Lying humbly on the Andaman coast, Trang is a land of unspoilt beauty, kind & friendly people, delicious food, amazing islands and paradise white sand beaches.
Located on the same line of historical settlements as Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket and Ranong, Trang shares the same traditions and heritage. In the early Ratanakosin period, Kantang, which is now one of the six districts of the province, served as the main port of the Penang-Phuket land route. There were two main routes of transportation for these five coastal towns at that time: the land route and the sea route. Kantang used to be one of the main seaports of the south and for this reason Kantang was the capital of the province for many years. Legend has it that ships from other countries always landed at Kantang port at dawn, explaining how Trang got its name. "Trang" is derived from a Malaysian word meaning "Dawn".
Trang used to be a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber from Malaysia and planted it here before anywhere else in southern Thailand in 1899. Rubber is now considered an important commodity of Thailand. The important Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range and the Palian River from the Banthat mountain range. Trang province has an area of approximately 5,000 square km.
As Trang is located next to the Indian Ocean, the province gets monsoons all year round, resulting of course in a lot of rainfall.
Trang, along with rest of the south of Thailand, has just the two seasons per year
According to cultural records Trang used to be one of 12 satellite towns that came into exsistence 900 years ago, but it was only during the era of King Rama II that the place was recognized and the province got its first governor. The first Westerner to arrive in Trang was Captain James Low in 1838 to negotiate commercial benefits. In 1915, King Rama VI visited the then provincial town and advised, due to strategical matters in regards to possible enemy attack, that it be moved to its now current location at Thap Thiang. The original meaning of the name _eTrang_f is unsure but many historians believe that it derives from the Malay word Trangkae which means _edawn_f.
Trang is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean with a long western coastline of about 119 kilometres. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time for sea travel is during October to May. Situated along the Andaman coast, Trang province is home to innumerable beautiful islands, while the mountainous eastern region is home to dramatic waterfalls, caves and pristine jungle. Between the mountains and the coast are extensive plantations of rubber.
Trang is divided into 10 districts (Amphoe) ; Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and Amphoe Hat Samran.
'''Distance between Amphoe Mueang and Other Districts'''
'''Travelling from Trang to Nearby Provinces'''
Buses, passenger vans and hired cars link Trang and nearby provinces, as follows:
#Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Highway No. 41 (Surat Thani-Thung Song- Huai Yot-Trang), total distance of 828 kilometres. #Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Ranong-Phang-nga-Krabi-Trang, total distance of 1,020 kilometres. #Highway No. 404-416 (Satun-Palian-Trang), total distance of 140 kilometres. #Highway No. 4-407 (Hat Yai-Phatthalung-Trang), total distance of 148 kilometres. #Highway No. 4-402 (Phuket-Phang-nga-Krabi-Trang), total distance of 312 kilometres.
Rapid and express trains depart from the Bangkok Railway Station to Trang daily, taking 15 hours for the 870 kilometres journey. More information can be obtained from Bangkok Railway Station at tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444 or calling Trang station at tel. 0 7521 8012. [http://www.railway.co.th]
Air-conditioned buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Trang everyday. It takes 12 hours for the trip. For more information, please call 0 2894 6122 or the Transport Co. in Trang at tel. 0 7521 8718 or visit www.transport.co.th. In addition, there are private bus services; namely, Sap Paisan Tour at tel: 0 2894 6040-1 and Sri Suthep Tour at tel: 0 2894 6166-8
Nok Air airline has direct daily flights to Trang with a flying time of 1.20 hours. For more information, please call tel. 1318, 0 2627 2000 or visit http://www.nokair.com
There are public passenger vans to Trang from neighbouring provinces. They leave when they are full.
Trang offers mortorised tricycles (Tuk Tuks) and motorbike-taxis for travel within the municipality. Travel between the districts can be done by buses, taxis, passenger vans or by renting vans from tour companies in the city.
There are four main terminals. To go to beaches in Sikao District such as Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, or Ban Chao Mai take the passenger van opposite Tha Klaang Market on Tha Klaang Road. To go to Huay Yod, Rassada, or Tung Song, take the passenger van at the church on Huay Yod Road near Thammarin Thana Hotel. To go to Tha Khao, Palian, Thung Yaaw, or Samran Beach, take the van near the sports stadium on Rassada Road. To visit the old town in Kantang District, the passenger vans are located on Kantang Road near Trang Train Station.
Trang has 3 main piers for island-hoppers, they are Pak Meng Pier, Ban Chao Mai Pier, and Kuan Thung Kuu Pier.
Pak Meng Pier on the beach of the same name is the major pier for boats. From there, there are regular boats to all the main islands. If the island of your choice is off the beaten track, then it is possible to privately hire a boat.
Ban Chao Mai and Kuan Tung Kuu Piers also have both regular and privately-for-hire boats.
