
The many attractions of Trat


Trat province is situated in the eastern border of Thailand, about 400 km from Bangkok. There are 5 districts in the province, namely Muang. Khao Sam ing. Lacm Ngob, Klong Yai. BoRaiand 2 sub-districts; Ko Kud and Ko Chang,
Trat is close to Chanta Buri and Cambodia in the North and adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand in the South. The eastern border is separated from Cambodia by the Biintud Mount Range that runs eastwards from the middle of the province and the Wem River that separates west Trat from Chanta Buri.
There are 52 islands with delightful natural scenery including waterfalls and forests in the area, other than that Trat has little lo offer, except as a jumping-off point for the Koh Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets. Market fans will note that Trat seems to
old but no evidence indicating when actually built has been found. In the middle of the pond a km from the temple is an old church.
Wat Buppharam or Wat Plai Klong (meaning temple at the end of canaOSilualed in Moo 3 of Tarnbon Wang-kraeliae. two kms from inner Trat. It is the oldest temple in Trat. Built in 1652 this revered temple houses ashes of Lord Buddha, a variety of Buddha images and some age-old items of the past including an old Thai priest-house. The temple also houses a museum that records the cultural and trade relalionshipofTral and the western powers.
Island
Koh Chang Marine National Park
Koh Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknott n to the outside world. Fen people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call
forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.
Aiyapura Resort &Spa The private paradise of the AiyaPura Resort and Spa on the Tropical Island Koh Chang is nestling agreeably with nature and has the luxury of a 5 star Hotel Resort and it facilities. Virgin forest, tropical Fruit trees and Thai architectural buildings share the same space in Peace and I lamiony.
The moment you step into the AiyaPura Resort & Spa you will be welcomed by our Smile and Sen ice which can only be outdone by nature itself. Lush green trees are surrounding the gentle Hamlet which is laid out with Villas. Suites and
is just 45 minutes by the Bangkok Airways. The Resort is only 30 minutes from Ao Thamachart Pier.
excursion is neighboring
islands, Koh Rang, Koh Wai. and
several Islands, which arc all
easily accessible by boat.
Koh Mask
Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, about 40 kms. from the mainland is a group of 9 islands called ihe Moo Koh Mak. Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Mak, Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Mak. with an area of only 16 square kilometers and a 27 kms coastline, is the third largest island of the Marine Park.
It has a tlal terrain with plenty of coconut and
winds which sometimes limit sea transports to a group of islands. From May to October the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the west coast can be wet and stormy. Thus, occasionally unsafe for ferries and smaller boats. However, visitors can still visit the islands via the normally more popular routes, most of which are to the northeast of Koh Chang, anyway.
Some of the islands south of Koh Chang may be unreachable
is April, when the temperature hits an average high of 32.90°C but can reach as high as 38″C as recorded before. Towards the end of May till October is Ihe wet season, when you can expect more rain although not alllhetime.
The best season to holiday in Koh Chang is from November !o May mainly became of much more sunshine. Other periods of the year do attract visitors to the Koh Chang Marine National Park as well.even though they
rubber plantations. The main attractions are the long beaches and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here, most of them related.
on some days during this time. Seek the advice of experienced locals before embarking on an excursion to these smaller islands. From November to early May the weather is very safe because there are less rain and strong winds.
The province of Trat, host of the Koh Chang archipelago, is located within the Gulf of Thailand which has a tropical climate. The annual average tempera-
it “the last paradise islands in South-East Asia”. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a haven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.
Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true
Bungalows equipped with all
the amenities you could which
for.
Banpu Koh Chang Hotel.
A private resort on a white sand beach with the most breathtaking view of Koh Chang. For your personal pleasure, all
have more markets lor its size than almost any other town in Thailand – again partly due to the Cambodian coastal trade.
Ko Chang is the ideal location for a real rest as the weather there is very comfortable with the average temperature around 28 deg. Between May and October which is the period of south-western monsoons, the west coast is always stormy and thus, not safe for ferries travelling to the islands. November to April on the other hand is the best time to visit them. Climate
The weather in and around Trat and Koh Chang is very comfortable with warm temperature most of the time. The region is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern
are aware of possible rains and storms from time to time.
Trat attractions
The Lak MuangThe Lak
Muang is the shrine of the town’s spirit. In Thailand Lak Muang is an important feature of any town as it also represents the central foundation of the society. In Trat, this is situated near the Wat



ture is 27.3°C with an average high of 31.3°C and an average low of 23.2°C. Mid-November to February is the cool, dry season when the temperature is at its lowest, especially in January when it averages at 21″C. March to May is the hot and humid season.
The hottest month, as
with most parts of Thailand
hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.
It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket.
rooms have a seaside view and arc surrounded by lush tropical garden, Every house is created by crafted woodsmen, utilizing different arrays of fine choice wood, baked ceramic tiles, small stones and local trees of Trat province.
Ramayana Koh Chang Resort is located on the central tip of Koh Chang Island on Chaiyachet-Klong Prao Beach. The Flight from Bangkok
Ao Khao on the southwest is another spectacular site of fine beach with clear waters and great views of Koh Kood, Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Rayang Nok and the beautiful sunset. There are some reefs teeming with plentiful of fishes and is a favourite site for the anglers.
Despite its size and close
proximity to the capital,
Koh Chang is least known,
undeveloped, untouched,

Yothanimit. Trat’s Lak Muang features a Chinese shag. The shrine was set up by King Taksin the Great while fighting for independence against the Burmese after the fall of Ayutthaya. The shrine is a revered property of the Trat people. It is said that during the French conquest of the region an order was issued by the French commander to have his people remove the pole of the shrine. Having failed to extract it off the ground an elephant was put to task but the pole only slanted and stood solidly on the ground until today.
Wat Saphan Hin (meaning temple of the stone bridge) It is said to be at least 100 years
