🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're in Trat and not rushing straight to the islands, give the town itself half a day. The Bang Phra Canal district sits right in the centre, an easy walk from most in-town accommodation. What makes it work is that it's still a living neighbourhood, not something built purely for visitors — you'll see old wooden houses next to newly opened cafes, shrines, and eateries that have been around for decades. We've picked the spots worth stopping at, in the order you'd walk them.
What's here, and why it's worth a walk
Bang Phra Canal was once the old trade artery of Trat, and both banks are lined with wooden shophouses split across several old market zones — the riverside market, the central market, and the pier. These days many of those units have become cafes and small guesthouses, and there's street art telling Trat's story painted along the walls. It's easy walking and easy photos, and the breeze off the canal keeps things from getting too hot in the morning and evening.
- Wooden shophouses along the canal — old timber homes where people still live, mixed with small shops all the way down both banks
- Bang Phra Canal walkway — a long path right beside the water, with spots to sit and photo angles along the way
- Street art — murals along the walls depicting local life and Trat's history
- Sala Tha Sadet — a riverside pavilion tied to King Rama V's visit to Trat
When to walk it
In the morning (8–10am) the noodle and rice stalls are open and the sun isn't harsh yet, so it's good for eating as you go. In the late afternoon the softer light makes the wooden houses photograph well, but some cafes and eateries close early — if there's a particular place you want to eat at, check its hours first.
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.
Shrines and old buildings not to skip
The key landmarks here are the shrines and old buildings that are still in good shape — they tell the town's history better than any standard information board.
Trat City Pillar Shrine
A city pillar shrine built in Chinese pavilion style, unlike the usual Thai city pillar shrines. It sits on City Pillar Road near Wat Yothanimit and has long been a focal point for Trat's Thai-Chinese community. You can pay respects and take in the architecture.
Ban Tha R.S. 112
An old wooden canalside house turned cafe and guesthouse, decked out with vintage collectibles, shady trees and plenty of photo corners. A good place to rest mid-walk.
Résidence building, Thetsaban Road
An old building from the period of French occupation of Trat, once the office of the French governor. It's a tangible reminder of the time Trat was under French control. Viewable from the outside.
Eating in the district — old spots still open
Another draw of Trat's old town is the long-running eateries tucked into wooden shophouses, at local prices rather than tourist prices. We've picked places that are still open and that Trat locals actually eat at.
Kiao Nong Bua
A wonton noodle shop over 50 years old in a wooden shophouse, with a relaxed cafe set up upstairs. The draw is the soft wonton noodles in a well-rounded broth — a breakfast Trat locals know well.
Trat Chicken Rice, Je Tid
Chicken rice with fragrant rice, tender chicken and a punchy Trat-style dipping sauce, with red pork to add if you like. A local regular that's been selling for years.
Khao Tom Je Tu
A rice-soup-and-dishes spot near Wat Bot, with several dishes to choose from at easy prices. Good for a simple dinner after a full day of walking.
Soi Rai Rang Market
A central market in a lane off Ratsadon Anuson Road, with fresh seafood, vegetables and ready-made food to choose from. Good for browsing snacks from morning till evening.
Ban Tha R.S. 112
A wooden-house cafe by the canal where you can sip coffee and soak up the old-town feel for a while. Drinks and snacks on offer — a good place to rest your legs while walking the old town.
T77 Cafe
A minimalist white-toned cafe in Trat town with bakery, cakes and a range of drinks. There's indoor and outdoor seating — good if you like a clean, airy spot.
Cattery Cafe
A cafe with a Japanese feel and plenty of photo corners. The standouts are croffles, taiyaki and ice cream — good for an afternoon dessert stop.
Banpuen Cafe
A laid-back cafe in town, good for chilling with friends, with coffee and the usual drinks. Another spot to pause while wandering the old town.
Straight talk
This district is small and not as grand as the more famous old towns elsewhere. Its appeal is the quiet and the wooden houses where people still genuinely live. Some places close on weekdays, so if you're expecting a buzzing market or everything open every day, you might be disappointed. Come without big expectations and just stroll, and it's more fun that way.
How to make the most of this walk
- Start the morning with the noodle or chicken rice spot first, then walk along the canal
- Stop by the city pillar shrine and take in the old wooden houses along the way
- Pause for coffee at Ban Tha R.S. 112 or a cafe in town in the late morning
- Walk and shoot the street art and the canalside path in the softer light
Getting there
The Bang Phra Canal district is in Trat town centre — most in-town accommodation is within walking distance or a few minutes by motorbike taxi. If you're driving, there's parking along the surrounding streets. From Trat town to the ferry piers for Koh Chang (Laem Ngop / Ao Thammachat) is roughly 30–40 minutes, so you can comfortably do the old town in half a day before catching the boat.
Plan a full Trat trip — old town, islands and food
See the Trat travel guide →