Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok.  Hemmed in by mountains, the Khao Banthat range serves as the natural boundary with Cambodia.  There are many island and islets with delightful natural sceneries.

How to get there

    Both air and non-air conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai)

    Non air-conditioned buses leave many times daily, starting from 07.00-20.30 hrs. Tel. 3912504

    Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting form  07.00-23.30 hrs. Tel. 3914164

ATTRACTIONS

    Namtok Khao Salat Dai  -   is about 32 kilometers from town on Chintakanon (Saen Tung-Bo Rai) road.  It has dense wood and good place for relaxation.

    Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Kholang) -  is 2 kms.  form town, noted from the late Ayutthaya Period.  This temple is noted for relies of the Buddha, Buddha images as well as praying Hall, Wooden Vihara, Bell Tower and small typical monk's quarters (Kuthi).

    Wat Muang Kao Saen Tum  -   situated in Tambon Pranit about 38 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Saming.  It is famed for its dark brown stones weighing 10-100 kilograms.  They are varied in shape and size and produce deep resonant sounds when being knocked.

    Gem Markets   -  The districts of Bo Rai and Khao Saming have been developed as the region's major gem mining industry, specially Bo Rai is noted for being the site of the world-famous "Tab Tim Siam" or King Ruby.   The gem market of Bo Rai at Hua Tung Market  takes place between 7.00-10.00 A.M. and Khlong Yo Market   from 1.00-3.00 P.M.  Other markets such as Nong Bon Intersection, Ban Sa Yai Market, Ban Nonsi   and Ban Ta Ngam  open whole day long.

    Hat Banchun   is about 58 kms. before Khlong Yai, take a right turn and proceed for 5 kms.  It has white sandy beach with clean water. Bungalow are available at the beach.

    Ban Hat Lek is located 95 kilometres from Trat at the end of Highway 318.  Ban Hat Lek is a small village and the jumping-off point for boarding boats to Ko Kong, a border province of Cambodia.

    Leam Ngop   (cape) is about 17 kilometers form town on Highway No. 3148.  From the pier located at the cape's end, large vessels can be hired to explore the many nearby isles.  Many local preserved food items can also be bought there including shrimp paste, fish sauce and native widebrim hats.

    Ko Pui   -   a peaceful island suitable for relaxation, can be reached by boat form Laem Ngop or Laem Auan.

    Mu Ko Chang National Park  -   consisting of 52 isles, Ko Chang is the most important and biggest island (second only to Puhket).  It is a peaceful and tranquil seaside destination.  Most magnificent beaches are on the island's western coast such as Hat Kholng Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao, Hat Kai Bae, and Hat Bang Bao.  There is a big waterfall called Than Mayom, which is only 500 meters from the national park office.  For accommodation, contact Ko Chang Resort and Ko Chang Cabana Tel. 2770482, Kholng Phrao Resort Tel. (039) 579060, Hat Sai Khao Resort Tel. 2349294  Premwadi Resort Tel. 4249477, Sea View Resort Tel. 4113605

    Other interesting islands are Ko Chang Noi, Ko Mai Si Yai , Ko Rang, Ko Ngam, and Ko Khum 

    There is accommodation on Ko Ngam.  Contact Twin Island Beach Resort Tel. 3186073-4.

    Ko Lao Ya   is in Ko Chang group off Ao Salak Phet (bay), It has white sand beach, very clean and clear water, some beautiful coral and fish.  There are also bungalows on Ko Lao Ya, contact Laoya Resort Tel. 3900111 for reservation.

    Ko Wai  - Resplendent with tranquil beaches, tropical flora an fantastic corals.  It is one of the most beautiful islands in Ko Chang Group.  Bungalows are available.  Contact Ko Wai Resort Tel. (039) 597184 for reservation.

    Ko Mak  and island with a village, is located about 4 hrs. by boat from Laem Ngop.  For accommodation, contact Ko Mak Resort Tel. 3196714-5, T.K. Hut Tel. 5180240

    Ko Kradat  is small isle about 2 hours by boat form Laem Ngop.  It is blessed with delightful and beautiful sceneries, ideal for relaxation and swimming.  Contact Tel. 3682634, ( after 7.00 P.M.)

    Ko Kut    is a huge island second to Ko Chang, about 4 hours by boat from Laem Ngop or Amphoe Khlong Yai.  With mountainous topography, Ko Kut offers scenic views of coconut groves, para rubber plantations, beautiful beaches, and also Khlong Chao or Than Sanuk Waterfall where King Rama VI paid a visit in 1911.  For accommodation on the island, contact Kood Island Resort Tel. 3982444

How to get Laem Ngop and Ko Chang

    From Bangkok, take a 5-hour trip from the Eastern bus Terminal to Trat continue by a minibus to Laem Ngop, some 17 kilometers from the provincial city.  The minibus fare is Bt 10 each.  A tourist center, restaurants, and guesthouses at Bu 100-300 per night can be found at Laem Ngop.

    From the pier at Laem Ngop, there is a daily boat service to Ko Chang where Mu Ko Chang National Park's office is located.  The boat leaves Laem Ngop at 13.00 hours and arrives Ko Chang 45 minutes later.  The fare is Bt 30 each.  Visitors can also take a boat trip to various places on Ko Chang or other islands of the group as follows :

    *The schedules and fares are subject to change without notice.    

    Boats for hire are also available from Laem Ngop to any islands of the group.  The cost ranges between Bt 1,500-3,000 a day depending on the distance.  The high season falls on December-March while between May to October, monsoons pose a threat to boat trips.