Trat Sights, POI and Things to Do
Whilst most visitors only use Trat as a base for reaching the eastern coast islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood or Koh Mak, if you stay a little longer, you’ll soon discover that Trat has a lot more to offer than immediately meets the eye.
During our visit to Trat, we stayed for three days and nights, including a day in Trat town itself, plus two days exploring the southeast coast. This was plenty of time to get to know Trat, before making our way to the islands!
Temples in Trat
The best way to spend a morning in Trat town is exploring the Ayutthayan temple, Wat Buppharam, located 2km to the west of the old quarter. If you don’t have time to visit Ayutthaya, then this is your chance to make an idea what it is like. There’s also a small museum and plenty of artefacts and statues to explore in the grounds of the temple.
Wat Yotha Nimit is a royal temple and looks very typical with its traditional architecture though we do like the laid back atmosphere around it. Wat Phai Lom, on the contrary, is somewhat of a novelty with its unusual form. Come there to feed fish in the pond.
If you are ready to venture out of the city, then check Wat Khiri Wihan. It is located about 20 km east of the centre and dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, its slender white stupa piercing the sky from above the forested hill and allowing for some nice views.
Spotting Irrawaddy dolphins
If you happen to visit during November–March period, then 35 km southeast of Trat in Laem Klat there are Irrawaddy dolphins coming close to the shores. It is possible to hire a boat and go out for a dolphin spotting tour though sightings are not guaranteed. This activity is supported bu the Laem Klat Administration Organisation – contact them for more details.
Mangrove Forest Learning Centre
Mangrove Trails seem to be one of the favourite activities on offer throughout Thailand, and even if you have already done that before, a couple of hours spent wandering along the raised walkways in the mangrove forest are always a welcome break from the day’s heat. The walking trail here is not so long – about 800 m – but you can take a boat for a short trip through the mangroves and in the evening fireflies lighten up the trees along the canals – it is a wonderful experience. The centre is located about 6 km southeast of the town centre.
In the afternoon
In the afternoon, head for a tasty and cheap lunch at either a nearby restaurant or at the roofed market (Talad Sod), followed by a stroll around the charming old quarter. In the evening, head to the night market for some people watching and delicious street food, before ending the night with a cold beer or two at the popular expat hangout, Sea House.
Make a trip along the coast
It is also a good idea to hire a motorbike and ride down along the coast to the Cambodian border. Motorbikes can be hired from several guesthouses in Trat town, including Pop Guesthouse (THB200 per day). You will have to leave your passport as a deposit, and make sure to check the bike before setting off, as they might charge you for previous damage otherwise. Also, it’s essential to wear a helmet, as most of the journey is on a main highway, Sukhumvit Rd (Route 3). It’s advisable that you only make this trip if you have road and motorbike experience.
The road spans 90km from Trat town to the Cambodian border. Do some beach-hopping along the way, and do not miss our favourite spot, Ban Chuen. This beach is pretty much always deserted, and has beautiful clear turquoise waters – perfect for swimming and snorkelling. There is also a little fishing village close by which is a nice spot for some photos and for observing local Thai life.
At the border check Ban Hat Lek Border Market, where you can buy some souvenirs and trinkets. While it is definitely not the most colourful border market if Thailand, it still has that cosmopolitan feel to it which makes a quick visit to the market worthwhile.
Pampering yourself at Mairood Resort
We cannot but mention the gorgeous Mairood Resort which sits along the way to the border and is a perfect spot to pamper yourself wish you make a stop there. It feels just different to find such a relaxing spot literally in the middle of nowhere.