Unlike its surroundings neighbours, Trang is predominantly Buddhist. The majority of the town folk is of Chinese ancestry and work in business. There are, however, in the rural areas, a lot of Thai-Muslims.
'''Manora or Nora (???????????????)''' is an art form native to southern Thailand. The performance has graceful and beautiful dance postures. The singer will sing the lyrics ad-lib. Therefore, he or she would have to be a quick thinker to find words that rhyme and that are meaningful in lyrics, dance and costume. Accompanying musical instruments include drums, cymbals, gongs, Java pipes, and castanets. Nowadays Nora has developed into incorporating modern instruments.
'''Shadow Play (?????????)''' is a popular art of southern Thailand. Dried animal hide is carved into drama figures like a hermit, a lord, a lead actor, a lead actress, a giant, and a clown. The figures are held up behind a lighted screen to create shadows on it. Nai Nang or the puppeteer will sing verses or narrate the performance. He must have exceptional reflexes and be able to narrate the whole story by himself. Musical instruments used are the same as for Nora, with perhaps So U and So Duang (stringed instruments) added in.
'''Li-kae Pa (???????)''' is also called Li-ke Bok or Li-ke Rammana. This type of performance is different from the usual Li-ke as the performers wear other kinds of costumes. Li-ke Pa is popular among Thai Muslims. Only 3 performers play in a single set the whole show. However, the set will have a location name change to correspond to the story being played. Musical instruments used include 2-3 tambourines, cymbals, gongs, and pipes.
'''Trang Tourism Festival (???????????????????)''' is an activity for the public relations of Trang tourism at the beginning of the tourism season. The event is held in the third week of January.
'''Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony (??????????????????)''' Activities in this unusual event include a welcoming ceremony for the brides and grooms (Thais and foreigners) at the Trang Airport, a bridal procession around town greeted by townspeople, and a dowry procession by long-tail boat to the diving site. A wedding ceremony is performed on the beach by means of pouring blessed water from a conch shell onto the bridal palms and followed by underwater marriage registration at a depth of over 12 m. The event is held on 13-15 February. For more details, contact the Trang Chamber of Commerce at Tel: 0 7521 0238, 0 7522 5353, TAT, Trang Office Tel: 0 7521 5867-8 or visit the website: www.tat.or.th/festival . To join the ceremony as a bridal couple, please visit www.underwaterwedding.com
'''Trang Food Festival (???????????????? ??????????)''' is held to promote delicious dishes of Trang province renowned as the city of food lovers. There are a myriad of food stalls of Trang restauranteurs offering dishes at special discounted prices. Various kinds of food including Chinese, Thai and local meals, as well as seafood are available. Additional activities are an eating championship and diverse forms of entertainment. The fair is scheduled for 30 March ? 3 April of every year at the Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Park 95 (Khao Pae Choi), Amphoe Mueng.
'''Trang Cake Festival (???????????????????????????)''' derives from the fact that Trang people are well known for making delicious cakes. This is particularly true for the villagers of Ban Lam Phu Ra where making cakes dates back generations. The cakes of Trang have no frosting and have several flavours like orange, coffee, three-flavoured, etc. The festival is scheduled for every August. The cakes make ideal gifts.
'''Trang Roast Pork Festival (???????????????????????????)''' is a tourism promotion activity of Trang, held every September. The festival features the mouthwatering roast pork of a special recipe of Trang. The pork skin is crispy, the meat is tender and it is delicious due to a process by which the pig is fermented with herbs then roasted whole on a specially made grill. Trang_fs roast pork is sold daily and goes well with morning coffee or can be a dish at banquets.
'''Moon Festival (???????????????????????)''' is a tradition long observed by the Chinese people of Tambon Thung Yao, Amphoe Palian, to commemorate the fight for the nation against the Mongols. A ceremony is held in late September or early October on the full moon day in the eighth month under the Chinese calendar.
'''Vegetarian Festival (?????????????????????)''' is a traditional festival of the Chinese in Trang, held around October every year on a full-moon night. Thais of Chinese heritage would become a vegetarian (no consumption of meat and certain kinds of vegetables) and dress in white for 9 days and nights. This is to bring good fortune and make merit. Throughout the 9 days and nights, the spirit in the _gmedium_h would go out and give blessing (some call it out touring) to households where there are offerings set out in front. The procession bearing the medium must light thousands of firecrackers, creating a deafening din. The medium would also perform supernatural feats to show that the spirit is in him.
'''The Buddha Image Procession and Trang Cultural Festival (?????????????????????????????????????????????????)''' is aimed to preserve, revive, and pass down ancient customs and traditions which are local uniqueness. It is held during the first and third days of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month (at the end of the Buddhist Lent). Activities include a contest of Buddha image boat floats, local sports competitions, Southern-style folk arts and cultural performances, concerts, entertainment, sales of Trang OTOP products, and merit-making for the Buddha image processions.
