When talking about Trat, most might think of its white sandy beaches and glistening blue sea. However, we would like to introduce you to another part of this scenic land where you can enjoy various activities, such as relaxing at a unique chicken coop spa, tasting flavourful grilled squid, gliding through a mangrove forest at Baan Tharanae, admiring the clear water by boat, and more.
This three-day trip will allow you to create a new chapter of your Thailand experience while catching a glimpse of the local way of life.
To start the journey, from Bangkok hop on a public tour bus at Mochit Passenger Terminal #2 at 7.30 A.M. to arrive at Trat at approximately 12.30 P.M. The fare costs 259 Baht and you can make your booking on the Transport Co., LTD website.
For your first stop in Trang, surround yourself with nature at the Miracle of Mangrove at Baan Tharanae.
Destination Details
The eco-tourist community of Baan Tharanae sits on the estuary of the Trat River and is home to a verdant mangrove forest. The mangroves are known for their abundant root system and untouched natural setting, which will envelop you right after stepping onto the inner part of the forest – an area where a giant taboon (a plant species found only in mangrove areas) can also be found. Since the mangrove forest takes up most of the coastal area, the best way to Travel around is to hop on a boat and sail through the waters while learning about the community’s history and local way of life. Don’t miss out on taking a boat tour, during which you will be guided by a local tour guide through the three sections of the mangrove forest.
If you come here during low tide, there is a chance for you to see giant mangrove roots, which only become within reach during a particular period of each month – don’t forget to take a cool selfie!
After the boat tour, take a break by having some delish local dishes that you can find only at the Tharanae community. You can also see how the locals weave traditional baskets using nipa palm leaves, choose to stay overnight in a homestay, learn about the region’s sea mistletoe (used in herbal remedies), edible mangrove and aquatic animal conservation, be amazed by the medicinal properties of the taboon root, and learn how to make traditional woven hats and crafts.
Activity Expense
A boat trip to admire the impressive mangrove roots costs 100 Baht per person (a minimum of three people are required).
Contact Information
The Miracle of Mangrove – Baan Tharanae is open every day from 8.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M.
If you’re interested in joining any of these wonderful activities, call 086-141-0958 (Aunt Lamoon – catering staff), 087-138-2844 (Uncle Manote – boat-handling assistant) and 081-161-6694 (Uncle Saichon – activity staff) or visit https://www.facebook.com/bantharanae/
Facilities
Restroom and free car park
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/iBjFLBvC96UcEeGe9
By public transport : Take a tour bus from Mo Chit #2 station to Trat’s bus station in Trat province. After that, hop on the public bus (provided by the Transport Company - บขส) on the Laem Sok line. The fare is 40 Baht per person (300 Baht in case you want to rent the whole ride for your group) and you can get dropped off at Baan Tharanae.
After touring the mangroves, continue on for lunch at Sukhumvit Crab Noodles (Kuay Taew Poo Sukhumvit).
Destination Details
This famous noodle house is known for its long-standing reputation of serving excellent noodles for more than 40 years. Don’t be fooled by its size; the main draw is inside of each dish: fresh shellfish, noodles, boiled seafood, and more. All are served using only top-grade ingredients to guarantee the best taste and texture at a reasonable price you don’t have to worry about your wallet. You can choose to dine at the restaurant (car park provided) or order for take-out as you wish!
Recommended Dishes
Salty and spicy fried rice topped with a seafood omelet, fried rice with bird chillis topped with crab roe and crab meat, or stir-fried rice with basil and mantis shrimp topped with crab roe.
Cost for a Meal
Starting at 50 Baht per dish
Contact Information
Kuay Taew Poo Sukhumvit is open every day from 8.00 A.M. – 2.30 P.M. Tel. 039-511-972
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/v9xzbZnHgeWZcqfw6
By public transport : Start by grabbing a blue public minibus from Trat Passenger Terminal using the Trat – Laem Gnob Route, and get off at the same soi as Muek Yang Yai Sang. Walk inside past Sukhumvit Soi 19 – 33 for around 150 metres; you will arrive at Kuay Teaw Poo Sukhumvit.
Follow your meal with a snack from Grandma Sang’s Grilled Cuttlefish (Muek Yang Yai Sang).
Destination Details
The grilled cuttlefish sold at Muek Yang Yai Sang are dubbed as one of the province’s best snacks and something you must try at least once before leaving Trat. This secret spot has been running for more than 40 years, with a specially-formulated signature sauce that enhances the cuttlefish’s chewy texture. Grandma Sang uses only fresh cuttlefish, grilled over a charcoal brazier to infuse the meat with a distinctive aroma that makes it even tastier. Since this hawker stall is located inside a small soi, you may need to park your car outside on the main street and walk a little ways.
