Trat is the province situated at the east border of Thailand, 315 kilometers from Bangkok. The town occupies the area of 2,819 kilometers or 1,761,875 rai. In the province, there are 5 districts, namely Muang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngob, Klong Yai, Bo Rai and 2 sub-districts; Ko Kud and Ko Chang.
The province is close to Chanta Buri and Cambodia in the North and adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand in the South. The east is separated from Cambodia by Buntud Mount Range eastwards from the middle of the province. Weru River separates the west Trat from Chanta Buri.
Climate
Ko Chang is the ideal location for the real rest as the weather there is very comfortable with the average temperature not too cold or too hot. Ko Chang is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern storms. That triggers limitations to the water transportation to the group of islands. Between May and October which is the period of southwestern monsoons, the west coast is always visited by storms and thus, not safe for ferry boats.
Between November to April is very safe since there are quite a few storms. Most of Trat areas lie in the Gulf of Thailand. This makes the province abundant with tourism resources. Trat has as many as 52 islands, especially Ko Chang include sea, waterfalls and forest. The province is also the source of red sapphire, fine shrimp paste and sweet rakum, a kind of palm of genus Zalacca with sweet and acid taste.
History
It was surmised that the title "Trat " was a corruption of "Krat" which is the name of a tree plenty in Trat Province and used in broom production. In Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Naresuan, the town was called "Baan Bang Pra." While King Rama V was on the throne, Thai government inevitably made a treaty with France granting the area of current Trat Province to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanta Buri Province.
Later, on March 23, 1906, the King had to grant areas, namely Pratabong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat, islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong River. Thus, Trat residents regard March 23 as the "Independence Day of Trat" and organize "Trat Recalling Day" every year. They also built up King Rama V Monument at the City hall to commemorate the King's attempt to keep Trat with Thailand.
On January 17 1941, during Indochina War, French Squadron transgressed Thailand's territorial waters. Thai Flotilla came to protect the land. Thus, the war which was later known as "Ko Chang Naval Battle" began. Thai Troop won and managed to drive out French Squadron. however, Thai side lost three warships, namely Songkhla, Chonburi and Thonburi as well as some naval officers. Therefore, on the date of every year, Thai Naval Army holds the annual merit-making day to dedicate to those who sacrificed their lives in their effort to protect the country.
Koh Chang Weather
Koh Chang, like the rest of Thailand, has 2 seasons, the rainy season here lasts from June until October and the dry season from November until May. Most visitors are on the island between December and March, this is also the best time for a stay, since the temperatures rarely exceed over 30?Celsius. In November and December it can become occasionally quite cool because of the wind in the evening and at night. The month with the most rainfall is August with an average 700 mm.
Some Bungalow-Resorts close during the monsoon season, but most resorts are open all year round.
How to get there
By Bus
Both air and non-air-conditioned (orange ones)
buses depart from Ekamai Bus Terminal for Trat many times a day.
Bangkok - Trat
Ordinary or non-air-conditioned buses
TEL. (02) 3912504
03.30, 05.30, 06.30,08.00, 12.30, 23.00
Chantaburi-Trat
Ordinary buses depart Chanta Buri and Trat every half an hour since 05.50 until 14.30 Chanta buri to Trat which take about one and a half hour, additional buses are set at 15.45, 16.20 and the last trip at 17.30. The fare is 22 Baht.
By Car
Two ways from Bangkok: Bangna-Ttrat (Highway No.3 ) which passing Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanta Buri. The distance is 385 Kms long.
Bangna-Chonburi-Klaeng-Chanta Buri (Highway No. 344). The distance is 315 Kms in length.
Koh Chang Marine National Park
is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call it "the last paradise islands in South-East Asia". A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a heaven 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 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. Despite its size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.
Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population.There are few thoughts of modernization.
The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.
The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a spectacular work of nature's art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.
Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.
Be the first to discover the secret wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park.
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Climate
Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.
