Trat: Islands, Mangroves, and Village Traditions

At Hat Sai Dam, visitors can walk along a nature trail through the mangrove landscape. The area also has a sand ridge of fine black sand more than one kilometer long. This offers more than just a coastal view when planning a trip: here, a path through the mangroves and a distinctive sand formation sit side by side.

Experience Islands and Mangroves

Trat encompasses 52 large and small islands with long white-sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. Ban Na Nai, in the mangrove forest of Ban Salak Phet, offers a different nature experience: a nature trail leads through the mangrove forest to the coast. Ban Salak Khok, in turn, is a small fishing village surrounded by mangrove forest. Visitors can take a Mad boat ride there, also known as the “Koh Chang Gondola.” The comparison can help with trip planning: in Ban Na Nai, the forest trail is the focus, while in Ban Salak Khok, it is the named boat ride.

Crafts and Herbs

Crafts and herbs also offer a different way to experience Trat. In Ban Nam Chiao in Laem Ngop District, demonstrations are offered on making Ngop hats from palm leaves. The material and shape of the hat are the focus of this insight. At the Ban Chang Thun Eco-Museum in Bo Rai District, visitors can learn how an inhalant made from local herbs is prepared. The two experiences have different emphases: one is a hat-making demonstration, the other the preparation of an herbal inhalant. Those interested in crafts and the use of local herbs will find specific topics for trip planning in these offerings.

Discover History and Cultivation

The learning center in Ban Laem Makham has rare photographs of King Rama V's visits to Trat. This provides a historical insight alongside the craft- and nature-related experiences. At Sompoch Orchard, visitors can take a tour to learn how farmers grow longan, mangosteen, bananas, and sweet Sumalee salak fruit. While the learning center focuses on photographs, the orchard tour focuses on growing methods and the fruits mentioned.

Choose a Suitable Hotel Base

When choosing a hotel, it is worth first considering which part of the trip you want to prioritize. Trat Town is the main departure point for trips to the Ko Chang island group. If Ko Chang is on your itinerary, consider Trat Town as a base for your hotel; check current transport options separately. For activities such as the nature trail, the Mad boat ride, or the demonstrations, the locations mentioned provide a guide for your planning. Base your search for a hotel on the kind of trip you prefer, rather than relying on just one image of Trat.

Discover more destinations: Huai Raeng, Ko Kut, Ko Chang, Laem Ngop, Koh Chang Tai, Bang Phra, Khlong Yai, Thung Nonsi, Mueang Trat District, Mai Rut

View the main travel overview: Thailand.