'''Four-wheel Drive Vehicle Competition (????????????????????????????????)''' (The Nature Adventure of Southern Thailand ? NAS Challenge) is an off-road circuit for members of off-road racing clubs in Thailand and from foreign countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc., with more than 100 cars participating. It is scheduled for November of every year. The circuits in use are in Trang town and other districts of Trang.
'''Taphao Shell Festival (?????????????????)''' is aimed at promoting the conservation of nature and the environment. The festival is held at Pak Meng Beach every November. There is a contest to gather Taphao shells.
'''Fishing Competition at the Trang Sea (??????????????????? _g???????????????_h)''' is organised around December of every year in the waters of Trang and Krabi provinces. More than ten categories of fishing are arranged for the game.
'''H.M. the King_fs Birthday Celebrations and Red Cross Fair (?????????????????????????????????????????)''' are an annual magnificent event of Trang, which has been continued since the reign of King Rama VII. It is scheduled for 5-15 December of every year at the Thung Chaeng Stadium in Amphoe Mueang Trang. Activities include exhibitions of agencies in the public and private sectors, sales of food and products, concerts, entertainment, naval Red Cross activities, etc.
Even though it is Malay in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself within the local culture.
'''Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi Monument (????????????????????????????????????????)''' is in Trang Municipal Park, about 1 kilometre from the Provincial Hall on the Trang-Phatthalung route. Phraya Ratsada helped to make Trang the prosperous city it is today. He developed transportation, agriculture, animal husbandry, education, and local administration. He was also the first person to plant rubber trees in the province, which contributed to widespread planting in southern Thailand.
'''Sa Kaphang Surin (?????????????????????????????????????)''' in Trang Municipality is about 2 kilometres from the Provincial Hall on Wian Kaphang Road. This is a natural pool of about 80,000 square metres. A concrete bridge spans the pool to three beautiful connecting pavilions in the pool_fs centre. The surrounding area is a public park. A zoo is not far from Phraya Ratsadanupradit Monument.
'''Somdech Phra Srinagarindra_f95 Park (Thung Nam Phut) (???????????????????????)''' is 3 kilometres from the city. Nam Phut Road is on the right of Tha Klang Road. The park has a lovely landscape and a magnificent view.
'''Phra Non Song Khrueang Nora (????????????????????)''' is at Wat Phu Khao Thong, Mu 1, Tambon Nam Phut, around 20 kilometres from the city. The Buddha image is in the death posture. The most distinctive feature is the head, which has a decorated headdress of the Nora dance called the Throet, regarded as a holy and royal ornament of the dance that is an indigenous performance of southern Thailand.
'''Khao Chong Wildlife Development and Conservation Promotion Station (???????????????????????????????????????????????)''' is approximately 21 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Phatthalung Road. This is one of the more attractive places of southern Thailand. There is an abundance of large trees, streams and waterfalls like Ton Yai, Ton Noi and Ka Chong. This is the first nature and wildlife study place in Thailand. In addition, the _gnature study trail_h is a walking trail ideal for studying nature up close. Signs along the trail provide information on the environment. _gThe Museum and Exhibition Building_h has exhibitions on nature and natural resource conservation. More information can be obtained from the station at Mu 7, Tambon Chong, Amphoe Na Yong, P.O. Box 4, Trang.
'''Khlong Lam Chan Waterfowl Park (????????????????????)''' is in Khlong Lam Chan Wildlife Reserve, 17 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Phatthalung route, then a right on the Ban Ka Chong-Ban Hat Lao road (Highway No. 4124) for about 1 kilometre. A large swamp in the park is the home of numerous waterfowls. The period when there is the most number of birds is January-March. The park is a peaceful place suitable for relaxation, tourism or overnighting. Permission must be obtained in writing from the Chief of Wildlife Reserve Section, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, tel. 0 2562 0760, 0 2561 4292-4 ext. 765. http://www.dnp.go.th
'''Na Muen Si Woven Cloth (????????????????????)''' is the most famous product of Na Muen Si, a Tambon in Trang. Currently there is a women_fs Na Muen Si weaving group that maintains the weaving heritage of the area. Visitors can see the group_fs works at its office that is on the same way as the road to Khao Chang Hai Cave, or about 5 kilometres on Na Muen Si Road. For further information, please contact the Amphoe Na Yong Community Development Office, tel. 0 7524 2431. About 300 metres away is the Tambon Na Muen Si Local Heritage Museum that is the local cultural centre to preserve local arts and handicrafts. Over 300 ancient utensils and artefacts are on display.
'''Tham Khao Chang Hai (?????????????)''' is 5 kilometres from Amphoe Na Yong Market in Ban Na Muen Si. The cave has a great deal of lovely stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes.
