Trad : hotel in Thailand and attractions

Things to see & do

The Ko Chang Islands National Park covers the Chang island and other smaller isles within Trat territorial waters. All these lovely places have an abundant and thriving coral reef and underwater marine environment.

Ko Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the nation's second largest island, after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Dotting the island are many fruit orchards.

Wat Bupharam On Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit), just opposite the Trat Hospital, is a turn into Plai Khlong Road which leads to the temple two kms. Built in 1648 during the Ayutthaya era, it features the nation's oldest, wooden Viharn. The architectural style and the remaining wall murals are of early Rattanakosin influence with a mix of Chinese touch. The temple's museum houses scores of valuable ancient relics, particularly the Holy Relic, Buddha statues in different postures and Chinese and European porcelain items. All these indicate that commercial and cultural exchanges occurred in this area in the past.

Wat Yotha Nimit also known as Wat Bot, is located on Thetsaban 4 Road, near the city pillar. With fine murals in its former Ubosot, the temple was once used as the site for government officials pledge of allegiance ceremonies ever since the time of King Taksin. Later on, King Rama V moved the ceremony to Wat Phai Lom.

The Ko Chang Yutthanawi Memorial , at Laem Ngop, commemorates the Franco-Thai naval battle on January 17, 1941. Nearby is the Statue of Prince Chumphon, father of the Thai navy, and a warship-shaped museum displaying equipment and armament from the former fleet and exhibits on the Ko Chang naval battle.

Ko Mak is a large island south of Ko Chang. It is blessed with several beautiful bays and beaches. Nearby are coral reefs that are in perfect condition. The islanders make their living by growing rubber and coconut trees. The best time to visit is November-late April. There are a number of accommodation facilities. A passenger boat departs Laem Ngop daily at 3.00 p.m. and return from Ko Mak at 7.00 a.m. Traveling time is 3 hours.

Ao Tan Khu is a bay with a fine, sandy beach that is popular with local people during holidays. It is 4 kms. off Highway No. 3156 (Ban Saen Tung-Laem Ngop).

Ban Nam Chieo is about 8 kms. from town on the Trat-Laem Ngop route. It is noted for Ngop Nam Chieo, a native hat worn as protection against the sun. The hat is woven with palm leafs gathered from the local mangrove area. Being light and comfortable, it is still widely popular. In addition to the traditional shape, it has been adapted into other more fashionable shapes as souvenirs.

The Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre on Trat-Khlong Yai Highway at 48-km marker was formerly a facility providing assistance to Cambodian refugees during 1978-1986. After the refugees were repatriated, the center closed down. Today, the site has been adapted into a tourist facility. Tel: 0-3952-1621.

Ban Hat Lek is the furthest border village in Trat. It is on Highway No. 318 in Khlong Yai district, about 16 kms. from the district town, or some 89 kms. from the provincial capital. After the conflict ended in Cambodia, it has become a channel for Thai-Cambodia trading.

Residanggamport Residence on Lak Muang Road is an old 3-storey building once used the residence of the French governor when the town was occupied in 1904-1907. Subsequently, it was turned into the residence of Trat governors since 1928