Sunset in Trat, Thailand

Small lake behind Wat Plai Khlong in Trat, Thailand

Taken on: 18th May, 2011. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See panmandesign's page of Flickr

Read more about Trat

Generally overlooked as a destination in its own right, Trat is most commonly visited by those in transit. Easily accessible from Bangkok, it is the jumping off point for the islands of Ko Chang as well as a gateway to the Cambodian border at Hat Lek.

Although first appearances might be that the town is quite functional and unexciting, a second glance and perhaps a lingering stay, will no doubt reveal its subtle charms.

Narrow alleyways snake past wooden houses, their balconied backs to the river. Fish and meat dry on the streets ready for the cooking pot, while friendly locals chat in their open fronted houses. The market is crowded with mountains of fresh seasonal fruit, next to obscure meat products, such as pig faces.

Accommodation in Trat is pretty basic and extremely cheap, especially when compared with what is available on Ko Chang. There is easy access to tourist amenities such as internet services, and most guesthouses offer ticket booking services.

A wide ... Read our complete Trat travel guide

More images