'''Namtok Ka Chong (???????????)''' is in Khao Chong Botanical Park on the Trang-Phatthalung Road in Amphoe Na Yong, about 7 kilometres from the district office. The majestic waterfall falls from a high mountain down a cliff and rocks. It is very popular with locals who visit it in large numbers everyday.
'''Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi Museum (????????????????????????????????????????)''' is around 200 metres from Kantang Municipality at No. 1, Khai Phithak Road, Tambon Kantang. It is the site of an important historical site, which is the _gold Trang lord_fs house_h or the house of Phraya Ratsadanupradit, the former lord of the province. The house is a two-story wooden building. Inside are a wax figure of the lord and a complete collection of his daily personal items. The Na Ranong family looks after the house. It is open to the public every day except Mondays (it is open on public holidays but closed the following day). Groups requiring a guide must contact in advance Kantang Phitthayakon School, tel. 0 7525 1100
'''The first rubber tree in Thailand (?????????????????????????)''' is along a road that leads to Kantang. This tree represents the first group of rubber trees that Phraya Ratsadanupradit planted to pioneer the rubber plantation industry in 1899.
'''Khuan Tamnak Chan Public Park (?????????????????????????)''' is located in the municipality of Mueang Kantang. The 250-acre park has beautiful surroundings. It has been developed to grow large trees and decorative plants. There is a rest pavilion and a parking lot for tourists. The park offers a great view of the sea and Kantang.
'''Hat Yong Ling and Hat San (??????????-???????)''' is on the way to Chao Mai Beach and a 2-kilometre road leads to Yong Lin Beach. This curved beach parallels a pine forest. At the beach_fs end is a high mountain with holes and caves that can be passed through to a cliff with more caves and rocks similar to a fortress encircling sand dunes. The beach is ideal for swimming and rest. There is a park headquarters and a tourist service centre.
'''Hat Yao (??????)''' is at Mu 6 in Tambon Ko Libong. This long beach extends from a mountain in the shape of a shark_fs fin to the north. Lovely sea pines line the beach. The wide beach is suitable for camping and there is private accommodation available.
'''Hat Chao Mai ? Tham Chao Khun (??????????-??????????)''' is a stalagmite/stalactite cave in To Nae Mountain near Ban Chao Mai. It can be reached by boat from Yao Beach onto Khlong Chao Mai for about 15 minutes. A small rowboat can go through the cave to a verdant mangrove forest where the cave is nearby. Visitors have to walk up to the cave to fully appreciate its beauty.
'''Ko Libong (????????)''' is in Tambon Libong and is the largest island in the Trang Sea with an area of 40,000 square kilometres. Around the island are seaweed and a large herd of manatees, large mammals of Thailand. It is also the home of a variety of native and migratory birds that are most abundant in winter. Ko Libong is part of the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve. The park headquarters is located here. The island has many capes and beaches such as '''Hat Tup (??????), Laem Chu Hoi (?????????), Laem Thuat (???????), and Laem To Chai (???????????)'''. People can walk across the beach at Laem Chu Hoi at low tide to Hat Tup (??????) where seabirds and mangrove birds from colder climates not found anywhere else are in great numbers. Many fishing villages are on the island. Most residents are Muslims. From Ko Libong, one can get a good view of Hat Chao Mai and Chao Mai Cape. To get to the island, take a boat at Hat Yao Ban Chao Mai Pier. A boat leaves every hour and takes 30 minutes to get to the island. The boat rent is 400 baht per boat. There is accommodation on the island. Please contact the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve, P.O. Box 5, Amphoe Kantang, Trang, tel. 0 7525 1932.
'''Kantang Hot spring (????????????????)''' is at Mu 7, Tambon Bo Nam Ron, around 10 kilometres from Kantang. This natural hot spring has a constant temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. It is an interesting place for health tourism.
'''Ko Muk and Tham Morakot (???????-???????)''' are the most prominent points in the Trang Sea. Ko Muk is mostly occupied by sea-facing towering cliffs to the west. Located on the eastern side of the island is a village of fishermen who have still maintained their ways of life as islanders. Visitors can walk around the island. On the island to the west is Tham Morakot, a dazzling sea cave. To access the cave, one must swim through a small entrance hole for 80 m. With light from the outside, emerald water can be seen inside the cave; it is unusual and amazing beauty by nature. Getting through the cave to the other side, one can see a clean beach of white sand encircled by high steep cliffs, and enjoy sitting in the shallow sea. Accommodation provided by private operators is available on Ko Muk.
To get to Ko Muk, tourists can take a boat from Pak Meng Pier in Amphoe Sikao for the 40-minute trip. The boat rent is around 2,000-3,000 baht/day. Accommodation is available on the island.
