Trat Province Information

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 Koh 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.

With an area of 2,819 square kilometers, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Meuang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Koh 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 Koh 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 “Mueang 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 Koh Chang. The Thai Navy successfully drove out the French Navy

How to get there
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) Arriving at Klaeng, turn onto Highway No. 3 and proceed to Trat. The total distance from Bangkok to Trat is 318 kilometers.

By Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Trat every hour from 6 a.m. to midnight. From Bangkok the buses to Trat cost 169 baht for 1st class air-conditioned buses (132 baht for 2nd class) and 197 baht for 24-seat VIP air-conditioned buses or 113 baht for regular buses. The trip takes five to six hours by air-conditioned bus or about eight hours by regular bus.

For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2391 -4164, Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0-2391-2237, Chok Anukun Tour Tel: 0-2392-7680 and Suppharat Tour Tel: 0-2391-2331.

Several non air-conditioned buses leave daily, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m. Fare is 78B (Tel.02 391-2504). Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m.. Fare is 140B (Tel. 02 391-4164).

From Chanthaburi to Trat, the regular bus takes about 30 minutes. If one goes by taxi from Chanthaburi to Trat, it takes around 45 minutes.

Travelling around Trat
Car rent in Muang District
Suppharat Opposite to Choet Chai Tour, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 0-3931-2011, 0-3951-2236

Getting around the city
Sam lors around town should cost about 10 bahts per person. Small song taews cost about 5 bahts per person on a share basis or 20 bahts to 40 bahts for the whole vehicle.

Getting to Islands
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat Pier, or Koh Chang Centre Point Landings between 07.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., with a travel time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be 4 wheel drive vehicles as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Koh Chang there are song taew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Festivals
The Koh Chang Yutthanavi Day
The Koh Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Koh Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop. The event is to commemorate the bravery of the Royal Thai Navy’s 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 Memorail Day
Trat Memorail 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 the east paradise
The East Paradise A Siamse Ruby ( Tup Tim Siam) was discovered in Ampeur Bor Rai in 1971, This led to may visitors from across the country heading to the area in search of gems and the town, along with Trat municipality, experiencing rapid growth. However by 1997 the gem trade had had slowed own due to decreased supply in the area. Now, the only remnants of the prosperous times are buildings. At present, the city of Trat is the jumping off point for Koh Chang and also for forays into the outlying gem markets and Cambodian border markets. Those enthralled by local shopping will be delighted as Trat has more markets for it's size than any other town due to the proximity of the border Cambodian and Vietnam. Trat is the easternmost province of Thailand lying 315 Kilometres from Bangkok. The province covers an are of 2,819 square Kilometres and consists of five districts;namely Muang,Khao Saming,Laem Ngop,Klong Yai and Bor Rai and two sub-districts, those of Koh Chang and Koh Kood.

Boundary
North: borders Chantaburi and Combodia
South: Borders the gulf of Thai
East: borders Cambodia which separates by the Banthat Mountain Range
West: borders Chantaburi which separates by welu River
A small province at the easternmost frontier bordering on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation, Trat is a resort town with over fifty large and small off-shore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral ranges. It is also a major fruit-growing and fishing area. About 315 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 2,819 square kilometres.Have your questions about this province answered quickly in our All About Thailand Forums. Post questions about your next holiday as well as culture and language of Thailand.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS:
Trat Memorail Day, on March 23,marks the province returned to Thai sovereignty after the French occupation. The celebrations are held at the provincial town hall.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
Trat Fruit Fair, usually in late May or early June, features exhibitions and agricultural produce. There are fruit contests, particularly of sweet Salak (or Rakam).

Local Products
Apart from seafood products, Trat is also famous for tropical fruits such as Rambutan, Durian, Krathon, Pineapple and Sweet Salak. The fruit season is from April to July.

The native hat or Ngop is a cottage industry product made by villagers in the Nam Chieo community which is located on the route to Laem Ngop district.

Ferry Service
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat or Koh Chang Centre Point Landings between 07.30. a.m. - 4.30 p.m. with a travelling time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be the 4-wheel-driven type as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Koh Chang are Songtaew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.Facilities on Koh Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches. There are also bicycles and boats for rent.Several smaller isles south of Koh Chang with scenic beaches coral ranges and accommodation. They include Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya and Koh Kradat. Noted for both deep water and shallow-water corals are the Koh Kra group and Koh Rang which are to the west of Koh Mak.Koh Mak is a large island south of Koh Chang. It is blessed with several beautiful bays and beaches. Nearby are coral ranges still in perfect condition. The islanders make their living by growing rubber and coconut trees. The best time to visit is November-late April. There are a number of accommodation facilities. A passenger boat departs Laem Ngop daily at 3.00 p.m. and return from Koh Mak at 7.00 a.m. Traveling time is 3 1/2 hours.Second in size to Koh Chang, Ko Kut is located in the southern-most point in Trat territorial waters. A speed-boat needs only one hour to reach the island whose inhabitants are growers of rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, as well as fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees, mostly to the west of the island, it also is blessed with rich mangroves.Usually package tours are offered including accommodation (on Koh Kood , Koh Lao Ya and Koh Ngam) as well as return fares. Those wishing to charter a boat can contact the Laem Ngop landing or make advance enquiry at the Koh Chang Centre Point at Tel: (039) 538055, 538059).

