Located approximately 828
kilometers from Bangkok, Trang Province covers an area of 4,941
square kilometers. The province borders on Nakhon Si Thammarat
Province to the north, Satun Province and the Indian Ocean
(Andaman Sea) to the south, Phatthalung Province to the east and
the Indian Ocean and Krabi Province to the west.
Trang is considered a magnificent coastal province as it long,
beautiful coastline stretches 199 kilometers along the Indian
Ocean. In addition, the province has two major rivers flowing
through it, the Trang River, which originates in the Khao Luang
Mountain Range and Maenam Palian from the Banthat Mountain
Range.
Despite the fact that Trang City plays a key role in
facilitating trade and communications to Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Thailand's southern commercial hub, Trang is a province less
traveled to by tourists. It was only recently that Trang has
been poised to establish itself on the international travel map.
Trang has geographical advantages similar to that of Krabi and
Phang-Nga. This includes breathtaking islands and astounding
beaches along the coast as well as awe-inspiring inland
limestone- propped mountains. The province consists of an
archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these,
12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe
Sikao. The best time to visit Trang is between December and May.
Trang has both mainland beaches and a whole string of offshore
islands. For visitors interested in light-adventure activities
such as cruising coastal waters, visiting notable sights such as
the enchanting Emerald Cave, which is accessible only by water,
will prove to be remarkable experience. Additional attractions
include the Mu Ko Petra National Park with beaches and islands
lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Some of the dive
sites in the National Park are world-class. There are also
wildlife sanctuaries such as Namtok Khao Chong and Khlong
Lamchan Park with waterfalls, nature trails and caves. For those
looking for a relaxed, tranquil ambience, Trang is a perfect
place to unwind amidst stunning scenery.
With an abundance of blissful attractions mixed with cultural
heritage, Trang Province is truly an emerging fascinating
tourist destination with numerous jungles, mountains and
waterfalls.
The City also has numerous attractions. Walking around Trang
City, visitors will be amazed at the mixture of Western, Chinese
and Thai cultures reflected in the architecture that range from
the Sino- Portuguese shop houses to the Chinese temples and
shrines. The Pan-Ya House is the local style of houses in Trang,
which offers an insight into the architectural heritage of this
town. In addition to architectural attractions there are many
parks to stroll through and markets to explore. The main two
markets in Trang are Ta Klang and Municipal markets.
The province is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, and
contains 46 islands together with the mainland area. There are
only few plains, and most of the area is hills. The Khao Luang
and the Banthat mountain range are the sources of the two main
rivers of the province, the Trang River and the Palian River.
In front of the Trang coast are 46 large and small islands, some
of which are part of the 231 square km large National Park of
Hat Chao May and the Mu Koh Petra Marine National Park. The
larger islands of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, Koh Libong and Koh
Sukorn are inhabited and have nice beach resorts. The island of
Koh Hai (Ngai), which, however, administratively belongs to the
province of Krabi, but is better connected to Trang, shall be
added here.
Daily boats leave from the piers at Pak Meng, Kantang, Hat Yao,
Tasae and Palian to the islands (see map). From Hat Yao Pier
Tigerline Travel express boats also go to Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta
and Phuket. Daily tour boats come from Koh Lanta and stop at Koh
Hai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan.
Smaller islands are just target destinations for day trips.
Especially Koh Rok (west of Koh Kradan) and Koh Takieng (west of
Koh Laoliang) are excellent spots for diving and snorkeling. In
front of the northern Trang coast lay Koh Phi, KoIolo, Koh Po
and Koh Meng. And in the south Koh Petra, a big rock island,
name the Marine National Park, that spreads into Satun province.
Koh Petra is strictly guarded by armed rangers due to animal and
nature protection programs and can not be visited.
The boat traffic between the islands is not yet organized on a
scheduled basis. Longtail boats can be rented individually for
1000 to 3000 Baht, depending on the distance.
During the rainy season from May to November, the boat traffic
is highly restricted. Some resorts are closed.
The wtare depths of the Trang sea is only a few meters, 20
meters on average. Due to this fact, the water is very warm with
plenty of fish and nice coral reefs around some islands.
Moreover, it means coastal protection against Tsunamis. Thus, in
2004, the sea level rose only slightly, without the force of
destructive waves and no major damages.
It has along western coastline of about 119 kilometres. The
province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over
46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe
Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time for sea travel is
during October to May. Situated along the Andaman coast, Trang
province is home to innumerable beautiful islands, while the
mountainous eastern region is home to dramatic waterfalls, caves
and pristine jungle. Between the mountains and the coast are
extensive plantations of rubber.
The southern coast of the province is protected in the Mu Ko
Phetra National Park. The estuary of the Trang River together
with the Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park and Ko Libong
Non-hunting Area are also a registered Ramsar wetland
The best time to visit Trang is between December and May. As it
is located on the same coastline as Phuket and Krabi Provinces,
Trang Province is also influenced by the monsoon. The
temperature is generally warm all year round with an average
temperature varying from 20 Celsius to 36 Celsius.
In April, the daytime temperature is highest and it is also the
hottest period of the year. The rainy season, which is from May
to September, has rains and short downpours during the daytime.
The monsoon period comes from September to November and then
from December onwards the weather generally becomes more
pleasant.