'''Ko Chueak - Ko Waen (?????????-????????)''' are small islands between Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. They are teeming with shallow and deepwater corals and many types of fish. Visitors can depart from Pak Meng Pier for the islands. Boats leave regularly using the same route as to Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. The 50-minute trip costs 2,000-3,000 baht/day for a chartered boat.
'''Ko Kradan (??????????)''' is the most beautiful island in the Trang. It has an area of 600 acres. Most of the island (5/6) is under the responsibility of Hat Chao Mai National Park. The rest are privately owned. The island offers good restaurants and accommodation for tourists. The most striking feature of Ko Kradan is its powdery white beach and crystal-clear water that permits a great view of the coral reef underneath that stretches from the beach_fs northern end to the coast. A variety of colourful fish inhabit the shallow water corals. Ko Kradan is to the west of Ko Muk and Ko Libong. Visitors can take a boat from Pak Meng Pier or Chao Mai Pier to Ko Kradan. The trip takes 1.30 hours. The boat rent is around 2,000-3,000 baht/day.
'''Hat Chao Mai National Park (????????????????????????)''' is a marine national park covering 2 districts that are Kantang and Sikao. The park_fs coastline is about 20 kilometres. The park headquarters is at Chang Lang Beach in Tambon Mai Fat, approximately 47 kilometres from the city. To get there, take the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng road (Highway No. 4046-4162) and then 4 kilometres more on a road paralleling the beach to the park headquarters. Land-based attractions of the park are beaches such as '''Hat Pak Meng (?????????), Hat Chang Lang (??????????), Hat San (???????), Hat Yao (??????), Hat Yong Ling (??????????), Hat Chao Mai (??????????)''', and a cave called Tham Chao Mai (??????????). All are easily accessible by car. Moreover, there are 7 other islands for which the park is responsible. They are '''Ko Muk (???????), Ko Kradan (??????????), Ko Chueak (?????????), Ko Pling (????????), Ko Waen (????????), Ko Meng (???????), and Ko Chao Mai (???????????)'''. The area was proclaimed a national park on 14 October 1982. The park also has the Marine Natural Park Education Centre, tel. 0 7521 3258 and the Tourist Service Centre. Accommodation is available on the island. For more details, please contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, tel. 0 2579 7223, 0 2579 5734 or Hat Chao Mai National Park, Mu 5, Tambon Mai Fat, Amphoe Sikao, Trang, P.O. Box 9, tel. 0 7521 3260.
'''Ko Ngai or Ko Hai (???????)''' is an island that is actually in Amphoe Ko Lanta of Krabi but it is classified as a tourist destination in the Trang Sea because it is easier to get there from Trang. The island has a white beach and clear water and is surrounded by magnificent corals. A boat trip from Pak Meng Pier takes about an hour. A boat can be rent at 1,500 baht (10 people) and 6,000-10,000 baht. (for 20-40 people) Accommodation is available on the island.
'''Rajamangkala Aquarium (?????????????????????????)''' is around 30 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng road (Highway No. 4046-4162). The large building is inside the Fishery Faculty, Technology Rajamangkala University, Trang Campus, Tambon Mai Fat. The aquarium has 61 displays, not including fishponds. The aquarium has both freshwater and marine fish, amphibians and the most realistic model of a mangrove forest. It is open daily during official hours. Please call tel. 0 7527 4169, 0 7527 4151 ext. 4011 or www.fishtech.rit.ac.th
'''Hat Pak Meng (?????????)''' is at Mu 4, Tambon Mai Fat, 40 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng road (Highway No. 4046-4162). The beautiful and peaceful 5-kilometre long beach is in the shape of a crescent moon. A lovely pine forest fringes the beach. Assorted large and small islands dot the sea, looking like a person lying face up in the ocean. Trang locals and people from nearby provinces like to come here to relax and sample spicy seafood in the restaurants. Boats from Pak Meng Pier take visitors to Ko Ngai and other islands close by.
'''Sea tour of Palian (???????????????????????)''' is recommended by taking the Trang-Palian road (Highway No. 404). The Palian coastline is a lovely, indicative of the extraordinary feature of the Andaman Sea. Famous beaches include Chao Samran and Ta-se. Interesting islands are '''Ko Sukon (????????), Ko Phetra (?????????), Ko Lao Liang Nua (???????????????????), and Ko Lao Liang Tai (?????????????????)'''.
'''Mu Ko Phetra National Park (???????????????????????????)''' is a marine national park in Amphoe Palian and Amphoe La-ngu in Satun. The area was proclaimed a national park on 31 December 1994 and comprises islands such as '''Ko Phetra (?????????), Ko Khao Yai (???????????), Ko Lanti (?????????), Ko Lidi (????????), Ko Bulon (??????????), Ko Lao Liang (??????????????), and Ko Praoma (??????????)'''. Access can be from Pak Bara Pier in Satun. The most suitable time for a visit is during December-April. There is tourist accommodation near park headquarters. For more information, please contact the National Parks Division at tel. 0 2561 4292 ext. 724-5 or the Mu Ko Phetra National Park at Mu 4, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Langu, Satun, tel. 0 7478 1572, 0 7478 3008.
