🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
A lot of people think of Trat as just a stop on the way to the islands, but the province itself has plenty going on at every level — the most famous island seas on the eastern coast, waterfalls that run year-round, an old town that's still very much alive, and a literal end-of-the-road border point that plenty of people want to check in at once. This article groups everything by the kind of trip you're after, so it's easy to pick and plan.
Clear-water islands — Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak
If you're coming to Trat for the sea, these three islands are the main event. Each one has its own character, so choose based on the vibe you want — you don't have to hit them all in one trip.
Koh Chang
Trat's largest island and the easiest to get around, with several beaches to choose from — busy White Sand Beach and Klong Prao at one end, quieter Bang Bao at the other. You get sea and waterfalls on a single island, which makes it a solid first-timer pick.
Koh Kood
Thailand's fourth-largest island, with clear emerald water and a quiet, laid-back feel. Klong Chao and Ao Taphao beaches are lovely. Good for people who actually want to switch off rather than party. About 1–1.5 hours by speedboat from Laem Sok pier.
Koh Mak
A small, easygoing island you can circle by bike or motorbike. The water is shallow enough for kids, and it works well as a base for snorkelling at nearby Koh Rang. Good for families and anyone who likes to take it slow.
How to choose an island
First visit and you want it easy? Go to Koh Chang. Want quiet, clear water and proper rest? Koh Kood. Travelling as a family or after a chilled snorkel trip? Koh Mak does that well. If you're short on time, don't try to cram several islands into one trip — you'll lose too many hours to boat transfers.
Want more out of Trat? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Forest waterfalls
Trat has year-round waterfalls on its two big islands, and the walk in isn't far — a good cool-off stop in between beach days.
Khlong Phlu Waterfall (Koh Chang)
The most famous waterfall on Koh Chang — three tiers, with a first drop of around 40 metres and water all year round. It's about a 500 m walk from the park ranger station, and there's a pool at the bottom you can get into.
Khlong Chao Waterfall (Koh Kood)
The most popular waterfall on Koh Kood, with water spilling over a rock face into a wide pool. There's a boulder carved with the royal cypher of King Rama VI. The water is cold and clear — perfect for a cool-down dip.
Than Mayom Waterfall (Koh Chang)
Another waterfall on the east side of Koh Chang, near the Than Mayom pier. The walk in is short, so it's an easy add-on if you're already on this side of the island.
Old town & communities
It's not all beaches — Trat town and the communities around it have kept their old-world feel and the local way of life intact. Good for a day when you'd rather wander slowly.
Ban Nam Chiao community
A canalside community where two faiths and three cultures live side by side — there's a temple and the Al-Kubro Mosque close together. Take a boat through the mangroves, watch locals make ngob hats and ya-na rice crackers. The home-style local food here is genuinely good.
Trat Old Town
Old wooden shophouses along Bang Phra canal in the town centre — an easy stroll, with coffee shops, local eats and everyday Trat life to take in. Good for photos and a morning bite.
Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong)
A Trat temple more than a century old, with a museum of old artefacts and handsome architecture. A single spot for paying respects and getting a feel for the town's history.
Local tip
Ban Nam Chiao is best in the morning through midday, when the boat trips and home-style food stalls are open. Turn up in the late afternoon and it can be quieter than you'd expect.
The far east — Ban Hat Lek
The very end of Sukhumvit Road, and of Thailand's eastern mainland, is at Ban Hat Lek in Khlong Yai district — a Thailand–Cambodia border crossing. Plenty of people come to check in at the far-eastern tip and photograph the boundary marker. The drive down from town hugs a pretty coastline the whole way, with stops like Black Sand Beach and a few viewpoints to pull over at.
- Ban Hat Lek checkpoint — Thailand's far-eastern tip. Photograph the kilometre marker and border sign; the border-town atmosphere is lively.
- Black Sand Beach — a naturally dark-sand beach around the Laem Ngop–Khlong Yai stretch. Unusual to see, and a good photo stop along the way.
- Khlong Yai coastal viewpoints — the coast road from town toward Hat Lek opens up to wide sea views, with pull-over spots for photos along the way.
Right now some points along the Thailand–Cambodia border may see changes. If you're set on heading to the Hat Lek crossing, checking the news and the checkpoint status before you set off will give you more peace of mind.
Plan a full Trat trip — sea and town both
See the Trat travel guide →