Trat
is Thailand's eastern-most province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok.
Hemmed in by mountains, the Khao Bantat range serves as the natural boundary
with Kampuchea. There are many islands and islets with delightful natural
sceneries.
How to get there
Both air and non-air conditioned
buses leave from Bangkok's Eastern Terminal (Ekamai)
Non air-conditioned buses leave at 04.00, 04.30, 05.00, 06.00, 07.30, 08.00, 09.00, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 14.00 and 17.00 hrs. Fare is $ 62. (Tel. 391-2504)
Air-conditioned buses leave
every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00 - 23.30 hrs. Fare is $ 112 (Tel.
391-4164).
Laem Ngop(cape) is about 17 kilometers from 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 native widebrim hats.
Mu Ko Chang National Park consisting of 52 isles, Ko Chang is the most important and biggest island (second only to Phuket). It is a peaceful and tranquil seaside destination. Most magnificent beaches are on the island's western coast such as Hat Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Prao and Hat Bang Bao, There is a big waterfall called Than Mayom which is only 1 Km. from the island's boat pier. Accommodation contacts Ko Chang Resort Tel. 254-2709.
Other interesting islands are Ko Chang Noi, Ko Mai Si Yai, Ko Rang and Ko Ngam Boats depart from Laem Ngop.
Ko Lao Ya is in Ko Chang group off Ao Salak Pet (bay). There are also bungalows on Ko Lao ya, contact Laoya Resort Tel.(039)512-552 for reservation. It has white sand beach, very clean and clear water some beautiful coral and fish. The islands are surrounded by Ko Wai, Ko Mai Si, Ko Ngam and Ko Khum. There is accommodation on Ko Ngam, contacts Twin Island Beach Resort Tel. 318-6073-4
Ko Rang group are within the bird nest concession. Attractions include underwater rock formation, coral and fish.
Ko Wai Resplendent with tranquil beaches, tropical flora and fantastic corals. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Ko Chang Group. Ko Wai is also best for fishing. 45 minutes or so from laem Ngop is Ko Kud, where Namtok Than Sanuk is lacated. The name Than Sanuk, meaning the Stream of Fun, was graciously given by King Rama VI in 1911. Bungalow is available, Tel. 233-7276.
Ko Kradat is small isle about 2 hours by boat from Laem Ngop. It is blessed with delightful and beautiful scenceries, ideal for relaxation and swimming. Contact Tel. 368-2634, 386-2675 (calling after 7.00 PM).
Ko Pui a peaceful island suitable for relaxation, can be reached by boat from Laem Ngop or Laem Auan.
Ko Mak an island with a village, is located about 4 hrs. by boat from Laem Ngop. Accommodation contacts Tel. 319-6714.
Hat Banchun is about 58 kms. before Khlong Yai, a right turn and proceed for 5 kms. It has white sandy beach with clean water.
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 Khlong) is 2 kms. from town, noted from the late Ayutthaya Period. This temple is noted for relics 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 weighting 10-100 kilograms. They are varied in shape and size and produce dep resonant sounds when being knocked.
Gem Market at Bo Rai
The district 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 Kholng Yo Market from 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. Other makets such as Nong Bon Intersection, Ban Sa Yai Market, Ban Nonsi and Ban Ta Ngam open whole day long.