hill after Sapparot Bay towards Ban Khlong Son there is a Chinese temple.
Wat Khlong Nonsi is situated just before the Dan-May Pier in Baan Khlong Nonsi. Turn towards the sea at the intersection on the main road. Proper clothes should be worn during temple visits.
- Ko Chang Naval Battle Area
This area is located to the south of Ko Chang close to Salak Petch Bay. It is the area where the battle between the Thai and French Naval forces was fought over the eastern border conflict. The Thai Navy holds an annual event to commemorate the combat victory and make merit for the dead naval forces on 17 January.
- Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)
One of the longest beaches on Ko Chang, this beach provides the most magnificent seascape. The beach, which is 2 kilometers long, is dotted with reasonably priced bungalows and resorts. Embracing the beach to the rear are orchards of coconut trees and forests.
- Namtok Khlong Plu
A large 3-tiered waterfall situated 3 kilometers or a walking distance of approximately 20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that is a rewarding experience.
- Tri Petch Waterfall
This single level waterfall is situated 3 kilometers from Salak Petch Community along an orchard of rubber trees.
- Ko Kham
This island is located near Ko Mak and is endowed with natural wonders such as crystal clear seas, chie sandy beaches, coral reefs and most importantly, tranquility and privacy. Ideal for swimming and diving, the trip to Ko Kham from Laem Ngob takes 2.5 hours.
- Ko Kradat
This island is situated to the northeast away from Ko Mak. In the past, the area had an abundance of Kradad trees (paper trees); hence, the name of the island. This island is notable for the fact that it is the only island in Thailand to be issued a land title deed during the period of King Rama V as a measure to protect the island from French colonization. Ko Kradad is famous for its white long sandy beach and wonderful coral reefs.
- Ko Rang
This small island at the west of Ko Mak does not have enough flat area suitable for setting up of any resorts and bungalows. However, Ko Rung is well known as the location for its birds nest concessions, sea turtle eggs and bat's dung. The main attractions at the island are the stone knolls and the magnificent deep-sea corals.
- Ko Kut
This island is the farthest island from the coast of Trat. Its size ranks it as the fourth largest island in Thailand or the second largest island next to Ko Chang in Trat. The island, which is 25 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide covers an area of approximately 105 square kilometers or 65,625 rai. Its natural features include mountains and plains where many streams originate and become waterfalls. One famous waterfall is Nam Tok Khlong Chao, which flows throughout the year and is an ideal place for swimming as it is comprised of 3 tiers; of which the upper two tiers are running streams and the lower one is a large pond. In 1911, King Rama VI paid a royal visit to this waterfall and named it 'Nam Tok Anam Kok' to commemorate Ong Chiang Su. In addition; there are beaches with crystal-clear seas which are popular among visitors such as Taphao Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, Phrao Beach, etc. Accommodations with a private atmosphere is available for visitors at the inner sea of Ko Kut, and the other two islands, Ko Rat and Ko Mai Si, opposite to Ko Kut.
- Ban Nam Chiao
This village is approximately 8 kilometers from town on the Trat-Laem Ngop route. It is noted for Ngop Nam Chieo, a native hat to ward off the sun. The hat, which is still widely used today as it is light and comfortable, is woven with local palm leafs grown in mangrove area. In addition to the traditional shape, it has been adapted into other more fashionable shapes as souvenirs.
- Wat Buppharam
On Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit) just opposite the Trat Hospital, turn into Plai Khlong Road and proceed for 2 kilometers in order to reach Wat Buppharam. Built in the Ayutthaya era, this temple it features the oldest wooden vihan in the country. The architectural style and the remaining wall murals are of the early Ratanakosin influence with a mix of Chinese influence. The temple's museum houses scores of valuable ancient relics, particularly the Holy Relic, Buddha statues in different postures and Chinese and European porcelain items. All these point to commercial and cultural exchanges carried out between the different parts of the world in the past.
- Wat Yotha Nimit
This temple, which is also known as Wat Bot, is located on Tetsaban 4 Road near the city pillar. With fine murals in its former Ubosot, the temple was once used as the site for the government officials' oath of allegiance ceremony during the reign of King Taksin. The rite was shifted to Wat Phai Lom by King Rama V.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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