Trat (ตราด) is the capital of Trat Province, Eastern Thailand. Trat town is the main centre for road travellers to the eastern islands of Thailand including Ko Chang, Ko Mak, and Ko Kood.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Trat is on the Cambodian border in southeastern Thailand. Some travellers will use Trat as an access point to Ko Chang, but most will use buses or vans that will deliver them directly to Ko Chang, bypassing Trat. Trat, formerly a vibrant traveller scene when all transport passed through town, has sunk into the doldrums according to most residents. Trat is at the southeast end of Sukhumvit Road, which connects it with Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chonburi, and Bangkok. There is regular bus service, taking 5–6 hours, to Bangkok's Ekamai Station for downtown Bangkok and Bangkok Mo Chit for other destinations in Thailand.
The town is sufficiently small to make walking the best mode of transport, although there is little to do besides explore the backstreets and relax. If needed, a motorbike taxi to just about anywhere in town, including to bus terminal, is 20 baht.
City Pillar Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อหลักเมือง). Different from other city pillar shrines because of its form as a Chinese pavilion. Every year on the sixth night of the waxing moon period of the sixth lunar month, there is a celebration called Phli Mueang Day (วันงานพลีเมือง), known among the Chinese as Xia Gong Sae Yit (วันเซี่ยกงแซยิด), which means "birthday of the city pillar God". Wat Buppharam (วัดบุปผาราม), Moo 3 Ban Plai Khlong, Wang Krachae Subdistrict. An ancient temple dating back to the w: Ayutthaya era (mid-17th century), recognized as the oldest and most beautiful temple of Trat.
Trat can be a starting point for a motorcycle trip to Ko Chang. Rentals of Honda and Yamaha motorbikes, in good condition, can be hired at the shop on Sukhumvit south of the market area (~200 baht per day). Drive south along Sukhumvit for about 45 minutes, and follow signs for the ferry quay. Be sure to top up with petrol before taking the ferry, as fuel prices on the island are rather high. Also, caution is required when driving on the island as the roads, although in excellent condition, are very steep and winding.
Across from the KFC in central Trat, and very close to the main bus terminal, there is a large indoor market with plenty of restaurants. A lively night market gets underway around 18:00 just north of the main market. Just north of that is a smaller market open all day offering snacks and local produce.
Oscar Bar, Thana Charoen Rd. Roughly 17:00 to midnight. One of the only places for the few expats to hang out. Run by the accommodating owner, Sao. Her opening time is variable. She will stay open as long as she has customers. No food, only beer and full bar. Also does laundry on the premises. She has a dryer, often required to dry clothing in Trat's damp climate. (updated Jul 2019)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Trat typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 29 rainy days.
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