Trat province is located in the east of Thailand and has borders with Chanthaburi Province to the northwest, Cambodia to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the south. The provincial capital Trat is about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. Wat Buppharam or (Wat Plai Khlong) is the provinces oldest temple built around the reign of King Prasat Thong in 1648 A.D. A temple museum was established and the temple has become a local religious centre.

The province is subdivided in 7 districts (Amphoes). Mueang Trat, Khlong Yai, Khao Saming, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop, Koh Kut and Koh Chang. These are further divided into sub-districts (tambon) and villages (muban). The Cardamom mountain range forms the boundary to Cambodia in the east of the province, where Trat has borders with three Cambodian provinces, Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong.

The Weru River separates west Trat from Chanthaburi, like Chanthaburi. Trat is a very important ruby mining province. Its famous gem market is located in Bo Rai district, some 50 kilometers north of the Cambodian border.

The History of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, formerly known as Muang Thung Yai, Trat has played an important role in the development of countries stability and economy due to its strategic location.

The town has a large community of Chinese Merchants, in 1767 Trat served as a checkpoint and buffer city and was responsible for providing provisions to King Taksin the Great before he moved his navy from Chanthaburi to Ayutthaya, where he expelled the Burmese and liberated the Kingdom of Thailand from Burmese rule.

Wat Yotha Nimit or (Wat Bot) is the only royal temple in Trat. The temple was once used as a place to hold the oath of allegiance ceremony. There is an old ordination hall of Ayutthaya art serving as a Wihan called Wihan Yotha Nimit with many antiques.

The Shrine of the Towns Guardian Spirit, established by the Great King Taksin, the architecture is difference from other temples, being of Chinese design, Wat Buppharam located 2 kilometers from the City which was built in 1652 during the reign of King Prasart Thong in the late Ayutthaya era.

Baan Hat Lek beach is popular with travelers who are staying over before they move on to Cambodia or Koh Chang, idea to relax or explore the local market; Leam Ngob is located 17 kilometers from the city. You will find many piers offering boat and ferry services to Koh Chang, Koh Kradat, Koh Wai and Koh Kut, plus plenty of shops and restaurants.

Taan Ku Bay is located 12 kilometers from Amphoe Laem Ngob, the main attraction its long beach, fishing village and excellent seafood restuarants. Talat Ploy the famous Gem Market is where Thais, Cambodian and foreigners go to purchase gems mainly rubies located at Plloi Hua Thung, Talat Phloi Ban Sa Yai and Talat Phloi Nong Bon.

Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park is a collection of over 40 large and small islands. The island chain is situated in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 8 kilometers from the coast of Trat province. The main island is Koh Chang and measures nearly 30 kilometers long and is almost 14 kilometers wide.

The other main islands in the group are Koh Chang Noi, Koh Kut, Koh Mak, Koh Khlum, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Mai Si and Koh Rang. The park received status as a national park on 31st December 1982 to become the 45th national park in Thailand.

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park most of the area consists of complex mountain ranges, such as the Khaokaw Mountain Range, Tabard Mountain, Tachoat Mountain and Kampang Mountain. At the ridge of the mountains, 100 to 836 meters above sea level and is the border of Thai and Cambodia.

The highest peak is Khaotabath Mountain at 836 meters above sea level. The area is the source of canals such as Klong louk, Klong kaew, Klong hinpleang, Klong lue, Klong kajai and Klong malagor. The water in all of the canals flows into Klong sator and to the sea.

National Parks Thailand

Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok to Trat twice daily. The flight time is 55 minutes. Car, Taxi or Minibus is the most convenient way to travel to Trat from Bangkok or Pattaya to Trat. The journey takes about 4 hours from Bangkok and 3 hours from Pattaya.

Minibus and full bus services are available from Khao San Road Bangkok and can be booked through local travel agents in the area. Prices vary as some times there is ferry crossings included.

Ekamai Bus Station Bangkok is the main bus station for traveling to eastern provinces located opposite to Sukhumvit 63 (Ekamai) which is easily accessible by the BTS Sky train. Air Conditioned and ordinary buses depart from Ekamai Bus Station Bangkok for Trat every hour. The journey takes about 5 hours.

The main transportation around Trat is by Songthaews, pick up trucks modified for public transportation. They have two rows of seats at the back of the truck where passengers sit face to face and can accommodate up to 8 or 10 people depending on the size of the passengers.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Shopping in Trat tends to concentrate around the gem business and you will see stores selling red sapphires among other semi precious stones all over the province. Trat's markets are popular spots wherever they are.

Some markets are permanent structures with regular daily opening hours and others are more mobile. Most are interesting and some amazing bargains can be found if you care to take the time.

Trat town has many good sea food restaurants and food stalls, are idea for tasty Thai snacks. Many of the major hotels also have a good selection of western cuisine.

Trat features some good accommodation, such as spa resorts on the mainland and on the islands. The island resorts provide many leisure facilities, including scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling, kayaking, island excursions and sightseeing tours.

Trat province contains all over fifty small and large islands under its umbrella, which features long white sand beaches and amazing coral. The beaches of Koh Chang are particularly popular among all the other islands of this region.