Trang Map and Travel Guide
Trang Travel Guide
Trang at a glance
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 geographical advantages similar to that of Krabi and
Phang-Nga. This includes breathtaking islands and astounding beaches
along the coast as well as awe-inspiring inland limestone- propped
mountains. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman
Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13
in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time to visit
Trang is between December and May.
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.
With an abundance of blissful attractions mixed with cultural heritage,
Trang Province is truly an emerging fascinating tourist destination
with numerous jungles, mountains and waterfalls.
The City also has numerous attractions. 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. In addition to architectural
attractions there are many parks to stroll through and markets to
explore. The main two markets in Trang are Ta Klang and Municipal
markets.
History of Trang
Trang or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port engaged in foreign
trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted after Phraya
Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought it from Malaysia in 1899.
Since then, rubber has become Souths major commodity and is now
considered an important source of income for farmers.
Todays Trang
Trang has a total area of 4,941 square kilometers and is divided
into 10 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe
Muang, Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe
Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe
Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran.
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.
How to get there
By Car
Route 1: Take Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Highway No. 41
(Surat Thani-Thung Song- Huai Yot-Trang). Total distance is 828
kilometers.
Route 2: Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Ranong-Phan-Nga-Krabi-Trang.
Total distance is 1,020 kilometers.
Route 3: Highway No. 404-416 (Satun-Palian-Trang). Total distance
is 140 kilometers.
Route 4: Highway No. 4-407 (Hat Yai-Phatthalung-Trang). Total distance
is 148 kilometers.
Route 5: Highway No. 4-402 (Phuket-Phang-Nga-Krabi-Trang). Total
distance is 312 kilometers.
By Train
From Bangkok: Rapid and express trains depart from Bangkok's Hua
Lamphong Railway Station to Trang daily at 5.05 p.m. and 6.20 p.m.
taking 15 hours for the 870-kilometer journey. For more information,
call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or calling Trang Station at
tel. 0 7521 8012, or visit www.railway.co.th
By Bus
From Bangkok: Air-conditioned buses depart from the Southern Bus
Terminal in Bangkok to Trang every day.
The trip takes 12 hours. For more information, please call 0 2435
1199-200 or Trang Bus Terminal at tel. 0 7521 8718 or visit www.railway.co.th
From/to neighboring provinces: Hat Yai (ordinary), Satun (first
class and ordinary), Krabi (first class and ordinary), Ko Lanta
(first class), and Phuket (ordinary).
There are also minivans leaving from various depots in Trang City
that link Trang to other major cities including Hat Yai (80 baht),
Surat Thani (130 baht), Ko Lanta (120 baht), Hat Jao Mai (50 baht),
Pak Meng (50 baht), and Sakao (25 baht).
By Air
Thai Airways International has daily direct flights between Bangkok
and Trang Province with a travel time of 1.10 hours. For more information,
call 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 (Bangkok office), 0 7521 9923 or 0
7521 8066 (Trang office), or visit the airlines website at www.thaiairways.com
Getting around Trang City
The fare for motorcycle taxis around the town is between 10 baht
and 20 baht, while that of tuk-tuks is approximately 15 baht. Motorcycles
can be rented from various shops around town.
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