Trat is the capital of Trat province, located on the Cambodian border in Southeastern Thailand. Most travellers will use Trat as an access point to Ko Chang island.
Buses to Trat depart from Bangkok's Eastern (Ekamai) and Northern (Moh Chit) Bus Terminals (5 hours). From Ekamai buses run frequently throughout the day with the evening bus schedule less frequent at 17:30, 19:00 and then an overnight bus at 24:00. 1st Class is around 240B and the Government run bus has nice 2nd class (air-con but no toilet) for 188B.
If attempting to go to the border with Cambodia it is possible to take the overnight bus to Trat, arrive early in the morning and go straight out to the border by minivan(~120B) to cross over to Koh Kong for a morning bus to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh.
Regular connections from Chanthaburi and other provincial capitals are also available.
On the east side of the main market building is the local share-taxi departure area, you can't miss the blue cars and pick-ups. Departures toward most provincial villages leave when the vehicle is full, including those to Haad Lek. Connections from there are available onward to the Cambodian border and Koh Kong.
The town is sufficiently small to make walking the best mode of transport, although there is little to do besides explore the small streets and relax.
The ambitious traveller will use Trat as a starting point for a motorcycle trip to Ko Chang. Rentals of step-thru Honda and Yamaha automatics, in good condition, can be had at the shop on Sukhumvit south of the market area (~200 baht). 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 steep and winding - in the extreme in some instances. Carrying maps of Ko Chang and Trat province would be advisable, as the routes are not always clear.
Resident ex-pats have set up a few used bookshops which provide English and German books at fair prices. They can be found in the small streets south of the central market.
Trat offers some of the best value hotels and guesthouses in Thailand.
Travel a bit further down the side streets south of the market off the main road (Sukhumvit) to find the guesthouse area with more choices and a bit more character.