Trang

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Lying along the Andaman coast, Trang province features a spectacular karst dotted coastline, and a string of islands ideal for sun-seekers. As the islands in Krabi province to the north have become more and more popular, the islands of Trang province have developed into an ideal alternative destination for those who want a genuine island getaway but don't want to share it with 10,000 others. Though they're all located within a relatively small area, the islands each have vastly different atmospheres and offerings, ranging from developed to undiscovered.

The region is famous for being home to a large population of dugongs, the Indian Ocean cousin of the manatees. Like manatees, they're docile animals that spend most of their day grazing at beds of sea grass. They're increasingly rare in the wild, with the sea near Ko Libong being one of the best places to see them in the Thailand. They've been adopted as a symbol of the province, and appear on everything from the official Trang seal, to boxes of local Trang cake.

There's more to the province than beaches and sea-cows, however. The eponymous provincial capital is a centuries-old seaport, and echoes of a lingering history can be seen in the crumbling wooden houses that dot its avenues. Most visitors who come though are heading to sand and sun elsewhere, and give the town only a passing glance -- likely seeing an unexceptional Thai city of a medium size. But linger a little longer, and the hidden face of Trang will slowly reveal itself.

It's a laidback place, where architectural development seems to have stopped in the 1960s, and where there is no better way to spend an afternoon than sipping the local coffee at a kopi shop. Additionaly, it's a multicultural city, with a mix of Thai, Malay and Hokkien Chinese residents, who give the town (and the local cuisine) a unique flavour.

 

Adding to the town's offbeat vibe is their choice to apparently make the dugong has their town symbol. With its rotund body and melancholy expression, it's hardly a heroic looking animal -- even so, the town's artists have rendered it lovingly in bronze, wood, and paint. The animal appears all over the city -- in souvenir shops, on signs advertising the local cake, and in elaborate civic fountains.

Before heading to the islands, it may be a good idea to make a reservation in Trang town. Most resorts have offices in town, who will show you photos of rooms, arrange books, and help with transport. Though this can be a little awkward since it means you can't physically inspect a hotel before deciding to stay there, it is to some degree a necessity. During the high season, many places are completely booked up. During the May to November low season, on the other hand, most places close down completely -- even those that say they stay open all year will likely have empty kitchens and a skeleton staff if they don't know that a guest is coming.

Keep in mind that the islands are highly seasonal, with many places closing down in the off-season. Note also though that the seasons themselves aren't clearly defined. Some resorts stay closed until mid-November, while others start charging high season rates in October! In order to avoid any mix-ups, be sure to get in touch in advance.

Text and/or map last updated on 12th August, 2009.

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Laytrang Resort
Trang, Chang Lang Beach
From: US$35.00 with Sawasdee


Thumrin Thana Hotel
Trang, Town center
From: US$44.00 with Sawasdee


Anantara Si Kao Resort + Spa
Trang, Chang Lang Beach
From: US$78.00 with Sawasdee


Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa
199 Moo 5 Had Pak Meng-changlang Road Changlang Beach, T.maifad, A.sikao, Trang
From: US$507.00 with Agoda

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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Trang. You can find the full forum here.

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