General information
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 Mueang 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 South’s major commodity and is now considered an important source of income for farmers.

Today’s 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 Mueang, 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.

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 bahts), Surat Thani (130 bahts), Ko Lanta (120 bahts), Hat Jao Mai (50 bahts), Pak Meng (50 bahts), and Sakao (25 bahts).

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 airline’s website at www.thaiairways.com

Getting around Trang City
The fare for motorcycle taxis around the town is between 10 bahts and 20 bahts, while that of tuk-tuks is approximately 15 bahts. Motorcycles can be rented from various shops around town.