First Time in Trat
What to Know + a Plan

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Before we get to the plan, here are the basics every first-timer in Trat should know — because Trat isn't the kind of beach town where you drive up and walk straight into the water. Most of the good stuff is out on the islands, which means a boat ride, and the distances are far enough that you really do need to plan your time.

How far is Trat, and how do you get there?

Trat town is around 300 km from Bangkok — about 4–5 hours by car, van or bus. If you're heading to an island, add the drive from town to the pier plus the boat crossing on top of that, so budget roughly half a day for day one. If you'd rather not drive, there are Bangkok–Trat flights into Trat Airport (near Laem Ngop) that cut the trip down to just over an hour — but flights are limited and prices swing depending on the season.

• Driving yourself — the most flexible option. You can take the car straight onto the ferry and use it on the island, which is ideal if you want to hit several spots both in town and on the island.
• Van or bus — from Ekkamai or Mo Chit into Trat town, then a songthaew (shared pickup) to the pier. Cheaper, but keep a close eye on the last departure times.
• Flying — Bangkok–Trat is around 1 hour, landing at Trat Airport close to the pier. Good for short trips when you don't want the long drive.

Which island should you pick — Koh Chang, Koh Kood or Koh Mak?

This is the question first-timers ask most. Trat has three main islands with clearly different personalities. Don't try to cram several of them into one trip — you'll burn too much time on boats back and forth. Pick the one island that fits your style and do it properly.

What to know about the ferry before you go

If you're heading to Koh Chang, the crossing is where people slip up most often — the ferry runs on set departures with a last boat, so it's not a case of pulling up to the pier and boarding any time. Knowing the timing in advance takes the guesswork out of day one.

• The popular pier — Ao Thammachat ferry terminal (Khlong Yai subdistrict, Laem Ngop district), the fastest crossing at around 30–45 minutes.
• Ferry times — first boat around 6:30 am, last boat around 6:30 pm; the schedule can shift with the weather.
• Fares — roughly 90 THB per person each way, and about 200 THB each way for a four-wheel car.
• Rainy season — some days the ferry may not run if the swell is heavy, so check the pier's page before you set off.

Which month gives you the clearest water?

Trat has distinct seasons. The clear-water, easy-swimming stretch runs November–April. The rainy season, May–October, brings heavier swell, some cancelled ferry days and murkier water — but it also means fewer people, cheaper rooms, and waterfalls like Klong Plu running fuller and prettier in the late rains. If clear water is what you're after, the dry season is by far the best value.

Rough budget per person

• Return ferry — around 180 THB per person (add roughly 400 THB per car for the round trip).
• Accommodation — mid-range guesthouses and resorts start around 600–900 THB/night, split between two if you travel as a pair.
• Seafood meals — around 150–300 THB per person per meal; pricier on the island than over in Laem Ngop.
• Waterfall entry / island songthaews — Klong Plu waterfall is 40 THB for Thai adults; songthaews run around 50–100 THB per trip.
• On a budget, a 3-day, 2-night trip comes to roughly 3,000–4,500 THB per person (not counting fuel or flights from Bangkok).

A 3-day, 2-night plan for first-timers

This plan centres on Koh Chang because it's the easiest to reach and has the widest mix of things to do. You start at Laem Ngop, picking up dried-seafood souvenirs and lunch before crossing, then take your time over two full days on the island. No rushing.