Trat

The far east of Thailand, Trat borders the Gulf of Thailand to the south and Cambodia to the east. Its location makes for a convenient transit point between Thailand and Cambodia’s popular beach resort, Sihanoukville, as well as other up-and-coming destinations like Battambang. However, the city is far more than a transportation hub and you’ll be missing out if you don’t hang around.

While the city area is a quiet and unassuming, Trat is blessed with over 50 islands, some of them among the most beautiful in Thailand. The 3 most popular islands are Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak, where you can enjoy not only sea, sand and sun but also rich marine life, greenery and local ways of life. From Bangkok to the islands in Mu Koh Chang National Park, it takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus and then a 45-minute ferry ride. Quite a long journey, but it’s very worth it. If you feel the need for speed, Trat Airport is served by direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport, though it’s a much pricier option.

Other islands and some inland attractions, especially eco-friendly community-based tourism, have also been making a name for themselves among Thai travelers, so be sure to put them on your travel plan. Check out these top things to do in Trat, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

Sa Kaeo

Highlights

Lalu
Rong Kluea Market
Namtok Pang Sida
Wat Nakorntum

Sa Kaeo is an eastern border province of Thailand, located approximately 245 kilometres from Bangkok. In the past, it was an important and prosperous community with a History dating back to the Dvaravati Kingdom, observable from the remains of ancient monuments scattered across the province, as well as artefacts that shed light on the history and glory of Sa Kaeo’s ancestors.

Apart from Historical remains worthy of study, Sa Kaeo also possesses abundant natural resources, such as Pang Sida and Ta Phraya National Parks, as well as unique, canyon-like soil sculptures called “Lalu” that are caused by ground subsidence.

At the Thai border in Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo serves as a gateway to Cambodia, connecting international commercial transport and tourism at a hectic border crossing. As a result of the massive influx of goods and people passing back and forth, Rong Kluea Market offers both cheap and second-hand products from the two neighbouring countries.

Key Tips

 When crossing from Thailand into Cambodia, be aware that there are many con-artists, including bus and taxi drivers and operators offering cheap trips to Siem Reap.

Chanthaburi

Highlights

Wat Thong Tua
Khao Khitchakhut National Park
Sri Chan road for gem markets
Pliew Waterfall

Chanthaburi, the capital of the province bordering Cambodia to the east, was occupied by the French during the end of the 19th century. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings within Chanthaburi town, including the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand, which to this day caters to a sizeable Christian population, many of whom are ethnic Vietnamese, who migrated to Thailand in the 20th century.

Wat Thong Tua is a Temple where a 100-year pagoda situated. This temple is a place reserving antiques and ancient lintels in Thalaboriwat style. Sri Chan road is well-known as the Gem Road for trading gems and Jewellery. It is one of the big gem markets in Thailand.

Every January – March, people go worshipping Buddha’s footprint at the mountain in Khao Khitchakhut national park. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists to practise their patience and minds.

If you want to go somewhere fresh and cool, you should go to Pliew waterfall. It is a 3-level waterfall with a basin of Cool and clear water. You can enjoy feeding Cave fish there. Trok Nong Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall with the River flowing throughout the year. There is also a campsite for adventurers.

Chachoengsao

Highlights

Wat Sothornvararamvaraviharn – it is the temple where the important Buddha image ‘Luang Phor Sothorn’ is enshrined.
Ganesha Park Khlong Khuean – the world’s biggest standing Ganesha statue is located in the park.
Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary – it is said that the place is the last habitat of Siamese crocodiles.
Bang Khla Floating Market – the well-organized river market offers you various kinds of food.
Mini Murrah Farm – it is an agricultural attraction including farms of Murrah buffaloes, rabbits, and other animals.

Chachoengsao is an old town by the Bang Pakong River popularly known as “Pad Riew”, bordering Bangkok. Travelling to Chachoengsao province does not take long.

When talking about Chachoengsao province people tend to think of the province’s priceless monk, “Luang Phor Sothon”, an important Buddha statue of Thailand. In addition, Chachoengsao province is famous for its mangoes. During the mango season, Fruits Festivals are held every year.

Currently, in Chachoengsao province, there are many great religious buildings built together that attract new tourist over the year.

Rayong

Rayong is a suitable City of visitors who love Beaches, seas, wind, sunlight and Islands. Koh Samet is the island for beach lovers. Hat Sai Kaew is a beach for having fun and parties, while Hat Praow gives you a peaceful beach. Visitors can also enjoy chilling view in on the beach in the mainland by going to Mae Pim cape for a stunning view. They can also go swimming with clear water and gentle waves.

Once visiting Rayong, you cannot miss eating fresh Seafood which is available along the beaches and in the restaurants. Shrimp Paste, dried salted shrimp, dried squid and salted fish from Ban Phe market are popular products which are well-packed for convenient transport.

Apart from tourist attractions, Rayong owns joyful festivals and traditional activities especially Rayong Fruit Festival occurring annually during May when fruit reaches its peak season. There are a lot of activities such as fruit parade, fruit competition, Miss Fruit Gardener Contest, and also selling fruits at a cheaper price.

travel Tips

– The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.

Chonburi

Highlights

Khao Sam Muk
Bang Saen Beach
Pattaya Beach
Nong Mon Market
Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Chonburi, Bangkok’s nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometres from the capital. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful Beaches, Local traditions, regional delicacies, and fresh Seafood. This is a popular coastal province among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules, escaping particularly frequently to the seaside resort of Pattaya, though Chonburi’s smaller, quieter seaside towns are also quite popular with foreigners and Thais alike. In addition to tourism, Chonburi is the centre of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and Fishing villages.

Tourist attractions in Chonburi, Thailand, can serve all types of visitors. The adventurous may choose to visit Khao Sam Muk, where there are a Chinese shrine and cactus Gardens on the hilltop and many wild monkeys along the hillsides. Chonburi is also a heaven for beach lovers, with hotspots like Bang Saen, Pattaya, and Ko Lan. Nong Mon Market is where you can shop for local souvenirs such as handcrafted products and delicious foods like Ho Mok or Thai steamed fish curry, Khao Lam or sweet sticky rice in bamboo, sweet banana and taro chips, and candied fruits.

Other suggested places in Chonburi travel guides include JomTien Beach, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Prasat Sajja Tham (Sanctuary of Truth), Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Four Regions Floating Market, Ko Si Chang, Ko Samae San, and Mini siam.