Cost for a Meal
15 Baht per skewer
Contact Information
Muek Yang Yai Sang is open every day from 3.00 P.M. – 6.00 P.M. Be quick because the place’s specialty runs out very fast! If you don’t want to miss out, you can also reserve your cuttlefish skewers ahead of time by calling 084-784-7646.
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/xRWECcnMK9EdEmzdA
By public transport : Start by grabbing a blue public minibus from Trat Passenger Terminal, using the Trat – Laem Gnob Route, and get off at the soi where Muek Yang Yai Sang is located. Walk inside and past Sukhumvit Soi 19 – 33 for around 210 metres and you will arrive at Muek Yang Yai Sang.
Now it’s time for dessert at Aunt Na’s Grilled Banana (Kluay Ping Ba Na), which is just a few steps from Muek Yang Yai Sang.
Destination Details
Kluay Ping Ba Na is one of the region’s first and original snack shops that made itself a part of the locals’ everyday lives for now more than 40 years. This legendary shop, run by Ba Na (Aunt Na), uses only the finest quality of nearly-ripe bananas, which are grilled over a charcoal brazier, leaving the snack with a fragrant aroma. Try eating these freshly grilled bananas with the secret-recipe sauce, containing coconut milk, that will surely make you crave for more.
Another treat you should not miss is the pickled salak, or snake fruit. Unfortunately, this speciality is only available in April and May. If a bag of the tasty bananas aren’t enough to fill you up, there is also a fried Chinese pancake that comes with seven different fillings for you to choose from.
The atmosphere here is quite homey as the shop was modified from a two-storeyed house. However, you should get your treats to go since there are no tables reserved for guests.
Cost for a Meal
3 pieces for just 20 Baht
Contact Information
Kluay Ping Ba Na is open every day from 10.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M. You can call to check the queue and reserve a spot in advance at 039-520-990.
How to Get There
By your own vehicle: Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/XNucHbXW9ghhWan17
By public transport: Hop on a public bus provided by the Transport Co., LTD in Trat and hop off at the Municipal Market. After that, head to Soi Rong Nam Kang and continue straight; you will see a two-storeyed house in which Pa Na holds her place of specialty.
After finally getting full, check in for a good rest at Baan Pu Resort – Trat at 4.00 P.M.
Destination Details
Formerly known as Baan Pu Resort & Spa, Baan Pu Resort has been open for more than 30 years. The hotel offers a great dining experience through its equally-famous restaurant. Additionally, this place provides many facilities to ease any Traveller stress or fatigue while also placing importance on conserving nature by utilising all its resources to the fullest.
In the old days, Baan Pu used to be a farm and then was renovated into Suan Pu Restaurant before eventually becoming a hotel. Most of the guests here usually come in a group to use the hotel’s space for business seminars.
There are eight room types, which are suitable for couples and even groups of friends. The hotel also offers various facilities such as a swimming pool.
Cost for One Night
From 1,000 – 7,000 Baht
Contact Information
You can call Baan Pu Resort – Trat for a reservation at 039-510-577, 083-699-6893 or contact http://banpu-resort-trat.chillholiday.com/
Reception for checking in is open from 11.00 A.M. – 11.00 P.M. Check-out is by 2.00 P.M. If you will be checking in after 23.00 P.M., please call 083-699-6893.
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/RMBGgNcq3qUeRjb2A
By public transport : Take a tour bus from Mo Chit #2 station to Trat’s bus station in Trat Province. After that, hop on the public bus using the Laem Sok line. The fare is 40 Baht per person (300 Baht in case you want to rent the whole ride for your group) and you can get dropped off at Baan Tharanae.
In the evening, stroll around the Rai Rang All-Night Market to feel an evening breeze.
Destination Details
Rai Rang All-Night Market is one of the big fresh food markets near Mueng Trat Municipality located on Soi Rai Rang. Besides the food hawkers along both sides of the road, which are the market’s main attraction, you can also come here to observe the authentic, local culture. If you’re still full from the afternoon, here you can also shop for just desserts, clothing, snacks, and more.
For those who love to explore Thailand’s walking streets, you’re likely to fall in love with this market’s joyful vibe. Rai Rang All-Night Market is comprised of different shopping zones and you can expect crowds during the weekend. Since this market sits in the heart of the city, you can either take a bus or simply just drive to the market (there is a car park near the market).
Contact Information
Rai Rang All-Night Market is open every day from 03.00 A.M. - 12.00 P.M. and then again from 3.00 P.M. – 9.00 P.M.
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/LBTQnd6horzuwpQV8
By public transportation : Catch a public bus at Trat’s Passenger Terminal on the Rai Rang Market line that goes directly to the market. Look on the left-hand side for a signboard pointing to the entrance of the market.
Check out at 08.00 A.M. and catch the ferry from Natural Bay Pier at 08.45 A.M. to Koh Chang with an estimated Travel time of 30 minutes.
