Free Trat Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Trat trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Trat
Trat photo 2
Trat photo 3
All photos

Trat, Thailand offers temple heritage, local markets, eastern Thai cuisine and a relaxed mainland gateway to Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kut islands.

A Provincial Town with Coastal Connections

Trat lies in eastern Thailand near the Cambodian border, where low-lying streets, fruit-growing country and waterways lead towards the Gulf of Thailand. It is the administrative centre of Trat province and the practical mainland gateway for journeys to Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kut, although the town itself has a slower, more local character than the islands. Wooden shophouses, market lanes and modest cafés give the centre an easy scale for walking, while songthaews and taxis connect it with the bus station and surrounding districts.
Read more about Trat

Markets, Temples and Local Memory

The town’s cultural life is concentrated around its fresh market, old commercial quarter and Buddhist temples. Trat Museum introduces the province’s maritime, social and political history, while Wat Buppharam and Wat Yothanimit preserve religious traditions and architectural details that reward unhurried exploration. At the City Pillar Shrine, local beliefs remain part of the everyday urban landscape. Evening food stalls bring a practical, convivial rhythm to the centre, with seafood, fruit and eastern Thai specialities reflecting the province’s fertile coast and orchards.

A Base for the Eastern Gulf

Trat is best understood as both destination and threshold. Its streets offer an authentic glimpse of provincial Thailand before a ferry journey to the islands, while nearby Laem Ngop provides access to Ko Chang and other coastal routes. Travellers who linger can explore markets at dawn, visit temples in the softer afternoon light and observe how trade, farming, fishing and cross-border connections continue to shape this understated eastern town.

When is the best time to visit Trat?

Best: January–March · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3141
February (best)3238
March (best)3257
April32131
May31301
June31378
July30365
August30358
September30394
October30457
November30265
December31105

Getting to and around Trat

How to get there

Trat is reached by road, air and onward ferry connections. Long-distance buses and coaches link the town with Bangkok, including services using the eastern bus network, while minivans and regional buses connect it with Chanthaburi and other eastern provinces. Trat Airport lies in Trat province outside the town and is served by domestic flights, after which travellers continue by road. Visitors heading to Ko Chang generally transfer towards the mainland ferry piers near Laem Ngop; boats to Ko Mak and Ko Kut use different piers and seasonal routes, so the correct departure point should be confirmed before travelling. Cambodia border crossings are a separate overland journey rather than a town-centre connection.

Transportation

Central Trat is compact enough to explore on foot, particularly around the market, old shophouses and nearby temples. Songthaews, shared pick-up trucks, motorbike taxis and ordinary taxis provide local transport, although services can be less frequent away from the centre and may be arranged informally. Travellers transferring to island ferries usually need a private taxi, shared transfer or organised minivan, depending on the pier and sailing. Motorbike hire is available in the wider tourist area but requires appropriate licensing, confidence on Thai roads and careful attention to insurance. Roads outside town are useful for reaching orchards, coastal communities and transport hubs, but distances can be deceptive.

Best attractions in Trat

Trat’s attractions are modest in scale but rewarding for travellers who enjoy local history and everyday life. Trat Museum, housed in a restored traditional-style building, introduces the province’s maritime connections, frontier history and relationship with the eastern islands. The nearby old market area is best explored on foot, with timber shopfronts, food stalls and small businesses revealing the town’s commercial character. Wat Buppharam, one of Trat’s important Buddhist temples, combines devotional spaces with a calm compound, while Wat Yothanimit offers another perspective on local religious life and sacred art. The City Pillar Shrine reflects the civic and spiritual traditions found in many Thai provincial capitals. Early-morning market visits, seasonal fruit stalls and short trips towards the coast add texture beyond formal sightseeing. Trat is also the mainland starting point for journeys to Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kut, although these islands are separate destinations reached by road and boat.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Trat

Trat’s landmarks express its role as a provincial Buddhist and frontier town. Wat Buppharam is among the city’s principal religious landmarks, with a long-standing temple compound that remains part of local worship rather than functioning solely as a visitor attraction. Wat Yothanimit, also known as Wat Bot, is another significant temple in the town and is associated with Trat’s religious heritage and older urban development. The City Pillar Shrine represents the civic spiritual centre found in many Thai towns, where local tradition and public identity meet. Trat Museum occupies a distinctive traditional-style building and provides an architectural as well as historical point of reference. Around the market, older timber shophouses and commercial lanes are less monumental but important in showing how trade shaped the town. Together, these places form a readable record of Trat’s religious life, administration and coastal commerce.