'''Koh Lao Liang (??????????????)''' These two islands are twin island, located in between Koh Libong and Koh Petra. The color of the sea around Koh Lao Liang is emerald green. The sea between these two islands is deep and swift. Both islands are big limestone mountains. There are highly sloped cliffs on both sides. The beach has white sand with fine grain.
'''Koh Takiang (???????????)''' is a small island on in the group of south Trang islands. It is the island with only 100 meter long beach. The rest area is covered by rocks and hillocks. There is a lighthouse for chip in this region.
'''Koh Petra (?????????)''' is a rock mountain. There are a lot of high cliffs and sea gull. On the eastern part of this island, there are Petra beach and Kam beach. A huge rock separetes these two beaches. The beaches have the length of about 500 m. However, they are not so wide.
'''Ko Sukon (????????)''' is a Tambon in Palian, only 3 kilometres from shore via the Trang-Palian road (Highway No. 404). The island has many lovely beaches. In addition, it is renowned in the province for its delicious watermelons, which is abundant in March and April. To get there, take a bus on Trang-Palian route or a van from Amphoe Mueang for approximately 35 kilometres and cross a ferry at Tha Kham Pier (???????) in Palian. Boats leave twice daily at 10.00 a.m.and 2 p.m. The trip takes 40 minutes. Alternatively, embark a boat at '''Ta-se Pier (????????????)''' in King Amphoe Hat Samran by using Highway No. 404, turn right at Ban Na intersection and drive for around 18 kilometres and then left for another 7 kilometres or so. The total travelling time is 20-30 minutes. The boat rent is 700 baht for 10 people. There is tourist accommodation on the island.
'''Namtok Ton Te (????????????)''' is 45 kilometres from the city. Go on the Trang-Phatthalung road for about 17 kilometres, right onto the Ban Kachong-Ban Hat Lao road (Highway No. 4124) for 27 kilometres and left for 1 kilometre. This large and beautiful waterfall of Trang has water that drops down 320 metres of rocks. The source is in the Banthat Mountain Range. Assorted tropical flora covers the surrounding area. Visitors can go by car to the waterfall in every season.
'''Namtok Ton Tok (??????????)''' is 1 kilometre from Ton Te Waterfall along a walking trail. Streams flow through rocks large and small. Ton Tok offers a great view of Ton Tae.
'''Khao Pina (???????)''' is located in Tambon Na Wong, around 45 kilometres from town on Phetchakasem Road and another 2 kilometres off the main road. This hollow mountain looks like an upside down wok. Located at the foot of the mountain is Wat Pina. A flight of stairs leads the way to a cave of many inner parts and a panoramic view. On the rock shelter of Tham Champa, there appears an incision of the royal initials of King Rama VII.
'''Tham Le Khao Kop (???????????)''' is in Mu 1, Tambon Khao Kop, about 7 kilometres from the district office on Phetkasem Road, then 700 metres on a road on the left. This cave is truly a natural wonder. A stream flows through the cave. The cave itself looks like a high and steep cliff with layers of rocks. A canal from the Banthat Mountain Range divides into 3 waterways upon reaching Khao Kop, 2 going around the mountain and the other flowing through the cave under the mountain. Stalactites and stalagmites line the cave for about 4 kilometres. Currently the Khao Kop Tambon Administration Organization provides rowboats for visitors to view the cave_fs beauty and to be an eco-tourism and adventure activity by the locals. The fee is 200 baht for 6 persons or 30 baht per person. Please contact tel. 0 7550 0088, 0 7550 0117.
'''Southern Thailand Botanical Garden (Thung Khai) (???????????????????-????????)''' can be reached via taking the Trang-Palian road (Highway No. 404) to Km. 11. This is a new tourist destination for those interested in studying nature and flora in particular. Inside the park are a tourist service centre, a botanical garden, an herbal garden, a botanical library, a plant museum, and a technical meeting centre. The most important aspect of the park is the many nature trails available, all going through a lowland jungle, as well as a forest with many interesting plant species. Accommodation is available. Please call tel. 0 7521 8435.
'''Namtok Sai Rung (????????????)''' can be visited by taking the Trang-Phatthalung road to about Km. 17, turn right onto the Ban Ka Chong-Ban Hat Lao road for 15 kilometres, then turn left at the waterfall sign and continue for about 4 kilometres. This single-level waterfall falls from a high and huge cliff. The water turns into a rainbow as the sun shines through it.