Rent a public car to Salak Petch Lighthouse to take some photos and enjoy the scenery.
Destination Details
This white lighthouse prominently stands at Salak Petch Bay. It took nine years to construct and has now been in operation for four years, serving as a landmark to fishing boats.
Around the lighthouse, you can find a long pathway, surrounded by sea and mountains and with shelters from the sun, leading to one of the many stunning sunset viewpoints in Trat.
For aquatic activities, you can take fishing boats to diving sites at islands such as Koh Wai, Koh Rang, Koh Yak Lek, Koh Yak Yai, etc.
Entrance Fee
Free
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/Hdq1ztWa8zxSKgz16
By public transport : Take public vehicles available on Koh Chang to Salak Petch Pier on the east side of the island. Estimated distance is 22 kilometres, taking around 20-26 minutes.
Stop for souvenir shopping and lunch at Ban Rak Kala Community Enterprise, in close proximity to Salak Petch Bay.
Destination Details
Ban Rak Kala Community Enterprise has been running for ten years. Here the villagers’ primary occupation is cloth making and they have formed a community enterprise that is now also a tourist destination. The community enterprise creates décor and homewares from coconut shells to help earn more community income.
Contact Information
Ban Rak Kala Community Enterprise is open from 8.00 A.M. - 6.00 P.M. Tel. 096-807-2731 / 098-489-0906
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/BZ4srhDj37esUSZc9
By public transport : Take a local minibus straight to the village. (The fee for renting the entire vehicle is 1,000 Baht or 100 Baht per person. After 3.00 P.M., only the whole car rate is available.)
Next, stop at Salak Khok Community Tour Club in a small fishing village surrounded by untouched nature.
Destination Details
Founded in 2005, villagers in Salak Khok Bay, whose main livelihood relies on fishing, formed a community tour club to support ecotourism initiatives as a side occupation. You can go kayaking, canoeing, ride a gondola-style boat, observe the region’s various flora, and learn about the local fishing practices.
Tourists who visit here get to experience and learn about the authentic way of local fishermen’s lives, as well as eat and shop at the restaurant and souvenir shops.
Activity Fee
Kayaking – 100 Baht per person. Two persons per kayak.
Canoeing – 200 Baht per for person 40 minutes. One boat can carry four people.
Contact Information
Salak Khok Community Tour Club is open from 8.00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M. You can contact them for information before going at 087-748-9497 (main) 083-115-5677 (secondary) or leave your questions at https://www.facebook.com/SalakKhokKayakStation
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/BUiBf98tgBkr3wR37
By public transport : Take a local minibus straight to the village. (The fee for renting the entire vehicle is 1,000 Baht or 100 Baht per person. After 3.00 P.M., only the whole car rate is available.)
After a half-day of sightseeing, relax and unwind at The Emerald Cove Koh Chang.
Destination Details
Located on Klong Prao Beach, The Emerald Cove Koh Chang has won various accolades over the past ten years in operation. All eight of the property’s room types provide complete amenities and marvelous views. Standing at the pool is a statue of ‘Khun Dech’, signifying gratefulness to the sea and natural resources.
If you seek tranquillity and privacy, this hotel is for you - its large swimming pool right by the sea and the sunset views are out of this world.
Room Rate
Starting from 2,200 Baht
Contact Information
The Emerald Cove Koh Chang opens for check-in at 2.00 P.M. and check-out is at 12.00 P.M. Call 039-552-000 to make a reservation or see more information at https://www.emeraldcovekohchang.com/th/index.html
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/jk4RJpjvnhPV1F8U8
By public transport : Take a local minibus straight to the village. (The fee for renting the entire vehicle is 1,000 Baht or 100 Baht per person. After 3.00 P.M., only the whole car rate is available.)
Before the day is over, go to the Kai Bae Viewpoint, which is not far from the hotel.
Destination Details
Kai Bae Viewpoint is a popular viewpoint in Koh Chang National Park and a must-see stop for all visitors. From the two-storey viewpoint, you can see three islands: Koh Mun Nok, Koh Mun Nai, and Koh Yuak.
Most prominent is the red postbox at the viewpoint. At sunset, this might be the most romantic spot ever.
Contact Information
Kai Bae Viewpoint opens from 8.00 A.M. onwards.
Entrance Fee
Free
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/pJqP4fCchD6UXC1G6
By public transport : Take a local minibus straight to the village. (The fee for renting the entire vehicle is 1,000 Baht or 100 Baht per person. After 3.00 P.M., only the whole car rate is available.)
Check out from the hotel and take the ferry back to mainland Trat. Catch a white minibus from the pier and head to Rimtalay Seafood and Resort for breakfast.
Destination Details
Rimtalay Seafood and Resort is a local restaurant that has been open for over 20 years where you can choose indoor or outdoor (seaside) seating and enjoy the view of Koh Chang.
