Trang

Introduction

You will find yourself in Trang, also known as Mueang Thap Thiang, a city located deep in the southern reaches of Thailand. As the capital of Trang Province, this area encompasses the entirety of the Thap Thiang district.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey through a landscape of unspoilt beauty on the Andaman Coast, where you can experience white sand beaches and coastal scenery. Because the province is situated next to the Indian Ocean, expect monsoons throughout the year resulting in frequent rainfall. You can choose to visit during the hot season or the rainy season, but note that the best time for sea travel is between October and May.

Explore a region rich in heritage and tradition shared with neighboring coastal towns. Your visit will take you through areas shaped by history as a former trade port and the first site of rubber cultivation in southern Thailand. You can experience local culture through traditional performances, including:

• Li-kae Pa, a performance popular among Thai Muslims featuring unique costumes and a small group of performers.
• Manora, a southern art form defined by graceful dance postures and improvised lyrics.
• Shadow Play, where a puppeteer narrates stories behind a lighted screen using figures carved from dried animal hide.

Getting there

You can reach the city by car via several routes, including highways connecting Bangkok, Phuket, and Hat Yai. If you prefer to fly, Trang Airport offers daily flights from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. From the airport terminal, you can take a light blue bus to the central train and bus station or catch a taxi. Alternatively, flying into Hat Yai provides an option to take a songthaew to a minibus station followed by a minibus ride to your destination.

Train travel is available from Bangkok with both Express and Rapid options running daily. For those traveling by road, air-conditioned buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, while minibuses serve routes from Satun. Once you arrive at the Trang bus station, you can take a small blue or pink town bus to reach the town centre and railway station. Public passenger vans are also available from neighboring provinces.

Getting around

You can navigate the municipality using motorized tricycles (tuk-tuks) or motorbike-taxis. For travel between districts, choose from buses, taxis, passenger vans, or van rentals from local tour companies. If you prefer independent travel, motorbikes are available for rent by the day.

To reach specific destinations via passenger van, use the following locations:

• Take a van opposite Tha Klaang Market on Tha Klaang Road to reach beaches in Sikao District such as Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, or Ban Chao Mai.
• For Huay Yod, Rassada, or Tung Song, board a van at the church on Huay Yod Road.
• Head to the area near the sports stadium on Rassada Road for transport to Tha Khao, Palian, Thung Yaaw, or Samran Beach.
• Locate passenger vans on Kantang Road near Trang Railway Station to visit the old town in Kantang District.

Where to stay

Depending on your budget, you can find various accommodations near the railway station. For a basic stay, choose between the large Koh Teng Hotel, which offers clean rooms with fans or air conditioning, and PJ Guesthouse, where the owner provides helpful assistance along with laundry services and travel agency support.

If you prefer mid-range options, consider these locations:

• Sleeper House, located near the local fresh market, offers cozy dorms and private rooms with air conditioning.
• My Friend Hotel provides 24-hour fast internet access and accepts various payment methods including credit cards.
• Sri-Trang hotel features modern, clean rooms and friendly staff near the railway station on Rama 6 Road.

Food & drink

Experience a diverse culinary landscape where local flavors are influenced by Malay, Indonesian, and Indian traditions. You can sample regional specialties such as gaeng masaman, khanom jeen, khao yam, pork fried with dasheen and go yuk, or khao mok gai. For authentic local staples, seek out muu yang dtrang (Trang-style roasted pork) and kake dtrang. Start your morning with a traditional breakfast of dim sum, ja guai, or bpaa tong goo accompanied by go bpii.

Explore various dining styles across the city to find your favorite flavors:

• Visit local joints like Si Fa for regional specialties such as Rad Na Super, or head to Kim Restaurant for a long-standing Thai-Chinese experience in the town center.
• Enjoy an extensive menu of Thai and southern Thai dishes at Tua Puan, which is popular with locals.
• Find unique dim sum at Chen Jia Dim Sum or enjoy European food and German beer at Wunderbar Restaurant & Tours.
• Visit lively spots like Si Esperanza for lattes or explore the vibrant Night Market and Cinta Walking Street to sample street foods like pad thai, gyoza, and sushi while enjoying live music in nearby bars.

What to see and do

Explore the coastal beauty of the Trang archipelago, where you can discover islands like Ko Kradan, known for its powdery white beach and clear waters that reveal coral reefs and colorful fish. Nearby, visit Ko Muk to see sea-facing towering cliffs and a sea cave called Tham Morakot, where sunlight illuminates emerald water. You can also explore the smaller islands of Ko Chueak and Ko Waen, which are teeming with various types of fish and corals. For a different coastal experience, travel to Hat Pak Meng, a crescent-shaped beach bordered by a pine forest where you can relax and sample seafood.

Adventure seekers can venture inland to see Namtok Ton Te, the tallest waterfall in the region, or explore the limestone formations of Tham Le Khao Kop. In this cave, a stream flows through rock layers and stalactites, offering an opportunity to ride in a rowboat through the mountain. If you prefer cultural experiences, witness traditional performing arts such as Manora, which features expressive dance postures and live musical instruments, or Shadow Play, where carved hide figures are projected against a lit screen. You can also experience Li-kae Pa, a unique performance style popular among Thai Muslims featuring distinct costumes and various percussion instruments.

Day one, you can begin your journey in Trang by exploring the local atmosphere of Mueang Thap Thiang. You can walk along Tha Klaang Road to visit the nearby Tha Klaang Market.

Day two, you can head toward the coast to experience the scenery of the Andaman Coast and the Indian Ocean. This area offers a different perspective than the inland regions of Trang Province.

Day three, you can spend your final day in the region exploring more of the local surroundings before preparing for your departure from the area.