The province is administratively divided into the districts of Muang, Khao Saming, Leam Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the subdistricts of Koh Chang and Kut.If you have already visited this eastern province

On Highway No. 3 (Sukhumwit) just opposite the Trat Hospital is a turn into Plai Khlong Road which leads to Wat Buppharam, a distance of two kilometres. Built in the Ayutthaya era, it features the oldest wooden Wihan in the country. The architectural style and the remaining wall murals are of early Rattanakosin influence with a mix of Chinese touch. 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, 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 oath of allegiance ceremony by government officials since the time of King Taksin. The rite was shifted to Wat Phai Lom by King Rama V.

Located on Lak Muang Road, the City Pillar stands in a Chinese-style building. Erected by King Taksin, it is a highly revered edifice for the townspeople.

Residanggamport Residence on Lak Muang Road is an old 3-storey building once used for the residence of the French governor when the town was occupied in 1904-1907. Subsequently, it was Trat's governors since 1928.

Trat-Khlong Yai Route Along Highway No. 318 (Trat-Khlong Yai) are several white clean beaches including Hat Ban Chun at Km. 59 of Highway No. 318 (Trat-Khlong Yai). There is accommodation available.

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 fighting in their country into Thailand beginning in 1978 until peace returned in 1986. After the refugees were repatriated, the site has been adapted into a tourist facility. Tel:(039) 521621.

Ban Hat Lek is the furthest border village in Trat. It is on highway No. 318 within Khlong Yai district about 16 kilometres from the district town, or 89 kilometres from the provincial capital. After the conflict ended in Cambodia, it has become a channel for Thai-Cambodia trading.

Khao Saming District

Wat Saen Tum is a Dharma practising facility amid the cool shade of forest and fruit orchard. To the south of the temple is what is called the Khao To Mo Ancient Site where piles of stone pillars have been discovered. It is believed that they were components of ancient Khmer structures. Also a large number of relics such as pottery and ornaments and beads were found.

Wat Saen Tum can be reached by taking the Saen Tung-Bo Rai route. On arriving at Km. 18.5, take a left turn to head for Ban Tha Lai Ban Na Makham and Ban Erem where the temple is situated. lt is about 38 kilometres from Khao Saming district.

Laem Ngop District

Ban Nam Chieo is about 8 Kilometres 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 is woven with local palm leafs from plants grown in mangrove area. It is still widely used today as it is light and comfortable. In addition to the traditional shape it has been adapted into other more fashionable shapes as a souvenir.

Ao Tan Khu is a bay with fine sandy beach popular with local people during holidays. lt is 4 kilometres off Highway No. 3156 (Ban Saen Tung - Laem Ngop).
The Koh Chang Yutthanawi Memorial at Laem Ngop commemorates the Franco-Thai naval engagement on January 17, 1941. There is also the Statue of Prince Chumphon father of the Thai navy and a warship shaped museum displaying old equipment and armament of the fleet with exhibits on the Koh Chang naval battle.

The Koh Chang Islands National Park covers the Chang island and other smaller isles within Trat territorial waters. All these sites are lovely and pleasant and some are coral habitats.

Koh Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the second largest of the country after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 square kilometres, it features fine beaches, coral ranges and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources such as hills, forests and streams, the latter an important freshwater source. They also create several beautiful waterfalls. 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 all the way almost to Hat Kai Bae. From here is a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meandering through wet forest land 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. Along the eastern shoreline is also a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, roads on Koh Chang are earthen and some sections go up and down steep hills. Care should be exercised while driving.

Coral range worth viewing are at Ao Khlong Son near Koh Chang Noi and around islands south of Koh Chang.

On Koh Chang itself are several waterfalls with reasonable access. They include the Khlong Phlu Waterfall 3 kilometres from Ao Khlong Phrao and a furthers 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi Waterfall a kilometre walk from the park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls which are about 3 kilometres from Ban Salakphet.

Getting to Koh Chang

A 5 1/2 hours drive by bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m). From there continue by Songtaew transport to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Koh Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day. Distance from town to Laem Ngop is 17 kilometres.

Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Tha Dan Kao on Koh Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45 minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can continue to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Kai Bae by local bus which charges 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject to change without notice due to climate condition. For current information, please contact TAT Trat office, Tel: (039) 59725960 Fax: (039) 597225.

festivals and Annual Fair

Koh Chang Naval Battle Memorial Day
On January 17-21 at Laem Ngop and Koh Chang, an event is organized to recall the naval battle between the Thai and French Troops on January 17,1941In the fair, a merit-making ceremony dedicated to Thai naval officers who sacrificed their lives for the country is held .An exhibition of the Royal Thai Navy and other government agencies together with various forms of entertainment are held.

Trat Independence Day
It is held on March 23-27 at the City Hall's front yard. March 23,1906, was when Trat was liberated During his reign, King Rama V made a treaty with France for granting Trat and Patchantakiri ( Ko Kong) to the country in exchange with French troop maneuvers off Chanthaburi Province. Later, on March 23,1906, the King had to grant Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon to France in exchang for Trat Province, the islands and towns on the right bank of the Mekong River. During the fair, King Rama V Commemorative Parade, the exhibition featuring the history of Trat and Siamese Ridge-back Dog Competition will be held. Agricultural and local products, cultural performances and various forms of entertainment will be on view as well.

The eastern Thai province of Trat is situated 315 kilometers from Bangkok. Occupying an area of 2,819 square kilometers or 1,761,875 rai (approximately 704,750 acres) it is comprised of 5 districts, namely Muang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Klong Yai, Borai and 2 sub-districts; Koh Kood and Koh Chang.

Geography
Trat borders the province of Chantaburi on the west and Cambodia on the North and East. To the south is the Gulf of Thailand. The East is separated from Cambodia by the Buntud Mountain Range. The Weru River separates the west of Trat from Chantaburt.

Climate
The weather in and around Trat and Koh Chang is very comfortable with warm temperature most of the time. The region is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern winds which sometime limit sea transports to a group of islands. From May to October the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the west coast can be wet and stormy. Thus, occasionally unsafe for ferries and smaller boats. However, visitors can still visit the islands via the normally more popular routes, most of which are to the northeast of Koh Chang anyway. Some of the islands south of Koh Chang may be unreachable on some days during this time. Seek the advice of experienced locals before embarking on an excursion to these smaller islands. From November to early May the weather is very safe because there are less rain and strong winds.
The province of Trat, host of the Koh Chang archipelago, is located within the Gulf of Thailand which has a tropical climate. The annual average temperature is 27.3 c with an average high of 31.3 c and an average low of 23.2 c. Mid-November to February is the cool, dry season when the temperature is at its lowest, especially in Januaray when it averages at 21 c. March to May is the hot and humid season.

The hottest month, as with most parts of Thailand, is April when the temperature hits an average high of 32.9 c but can reach as high as 38 c. Towards the end of May till October is the wet season, when you can expect more rain, although not all the time. the best season to holiday in Koh Chang is from November to May mainly because of much more sunshine.Other periods of the year do attract visitors to the Koh Chang Marine National Park as well, even though they are aware of possible rains and storms from time to time.

Getting to know Trat
Amphoe Muang (Provincial or Town District) is where the central administration office sits. It is the capital of the province. Here is where most transactions take place.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand operates out of an office at 100 Moo 1, Trat-Laem Ngop Road (Tell: 0-3959-7255 or 0-3959-7259). For assistance or travel information contact one of helpful staff there.

Money & Banking : There are 8 banks in Trat, the lastest addition being the Siam City Bank which opened on 2nd October 2003. The Koh Chang branch is the island's second full-service bank. The first was the Thai Milltary Bank opened just a few months earlier. Due to the influx of tourists and a surge in the economy of the archipelago, more banks are expected to upgrade their services on the island. Banks open from 8.30 hrs to 15.30 hrs, Monday through Friday except for the Krung Thai Bank which has just extended its hours to close at 16.30 hrs nationwide. All ATMs operate round the clock. Besides the banks there are currency exchange booth which usually open from 10.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs daily. Siam Commercial Bank operates the first currency exchange booth on Koh Chang at the Sabay Piaza on White Sand Beach. Thai Milltary Bank has an exchange booth at its site located right in front of Had-Ngen Resort, also on White Sand Beach. The Siam City Bank has 2 exchange booths, one at its sub-branch on White Sand Beach and another in Kai Bae, both with ATMs. It also has a third ATM at the 7-eleven store in Klong Prao. Bangkok Bank and the Bank of Ayuttaya has ATMs in front of Koh Chang Lagoon and Alina Resort respectively.

