Trat Province Guide 2025
Discover Trat, Thailand's easternmost province and gateway to pristine islands like Koh Chang. Perfect for adventure seekers and beach lovers avoiding crowds.
About Trat
Trat is Thailand's easternmost province, bordering Cambodia and serving as the gateway to some of the country's most pristine islands. The provincial capital, Trat Town, has 18,000 residents and maintains an authentic Thai atmosphere largely untouched by mass tourism.
Known for its proximity to Koh Chang archipelago, traditional wooden architecture, and as a border crossing point to Cambodia, Trat offers excellent value for money, genuine local culture, and access to undeveloped islands and national parks.
Best Areas to Live
Trat Town Center
Best for: Local life, budget living, authentic experience
Historic town center with traditional wooden shophouses, local markets, and government offices. Most affordable option with authentic Thai provincial life.
Laem Ngop (Port Area)
Best for: Island access, seafood, maritime activities
Port town 20km from Trat with ferry terminals to Koh Chang and other islands. Fishing village atmosphere with seafood restaurants and guesthouses.
Ban Hat Lek (Border)
Best for: Border trade, casino visits, international business
Border town with Cambodia crossing. Casinos, duty-free shopping, and cross-border business opportunities. More commercial but convenient for regional travel.
Khlong Yai
Best for: Beach access, quiet living, nature lovers
Coastal district with beaches and mangrove forests. Less developed with natural attractions and peaceful atmosphere. Good for nature enthusiasts.
Climate & Weather
Hot Season
Mar - May
30-36°C, dry and hot. Best time for island trips, clear skies.
Rainy Season
Jun - Oct
26-31°C, heavy rains. Ferry disruptions, flooding possible, rough seas.
Cool Season
Nov - Feb
22-28°C, pleasant and dry. Perfect weather, peak tourist season.
Things to Do & Attractions
- •Island Hopping: Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood - pristine islands with fewer crowds
- •Trat Old Town: Historic wooden architecture and traditional shophouses
- •Wat Bupparam: Beautiful temple with traditional Lanna-style architecture
- •Local Markets: Fresh produce, seafood, and traditional crafts
- •Mangrove Tours: Kayaking through pristine mangrove forests
- •Gem Mining: Traditional sapphire and ruby mining areas
- •Border Markets: Cross-border shopping and cultural exchange
- •National Parks: Mu Ko Chang and terrestrial parks with hiking trails
Cost of Living
Budget Living
฿8,000-12,000/month
- • Basic room: ฿2,000-4,000
- • Local meals: ฿60-100/day
- • Motorbike: ฿1,000-1,500
- • Basic utilities: ฿600-1,000
Comfortable Living
฿18,000-30,000/month
- • Nice house/apartment: ฿6,000-12,000
- • Mixed dining: ฿120-200/day
- • Car/motorbike: ฿3,000-5,000
- • Full utilities + activities: ฿2,000-3,500
Transportation
Getting to Trat
Bus: Direct buses from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (5-6 hours), frequent service.
Flying: Trat Airport with Bangkok Airways flights (45 minutes), more expensive but convenient.
Car: 315km drive from Bangkok, good highway conditions.
Local Transport
Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks connecting town areas and to Laem Ngop port.
Motorbike Taxis: Quick transport around town, drivers gather at designated spots.
Rental Vehicles: Motorbikes and cars available for exploring the province.
To Islands
Regular ferries from Laem Ngop pier to Koh Chang (45-60 minutes). Speedboat services to Koh Mak and Koh Kood available.
Cross-Border
Hat Lek border crossing to Cambodia (Koh Kong). Regular transport connections and visa services available.
Island Access & Marine Activities
Trat is the perfect base for exploring Thailand's most pristine eastern islands:
- •Koh Chang: 45-minute ferry to Thailand's second-largest island
- •Koh Mak: Peaceful island with crystal-clear waters and fewer crowds
- •Koh Kood: Most pristine island with luxury resorts and untouched nature
- •Diving & Snorkeling: Excellent sites around the island archipelago
- •Fishing Trips: Deep sea and reef fishing from local ports
Local Culture & Heritage
Trat maintains strong cultural traditions and historical significance:
- •Traditional Architecture: Well-preserved wooden shophouses from colonial era
- •Gem Trading History: Traditional center for ruby and sapphire trade
- •Maritime Heritage: Long history as fishing and trading port
- •Local Festivals: Traditional celebrations with authentic community participation
- •Khmer Influence: Cultural blend from proximity to Cambodia
Food & Local Specialties
Trat offers excellent seafood and unique regional specialties:
- •Fresh Seafood: Daily catch from Gulf of Thailand, incredibly fresh and affordable
- •Trat Noodles: Local specialty noodle soup with unique preparation
- •Tropical Fruits: Seasonal durian, rambutan, and mangosteen
- •Border Cuisine: Cambodian influences in local cooking styles
- •Street Food Markets: Evening markets with authentic local flavors
Expat Living Considerations
Trat offers authentic Thai living with some limitations for foreigners:
- •Language Barrier: Limited English, Thai language skills helpful
- •Healthcare: Provincial hospital, serious cases may require Bangkok transfer
- •Internet: Basic coverage, not ideal for heavy remote work
- •Shopping: Limited international products, basic amenities available
- •Community: Small expat community, mainly long-term residents
💡 Living in Trat Tips:
- • Perfect for those seeking authentic Thailand away from tourist masses
- • Learn basic Thai - essential for daily life and community integration
- • Use Trat as base for island exploration - much cheaper than island accommodation
- • Explore cross-border opportunities with Cambodia for business or travel
- • Embrace the slower pace - life moves differently in border provinces
- • Stock up on international products during Bangkok trips
- • Respect local customs and traditional way of life
- • Consider seasonal weather patterns when planning long-term stays
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