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About Trat
Trat is the capital of Trat province, in the far east of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. For many travellers the town is mostly a stopover on the way to the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood, but the centre has a calm character of its own. You will find a lively market, old wooden houses and temples such as Wat Buppharam. Around the town lie fruit orchards and rubber plantations. Trat is a practical place to sleep before heading to the pier at Laem Ngop and taking the ferry. There is also a small airport with Bangkok Airways flights. If you are not heading straight to the islands, you can spend a day here on local food and wandering.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February. Chanthaburi and Trat are among the wettest areas of Thailand, with very heavy rain from June to September (Trat in July about 1,024 mm); island trips are limited in those months. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus (about 5 to 6 hours) or by flight to Trat’s small airport; from there on to Laem Ngop for the ferry. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Trat
- Trat market A busy local market with fresh fruit, fish and snacks.
- Old wooden houses Wooden houses and shops from earlier times line the old streets.
- Wat Buppharam An old temple in town, quiet and easy to reach on foot.
- Gateway to the islands From Trat you drive to the pier at Laem Ngop for Ko Chang and Ko Mak.
