Trang Province, nestled in the heart of southern Thailand, beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, emerald islands, and culinary delights. Trang retains much of its old town charm, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences for visitors seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Trang province is on the west side of the Malay Peninsula facing the Strait of Malacca. Tucked between Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Satun provinces, it offers a great base for further exploration of the southern attractions. The province spans over 100 km of the Strait of Malacca coastline and contains numerous islands. With only a few, limestone karst dotted plains, most of the area is covered in hills. The two main rivers that flow through the province are the Trang River and the Palian River, which originate from the Khao Luang and the Banthat mountain ranges, home of the local kopi beans. Much of the coast and mountainous areas are protected by National Park status.
A low key destination that has avoided the more negative impacts of mass tourism that affects the area between Phuket and Samui, Trang has a little something for everyone. Many visitors will only experience its islands, following a Best Beach of 2023 accolade for Ko Kradan, with the few that make it into Trang town itself doing so for air or train connections back to Bangkok. It offers much more between the sea, the city, and the scenery.
Island Hopping in Trang: A Glimpse at Paradise
Ko Muk: Where emerald caves meet powdery sands. Experience the mystical Tham Morakot, afternoon sun illuminating the 80m cave, before emerging onto a hidden beach. Explore a living island, spot the frolicking hornbills or a friendly dugong by the pier, then unwind with a cocktail on Charlie Beach, its soft sand cradling your soul.
Ko Kradan: Escape to a haven of tranquility. Imagine swaying palms fringing a pristine beach, turquoise waters lapping at your feet. Spend an invigorating day snorkeling and kayaking along the easily accessible reef, before seeking serenity at sunset-kissed Hat Sunset.
Ko Ngai: Embrace a more romantic charm amidst towering limestone cliffs. Snorkel alongside playful fish, then savor fresh seafood under a starlit sky.
Ko Libong: Dive into a tapestry of culture and vibrant life. Explore the bustling fishing village, then witness the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. Hike through jungle trails to high viewpoints as you try to catch a glimpse of the elusive local dugongs, and uncover the rich heritage of this charming island.
Ko Sukorn: Unwind on a palm-fringed haven. Sink your toes into the sand of Watermelon Beach, its gentle waves perfect for swimming. Embark on a cruise around the Mu Ko Phetra National Park. Enjoy delicious local cuisine and embrace the laid-back atmosphere on island time.
Unveiling local culture: Trang’s traditional festivals, markets, and ways of life
Trang holds a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Trang Vegetarian Festival, the Underwater Wedding Ceremony, and the Marine Pulling Buddha Procession.
Annual Festivals
The Trang Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day festival, held in the ninth lunar month, usually falling in early October, where followers dress in white and eat Jain vegetarian food. Also observed in Phuket, the event is marked by participants entering trances and performing acts of self-mortification.
The Underwater Wedding Ceremony is a unique event in which couples get married underwater. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, loving couples are hosted at various events around the town before being whisked out to Ko Kradan to perform the nuptials off the surrounding reef.
The Marine Pulling Buddha Procession is a Buddhist festival held after the Vegetarian Festival and the end of Bhuddist lent. Ceremonial boats from all of the wats (temples) in the area are paraded through the streets and displayed at the stadium on the edge of town. At the end of the festival, a procession of boats carry a Buddha image over the water to Ko Sukorn. The Trang festival is unique in carrying the images out to sea.
Culinary curiosity
While the global commodities markets may have put an end to discussions on rubber prices over glasses of thick kopi, the markets and breakfast joints are still thriving in Trang. In fact, Trang has picked up a reputation as the City of Food and it is possible to find something to drive away the hunger pangs, no matter the hour.
Cementing this reputation are the annual food festivals. The “Love Food” festival coincides with the Valentine celebrations. The Mueang Trang Park adjacent to the Dugong Circle hosts numerous stalls and photo backdrops to make the most of the golden sunset hours.
In early August, the famed Trang cake is celebrated. A circular sponge cake with a hole in the middle, you might find yourself struggling to find room for your hand-luggage on the flights back to Bangkok if your visit falls during the festival or over a public holiday.
