Trat
Trat is home to 20 featured travel destinations covered in this guide. This guide is being expanded with practical visitor information, travel tips, maps, FAQs, and more for Trat, Thailand.
Quick Facts
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Top destinations in Trat
All Trat destinations (20)
islandKoh Chang
beachWhite Sand Beach
waterfallKlong Plu Waterfall
national parkMu Ko Chang National Park
islandKoh Kood
waterfallKlong Chao Waterfall
islandKoh Mak
islandKoh Wai
islandKoh Kham
villageBang Bao Fishing Village
destinationSalak Phet Mangrove Walkway
waterfallThan Mayom Waterfall
villageBan Nam Chiao Community
shrineTrat City Pillar Shrine
templeWat Buppharam
museumTrat Museum
destinationLaem Ngop Lighthouse
beachBlack Sand Beach
islandKoh Kradat
beachAo Tan Khu Beach
About the Region
Trat province occupies Thailand's easternmost corner on the Gulf of Thailand, serving as the gateway to some of the country's most pristine islands and the primary crossing point to Cambodia. The provincial capital sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded by mangrove forests and fishing communities. Beyond its transit role, Trat offers cardamom plantations, waterfalls, and coastal ecosystems that have preserved traditional Thai coastal life.
Best Time to Visit
November to April brings the driest weather and calmest seas for island hopping and coastal exploration. The monsoon season from May to October brings rougher seas and heavy rainfall that can limit boat access to islands. November to February offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. Sea conditions are calmest from January to April.
How to Reach / Travel Access
Buses connect Trat to Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. No train service reaches Trat province. The nearest airports are in Chanthaburi or Trat's own small airport with limited flights. Most travelers arrive by road, continuing by ferry to islands. The Had Lek border crossing connects to Cambodia, though visa requirements must be checked in advance.
Getting Around
Songthaews connect Trat town with ferry piers and nearby beaches. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis serve short urban trips. Car or motorbike rentals provide flexibility for exploring waterfalls, cardamom plantations, and coastal areas. Boats connect to islands including Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood from various piers. Ferry services operate year-round though schedules may change with weather.
Regional Cuisine
Trat cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood caught in the Gulf, particularly crab, prawns, and fish prepared with traditional Thai herbs and spices. The province is famous for its cardamom, which grows in surrounding hills and appears in local dishes. Night markets offer grilled seafood, curries, and regional specialties influenced by both Thai and Cambodian cuisines due to the border location.
Festivals & Events
The Trat Fruit Festival celebrates the province's agricultural abundance, particularly rambutan, mangosteen, and durian. The Trat Festival showcases local culture, music, and cuisine annually. Loi Krathong brings lantern ceremonies to coastal waters and temple ponds. Local fishing communities hold annual blessing ceremonies for boats and crews seeking safe passage.
Travel Tips
Trat's role as a transit hub means many visitors pass through quickly—consider staying overnight to experience the provincial capital and mainland attractions. Ferry schedules to islands vary by destination and season. The border crossing at Had Lek serves specific routes—check requirements before attempting crossing. Cash is essential on smaller islands and in rural areas.
Map
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trat province best known for?
Trat is primarily known as the gateway to Thailand's eastern islands including Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. The province also serves as a major border crossing point to Cambodia and features cardamom plantations and coastal mangrove ecosystems.
How many days should I spend in Trat?
Most travelers spend minimal time on the mainland, just enough to connect to ferries. One day allows exploration of Trat town and nearby waterfalls. Two days provides time for mainland attractions plus island hopping if focusing on closer islands.
Is Trat worth visiting beyond just passing through to islands?
Yes, the mainland offers authentic Thai coastal culture, cardamom plantations, waterfalls, and traditional fishing communities without the development of major tourist destinations. Trat town provides a genuine Thai city experience focused on fishing and agriculture rather than tourism.
How do I get to the islands from Trat?
Multiple ferry piers serve different islands—Koh Chang from Laem Ngop, Koh Mak and Koh Kood from various departure points. Travel agents in Trat town arrange combined transport packages. Ferry services operate year-round though schedules may be reduced during rougher monsoon season.
Can I cross into Cambodia from Trat?
Yes, the Had Lek border crossing connects to Cambodia, though this route serves specific travel corridors. Check visa requirements and border status before travel. Most Cambodia-bound travelers use this crossing for transit rather than extended exploration.
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