Trat

Trat serves as the eastern gateway to Thailand's most accessible island escapes—Ko Chang, Ko Mak, and Ko Kood—while also functioning as a quieter border crossing into Cambodia. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot in an afternoon, with a handful of historic temples, a lively night market, and budget guesthouses catering to travellers in transit. Those bypassing Trat for direct island ferries miss the old shophouse murals along Khlong Bang Phra and the chance to shop for the famed Siamese ruby.

Bangkok Airways operates flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport, primarily serving tourists heading straight to Ko Chang without stopping in town. Overland travellers arrive by bus from Bangkok's Ekamai Station (downtown) or Mo Chit (other destinations)—the journey takes 5-6 hours. Minibuses run from Trat to the Hat Lek border crossing, a 90-km ride that continues to Koh Kong and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. For island-bound visitors, ferry and speedboat services depart from Laem Ngop or Leam Sok, 15-20 km from Trat town.

Walking is the primary mode of transport given Trat's small size—most sights fit within a short stroll. Motorbike taxis charge a flat 20 baht to anywhere in town, including the bus terminal. Visitors heading to Ko Chang can rent Honda or Yamaha motorbikes from shops on Sukhumvit south of the market for ~200 baht per day, then drive 45 minutes to the ferry quay. Bicycle hire costs 50 baht for all-day use at Tattoo Guesthouse, useful for circling the scenic lake (about 10 km around) or reaching the Tesco Lotus supermarket on the town's edge.

The City Pillar Shrine hosts a major annual celebration called Phli Mueang Day on the sixth night of the waxing moon in the sixth lunar month, known in Chinese as Xia Gong Sae Yit ("birthday of the city pillar God"). Otherwise, Trat sees the most traffic during dry season (November to April) when island ferries run reliably. The wet season brings heavier rainfall but lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.

Budget guesthouses cluster near the market and along Thana Charoen Road, within walking distance of the bus terminal and Oscar Bar. Fan rooms with shared or outside bathrooms start around 100-150 baht (Dream Guesthouse, Garden House, James Guest House), while air-conditioned private rooms run 250-600 baht. Orchid Guesthouse adds free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving Thai and Western fare, including homemade bread. For a mid-range option, Rimklong Boutique Hotel offers clean rooms near downtown for ~1,500 baht.

The main indoor market sits across from KFC near the bus terminal, offering numerous Thai restaurant stalls. A lively night market kicks off around 18:00 just north of the central market, while a smaller daytime market sells snacks and local produce. South of the central market, expat-run used bookshops line the small streets alongside occasional food vendors. For evening drinks, Oscar Bar on Thana Charoen Road operates roughly 17:00 to midnight—run by the accommodating owner Sao, it serves beer and full cocktails with no food, though laundry service is available.

Temple enthusiasts should visit Wat Buppharam, the oldest and most beautiful temple in Trat dating to the mid-17th century Ayutthaya era with early Rattanakosin architecture. Wat Yotha Nimit holds the distinction of being Trat's only royal temple, once hosting oath-of-allegiance ceremonies. History buffs can view the colonial Residanggamport Residence (used by French troops) and the Trat National Museum, housed in a large Makha wooden house. Soi Rai Rang Market functions as the evening centre for street food and old-style sweets like Khanom Thai Pa Nom. Active travellers can arrange 2-hour kickboxing lessons at Tattoo Guesthouse.

Trat is renowned for its Siamese ruby (Rubies or Phloey Daeng), though gem scams are common—deals that seem too good almost certainly are. The Ngop Nam Chiao is a folk-style palm leaf hat distinctive to the Nam Chiao community, shaped like an overturned frying pan. Rakam Wan is a sweet salacca variety, while Trat Si Thong pineapple stands out for its crispy, yellowish fruit. Namman Lueang (yellow oil) is a traditional herbal rubbing oil claimed to relieve muscle pain and cold symptoms. Used English and German bookshops operated by expats can be found in streets south of the central market.

Most travellers proceed from Trat to the eastern islands: Ko Chang (the main tourist destination), Ko Mak, Ko Kood, or Ko Wai via ferry from Laem Ngop or Leam Sok. Those continuing overland can take a minibus to Hat Lek for a Cambodia visa run, connecting to Koh Kong or Sihanoukville. Westward along Sukhumvit Road lie Chanthaburi and eventually Bangkok, while the border region offers additional regional connections.