The Trat Provincial Post Office (tel: 0-3951-1175) : is on the Tha Reau Jang Road to the northeastern section of the town center. It is the main postal office and opens from 8.30 hrs. to 16.30 hrs. on weekdays and from 9.00 hrs. to 12.00 hrs. on weekends. Here, telecommunication services are available daily from 7.00 hrs. to 22.00 hrs. The other Post Office is in Laem Ngop (tel: 0-3959-7240)

Immigration Office : The immigration office (tel: 0-3959-7215) is not located in the municipal town district but logically located at Laem Ngop and Klong Yai, which are both jumping-off points for the islands.

History

In the reign of King Rama V,Thailand inevitably made a treaty with France ceding the area of the current Trat Province as well as Ko Kong to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanthaburi Province. Later , on March 23,1906,the King had to cede more areas; namely, Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon to French Indochina in exchange with Trat, its islands and towns on the right bank of the Mekong River. Thus, the residents of Trat regard March 23 as the "Independence Day of trat" and had the King Rama V Monument established at the City Hall as well as Organize the "Trat Independence Day" to commemorate the King's attempt to Keep Trat with Thailand

On January 17,1941 ,during the Indochina War, a French squadron transgressed Thailand's territorial water, The Royal Thai Navy Squadron came to protect the land. Thus, the war which was later Know as the "Koh Chang Naval Battle" began. The Thai troops won and managed to drive out the French squadron. However, the Thai side lost three warships; namely H.M.S Songkhla, H.M.S.Chon Buri and H.M.S Thon Buri as well as a number of naval officers. Therefore, on that date of every year,The Royal Thai Navy holds an annual merit-making ceremony to dedicate to those who sacrificed their lives in their effort to protect the country.

Koh Mak
Koh Mak is located to the south of Ko Change, and is about 60 km. from the mainland. About 20 k. north of Koh Mak is Ko Kood. Chinese immigrants to Thailand were the first people to originally settle on the island, about 100 years ago. Koh Mak is the third largest island in the seas of Trat, and covers an area of approximately 16 km2. It is about 10 km. long and 5 km. wide and has a 27 km. coastline. About 80% of the island is flat, with occasional coconut and rubber plantations. Although the island has a local community, it still retains much of its natural environment. Most of the area supports forests and coconut plantations, though with little development. It is a tranquil island suitable for relaxation, quite different from Ko Chang. At present, there are approximately 15 resorts on the island.

Topography - Koh Mak is one of 21 variously sized islands that nearly separate into 2 main archipelagos.
- Mu Koh Mak comprises 9 island; Koh Mak, Ko Kham, Ko Pii, Koh Rayang Nok, Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Kradard, Koh Nok Nok, Koh Nok Nai and Koh Chu.
-Mu Koh Rang comprises 12 islands; Koh Rand Yai; Koh Rang Lek, Koh Tun, Koh Kra, Koh Tiean, Koh Thong Lang, Koh Ma-pring,Koh Yak, Koh Khampan, and another three islands commonly know as Koh Sam Pii Nong. Mu Koh Rang is part of Mu Koh Chang National Park. Important natural resourses include spectacular and rich coral reefs, and the birds-nest caves of Koh Rang Lek.
Education, Religion and Public Health. There is one school, one temple , which is the centre of spirit and religious ceremonies, and one health clinic.

Tourist Attractions on Koh Mak. There are many long beaches on the weastern and southern coasts of the island.
Nid Bay is located on the east coast of the island. It is the transportation hub between Koh Mak and other islands. All boats must stop at Nid Bay to let tourists disembark. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise. Limites accommodation is available here.

Pai Bay/ Son Cape. Pai Bay is a long red sandy beach covered with rocks. It is unsuitable for swimming but is very scenic. At the end of the beach, you will reach Son Cape, from where you can see Koh Kradard.

Laem Son Yai Bay is frequently referred to as Ao Koh Mak Resort because the Koh Mak Resort has been established here for so long that its name is common to people of this island. This long bay has the most beautiful beach of the island. The white sand beach gently slopes towards the sea and is lined with coconuts and ironwoods. It is very suitable for swimming and relaxation, and is yet another beautiful view point. Three resorts are located here. Opposite Laem Son Yai Bay is Koh Kham, which is a small island, also with accommodation. Koh Kham has beautiful coral reefs and can be reached by boat from this bay.

Kaow May is another interesting bay with a white sandy beach. It has a peaceful atmosphere and has coconuts along the beach. Opposite Kaow Bay are the islands of Koh Rayang Nai, which can be reached by boat. Kaow Bay has limited accommdation.

Activities on Koh Mak
Koh Mak is surrounded by several small islands and is let and is therefore a centre for diving, as well as fishing and sightseeing. Visitors can hire a boat from Koh Mak to visit the nearly islands for fishing and squid catching at night. Bicycles or motorcycles can be hired to observe local life and to conveniently visit other tourist attractions on the island. Trekking, canoeing, kayaking and many viewpoint are availiable.

Koh Chang Accommodation...Click here