Thailand's far-eastern frontier on the Cambodian border — Ko Chang's beaches and waterfalls · pristine Ko Kut · snorkel-friendly Ko Mak and Ko Wai · mangrove fishing villages · fresh seafood · and the sleepy charm of Trat old town
Tucked against the Cambodian border about 320 km east of Bangkok, Trat is the jumping-off point for the Ko Chang archipelago — a cluster of more than 50 islands protected as Mu Ko Chang National Park. Ko Chang, Thailand's second-largest island, mixes long sandy beaches with jungle waterfalls; pristine Ko Kut feels like a private paradise; and laid-back Ko Mak and Ko Wai offer the clearest snorkelling water. Back on the mainland, mangrove fishing villages, fruit orchards and a sleepy old town round out one of Thailand's most rewarding off-the-beaten-track corners.
In Trat, where you stay means which island you pick. Most visitors base themselves on lively Ko Chang for beaches and nightlife, escape to pristine Ko Kut for honeymoon calm, or choose snorkel-friendly Ko Mak. The sleepy mainland old town is mainly a stopover on the way to the piers. Pick the island that matches what you came for.
Trat's busiest island — White Sand Beach and Klong Prao for resorts, restaurants and beach bars, with waterfalls and viewpoints inland. The easiest base, reached by a short car ferry. Stays in every budget.
The far-eastern island near the Cambodian sea border — powder-white beaches, coconut groves and barely any roads. Home to Soneva Kiri and boutique beach resorts. A speedboat away and gloriously quiet.
A flat, palm-fringed island between Ko Chang and Ko Kut — calm bays, easy cycling and the clearest water for snorkelling. Small, friendly resorts and a relaxed, car-free pace. A great mid-range escape.
The provincial capital on the river — wooden shophouses, a famous night market, cheap local food and the bus terminal. Not on a beach, but a handy, authentic and great-value overnight before catching an early ferry.
Selected for their locations across Ko Chang and Ko Kut — from a barefoot-luxury island hideaway to bright value stays near White Sand Beach. Compare prices across 3 booking platforms in one click.
One of Thailand's most exclusive island hideaways — vast private villas with pools hidden in the Ko Kut rainforest, a treetop dining pod and its own airstrip. The definitive Trat splurge.
A relaxed beachfront resort on Klong Prao with a big lagoon pool and easy access to Ko Chang's waterfalls and beach bars. A reliable, family-friendly mid-range favourite.
A stylish low-rise resort where a lagoon pool winds between villas down to a quiet stretch of Klong Prao sand. Polished, peaceful and great value for its tier.
Ko Chang's largest beachfront resort, with a long infinity pool facing the sea and direct access to Klong Prao beach. Full facilities and one of the island's most polished stays.
A long-running hillside-and-beach resort on Kai Bae with gardens, a spa and a quieter stretch of sand. Sunset views over the islets offshore and an easy walk to local restaurants.
A bright, friendly budget stay on Ko Kut a short walk from the beach, with a pool and a relaxed vibe — a perfect, well-located base for exploring the island without the luxury price tag.
Found your ideal base? Compare prices from three leading booking platforms — Trat has stays for every budget, from Ko Chang beach resorts to barefoot Ko Kut hideaways.
Trat's kitchen is all about the sea and the orchard — just-landed crab and prawns from the fishing villages, paired with the province's famous tropical fruit. From grilled fish at Bang Bao pier to sweet local rambutan, here is what you cannot miss.
Trat's signature treat — whole fish, prawns, squid and crab landed that morning, grilled over charcoal and served with a punchy seafood dipping sauce (nam jim talay). Best eaten on the stilts at Bang Bao or Salak Phet fishing village.
Signature DishWhole blue swimmer crab wok-tossed with egg, onion and fragrant curry powder until rich and golden — messy, indulgent and worth every minute cracking the shells. A staple of every Ko Chang and Trat seafood house.
Seafood FavouriteThailand's most famous soup, and never better than with plump Gulf prawns — hot, sour and aromatic with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime and chilli. A must on every Trat island seafood table.
Local StapleRaw Gulf prawns served ice-cold and sliced, drenched in a sharp garlic-chilli-lime sauce and eaten with bitter melon and fresh herbs. A bracing, super-fresh seafood appetiser that's at its best this close to the boats.
Fresh & SpicyA clear, fragrant noodle soup with flaky chunks of local fish and fish balls — a beloved everyday bowl in Trat town's markets. Light, comforting and the perfect cheap breakfast before catching the morning ferry.
Market BowlThe eastern provinces are Thailand's fruit basket — Trat's orchards burst with rambutan, mangosteen, durian and the local sweet-sour sala (snake fruit) each May–July. Grab a bagful at any roadside stall or town market.
Orchard SpecialtyTrat pairs barefoot island-hopping with rainforest waterfalls, coral reefs and stilted fishing villages. Here are the sights you shouldn't miss.
Thailand's second-largest island — long sandy beaches like White Sand and Klong Prao on the west coast, a jungle-clad mountainous interior, and beach bars, viewpoints and waterfalls all within a short ride.
Must-See IslandThailand's most unspoiled large island — coconut palms, near-empty white beaches, the Klong Chao waterfall and crystal water. A speedboat away from Ko Chang and a world apart in peace and quiet.
Pristine EscapeTwo laid-back islands with the clearest water in the archipelago — Ko Mak for cycling and calm bays, Ko Wai for shallow coral reefs you can snorkel straight off the beach. The classic Trat island-hop day.
Snorkel Day TripKo Chang's tallest and most popular waterfall — a short rainforest walk leads to a wide cascade tumbling into a deep, swimmable pool. A cool, refreshing half-day in Mu Ko Chang National Park.
Jungle & NatureStilted fishing villages strung out over the water on Ko Chang's south coast — wooden piers lined with seafood restaurants, dive shops and a lighthouse. The most atmospheric spot for a sunset seafood dinner.
Village & SeafoodA photogenic riverside grid of old wooden shophouses, little cafés and one of the east's best-loved night markets. A relaxed mainland half-day soaking up local life before or after the islands.
Town & CultureTwo days is a great first taste of Trat — day one settling into Ko Chang's west-coast beaches and a jungle waterfall, day two island-hopping to Ko Wai and Ko Mak to snorkel the reefs. Easy to tweak to your own pace.
Essential info and getting-around tips to help your Trat and Ko Chang trip run smoothly from the very first step.
Fly Bangkok to Trat Airport (TDX) in about 1 hour, or drive/bus ~5 hours via Chonburi and Rayong. From the mainland piers (Laem Ngop / Centre Point), car ferries reach Ko Chang in ~45 min and speedboats run to Ko Kut, Ko Mak and Ko Wai.
Carry cash for markets, villages and the smaller islands. Cards and PromptPay QR are accepted at larger resorts and restaurants, but ATMs are scarce on Ko Kut, Ko Mak and Ko Wai — withdraw before you leave Ko Chang or the mainland.
On Ko Chang, shared songthaews run the west-coast beach road and many rent a scooter (the hills are steep — ride carefully). Between islands you'll use scheduled ferries and speedboats, so plan crossings around the timetable, especially in low season.
Pick up a tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove or dtac) at the airport, or activate an eSIM before you board. 4G is good on Ko Chang and Ko Kut, but patchy on smaller islands and remote beaches.
Click any pin for details — plan your route with ease
Trat has stays for every budget — from Ko Chang beach resorts to barefoot Ko Kut hideaways. Pick your ideal base and start comparing right now.
A good trip doesn't end at one province — 3 eastern-seaboard destinations easily reached on the drive back from Trat.