Introductions

Introductions

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.

Trat Province is a first-level administrative subdivision in Eastern Thailand, most popular for the beaches and islands in the Ko Chang Archipelago, especially Ko Chang. It’s capital city is Trat, which is the main gateway to the islands. It is located in the east of Thailand, and has borders with Chanthaburi Province to the northwest, Cambodia to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south.

The city of Trat is a starting point for Koh Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets.

History

It was surmised that the title “Trat” was a corruption of “Krat” which is the name of tree plenty in Trat Province and used in broom production. In Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Naresuan, the town was called “Ban Bang Phra”.

The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. 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.

While King Rama V was on the throne, Thai government inevitably made a treaty with France granting the area of current Trat Province to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanthaburi Province. Later, on March 23, 1906, the King had to grant areas, namely Pratabong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat, islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong River. Thus, Trat residents regard March 23 as “Trat Independence Day”. They also built up King Rama V Monument at the city hall to commemorate the King’s attempt to keep Trat with Thailand.

Koh Chang Naval Memorial

On January 17, 1941, during Indochina War, French Squadron transgressed Thailand’s territorial waters. Thai flotilla came to protect the land. Thus, the war which was later known as “Ko Chang Naval Battle” began. Thai troop won and managed to drive out French Squadron. However, Thai side lost three warships, namely Songkhla, Chon Buri and Thon Buri as well as some naval officers. Therefore, on the date of every year, Thai Naval Army holds the annual merit making day to dedicate to those who sacrificed their lives and in their effort to protect the country.

Map

Click to download the trat tourist map

Click to download the trat citymap

Administrative Divisions

The province is subdivided in 7 districts. These are further subdivided into 38 subdistricts and 254 villages.

1. Mueang Trat
2. Khlong Yai
3. Khao Saming
4. Bo Rai
5. Laem Ngop
6. Ko Kut
7. Ko Chang

Trat Aministrative Divisions

Geographical Locations

A small province at the eastern-most 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 315km from Bangkok and covering an area of 2,819 square kilometres, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Mueang Trat, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.

The Cardamom mountain range forms the boundary to Cambodia in the east of the province, where Trat has borders with three Cambodian provinces: Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong.

The second biggest island of Thailand is Ko Chang, belonging to the province.
The island, together with more than 40 surrounding smaller islands, forms the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park.

Other islands of the province include: Ko Kham, Ko Mak, Ko Phi.

Weather

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.

Communications

By car
From Bangkok, take one of these three routes:

1. Bang Na – Trat (Highway 3) passing Chon Buri – Rayong –Chanthaburi – Trat, a total distance of approximately 385 km.

2. Bang Na – Chon Buri – Klaeng – Chanthaburi – Trat (Highway 344), a distance of approximately 318 km.

3. Motorway: Start at Km 0 at the Sri Nagarind – Ramkhamhaeng Intersection and drive onto the route Ban Bueng – Klaeng – Chanthaburi – Trat.

By Plane

Welcome To Trat Airport

View of the runway at Trat Airport

Bangkok Airways has flights from Bangkok to Trat (Amphoe Khao Saming) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. For further details, please contact Tel. 0 2265 5555, 0 2265 5678, or Trat office at Tel. 0 3952 5767-8, 0 3952 5299 or www.bangkokair.com. (A transfer service is available from the airport to the ferry pier where tourists can take a ferry to Ko Chang.)

By Bus

Both non air-conditioned buses and air-conditioned buses are available at the Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) Sukhumvit Road.

Air-conditioned buses: A first-class air-conditioned bus takes 5 hours to get to Trat. Tourists can also contact other private transportation companies for further information such as Cherdchai Tour at Tel. 0 2391 2237, or 0 2391 4164, or its Trat office at Tel. 0 3951 1062; Chokanukun Tour at Tel. 0 2392 7680, or its Trat office at Tel. 0 3951 1587; and Suppharat Tour, which provides VIP buses, at Tel. 0 2391 2331 or its Trat office at Tel. 0 3951 1481.

Non air-conditioned buses: For more information, please contact the Public Relations Section, Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) at Tel. 0 2391 2504, or 0 2391 4164.

In addition, it is possible to take a first-class air-conditioned bus leaving Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mochit 2) to Trat everyday along the Motorway. For more information, please call Tel. 0 2537 8055, 0 2936 2852-6.

Buses of other private transportation companies such as Suppharat Tour at Tel. 0 2936 3388 or its Trat office at Tel. 0 3951 1481; Cherdchai Tour at Tel. 0 2936 0199 or its Trat office at Tel. 0 3951 1062 also go to Trat.

Getting To Nearby Provinces

Trat – Chanthaburi, from the market in Trat provincial town, there are regular buses to Chanthaburi leaving Trat daily every half an hour during 08.00 a.m. – 03.30 p.m. The journey takes 1½ hours and the fare is approximately Bt 40.