'''Namtok Phrai Sawan (??????????????)''' is a medium-sized waterfall of 17 sub-levels. It can be reached by taking the Trang-Phatthalung road to about Km. 17, then turn right onto the Ban Ka Chong-Ban Hat Lao road and drive for 20 kilometres. Then turn left at the waterfall sign and drive for around 4.5 kilometres. Visitors can currently go for a 5 kilometres raft trip around the waterfall. Rubber boats are also available for hire.
'''Namtok Lam Plok (???????????)''' is a large 6-level waterfall. From here, one can see islands and the view of the mouth of the Palian River. To get there, take the Trang-Phatthalung road to Km. 17 and turn right onto the Ban Ka Chong-Ban Hat Lao road and drive for 26 kilometres where you have to turn left into the waterfall. The Khlong Lam Plok Hydroelectric Project is situated here.
'''Tham Phra Phut (??????????)''' can be accessed from Ban Ka Pang by turning right to Cha-uat and driving for around 10 kilometres. At the intersection, turn right and continue for about 7 kilometres. Inside the cave is a large reclining Buddha image and also a standing image decorated in the style of a regal southern Thailand dancer. Moreover, there are personal belongings of upper-class people like ceramics, lacquerware and old pottery. The origin of the items and the temple_fs history are shrouded in mystery.
'''Tham Phraya Phichai Soangkram (???????????????????)''' in Ban Nai Wang, Tambon Nong Bua, is a naturally beautiful cave that has plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. It is teeming with wildlife, especially _gHoi Lo_h or Lo snails that are edible.
'''Hat Samran (????????)''' is in Tambon Hat Samran, about 59 kilometres from the city. Take the Trang-Palian road and turn right at Ban Na intersection in Palian, and drive for 22 kilometres. This beach has a thick pine forest and offers a good view of large and small islands offshore. The climate on the islands is warm and breezy all day, making them great holiday spots. Tourists come here to sample fresh seafood and watch the life of local fishermen.
'''Trekking'''
For those who just love trekking, then they won_ft be disappointed if they try it out in Trang. The province is a haven for pristine forest, exotic wildlife and more than 20 virtually _eunseen_f waterfalls. Some of the most beaten trekking trails include:
'''Diving'''
Trang offers divers succulent coral reefs, amazingly clear water and an abundance of colourful marine life.
Unfortunately, most divers on coming to the south to dive fail to realize that Trang province offers diving sites on a par with neighbouring Krabi, Pha-nga and Phuket. So, Trang is ideal for those who wish to get off the beaten track and away from the tourist crowds.
'''Chaomai National Park''': This area, 20km in length, is said to have one of the best diving sites in the world. Among the 40 islands in Trang, Koh Kradan is considered the most awesome. Other popular islands for diving include Ko Chueak, Ko Ma and Ko Ngai. Wanna-be divers can get all the information they desire at one of the diving centers, otherwise they can arrange a diving tour to Trang while staying in Krabi.
'''Bird Watching'''
For bird watching, Ko Libong is the place to go.
'''Golf'''
For a game of golf, play a round at the course at the Sri Trang Golf Club. Prayarassadanupradit Army, Tambon Lam Phura, Amphoe Huay Yod, Trang 92190 Tel: (075) 203-319, (081) 891-4907
'''Spa & Massage'''
The major spa providers in Trang are:
'''Strolling along the city''' Trang is rich in its history as a commercial centre of Southern Andaman provinces. Take your time and walk along Rama VI street and the morning market. Chino-Portuguese buildings are on Kangtang Rd., and Lang Talad Rd. Don't forget to try Trang-style breakfast in local cafe, various kinds of Dim-Sum served with the famous Trang Roasted Pork, rice noodle with spicy soup, and a cup of traditional coffee.
In the provincial town visitors should check out the delicious local food offered at the Kang Som Restauarant and the Koteng Restaurant, on Rama VI rd. Simply delicious food served at ONe More....Smile cafe at Thumrin Hotel near Trang Train station. Friendly atmosphere and very reasonable prices. The cafe is very good place to relax and sip freshly brewed coffee. At Pak Meng Beach there are some stalls dishing up some sumptuous seafood and testing out the local Tao Teiy fish is highly recommended.
'''The Terrace (Beer Garden)''' ? Thumrin Thana Hotel.
'''Casper''' ? Huai Yot Road. Live Music
'''Cha Ngao''' ?Ploen Pitak Road. Pub & Restaurant and Live Music
'''Say yes pub (????????)''' ? Thammarin Thama Hotel .Very popular discotheques in Trang.
'''Wunderbar''' - Near the railway station. German / Thai ownership. Good western and Thai food. Lots of good cheese and Pizza. Good selection of German magazines and also Bangkok Post.
There are plenty of hotels in Trang town and lots of resorts at Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, Kradan island, Libong island, Mook island, Sukon island.