Show more landmarks

Explore Trat on the map

Plan your Trat trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Trat

Trat’s food culture reflects the province’s coastline, orchards and eastern Thai identity. Fresh seafood is central, appearing in grilled fish, prawns, crab, spicy salads and curries at markets and uncomplicated local restaurants. The fertile countryside supplies durian, mangosteen, rambutan and other tropical fruit, while seasonal produce shapes juices, sweets and market snacks. Eastern Thai cooking commonly uses bold herbs, seafood and sour-spicy flavours, and dishes prepared with chamuang leaves, a tart local ingredient, are associated with the wider eastern region. Around the central market, visitors find rice dishes, noodle soups, grilled meats, coconut-based sweets and ready-made meals suited to an early breakfast or quick lunch. Dining is generally informal, with the freshest choices often appearing before midday; in the evening, food stalls and family-run eateries provide the town’s most sociable culinary setting.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Trat

Trat has a restrained evening scene rather than a developed club circuit. After sunset, activity gathers around the central market, casual restaurants, small cafés and modest local bars, where residents meet over food and drinks. Some guesthouses and tourist-oriented establishments serve beer and cocktails, particularly for travellers pausing before or after an island journey, but nightlife is quieter and more dispersed than on Ko Chang. Karaoke is a familiar form of Thai entertainment, while evening temple events or seasonal market activity may provide cultural interest when scheduled. The town’s streets become calmer later at night, and transport options outside the centre can be limited. Visitors should treat Trat as a place for relaxed meals, conversation and early starts rather than expect large nightclubs, rooftop venues or a concentrated entertainment quarter.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Trat

Trat has a restrained evening scene rather than a developed club circuit. After sunset, activity gathers around the central market, casual restaurants, small cafés and modest local bars, where residents meet over food and drinks. Some guesthouses and tourist-oriented establishments serve beer and cocktails, particularly for travellers pausing before or after an island journey, but nightlife is quieter and more dispersed than on Ko Chang. Karaoke is a familiar form of Thai entertainment, while evening temple events or seasonal market activity may provide cultural interest when scheduled. The town’s streets become calmer later at night, and transport options outside the centre can be limited. Visitors should treat Trat as a place for relaxed meals, conversation and early starts rather than expect large nightclubs, rooftop venues or a concentrated entertainment quarter.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Trat

Shopping in Trat is centred on practical local commerce rather than large malls or luxury retail. The central fresh market is the essential starting point, with seafood, vegetables, prepared dishes, sweets and tropical fruit reflecting the province’s farms and Gulf coast. Depending on the season, stalls may feature durian, mangosteen, rambutan and other produce from surrounding orchards. Small shops around the old market sell household goods, snacks, clothing and travel necessities, while visitors can look for Thai sweets, dried seafood and packaged fruit products as compact gifts. Trat is also a useful place to buy supplies before travelling to Ko Chang or the smaller islands, where choices may be more limited or oriented towards resorts. Handicrafts are less concentrated than in Thailand’s major cultural centres, so the most authentic shopping experience comes from observing local markets and choosing regional food products rather than seeking a specialised souvenir quarter.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Trat, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Trat essentials

Currency and Payment
Thailand uses the Thai baht, written as THB or ฿. Larger hotels, transport offices and established restaurants may accept international cards, but cash remains important in Trat for fresh markets, street food, small guesthouses, local vehicles and rural businesses. ATMs are available in the town and around major transport areas, though overseas banks may apply withdrawal or currency-conversion charges. Notify a card provider before travelling and keep smaller baht notes for short fares and market purchases. Foreign currency exchange is more limited than in Bangkok or major resort centres, so obtaining sufficient baht before travelling to smaller islands is prudent.
Safety
Trat is a relatively low-key provincial town, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in markets and transport terminals, and avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles or unattended accommodation. Roads can be busy with motorcycles and pick-up trucks, while rural routes may have limited lighting after dark; pedestrians should take care when walking beside traffic. If hiring a motorbike, wear a helmet and check that the licence and insurance requirements are met. Onward island travel involves piers, boats, luggage and changing weather, so follow operator instructions and take care on wet surfaces and unfamiliar roads.
Emergency Situations
Thailand’s national emergency numbers are 191 for police, 199 for fire and 1669 for emergency medical assistance. Ask accommodation staff or a Thai-speaking local to help communicate the location if language makes a call difficult. Travellers should keep passport copies, travel insurance details and the name of their accommodation accessible. Medical facilities are available in Trat town, while serious cases may require transfer to a larger regional hospital or Bangkok; island medical services are more limited. For incidents at sea or during ferry travel, alert the crew immediately and follow their safety instructions rather than attempting to manage the situation independently.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering temples, private homes and any place where this is requested. Do not touch Buddhist images casually, climb on religious structures or point your feet towards people or sacred objects. Speak quietly and behave respectfully at shrines, and ask before photographing worshippers or ceremonies. A wai is a polite Thai greeting, though a warm smile and simple courtesy are sufficient for visitors. Tipping is not compulsory in ordinary local eateries, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is accepted in tourist-oriented establishments. Avoid confrontational behaviour and keep public interactions considerate.
Local Tips
The central market and surrounding lanes are most atmospheric in the morning, when produce and seafood arrive from the province’s farms and coast. Combine the Trat Museum with the nearby old commercial area and a temple visit rather than treating the town as only a transfer point. Ask locally about seasonal fruit, especially during the orchard harvest, as availability changes through the year. Confirm whether an island transfer departs from Laem Ngop or another pier before arranging transport. For a quieter evening, explore the market and riverside streets; Trat’s appeal lies in its everyday rhythm more than in a concentrated entertainment district.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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...)]