A taxi is also available between Chanthaburi – Trat, leaving Wongwian Nam Phu (Fountain Circle) in Chanthaburi and beside the Mueang Trat Hotel in Trat during 06.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m. daily. The journey takes nearly 1½ hours and the fare is Bt 60 each (5–6 persons/taxi).

Bo Rai –Chanthaburi, leaving every half an hour during 08.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m. The journey takes 1½ hours and the fare is Bt 50.

Bo Rai –Mae Sot, Tak Province, leaving twice daily at 07.30 a.m. and 08.30 a.m. The journey takes 15 hours and the fare is Bt 200.

Local Transport

Generally, transportation to various districts starts from the provincial town. The Song Thaeo minibuses leave the Municipal Market and Bank of Ayudhya daily. After 7.00 p.m. travellers will have to charter one at an agreed price.

Trat – Khlong Yai (Song Thaeo minibus), a distance of 75 km., leaving behind the Municipal Market during 06.00 a.m.–06.00 p.m. The fare is Bt 80 (a connection from Khlong Yai to Ban Hat Lek is available at Bt 20).

Trat – Ban Hat Lek (Van), a distance of 90 km., leaving the Si Trat Rama Theatre during 06.00 a.m.–06.00 p.m. The fare is Bt 110.

Trat – Laem Ngop (Song Thaeo minibus), a distance of 30 km., leaving the Trat Municipal Market from 06.00 a.m. onward. The fare is Bt 20.

Trat – Laem Sok (Song Thaeo minibus), a distance of 28 km., leaving the Trat Municipal Market during 08.00 a.m. –01.00 p.m. The fare is Bt 35.

Trat – Khao Saming – Bo Rai, a distance of 53 km., leaving the Trat Municipal Market during 08.00–12.00 a.m. The fare is Bt 50.

Trat – Khao Saming – Saen Tung – Tha Chot, a distance of 28 km., leaving during 06.00 a.m.–05.30 p.m. The fare is Bt 25.

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.

Ferry at Ao Thammachat Pier

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.
There are also bicycles and boats for rent.

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).

Places of Interest

Mueang Trat

Wat Buppharam

Wat Buppharam or Wat Plai Khlong located on Phatthanakan Plai Khlong Road, Mu 3 Ban Plai Khlong, Tambon Wang Krachae. It is the province’s oldest temple built around the reign of King Prasat Thong (1648 A.D.) in the Ayutthaya Period. It has undergone restoration and reconstruction since the reign of King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Period.

Wat Buppharam or Wat Plai Khlong

Lately, a temple museum was established and the temple’s landscape has been well tidied, so it has become a local religious centre. Spots of interest within the temple include:

Museum a collection of precious objects of antiquity, especially the Lord Buddha’s relic, as well as golden Buddha images coated with silver, Buddha images in various attitudes, Chinese and European ceramic wares, ceremonial kettledrum, etc. These objects indicate cultural exchanges among the Eastern ports and overseas ports in the Southeast Asian region as far as the West. Open daily during 8.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m.
Murals the walls of the Phra Ubosot–ordination hall–and Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat–the Reclining Buddha Hall–were painted by local craftsmen in the Rattanakosin Period, with a blend of Chinese arts and literature. It can be assumed that this temple might have been patronised by Chinese traders who immigrated to Trat since the Ayutthaya Period from Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.
Other interesting buildings in the temple include Mu Kuti Lek Song Thai–a complex of small Thai-style monk’s cells or ‘Kuti’ which were built in accordance with the Buddhist discipline requiring each to be large enough to accommodate a single monk, one will be built for the person to be ordained and put in a procession to the temple on the day of the ordination; Ho Suat Mon or praying hall–a wooden hall built on octagonal wooden posts and roofed with glazed tiles and a projecting roof, with a carved and gilded gable depicting an angel in adoration and traditional panelled wall or ‘Fa Prakon’; Chedi –a square laterite and mortar Chedi with 12 redented corners; Wihan Fa Kradan–a brick and mortar image hall built on a curved Chinese junk-like base of the late Ayutthaya Period with a single roof and plank wall, etc.

For more information, please call Tel. 0 3951 2636.

How to get there: from the provincial town, follow Highway No. 3 (Sukhumwit Road) and turn left opposite the Trat Hospital for approximately 2 km.

Wat Yotha Nimit

Wat Yotha Nimit also known as Wat Bot, is situated on Thetsaban 4 Road at the junction near the City Pillar Shrine. It is the only royal temple in Trat, which was built in the reign of King Taksin the Great when he was gathering his troops in order to liberate the country from Burma’s control. The construction was finished in the reign of King Rama III. The temple was once used as a place to hold the oath of allegiance ceremony by government officials since the reign of King Taksin until King Rama V, when the place to hold the ceremony was changed to Wat Phai Lom.

