Visitors are taking a boat ride through the mangrove forest around Trat River estuary. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee)
Famous islands like Ko Chang, Ko Kood and Ko Wai might get all the attention as some of the most popular destinations in Trat Province. The small town of Trat itself, on the other hand, has its own set of unique and unforgettable experiences.
Lied in between the Gulf of Thailand and the Banthat Mountain Range in Thailand’s eastern-most frontier, Trat served as one of the essential trade routes since the seventeenth century (late Ayutthaya period). Back then, the Siamese, Mons, Chinese and Muslim merchants ventured to Trat and exchanged wild and spice products such as horns, hide, honey, eagles wood, cardamoms and peppers.
Tempted by the aromas of spice (and sweetness of exoticism, perhaps), the French fleet traveled to Trat and captured it in 1904. Three years later, after finding that the folks in Trat were such pain in the butt and hard to rule, the French returned Trat to Thailand in exchange for Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon.
Down the historic lanes
When you’re in Trat town, you could visit some French legacy. The Residence Kampot, the former house of the French Governor in Trat, stands at the historic enclave of Khlong Bang Phra. The two-storey, white heritage wood building is way simpler (and even more humble) than the grand and elaborate former Trat City Hall.
Within a walking distance from the ResidenceKampot, the former Trat City Hall is now the Trat Museum. It’s well worth a visit for the building’s beauty as well as the exhibitions held within its walls.
Inspired by European houses in Southern Thailand, the Trat Museum is appealing with large wooden pediment and pillars. Here, you can enjoy an excellent overview to Trat history – including the naval battle between Thailand and France in 1941.
Food attack
The culture buffs and the daring tongues will enjoy grazing markets that bustle in the heart of town. In Khlong Bang Phra, the historic neighborhood, you will find some charm down a couple of “old town” lanes dotting with heritage wooden shophouses.
Trat is a province with an abundance of food sources from the sea and agricultural farms. When visiting Trat, don’t forget to try the province’s most famous dish “khao pad prik kleua” – seafood fried rice in seafood sauce. You may have your doubt when you first heard about khao pad prik kleua. In a wok, rice, mantis shrimp meat, shrimp, cuttlefish, and seafood sauce try to achieve a taste balance, the result is an incredible and tasty dish. Other delicious foods include fish dumplings, yentafo noodle soup with seafood, and seafood tom yum noodles.
Seaside Adventure
Meanwhile, adventure-seekers can head to the seaside community of Ban Tha Ranae for a boat ride, gorgeous views and a study of Trat mangrove forest.
Located at the edge of the Trat River estuary, Ban Tha Ranae served as a port for Chinese junks to stop and load up on fragrant spices like pepper and cardamom to sell back home. With fortunes to be won, the Chinese decided to make this township their home, with many even setting up pepper plantations.
Ba Tha Ranae today offers visitors several revealing expeditions, such as taking a boat ride through the mangrove forest, foraging for wild food, and indulging in the local specialties.
In Lan Taboon, a tangled mangrove wonderland, you will peer curiously at the tree roots intertwining endlessly like mysterious creatures.
wild food and indulge in local delicacies. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee)
It’s always fun to travel to a well-known destination, but as tourism picks up, you may prefer an escape that’s close to all the action without being in the center of it. Trat town doesn’t just serve as a jumping-off point to the famous islands; it is a fantastic destination in and of itself, offering distinctive options and a charm you likely won’t find in a popular destination.