September is the time to celebrate Trang’s other national treasure, Trang Moo Yang (roast pork). Whole pigs are rubbed down with a mix of spices and roasted in vault like ovens. The result is a teeth shatteringly crispy layer of skin, fat that melts in your mouth, and sweet, spiced chewy meat. The car park surrounding the city hall plays host to the festival but you can always get a small plate in the local dim sum shops or stop at the roadside stalls on the road to Phatthalung and the waterfalls to grab some for an impromptu picnic.
Ditch the Beach Towel, Embrace the Jungle: Explore Trang’s Waterfalls, Caves and Treks
Forget the sunburnt shoulders and ditch the beach crowds. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the jungle and delve into the darkness that holds light?
Waterfalls to Wash Away Your Boredom
First, picture yourself at Ton Te, the undisputed king of Trang’s cascades. A 320-meter behemoth, it roars down granite cliffs, forming a turquoise pool at its base, perfect for a refreshing dip. Feeling adventurous? Hike further upstream and discover hidden tiers, each a secret oasis waiting to be explored.
Need a dose of adrenaline? Sairung awaits. Sairung means rainbow and the mist of the falls forms a rainbow in the afternoon sun. Be warned, the scramble upstream is not for the faint of heart! For an off the beaten track experience, Khuan Pra beckons. Nestled amidst lush greenery, its cascading falls and serene pools offer a tranquil escape, perfect for picnicking and soaking in the beauty.
Caves: Where Darkness Holds Light:
Step beyond the sunlight and enter the realm of Khao Chang Hai, the cave of the lost elephant. Limestone formations, sculpted by centuries of water, adorn the ceiling, each a silent testament to time’s artistry. Keep your eyes peeled for the elephant in the room!
Feeling brave? Khao Kob beckons. This labyrinthine cave, accessible only by boat, holds secrets both natural and mystical. Guided tours unveil hidden chambers, each adorned with fantastical rock formations. Through the Belly of the Dragon is the only escape!
But remember, respect is key: these delicate formations take millennia to grow, so leave only footprints and take only memories.
Trekking: Beyond the beaches, lies untamed beauty:
Push your limits with a boat through the mangroves and a demanding trek to the peak of Khao Jom Pa. The sweat will bead on your brow, your lungs will burn, but the panoramic view from the summit will leave you breathless, literally and figuratively. Beneath you, the mangroves that you have just come through stretch towards the horizon, the Andaman Sea sparkling in the distance. It’s a moment etched in memory, a testament to your grit and a reward for embracing the wild.
Early birds may opt for a pre-sunrise hike in Wang Pha Mek. The light of the rising sun slowly unveils the forested peaks of the surrounding hills in a Sea of Clouds. Sky and sea become one as the scene expands to take in Ko Lanta and the Krabi coastline to the north.
For the truly adventurous, a multi-day trek can be arranged from Ton Te to Kachong. It is also possible to arrange a visit with the southern tribal communities of Maniq natives.
Planning Your Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure:
Trang’s waterfall and cave season runs mainly from November to April because the rains won’t pose as much of a risk. Choose guided tours for deeper insights and safety, or explore independently with local transport readily available. Many spots are within an hour of the city itself and can be easily combined into a full-day itinerary that can be enjoyed on a rented scooter.
A selection of camping & glamping options let you create your own mini expedition without giving up the comforts of the island resorts. Both options on the main route over the mountain pass between Trang and Phattalung offer top notch dining in magical surroundings.
Kachong Hills Tented Resort is nestled at the foot of the ridge. The accommodation and restaurant overlook a private valley, with spectacular views through old growth forest to the towering peaks above.
Khao Pubpa Resort is further up the pass. The roadside restaurant is a popular stopping point to catch the afternoon breeze. Accommodation is scattered in the valley below.
Further afield, Backyard Glamping & Cafe Palian is located along the river bank, walking distance between Ton Te and Ton Tok waterfalls in the southern reaches of the province. Static glamping options are available as well as the option to pitch your own tent.
In the opposite direction, CULTIGO has no static accommodation, however, the facilities and location are the reward for those making the effort to spend an evening ‘roughing’ it. The views of the Pak Chaem outcrop to the south and over Wang Wiset and beyond to Ko Lanta in the west make for some special golden hour vistas.
Prepare to discover a side of Trang that will leave you invigorated and inspired, with a chance to write your own adventure story in the emerald pages of Trang’s hidden wonders.
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