There is an old ordination hall of Ayutthayan art, containing murals which depict the Vessantara Jataka. At present, it serves as a Wihan called Wihan Yotha Nimit for storing many antiques such as palm-leaved books, scriptures for sermons and the Lord Buddha’s footprint. This Wihan was last renovated in 1975. They repaired the roof, columns, doors, windows and outer wall but their old forms still remained.

City Pillar Shrine

City Pillar Shrine is on Lak Mueang Road near Wat Yotha Nimit. It is different from other city pillar shrines because of its form as a Chinese pavilion. When King Taksin came to gather troops here, he ordered to build this city pillar which was believed by the Chinese to protect the city from enemies and to bring peace to the people. Therefore, the city pillar was a symbol to maintain a good relationship between the Thais and Chinese. Every year on the sixth night of the waxing moon period of the sixth lunar month, there is a celebration called, Phli Mueang Day or known among the Chinese as Xia Gong Sae Yitwhich means the birthday of the City Pillar God. There are many activities such as Thai alms-giving and Chinese Pung Tao Ma annual fair during a month before and after Chinese New Year.

It is said when France colonized Trat, French soldiers saw people in Trat going to pay homage to the city pillar everyday, so they wanted to pull the pillar down but could not. Although they used an elephant to pull it, it moved just a little. Then the Trat people helped together to renovate and maintain the pillar.

Wat Phai Lom

Wat Phai Lom located on Lak Mueang Road and has played an important role in the province’s education. It used to be a resident of Trat’s Father of Education–Than Chaokhun Phra Wimonmethachan Worayannurak. The temple also houses a Buddhist garden for public meditation and Chedi museum of three much revered monks of Trat. Its devout monks as well as novices have helped to enhance faith among the villagers and made the temple an always reliable place for them.

Residang Kampot

Residang Kampot is the former residence now used as the Office of Probation, Department of Corrections, still in its original architectural style. Open during working hours on weekdays.

Laem Sok

Laem Sok was used as the residence of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, the father of Thai Royal Navel Army. Fishermen villages are found nrae the area. It has a fantastic view of the sunset; moreover, the fisherman villages such as Laem Hin Village and Ao Cho Village are interesting places to visit.

Wat Khiri Wihan

Wat Khiri Wihan formerly known as Wat Tha Luean or Wat Phukhao Yuan an old temple of over 110 years old located at Ban Tha Luean on a mountain overlooking forested hills and sea. Having undergone restoration to look like a brand new temple, it also houses a small teak forest, which lends a shady and serene atmosphere. The temple features fine architecture with a blend of modern art.

Principal buildings inside the temple’s precincts include a large Phra Ubosot or ordination hall, Phra Chedi, reception pavilion for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, monk’s residence, preaching hall, and Chinese pavilion enshrining Phra Phuttha Udom Sombun, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and Phra Sangkatchai.

How to get there: take Highway 318, the Trat – Khlong Yai – Ban Hat Lek route, for some 20 km.

Laem Klat

Laem Klat is a lovely white sandy beach sticking out into the sea with not too deep water ideal for swimming. Its serene atmosphere is relaxing. A panoramic view of Laem Sok, Ko Mai Si, Ko Kradat and Ko Mak is available from here. How to get there, take Highway No. 318 and turn right to Ban Laem Klat.

Wat Saphan Hin

Wat Saphan Hin is located at Km 31-32 on the Trat – Khlong Yai Road (Highway 318), along the way to Khlong Yai. Turn off the main road to get to the temple’s entrance. Although it is unknown when the temple was built, it is assumed to be more than a hundred years old.

Ruins of the statue of Buddha at Wat Saphan Hin

There is an old Buddhist ordination hall in the water, approximately 1 km. from the temple. The main transportation route is paralleled with a rock line, which links both sides of the canal.

Khlong Yai

Hat Sai Ngam

Hat Sai Ngam an approximately 200-metre long white sandy beach running parallel to a grove of pine trees.

Quiet beach of Hat Sai Ngam

To get there, take the same route as Laem Klat at Km. 37 and walk across a wooden bridge of some 15 metres long to the beach.

Hat Sai Ngoen

Hat Sai Ngoen a not-so-wide beach with a pine forest more ideal for relaxing or fishing than swimming. Hat Muk Kaeo is accessible from here.

How to get there: Hat Sai Ngoen is at around Km. 41 next to Hat Sai Ngam.

