Trat
ตราด · Trat Province
Population
25K
Budget / Month
$270
Internet
50 Mbps
Best Season
November to April
About Trat
Trat is one of Thailand's most charming small towns, perpetually overlooked as travelers rush through to catch the ferry to Koh Chang. Those who stop discover a gem — literally, as Trat has been a trading center for rubies and sapphires for centuries, with a bustling gem market that still operates.
The old town features well-preserved wooden shophouses, a lively guesthouse scene, and excellent local markets. Trat province shares a border with Cambodia at Hat Lek, making it a popular overland crossing point. The town sits at the edge of a mangrove-lined coast with a scattering of small islands beyond.
It rains more here than almost anywhere in Thailand, which keeps the landscape impossibly green and the air fresh. For travelers who appreciate small-town authenticity, Trat rewards a stay of a night or two.
Historical Note
Trat has been a gem trading center for centuries, with rubies and sapphires from the region's mines. The province has long served as a gateway between Thailand and Cambodia.
Best time to visit: November to April
At a Glance
Thai Name
ตราด
Province
Trat
Region
Eastern
Population
25,000
Area
2,819 km²
Elevation
5 m
Postal Code
23000
Airport
TDX
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month9,800 THB
~$270 USD
comfortable
/month19,700 THB
~$545 USD
luxury
/month36,500 THB
~$1,015 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 35 | 60 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 100 |
| Seafood restaurant meal | 120 | 300 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 45 | 90 |
| Large beer | 50 | 75 |
| Water 1.5L | 12 | 18 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse per night | 200 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,500 |
| Best hotel per night | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Monthly room | 3,500 | 10,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew to pier | 50 | 80 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 200 | 300 |
| Ferry to Koh Chang | 80 | 120 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 150 | 250 |
| Laundry per kg | 30 | 40 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
25% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for the driest weather. May to October brings heavy rain, though the landscape is lush and green.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 15 | 70% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 30 | 70% |
| Mar | 34 | 24 | 65 | 72% |
| Apr | 35 | 25 | 100 | 75% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 300 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 400 | 85% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 420 | 86% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 450 | 87% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 400 | 86% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 300 | 84% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 100 | 78% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 25 | 72% |
Things to Do
Trat Gem Market
Weekend gem trading market where dealers spread rubies, sapphires, and other stones on folding tables.
Trat Old Town
Walk the wooden shophouse streets, visit the indoor market, and explore converted traditional guesthouses.
Trat Night Market
Excellent local night market with fresh seafood, local snacks, and Thai desserts at very low prices.
Ban Nam Chieo Mangrove Village
Community ecotourism village with boardwalks through pristine mangrove forests, kayaking, and firefly watching tours.
Wat Buppharam
วัดบุปผาราม
Beautiful old temple with a wooden viharn and well-maintained grounds.
Hat Lek Border Crossing
Cross into Cambodia's Koh Kong province. Border market and overland route to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh.
Yellow Oil Museum
Small museum dedicated to Trat's traditional yellow herbal oil (ya mong), a famous local product.
Food & Dining
หมูหวาน
Mu Wan (Sweet Pork)
Trat's signature dish — pork belly braised in palm sugar until dark and caramelized.
40-80
Morning market and local restaurants
เส้นจันทน์ผัดปู
Sen Chan Pad Pu (Noodles with Crab)
Thin rice noodles stir-fried with fresh crab meat — an eastern Thailand specialty.
60-120
Seafood restaurants
ปลาเค็มทอด
Pla Khem Tod (Fried Salted Fish)
Salted sun-dried fish deep-fried crispy — a coastal fishing community staple.
40-80
Market stalls
ขนมจีนซาวน้ำ
Kanom Jeen Sao Nam
Cold rice noodles with sweet-savory coconut and pineapple topping — refreshing eastern Thai specialty.
30-50
Morning market
ผลไม้ท้องถิ่น
Local tropical fruits
Excellent durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and snake fruit — Trat rivals Chanthaburi for fruit quality.
30-100
Fruit stalls and markets
Night Markets
- Trat Night Market
Food Streets
- Old town market area
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
200 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,500
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,500 - 6,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
5,000 - 10,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Trat's guesthouses are famously atmospheric — converted wooden houses with character. Ban Jaidee and Rimklong Boutique are popular choices.
Getting There from Bangkok
Trat Airport
Airport Code: TDX
Bus
5-6 hours
250-350 THB
Flight (Bangkok Airways)
1 hour
2,500-5,000 THB
Minivan
5 hours
300-400 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadTown center is compact and walkable
0
Motorbike taxi
WidespreadFor short trips around town
20-40
Songthaew
LimitedTo ferry pier at Laem Ngop
50-80
Motorbike rental
WidespreadUseful for exploring outside town
200-300/day
Neighborhoods
Trat Old Town / Guesthouse Area
Charming and authenticAtmospheric heart with narrow streets, wooden shophouses, small cafes, and traveler-friendly guesthouses.
Best for: Atmosphere and accommodation
Market District
Bustling and localCentered around the municipal market with morning food and fresh produce. Night market nearby.
Best for: Food
Laem Ngop
Transit hubFerry departure area about 17 km from town with seafood restaurants and a historical monument.
Best for: Ferry connections to Koh Chang
Festivals & Events
Trat Gem and Jewelry Festival
Annual celebration of the province's gem trading heritage with exhibitions and gem sales.
Trat Fruit Festival
Local orchards open for tours and tastings of durian, mangosteen, and rambutan.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Small-town Songkran is more intimate and family-oriented than big city events.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathongs on the Trat River — beautiful and uncrowded.
Practical Info
Hospital
Trat Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Very little English outside guesthouses. Basic Thai is essential.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Chang
Thailand's second-largest island, a 30-minute ferry ride from Laem Ngop.
Chanthaburi
Beautiful riverside old town, gem market, French-influenced cathedral, and excellent food.
Ban Nam Chieo Mangrove Village
Community ecotourism with mangrove walks, kayaking, and evening firefly boat trips.
Koh Mak / Koh Kood
Quieter islands beyond Koh Chang — Koh Kood is particularly pristine.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Trat or go straight to Koh Chang?
If you enjoy small-town atmosphere, spend at least one night. Trat has more character than most gateway towns.
Is the gem market worth visiting?
Yes, as a cultural experience. Watching dealers examine stones under loupes is fascinating. Buying requires expertise — observe, do not purchase casually.
Can I cross to Cambodia from Trat?
Yes. Minivans run to the Hat Lek / Cham Yeam border crossing. Cambodian visa on arrival is available for most nationalities.
Is Trat Airport worth the cost?
Bangkok Airways flights are expensive (2,500-5,000 THB) but save 4-5 hours versus the bus. Worth it if time is limited.
How long should I spend in Trat?
One to two nights is ideal. Enough to explore the old town, visit the markets, and soak up the atmosphere.