History of Trat

Early Coastal Communities and Trade

Trat developed in a coastal region shaped by fishing, agriculture and movement along the eastern Gulf. Communities in the wider area traded with neighbouring settlements in present-day Cambodia and other parts of mainland Southeast Asia, while waterways provided practical routes through the lowlands. The town’s position near the Cambodian frontier gave it importance beyond its modest size, linking inland production with maritime commerce. Evidence of the region’s long cultural connections can be seen in religious traditions, language influences and the movement of goods that continued through later periods. Trat’s identity therefore emerged from exchange between coast, countryside and borderland rather than from an isolated urban foundation.

Trat in the Ayutthaya and Early Bangkok Eras

During the eras of Ayutthaya and early Bangkok, the eastern coast formed part of the kingdom’s wider network of provincial settlements and maritime routes. Trat’s surrounding waterways and fertile land supported orchards, fishing communities and small-scale trade, while its frontier position made administration and military security significant concerns. Buddhist temples served as religious centres as the settlement expanded, and local commerce connected the town with nearby coastal districts. The urban form remained relatively compact, with markets and waterways more important to daily movement than formal avenues. These patterns helped establish the practical, provincial character that still distinguishes central Trat.

Frontier Politics and French Rule

Trat became involved in the territorial disputes between Siam and French Indochina during the colonial period. Under the 1904 Franco-Siamese treaty, Siam ceded Trat and other territories to France, and the town was administered as part of French-controlled Cambodia. The arrangement changed in 1907, when Trat was returned to Siam under a new settlement in which Siam ceded Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon. This episode left a lasting mark on the province’s historical consciousness, reflecting the diplomatic pressures that reshaped the borders of mainland Southeast Asia without erasing older local connections.

Growth Through Agriculture and Maritime Trade

In the twentieth century, Trat’s economy continued to depend on its surrounding agricultural and coastal resources. Orchards producing durian, mangosteen, rambutan and other tropical fruits became especially important, while fishing and trade supported communities along the coast and islands. Better roads and public transport gradually strengthened the town’s role as a provincial service centre. Markets became places where produce from the countryside, seafood from the Gulf and manufactured goods from larger Thai cities met. This economic mix shaped Trat as a working regional town rather than a heavily industrialised or resort-oriented city.

Trat and the Modern Island Gateway

From the late twentieth century onwards, improving transport and the growth of tourism on Ko Chang and the eastern Gulf islands brought Trat greater visibility among international travellers. The town became an important staging point for buses, flights and road transfers to ferry piers, while retaining its own administrative and commercial functions. Tourism has influenced cafés, guesthouses and transport services, but central Trat remains quieter than the island resorts. Museums, temples, markets and the old commercial streets preserve a sense of local continuity, while the town’s modern identity reflects its dual role as provincial capital and entrance to the archipelago.

Travel experiences inspired by this city

Explore more travel diaries

Trat in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Trat

The closest cities to Trat, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Thailand
More of the region

Explore more of Thailand

Discover Thailand: A land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern attractions.

Explore Thailand
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Trat, Thailand

Discover Trat with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide offering comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Trat, Thailand like never before with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Find top attractions, book experiences, and uncover local gems, all for free.

  • History of Trat and travel essentials for first-time visitors
  • Curated local tips to experience Trat like a local
  • Easy-to-use navigation and 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Trat, Thailand - a hidden gem brimming with culture, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. With Evendo, your travel guide app to Trat, you can seamlessly plan and maximize your trip, ensuring you don't miss any of the city's highlights. From the historic Wat Buppharam temple to the bustling Trat Night Market, Evendo offers detailed information, images, local tips, and easy booking options. Craving authentic Thai cuisine? Explore Trat's top restaurants like Joy's Pizza, known for its unique blend of Thai and Western dishes. Whether you're visiting the serene Koh Mak island or the iconic Ao Tan Khu beach, Evendo ensures you have all the local insights at your fingertips.

Evendo not only lists must-see attractions but also provides comprehensive details on landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location comes with rich descriptions, maps, contact details, and curated local advice. Plus, with the app's easy navigation, 'Near me' feature, and seamless booking options for hotels, tours, and tickets, you can effortlessly explore Trat without the hassle of planning. And the best part? Evendo is completely free, with no hidden costs or in-app purchases.

Beyond Trat, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel companion for any journey.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.