Hat Sai Kaeo

Hat Sai Kaeo Beach

Hat Muk Kaeo is a white sandy beach, which lies along from Hat Sai Ngoen to Hat Sai Kaeo, with the shade of pine and coconut trees all along the beach. Visitors can also admire the beautiful sunset here.

Ratchakarun Thai Red Cross Association’s Khao Lan Center

Ratchakarun Thai Red Cross Association’s Khao Lan Center, formerly called the Thai Red Cross Association’s Khao Lan Center, is on the Trat – Khlong Yai Road, at Km 48 on the roadside of Highway 318. Her Majesty the Queen ordered to establish the Thai Red Cross Association’s Khao Lan Center to help Cambodian refugees. However, the center was closed in 1986 since all the refugees returned to their homeland. In 1992, the Thai Red Cross built the Ratchakarun Hall and the museum to glorify Her Majesty the Queen, President of the Thai Red Cross Association on the occasion of her 60th Birthday Anniversary. The museum is open at 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and contains an exhibition concerning H.M. Queen Sirikit’s duties and models of Cambodian refugees in many movements, doing their routine activities such as cooking and embroidery. There is also a garden of auspicious trees from 76 provinces, herbal garden, Buddha image in the Sukhothai style in a gesture of subduing Mara, which was built following the command of the Queen for healing Cambodian refugees’ painful minds after they escaped from war. It is also a holy place for people in Trat and from other provinces. Behind the museum, there are some peaceful beaches. Accommodation is available for tourists. For further information, please call Tel. 0 3952 1621, 0 3952 1624, 0 3952 1838, or Fax. 0 3952 1621.

Hat Mai Rut

Hat Mai Rut otherwise known as Hat Samran turn right off Highway No. 31 between Km. 57–58 toward Ban Mai Rut for 5 km. to end at the concrete bridge. The entrance to the beach is in front of the Community Pavilion or Sala Prachakhom. Walk on another 200 metres to the beach where there is a single bungalow for rent.

Hat Banchuen

Hat Banchuen, formerly called Hat Maro, is located before Amphoe Khlong Yai on Highway 318, between Km 59 and 60. When getting to the junction, turn right and go on for about 3 km. This beach has delicate sand grain and clear sea water where it is possible to swim. Bangalows for rent are available near the beach.

Thailand’s Narrowest Area located at Mu 2 Ban Khot Sai, Tambon Hat Lek, on the Trat– Khlong Yai route between Km. 81–82. The area is only 450 metres wide.

Ban Hat Lek Border Market

Ban Hat Lek Border Market a village on the Thai-Cambodian border located at Ban Hat Lek, Tambon Hat Lek, at the very end of Highway No. 31. When fighting in Cambodia was over in 1986, it used to serve as an intermediate marketplace for grain trading between farmers in Cambodia and traders in Ko Kong.

Ban Hat Lek situated at the border of Thailand and Cambodia

The market on the Hat Lek side is open in the morning during 7.00–8.30 a.m., selling also inexpensive commodities from Cambodia such as electrical equipment, spectacles, perfume, etc. A taxi to Ko Kong is available from the Cambodian side opposite Ban Hat Lek at an agreed fare.

Ban Hat Lek Border Market

How to get there: an hourly van from Trat to Hat Lek is available daily at Bt 100, taking approximately 1½ hours, whereas a taxi trip across the bridge to Ko Kong from the Cambodian side takes about 45 minutes.

Note: Foreigners crossing the border to Cambodia will have to present their passports and visas at Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint, Tel. 0 3958 8084 or at the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, Tel. 0 2253 7967, 0 2254 6630.

Khao Saming

Wat Mueang Kao Saen Tum

Wat Mueang Kao Saen Tum and Boran Sathan Khao Tomo are situated at Mu 7, Ban Irem, Tambon Pranit, approximately 38 km. from the district office of Amphoe Khao Saming.

Temple ruins at Wat Mueang Kao Saen Tum

This temple is surrounded by nature, suitable to be a recreational place to relax or to practise meditation.
In the south, you can visit Boran Sathan Khao Tomo which was built before the Buddha’s era. It is believed that there is a treasure stored in a hundred thousand jars (Saen Tum) under the ground of this historical site. That is why it is also called Wat Saen Tum. Boran Sathan Khao Tomo is a mound covered with trees and there are dark-brown stone poles in various shapes of angled forms, with a length of 30–150 cm., diameter length of 15-20 cm. and weight of 10-100 kg. The way they lay stones over and over is similar to the way the ancient people built a place of worship. Some stones give a bell-like sound when they are knocked.

To get there: From Saen Tung Intersection, take Highway 3157, Saen Tung – Bo Rai to Km. 18.5 and turn left at the junction. Go on to Ban Ta Phlai on Highway 3158 about 2.5 km. Turn left and drive along the route Ban Na Makham and Ban Irem for about 9 km.