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TRANG PROVINCE
Trang
(also Muang Thap Thiang, Thai
ตรัง) is the
one of the southern provinces (changwat) of
Thailand 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 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.
The City also has
numerous attractions and
accommodation. 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.
The best time to visit Trang
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.
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TRANG ISLAND
Koh Kradan
(Kradan Island)
is the most beautiful island in the Trang. With an area of 600 acres, most of
the island (5/6) is under the jurisdiction of Hat Chao Mai National Park. The
rest are privately owned rubber and coconut plantations. The island offers good
restaurants and accommodation for tourists. The most striking feature of Ko
Kradan is its powdery, white beach and crystal clear water that permits a great
view of the coral reef underneath that stretches from the beach's northern end
to the coast. A variety of colourful fish inhabit the shallow water corals. Ko
Kradan is to the west of Ko Muk and Ko Libong.
Koh Chueak - Koh Waen are small islands between Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. They
are teeming with shallow and deepwater corals and many types of fish. Visitors
can depart from Pak Meng Pier for the islands. Boats leave regularly using the
same route as to Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. The 50-minute trip costs 2,000 baht/day
for a chartered boat.
Koh Ma or Ma Island
is another uninhabited mountainous island, the highest peaks rise over 40 metres
above sea level. Ma Island was the first place for Under Water Wedding in Trang.
Koh Muk and Morakot Cave
are the most impressive points in the Trang Sea. The island is comprised of
mostly high and majestic cliffs facing the sea to the west, while a fishing
village is to the east facing the mainland. Swallow birds make the numerous
cliffs their home. Hidden among them are the fantastic Morakot Cave. The cave
entrance is a small passage on the island's western side that is accessible by
boat during low tide. The cave itself winds for about 80 metres to the other
exit, opening onto a clean white beach surrounded by high cliffs. To get to Ko
Muk, tourists can take a boat from Pak Meng Pier in Amphoe Sikao for the
40-minute trip. The boat rent is around 1,500 baht/day. Accommodation is
available on the island.
NORTH AND SOUTH LAO LING Two mountainous
islands connected by a narrow sandy isthmus, both
islands are covered in dense forest and are
uninhabited by man.
Koh Libong
is in Tambon Libong
and is the largest island in the Trang Sea, with an
area of 40,000 square kilometres. Around the island
are masses of seaweed where Dugong can be seen
here. It is also the home of a
variety of native and migratory birds that are most
abundant in winter. Ko Libong is part of the Libong
Archipelago Wildlife Reserve. The park headquarters
is located here. The island has many capes and
beaches such as Tup Beach, Chu Hoi Cape, Thuat Cape,
and To Chai Cape. People can walk across the beach
at Chu Hoi Cape at low tide to Ko Tup where great
numbers of seabirds and mangrove birds from colder
climates congregate during their migration. Many
fishing villages are on the island. Most residents
are Muslims. From Ko Libong, one can get a good view
of Ko Chao Mai and Chao Mai Cape. To get to the
island, take a boat at Hat Yao Ban Chao Mai Pier. A
boat leaves every hour and takes 30 minutes to get
to the island. The rental fee is 400 baht per boat.
There is accommodation on the island. For more
information, please contact
Libong Beach Resort.
Ko Sukon
is a Tambon in Palian, only 3 kilometres from shore
via the Trang-Palian Road (Highway No. 404). The
island has many lovely beaches. In addition, it is
renowned in the province for its delicious
watermelons, which is abundant in March and April.
To get there, take a bus on Trang-Palian route or a
van from Amphoe Muang for approximately 35
kilometres and cross a ferry at Tha Kham Pier in
Palian. Boats leave twice daily at 10.00 hrs. and
14.00 hrs. The trip takes 40 minutes. Alternatively,
embark a boat at Ta-se Pier in King Amphoe Hat
Samran by using Highway No. 404, turn right at Ban
Na intersection and drive for around 18 kilometres
and then left for another 7 kilometres or so. The
total travelling time is 20-30 minutes. The boat
rent is 500 baht for 10 people. There is tourist
accommodation on the island. |