The restaurant is easy to get to, as it is near the ferry pier to Koh Mak and Koh Wai. If you come in the evening instead, you can watch the sunset while indulging in fresh seafood that has pleased the tongues of many Travellers.
Recommended Dishes
Stir-fried crab in curry powder, fried cashews with herbs, crab chilli dip with vegetables, and steamed crab.
Contact Information
Rimtalay Seafood and Resort is open from 10.00 A.M. - 9.00 P.M. Make reservations by calling 039-597-084 / 061-989-9536 / 099-552-3665 or through https://www.facebook.com/rimlaylaemngob/
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/RL1PYYszjGmQSz9XA
By public transport : Take the blue minibus on the Trat-Laem Ngop route. The fare is 60 Baht per person. Tell the driver to stop at Rimtalay Seafood.
A meal is not complete without dessert. Find sweets and souvenirs at Sompoch Orchard in Ban Tai Wang.
Destination Details
Opened in 1994, this fruit orchard covers 32 acres with 80% of the orchard dedicated to growing salacca, also called snake fruit, and the remaining 20% to various seasonal fruits.
The variety of salacca grown here is carefully selected sumalee, known for its sweetness and yielding produce all year long. The orchard’s salacca in syrup uses 7-month-old fruit, which is still a little acidic and meaty and goes best with syrup. Other salacca is harvested at the prime age of eight months and delivered throughout the country. You can take a walking tour in the orchard or simply take photos!
Fees
Sumalee salacca in syrup - 60-100 Baht per cup
Salacca – 100 Baht/kg
Contact Information
Sompoch Orchard is open every day from 8.00 A.M. - 6.00 P.M. Contact them before going at 081-4382015 / 081-924-9695 / 039-674840 or at https://www.facebook.com/suansompotch.Trat/
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/9RP99zAVviKaFggF6
By public transport : Take a public vehicle from the terminal to the Trat market. The fare is 20 Baht per person. Then, take a bus to Saen Tung. The fare is 30 Baht per person. Get off at Wat Wang Krajae and walk for three kilometres.
A more convenient way to get there is to rent an entire van from the terminal that goes directly to Sompoch Orchard. This costs 500 Baht for a roundtrip or 200 Baht one way trip.
Afterward, enjoy a last lunch at Rim Kheuan Tom Yum Noodles.
Destination Details
This noodle restaurant near a reservoir has been open for three years. While it used to only make chicken rice, the restaurant now sells mainly noodles.
Its menu includes seafood, chicken rice, and dessert, as well as free beverages. All ingredients are super fresh. You can from choose indoor or outdoor seating and parking lot is also available.
Recommended Dishes
Rice topped with seafood, mantis shrimp and crab meat noodles, and seafood noodles.
Contact Information
Rim Kheuan Tom Yum Noodles is open every day from 6.00 A.M. - 3.00 P.M. Contact for reservations or information by calling 092-324-4665 or at https://www.facebook.com/tradnoodle/
How to Get There
By your own vehicle: Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/39RhCSF8ainEDZ5X7
By public transport: A convenient way is to reach Rim Kheuan Tom Yum Noodles is to rent an entire van from the terminal to go directly to the restaurant.
After lunch, relax in chicken coop spa at Chong Ban Chang Toon eco-museum before heading back to Bangkok.
Destination Details
Opened in 2012, this community-based tourism centre originated from the ideas of villagers who wanted to preserve their local culture. It has received much support and become the centre of the community.
The highlight here is the unique chicken coop spa – the one and only in Trat – made from a traditional cage-like basket typically used to house chickens and roosters. Household herbs, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime leaves, and turmeric, are used for the steamy spa treatment, making good use of local wisdom as suggested by the late King Rama IX’s sufficiency economy philosophy.
Other activities include a white mud treatment, ruby panning, learning out to make herbal inhalers, and seeing how traditional baskets and other items are woven by hand.
Activity Fees
Chicken coop spa - 300 Baht per person for 15-20 minutes.
White mud treatment - 200 Baht per person for 10-20 minutes.
Making herbal inhalers - 50 Baht per person.
Basketry and weaving - 50 Baht per person for 20-30 minutes.
*** All activities require a reservation. Prices are the same for Thais and foreigners.
Contact Information
Open from 9.00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M. Make reservations by calling 084-8637267 or going to https://www.facebook.com/changthun.ecomuseum.th
How to Get There
By your own vehicle : Please refer to the coordinates in this link https://goo.gl/maps/B7EHGJRj4dovCHdD6
By public transport : A convenient way is to reach Chong Ban Chang Toon is to rent an entire van from the terminal to go directly to the eco-museum.
That concludes your unique trip to Trat. Make sure to visit and experience it for yourself. You will be surprised by what Thailand’s secondary cities and provinces have to offer!