South East Asian Trips

315 Km from Bangkok, Trat is a small province which borders Cambodia, the Khao Banthat mountain range providing demarcation between the province and its neighbour. Trat has over fifty large and small islands under its umbrella which features long white-sand beaches and amazing coral. Of particular interest to visitors are the islands Koh Chang and Koh Kuud.

Attractions in Trat

Koh Chang in Trat

Koh Chang is the focal point of Koh Chang National Marine Park. Until recently Koh Chang and the park were well kept secrets, even from local Thais. They received very few visitors and as a result there was little development. This is quite remarkable given its close proximity to Bangkok - only 330 Km direct. Over the last couple of years though their have been plans to develop Koh Chang into an upscale resort and as a result there has been an increase in the amount of building that has taken place on the island.

Koh Chang is the largest of the 52 islands in Koh Chang National Marine Park and the second-largest island in Thailand. Most of the island is rainforest and it features a range of hills, the highest (Khao Jom Prasat) nearly 800 metres high. The result is a very dramatic landscape that acts as a backdrop for some excellent bays and beaches including Ao Klong, Hat Sai Khao and Ao Khlong Prao. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling and diving. The best time to dive here is between November and April and the south of the island offers the best visibility. For more advanced divers there is a Thai warship that was sunk by the French in 1941. A number of excellent diving centres offering courses and guides are available on the island. Kayaking and sail boarding are also available on the island.

The island is also a great place for hikes, and it is possible to walk from one side of the island to the other (although it's not advisable without a guide). Elephant rides into the jungle are also popular. Elephants based at Ban Khlong Son Elephant Camp can be hired for 900 baht for one and a half hours. The more usual attractions like Buddhist temples are also available on the island.

How to Reach - Probably the easiest and cheapest way to get to Koh Chang is to take a Songtaew from Trat to Lean Ngop and from there take the ferry. The Songtaew trip will cost 20 Baht.

Koh Kuud in Trat

Koh Kuud is the second-largest island in the Koh Chang National Marine Park (around 130 Sq.Km), furthest from the mainland, and certainly one of the nicest islands in the group. Koh Kuud offers some excellent views; coconut groves, rubber plantations, exquisite beaches, and it also has a number of beautiful waterfalls (3-tier Klong Jao of particular interest as is active all year round). Virtually all of Koh Kuud is unspoilt and what development there is has been well planned. The island has a number of excellent beaches on its west coast; Hap Tapho being probably the nicest, although Klong Yaikee beach, Tapo beach, Paol Bay, and Tadean Bay are also worthy of note. The waters around the island feature severl types of coral. 99% of the visitors who come to the island do so through an organised tour. As a result the island is not very well geared to receive independent travellers, although coming here alone is not impossible. The tours offer a number of options (three days / two nights, etc.) and usually include travel, food and accommodation. They usually involve trips to waterfalls and snorkelling trips as part of the package.

How to Reach - Given this island is not really geared to the independent traveller, it is recommended you take one of the tours available from the mainland and some of the larger islands.

Wreck of the Thonburi in Trat

Another excellent wreck to dive around is HMTN Thonburi. The ship was involved in the Thai/French Indochina war and now lies in shallow water at the mouth of the river at the southern edge of Koh Chang. You have to time this dive right - on occasions you won't be able to see your hand in front of your face, on others, visibility is five meters plus. Strong currents mean on Intermediate level divers should try this site.