Trat is an excellent mainland stopover between Koh Kood and Bangkok, particularly for travelers who prefer a slower, more culturally grounded journey rather than a single long transit day. Compact, walkable, and largely untouched by mass tourism, Trat offers enough local food, history, and understated attractions to comfortably fill half a day—or an unrushed overnight—without requiring major detours.
This guide explains how to structure a short visit, what to see in and around town, and how to continue onward to Bangkok efficiently.
Why Add Trat to Your Koh Kood–Bangkok Route?
- Logical geography: Trat sits directly on the mainland route from Koh Kood, making it a natural break point after the boat crossing.
- Low-effort sightseeing: Key sights are close together and easy to combine on foot or with short local rides.
- Local atmosphere: Markets, temples, and community areas feel distinctly provincial, offering contrast to island resorts and Bangkok’s intensity.
Rather than treating Trat as a destination requiring long excursions, it works best as a lunch, coffee, and walking-stop base before continuing inland.
Suggested Day Structure (Half Day to Same-Day Bangkok Transfer)
Morning or Early Afternoon: Koh Kood to Trat Town
- Boat: Travel from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier (แหลมศอก · Laem Sok).
- Transfer to town: From the pier, continue by songthaew or taxi to Trat town.
- Travel time: Approximately 30–40 minutes from pier to town center.
This timing allows enough flexibility for lunch and light sightseeing without rushing onward transport.
Late Afternoon or Evening: Trat to Bangkok
- Departure point: Trat Bus Station.
- Transport: Minivans and buses to Bangkok.
- Arrival points: Typically Ekkamai, Mo Chit, and occasionally Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- Travel time: Around 5.5–6 hours, depending on traffic and route.
- Departure window: Roughly 08:00–18:00, with frequent departures during the day.
- Typical fare: THB 300–340.
This schedule makes it realistic to enjoy Trat during the day and still reach Bangkok the same evening.
Essential Stops in Trat Town
Trat’s compact center allows several highlights to be linked into a simple walking circuit.
Trat City Museum
Housed in a beautifully preserved teak colonial-era building (the former town hall), Trat City Museum provides concise context on the province’s border history, brief French occupation, and local life.
- Best for: Cultural orientation and architectural interest
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes
- Location: Central, easy to combine with market walks
Wat Buppharam
Wat Buppharam (วัดบุปผาราม · Wat Buppharam) is the oldest temple in Trat province, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The complex includes an atmospheric old viharn and a small museum displaying Buddha images and regional antiques.
- Distance: About 20–25 minutes on foot from the town center, or a short ride
- Best for: Quiet exploration and historical atmosphere
Markets and Old Streets
- Morning market: Ideal for quick local meals and observing everyday life, with fresh seafood and regional produce.
- Night market: If staying into the evening, the main night market offers a strong street-food focus and a distinctly local feel.
Both areas are within the walkable core and require minimal planning.
Easy “Hidden Gems” Near Town
For travelers with a little extra time or an overnight stay, these low-key spots add depth without significant detours.
Ban Nam Chiao Community
Located just outside Trat town, Ban Nam Chiao is a canal-side community known for its coexistence of Muslim and Buddhist traditions. Visitors can see traditional boat-making, sample local food, and learn about community-based tourism initiatives.
- Best for: Cultural insight and community life
- Time needed: Half a day if explored properly
Lan Tabun Mangrove Boardwalk
The Lan Tabun area features raised walkways through mangrove forest, offering a quiet look at Trat’s coastal ecosystem.
- Best for: Short nature break and photography
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
- Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded
“Narrowest Part of Thailand”
A small geographic curiosity marking where the distance between Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand is at its narrowest. This is primarily a quick photo stop rather than a full attraction, but it appeals to travelers interested in offbeat landmarks.
Is an Overnight Stay Worth It?
An overnight in Trat makes sense if you prefer a slower pace or want to avoid late-night arrivals in Bangkok.
An overnight allows you to:
- Combine museum, temple, Ban Nam Chiao, and a relaxed night market visit without time pressure.
- Enjoy cheaper, locally run accommodation.
- Catch an early morning bus or minivan to Bangkok without rushing from the islands at dawn.
For eco- and budget-conscious travelers, this approach often feels more balanced than pushing straight through.
Practical Travel Notes
- Treat Trat as a compact stopover, not a base for long-distance excursions.
- Most in-town movement can be done on foot or with short local rides.
- Keep onward tickets flexible if possible, as island boat arrival times can vary slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long should I spend in Trat when traveling from Koh Kood to Bangkok?
Half a day is sufficient for the main sights, while an overnight allows a more relaxed pace and nearby community visits. - Is Trat town walkable for visitors?
Yes. The central area, museum, markets, and cafés are all close together and easy to explore on foot. - How do I get from Laem Sok Pier to Trat town?
Songthaews and taxis operate from the pier, with a travel time of about 30–40 minutes. - What is the usual cost of transport from Trat to Bangkok?
Minivans and buses typically cost THB 300–340, depending on service and destination terminal. - Which Bangkok terminals do buses from Trat use?
Most services go to Ekkamai or Mo Chit, with some stopping at Suvarnabhumi Airport. - Are there late-night departures from Trat to Bangkok?
Departures generally run until early evening, around 18:00, so same-day planning is important. - Is Trat suitable for travelers looking for cultural experiences rather than beaches?
Yes. Museums, temples, markets, and community areas provide cultural insight without coastal activities. - Can Ban Nam Chiao be visited on a short stopover?
It is best suited to travelers with an overnight stay, as meaningful visits take several hours. - Is Trat expensive compared to island destinations?
No. Food, transport, and accommodation are generally cheaper than on Koh Kood or other islands. - What is the biggest advantage of stopping in Trat instead of traveling straight to Bangkok?
The main benefit is breaking up a long journey while experiencing a more local, less touristic side of eastern Thailand.
For a Complete Travel Guide
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