Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, located about 315
kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders Cambodia
with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural boundary
between the two countries. With 52 large and small islands featuring
long, white, sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers
delightful scenery and a number of tranquil hideouts for beach and
nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing,
fishing, and gem mining region.
The city of Trat is the primary launching point for trips to
the popular Koh Chang island group as well as for forays to visit
both gem markets and Cambodian border markets. 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. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted
as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in
Thailand due to bustling Cambodian and coastal trade.
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 only the most visited islands, particularly
from May to October when the southwest monsoon blows. During
this period the western coast can be wet and stormy and occasionally
unsuitable for ferries and smaller boats to lift anchor. However,
Koh Chang is popular year round and visitors can still easily and safely
visit the island via the normal ferry routes.
Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, bordering Cambodia
along the Khao Banthat mountain range. The city of Trat serves as a
launching point for visitors to the province’s 52 large and small islands,
including those of Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, whose long,
white, sandy beaches have made Koh Chang one of Thailand’s top
‘get away from it all’ island destinations. Neighboring islands feature
unspoiled coral reefs, and mainland Trat offers delightful scenery and
a number of natural attractions for lovers of the outdoors. Trat is also
a transit point for people traveling to Cambodia, as it is only a 90 minute
minibus ride to the border at Hat Lek. Air services to Trat via Bangkok
Airways makes travel to Trat and Koh Chang extremely convenient for
those not on a restrictive budget.
Credit:: Amazing Thaialand