'''Ko Sukon (Sukon Island Amphoe Palian)'''
'''Ko Kradan (Kradan Island, Amphoe Kantang)'''
'''Ko Libong (Libong Island, Amphoe Kantang)'''
'''Ko Muk (Muk Island, Amphoe Kantang)'''
'''Ko Lao Liang (Lao Liang Island, Amphoe Kantang)'''
In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani. Trang also has a unique breakfast cuisine found nowhere else in Thailand.
Trang is a famous place, where you can find many delicious local foods such as Mhu Yang Trang (Trang-style roasted pork), Trang_fs cake, Trang_fs breakfast (Dimsum).
Local coffee shop (Ran Gafae) in Trang have their own special menu which you can try, such as Go pii (black coffee served with sugar), Go pii-Or (coffee mixed with condensed milk (if you don_ft like sweet, just say Mai Waan), Gafae Ron (instant coffee with cream), Go-pii Chaum (coffee mixed with tea, served with condensed milk), Ceylong (Tea from Sri Lanka with sugar). The other is the local breakfast, Ja Kuai (deep fried bread), Pa Tong Ko (Trang local sweet bread), Khanom-Jeep (local dimsum).
With the dim sum, fortunately, you don't even have to waste time trying to speak Thai to order, you simply eat what's there laid on the table and pay for what you've eaten.
Trang has a few local products which are popualr souvenirs : Suea Toei or Suea Panan (mats woven from screw pine), Muk (container for small things), ray leather products; namely, bags and shoes, basketry made of cattail stems, carved-wood products from Thep Tharo wood, para rubber toys, and _eNa Muen Si_f local woven cloth. Products of local food include Trang roast pork, Trang_fs cake, _eKhao Chong coffee, _eKapi_f or shrimp paste, etc. For more information, contact the Trang Provincial Industry Office at Tel: 0 7521 8699, Trang Community Development Office at Tel: 0 7521 8267, 0 7521 5109 or visit the website: http://www.trang.go.th
'''Amphoe Mueang'''
'''Amphoe Huai Yot'''
'''Amphoe Yan Ta Khao'''
Learn about the huge variety of lovely delicate coral there is in Trang and if you get the chance learn too about the different diversity of birds on Bird Island.
Types of nightlife available in Trang include:
'''Medical Facilities'''
The provincial town has two quality hospital which provides top-class service.
In all areas of Trang, clinics and pharmacies can easily be found.
Trang is ideal for retirees who want to retire in peace and quiet and lead a contented simple no-hassles life. The weather is ideal for those who are fed-up of the cold back home and want instead to enjoy tropical weather. The locals are renowned for their friendly nature, crime is virtually non-existent and the cost of living is dead cheap.
Local television, satellite TV channels are available. English language newspapers and magazines are available in some bookstores.
Landline telephone, satellite phone and all mobile phone systems are available at Sukhothai downtown and village areas. Internet can be had in hotels, resorts and internet cafes. There are Post Offices in every district.
The best time to visit Trang is between the months November to April when the area_fs climate is less hot than usual. During this period the island gets a lot of dry North Easterly winds, so giving dry blue skies and starry nights. Then, down on the beaches one can enjoy nice sea breezes. From June to November the area gets a lot of rainfall, more on average than the rest of the country. During this period the island gets a lot of moist South Westerly winds, so giving a mixture of dry days and wet ones. The sea stays at a warm 29 degrees Celsius all year round. Visitors however, coming in this period will find it cheaper.
'''Dos'''
'''Don_fts'''
'''3 Days''' '''Day 1''' : Take the overnight train from Bangkok and arrive in Trang in the early morning. Visit one of the coffee shops and have local coffee and dim-sum. Travel to Pak Meng Pier and take a boat trip to the stunning Emerald Cave at Koh Mook. After that go to Resort and check in and relax. In the evening, enjoy some local seafood.
'''Day 2''': Take a boat to Kradan island and snorkeling to admire the colourfully delicate coral and marine life. After go to Chueak island to snorkeling. Come back to Pak Meng and return to Trang Town. Stay overnight in Trang Town and enjoy some live folk music.
'''Day 3''': Get up early and have one of the delightful roasted pork breakfasts. Go to Tham Le Khao Kob, visit to the stalactite and stalagmite in the cave. In the afternoon, travel to Krabi.
Trang has tour companies offering tourism services and activities, such as canoeing, diving, and tour packages. Visitors can obtain a list of tour companies from Tourism Authority of Thailand, Trang Office, at Tel. 0 7521 5867-8
'''Amphoe Hat Samran'''
'''Amphoe Kantang'''
'''Amphoe Sikao'''
'''Amphoe Mueang'''
All Inclusive Car Rent offer the best deals for car rental in Trang.