Trat city itself is a quiet destination with not a lot going on. Most visitors head for the beaches both on the mainland and the islands when in need of some aesthetically pleasing sights. Koh Chang, the largest of the islands, is surrounded by fine scenery, but for nature at its finest and least disturbed, the smaller islands have the edge.
Koh Chang
The largest island in the province and the second largest island in Thailand, Koh Chang is a tropical paradise offering stunning coastal scenery, clean and relatively uncrowded beaches and lush forested wildernesses. The two kilometre (1.2 mile) long White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the longest stretch of beach and the island’s most developed resort. Waterfalls and untamed mangrove areas can be found with a little in-land exploring.
Koh Chang Naval Battle Area
When Thai and French forces were pitted against each other in the eastern border conflict, this area sitting to the south of Koh Chang island is where the fighting took place. On January 17th each year, a commemoration service is held at the site to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the battle.
Koh Kham
You can visit Koh Kham island by boat only from Koh Mak, and the greatest appeal of the destination is that there really is next to nothing in the way of human development here. The island’s single resort is not enough to detract from the magnificent tropical scenery on offer and provides accommodation for anyone wanting to stay longer than the usual daytrip. Snorkelling in the crystal clear waters off the island’s eastern beach is a must.
Koh Mak
With equally splendid scenery and only a little bit more in the way of development that neighbouring Koh Kham, Koh Mak is an island paradise for anyone wanting a holiday where peace and tranquility are prerequisites. Three small fishing villages, a school, a health centre, a handful of shops and a small selection of tourist accommodations are among the few signs of human presence on the island.
Koh Kood
The last of the islands near the Cambodian border, Koh Kood (also written Koh Kut) is the second biggest island in the Trat province after Koh Chang. Development on the island has not yet reached the point of spoiling it, so for natural sights with some essential visitor amenities it’s an ideal location. The waterfall Nam Tok Khlong Chaois worth a visit, as is the fishing village known as Ao Salat, situated at the northern end of the island.
Koh Kradad
Koh Kradad is another small island accessible from Koh Mak. Like Koh Kham, it’s home to a single resort, so its appeal is its peaceful ambience and unspoilt nature. The Koh Kradad Resort provides food and refreshments for visitors arriving on daytrips and overnight accommodation for those wishing to stay longer.
Laem Klat
This white sandy beach off the mainland is not quite as spectacular as those found on the nearby islands, but it is still well worth a visit, especially if you are looking for somewhere quiet with shallow waters for swimming and snorkelling.
