Trang is a coastal province of Thailand with 199 kilometres of coastline along the Andaman Sea. Its character is reflected in its beaches and islands, as well as its rainforests, wetlands and places with a history of railways, administration and handicrafts. When planning your trip, it’s worth first considering whether the sea, nature or culture will shape your stay.
Sea, islands and coastal landscapes
Hat Chao Mai National Park extends across the districts of Kantang and Sikao. Its landscapes include limestone areas, mangroves, seagrass, islands and about 20 kilometres of coastline. At Pak Meng Beach, the landscape is defined by a crescent-shaped beach around five kilometres long and natural pine groves. Ko Kradan offers fine white sand, clear water, and coral and sea fan reefs along the coast. Ko Muk is known for its sandy beaches. Tham Morakot, also called Morakot Cave, takes its name from the emerald-green water inside the cave.
Pak Meng Pier offers day boat trips to Trang’s island destinations, including Ko Muk with Morakot Cave, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak and Ko Ngai. Packages can be booked with operators at the pier or in Trang. As operators and schedules may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest options in advance. Ko Chueak and Ko Waen offer scuba diving and snorkelling over colourful coral in both shallow and deeper water; sea conditions vary. Hat Yao Pier is a ferry port for trips to Trang’s islands. Check the latest connections there, too.
Nature from wetlands to parkland
In Yan Ta Khao District, several nature trails at the Southern Thailand Botanical Garden (Thung Khai) pass through lowland rainforest and peat swamp. These two habitats offer a different focus from the coast and provide another way to experience nature in Trang. Sa Kaphang Surin is in Trang Town Municipality: a natural pool of about 80,000 square metres surrounded by a public park. In the wider area, dugongs are more often spotted around Ko Libong, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Kantang: railway station and history
Kantang Railway Station is over 100 years old, the last railway station on the Andaman coast, and registered as an ancient monument. A royal residence is preserved on a hill in Khuan Tamnak Chan Park in Kantang Town Municipality. Remains from the Second World War preserved there include a cannon, a trench, a bunker and a tunnel. The Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi Museum is housed in the former two-storey wooden home of Trang’s former provincial governor. The museum includes a wax figure and the governor’s personal belongings.
Handicrafts, remembrance and local events
At the Na Muen Sri Weaving Museum, visitors can learn about the history of local weaving and see the associated tools. Check the latest opening hours before visiting. The First Rubber Tree in Thailand represents a group of trees planted by Phraya Ratsadanupradit in 1899 to promote Thailand’s rubber plantation industry. The Trang Roast Pork Festival also has a historical dimension: it was first held in 1990. The series, documented up to its 22nd edition, took place on the first Sunday in September and included Trang roast pork stalls and a parade. Check event information for current dates.
Accommodation and trip planning
Visitors can find accommodation and campsites in Hat Chao Mai National Park; check their current availability before travelling. This way, you can start your selection with the experiences that interest you rather than with a blanket recommendation for the entire province.
Discover more destinations: Bo Hin, Amphoe Kantang, Ko Sukon, Ko Libong, Trang, Bo Nam Ron, Bang Sak, Mai Fat, Wang Won, Yan Ta Khao.
For the broader travel overview: Thailand.
