Trat: The Tranquil Gateway to Thailand's Tropical Isles

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [la kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ
  [prode/yin dee ton rap]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีครับ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee krub khun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [khun poot pa saa angkree dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai kao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [kor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neua]
• Cheers!ชนสิ
  [chon si]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินหน่อย
  [kor jai ngeen noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuay duay]
• Go away!ไปไกลๆ
  [pai glai glai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [tor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yahk sue...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดู
  [chan kae doo]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra ka tao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geen pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra ka dai mai]

• What time is it?กี่โมงแล้ว
  [gee mong laew]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงหนึ่ง
  [pen mong neung]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [sam sip khrung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [prung nee]
• 1หนึง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [... yu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่คืออะไร
  [tee yu keu arai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณแสดงให้ฉันได้ไหม
  [khun sa dang hai chan dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ต่อไปเมื่อไหร่
  [rot mae tor pai meua rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป...)
  [dtua (pai...)]

Trat, a province in eastern Thailand, is thought to have been settled as early as the prehistoric era. Archaeological findings, including pottery and tools, suggest that ancient communities thrived here due to its fertile land and access to the sea.

During the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767), Trat was an essential trading hub. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Thailand made it a vital point for trade between Siam and neighboring countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam. The town was also a critical stopover for Chinese junks and other merchant vessels.

In the late 18th century, after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin established the Thonburi Kingdom and recognized Trat's strategic importance. He fortified the town, making it a defensive stronghold against potential invaders, particularly from Cambodia.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Trat found itself at the center of colonial intrigues. The region was contested between Siam and French Indochina. In 1904, the Franco-Siamese Treaty resulted in Trat being briefly ceded to France in exchange for territories in Laos. However, in 1907, Trat was returned to Siam in exchange for Battambang, Siem Reap, and Sisophon.

During World War II, Trat was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1945. The occupation brought significant hardship to the local populace, including forced labor and resource requisitioning. After the war, Trat rapidly recovered and resumed its role as a vital trading and fishing hub.

Today, Trat is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The province boasts a blend of Thai, Chinese, and Khmer influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Trat is a gateway to the stunning Koh Chang archipelago, drawing visitors to its pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant local markets.

Trat is located in the eastern part of Thailand and is accessible by several means of transportation. The nearest airport is Trat Airport (TDX), which has daily flights from Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can also take a bus from the Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal, which usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Bangkok to Trat, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours via the Motorway 7 and Highway 344.

Once in Trat, you have multiple transportation options. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are a common and affordable way to get around the city. Motorbike taxis and regular taxis are also available for shorter trips. For island excursions, ferries and speedboats are available from Laem Ngop Pier to Koh Chang and other nearby islands. Renting a motorbike or a car can be a convenient way to explore the region independently.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Trat, and currency exchange services are offered at banks and exchange kiosks.

Trat is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious in crowded places where petty theft can occur. The Klong Yai district has been noted for occasional reports of petty crime targeting tourists, so exercise extra caution there.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 1669 for medical emergencies. Trat Hospital is the main medical facility in the area, but there are also several clinics and pharmacies available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a traditional Thai 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Trat like a local, visit the Trat Night Market where you can enjoy local street food and buy handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Ban Nam Chiao Community, known for its traditional houses and local wisdom. For a unique experience, take a boat tour through the mangroves or join a fishing trip with local fishermen.