Outdoor Activities
Trat is a holiday destination capable of appealing to all visitors, with activities on offer covering a broad base of interests. Its coastal location ensures plenty of opportunities for relaxing on scenic beaches or enjoying water sports, while some of the forested areas on the islands offer excellent trekking and hiking possibilities.
 Beaches
Trat is a coastal province overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and hence has no shortage of beaches. Head for Ban Hat Lek, Hat Ban Chun, Ao Tan Khu or the beautiful Koh Chang for relaxing days spent enjoying the sun, sand and sea. The beaches are family-friendly and present little in the way of hazards, making them ideal places for visitors of all ages.
Elephant Trekking
Tour operators on Koh Chang offer elephant trekking excursions through the islands untamed wildernesses. Besides the thrill of riding atop these magnificent beasts, visitors will enjoy the vast selection of flora and fauna on offer.
 Fishing
With the water on the province’s doorstep, there could not be more ideal conditions for angling enthusiasts. Though the local infrastructure is not especially geared towards fishing, those with their own rods and knowledge of sea fishing can take off under their own steam. Shops selling angling supplies can be found in the centre of Trat town.
Motorbike Touring
Easy to ride, step-through and automatic motorbikes (usually 100 or 125CC) can be rented for a very reasonable daily rate from outlets in Trat town centre, giving visitors the chance to explore the province at their leisure. Roads are generally in good condition (with some exceptions), and even complete novices should have no difficulties mastering the bike controls.
 Trekking
Trat does not have the highly organised trekking scene that is common to popular destinations in the north of Thailand; however, it isn’t short of suitable hiking territory and terrain. Visitors with suitable footwear and a good sense of direction will be able to make good use of the natural assets on offer. Koh Chang is still only partially developed and has some vast expanses of national parkland suitable for exploring.
Water Sports
The more developed beaches in the province, including many of those found on Koh Chang, have facilities for a wide range of water sports. Local operators based on and around the beaches provide the equipment and know-how to allow visitors to pursue activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing. Visit this website for further information about Diving in Ko Chang.
Cultural Activities
Temples dominate Trat’s collection of cultural attractions, offering splendid examples of ancient architecture and illustrating the country’s strong dedication to religion. Wat Bupharam is the highlight perhaps and one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples, while Wat Yotha Nimit is appealing to anyone with an interest in the local history of the province. For a break from religious buildings, check out the old building from the city’s brief period of French occupation.
 City Pillar Shrine
Lak Muang Road in Trat town is where you will find this well-known historical landmark that is easily recognised by its distinct Chinese influences. The pillar dates back to the time of King Taksin (the 18th century), when it was constructed under his orders for the purpose of protecting the city and providing a symbol for peace between the Thai and Chinese people. The pillar is the setting for various annual festivals including Phli Muang Day, held in the sixth lunar month.
Residanggamport Residence Trat city was subject to French occupation from 1904 to 1907, and during this time this building was the official residence of the French governor. The three-storey building became the residence of governors of Trat province from 1928 onwards.
 Wat Bupharam
The Plai Khlong Road turn-off from Sukhumvit Road, one of Trat city’s main highways, leads you to this famous temple that dates back to the Ayutthaya era. Believed to have been built some time around the mid-17th century, the temple has notable features including the wooden Viharn, said to be the oldest of its kind in the country, and the murals displaying Rattanakosin influences. An onsite museum features various statues of the Buddha plus ceramics of Chinese and European origin.
Wat Khiri Wihan
Among the city of Trat’s most impressive temples, Wat Khiri Wihan is a mix of traditional and modern architectural influences. The temple forms part of a complex in which an ordination hall, reception hall, preaching hall and Chinese pavilion are situated.
Wat Yotha Nimit
Wat Yotha Nimit on Thetsaban 4 Road in Trat city is sometimes referred to as Wat Bot and is a historically interesting structure, having been used in the time of King Taksin (18th century) and later for government oath of allegiance ceremonies.
Wat Saen Tum
Located in the Amphur Khao Saming district, Wat Saen Tum is a Buddhist temple retreat set in shady forested grounds away from the noise of the city. South of the main temple building is an ancient site referred to as Khao To Mo, on which structures believed to be of Khmer origin have been unearthed.
Dining & Shopping
 Like most places in Thailand, Trat is not short of places at which to dine, reflecting the national love of and preoccupation with food. Eateries come in all categories from roadside vendors to upmarket restaurants, and the selection of food on offer is as varied as the prices you can pay for it. Generally, eating out is a cheap experience in Trat, especially if you frequent those places preferred by the locals as opposed to those specifically targeting tourists.
Close to the main bus terminal in town, visitors will find an indoor market at which stalls offer a broad range of Thai food from rice and noodle dishes to spicy Thai salads. Fish and seafood are prevalent on account of Trat’s proximity to the water. If you crave something with a western flavour then you’ll find the city has a few fast food joints on hand including KFC and McDonalds. Otherwise, try the more expensive hotels in the province, where European dishes are a common feature.
 If you enjoy shopping then bear in mind that Trat is best-known as a gem-retailing province, and Trat city has plenty of outlets selling semi-precious stones. A red stone known as the ‘Siamese ruby’ was once the province’s most famous gem, but these days they are considerably less common and likely to fetch a high price if you do find them.
Around the town centre in Trat, you’ll find plenty of markets selling locally made goods cheap, as well as edible products. There isn’t much available in the way of branded stores or outlets selling imported goods, but there are branches of the ubiquitous Tesco Lotus, at which you can buy all your essentials and more besides.
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