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 Trang
Province
 Not
yet on the tourist map, Trang province contains some of Thailand's
jewels. Untouched by tourism and with two thirds of the area protected
by national park status, Trang is quietly beginning to attract
visitors to its peaceful beaches, untouched islands, forested
interior, lagoons, waterfalls and coral reefs.
Located south of Krabi, the province contains 120-kilometres
of enticing coastline protecting some of Thailand's most beautiful
and rarely visited beaches. Offshore are dozens of tropical islands,
many uninhabited. Inland, lush forest and protected National Parks
conceal spectacular limestone caves and rushing waterfalls.
Agriculturally rich, Trang has rubber, oil palm, vegetables and
fruit, as the main economic anchors. It's not dependent on tourism,
nor racing to heavily promote it, and as a result, people, especially
in the more rural areas still tend to follow their traditional
ways. Large areas have National Park status to protect the natural
environment and limit expansion and development is being carefully
monitored.
Although relatively little known, the province achieved fame after
1997 with the "Largest Underwater Wedding Ceremony""
when couples (qualified divers) were married underwater! The event
gained world-wide publicity and won all sorts of accolades, including
an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. It's now an
annual event attracting more people each year.
What
to do
Explore. Either hire a car, or go with a local tour agent.
Lots of interesting wildlife, including a variety of bird species,
land mammals, and marine creatures, including the endangered Dugong
or Sea Cow. Go trekking, mountain biking, explore caves, or go
rock climbing. Along the coastline and on the island there are
diving and canoeing tours.
Caves and Waterfalls
Combine limestone and monsoon rainfall and you have some spectacular
caves and caverns. Some of the caves have been made accessible
for visitors with ladders and lighting, but many others remain
relatively unknown, unexplored, and a challenge for professionals.
For ordinary visitors, an organised tour with a qualified guide
is the best way to experience the caves, (known as Tham in Thai.)
Entertainment
Don't expect 'international' entertainment outside the hotels in
the centre of Trang. Pubs and karaoke bars are the main entertainment.
Occasional performances worth watching out for are local presentations
of typical southern Thai entertainment such as the graceful Manora
or Nora dance performances, Nang Thalung (shadow puppet play) and
Likae Pa (song and dance drama.)
Shopping
Trang is famous for lovely woven mats and containers made from
pandanus leaves. The province is also well known for cotton weaving,
with patterns which are unique to this part of Thailand. Other
locally made products include woodcarvings, basketry, rubberwood
toys, and woven clothes. Trang town with its clean, quiet
streets, tends to win municipal awards such as "Cleanest
City in Thailand" and is also famous for its cake, similar
to a kind of Madeira. The main market is worth a visit to try
some of the spicy southern Thai specialities.
Trang
Province - Islands
Adventurers and wannabe castaways could spend months exploring
the islands here. Some uninhabited, some with basic accommodation,
and each one with beautiful scenery and no deckchairs. Some have
regular ferry services and some are only accessible by renting
a boat for the day. Here's a summary of some......
Ko Muk
One of the most interesting islands, it has towering cliffs and
caves which attract masses of swallows. One of the best known
is the Morakot or Emerald Cave. A result of wind and water erosion,
it's only accessible at low tide, when small boats (or brave swimmers)
can enter the concealed and dark 80-metre-tunnel. Enveloped by
total darkness and silence, the tunnel leads to an interior vivid
emerald green lagoon, fringed by powdery white sand and enclosed
by limestone cliffs. Paddle tours are available to Ko Muk.
To get to Koh Muk, take a boat from Pak Meng on the mainland,
about 1 a hour drive from Trang town or book a tour.
Koh Sukon (also known as Koh Moo) and Koh Ngai (also known
as Koh Hai) are less visited islands, and offer lovely beaches
lapped by clear water, ideal for swimming or snorkelling
Koh Kradan Island: One of the most beautiful islands in
the Hat Chao Mai National Park. Kradan Island has duvet soft sand,
wide beaches, corals and clear water. Partly due to its widely
publicised "Largest Underwater Wedding Ceremony" which
earns it an entry in the Guinness Book of Records, Koh Kradan
is now one of the best known islands. The innovative 'weddings
underwater' first launched in 1997, is now an annual Valentine's
Day event which attracts more people every year, who sign marine
marital commitments in Scuba gear at a depth of 12 metres. All
prospective newly-weds holding an international divers license
may participate - details can be had from TAT or Thai Airways,
who enthusiastically sponsor this event. Ko Kradan is excellent
for snorkeling or diving. For those who love surfing, there are
small basins which regularly have big waves rattling against the
shoreline.
To get to Kradan Island, take a boat from Pakmeng Beach. It takes
around one 1.40 hrs. The area around Pak Meng, an hour from Trang
town has a number of local restaurants catering mainly to Thai
holiday-makers.
Libong Island: The biggest island in Trang. Major attractions
are the larger number of sea-birds, attractive beaches and coral
reefs along the southwestern coast. Thung Yakha and To Kea Bay
are set against a small waterfall which flows down from the surrounding
hills. Camping is possible in the hillside, inquire at the Forestry
Office. Other attractions include a number of waterfalls visited
by local day-trippers.
Getting There
By Train: From Bangkok: Rapid and express trains depart
daily. The overnight journey takes 15 hours (870-kilometres)
By Air:
Thai Airways operate daily from Bangkok. Additional flights
at the weekends. Flying time one hour and a half. You can can
also fly from Krabi Schedules change so check first. It's
only an hours drive.
Phuket A short 30 minute flight away. Check schedules for
flight info which changes with the season.
By Road: A long way to drive from Bangkok. Air-con buses
leave daily from the southern bus terminal. Alternatively. Start
the journey in Phuket and take Highway No. 4-402 (Phuket-Phangnga-Krabi-Trang)
Where can I go from Trang? - Krabi,
Phuket, Malaysia
When to Go
The 'best' time to visit is outside the monsoon, roughly between
November and April, but the rainy season has long periods of sunshine,
with short showers that don't stop your enjoyment. Hotel rates
and services are generally cheaper at this time of year, which
is an added incentive.
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