Highlights of Trang

If you’re planning a getaway along Thailand’s Andaman Coast, consider exploring the southern province of Trang. While many travellers flock to the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Trang is an excellent alternative.

Trang boasts some of Thailand’s most breathtaking beaches, yet they remain blissfully uncrowded. Unlike the more accessible shores of Phuket or Krabi, reaching Trang’s beaches requires a bit more effort but the reward is an untouched paradise where you can truly relax. If you’re searching for an alternative to the busier beach resorts and islands, travel to Trang.

Trang Town

Trang Town is the ideal base to explore Trang province and the offshore islands. Stay here for at least a few days and relax into the slow pace of local life.

Trang is a compact town and while it may not be packed with obvious attractions, it is a charming place to base yourself with an outstanding food scene waiting to be enjoyed. Trang’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences.

Start your morning at a classic Trang-style coffee shop, where you can enjoy dim sum and pa thong goh (Thai-style doughnuts) alongside strong local coffee or Chinese tea. For lunch or dinner, don’t miss Trang moo yang, a famous local dish of crispy roast pork.

Those who enjoy bold flavours should try the region’s fiery southern Thai curries, while sweet-toothed travellers can indulge in Trang cakes, a beloved local treat. The weekend market near the train station and the night market by the Dugong Fountain are great spots to sample street food and regional delicacies.

Island hideaways

Trang’s offshore islands cater to all types of travellers, from adventure seekers to those craving relaxation. Islands like Ko Mook offer a good selection of accommodation suitable for all budgets. From there, take a short longtail boat ride to the idyllic islands of Ko Kradan or Ko Ngai, both known for their stunning beaches and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Island-hopping in Trang

Ko Mook

Although tourism contributes to the Ko Mook economy, this is still an island that retains a local feel with fishing and farming mainstays of daily life here. Accommodation ranges from basic bungalows through to more luxurious resorts like Sivalai Beach Resort, where you can unwind in style.

Ko Kradan

One of Ko Kradan’s beaches has been nominated as the best in the world. With pristine sand, warm aquamarine waters and a sense of seclusion, it’s easy to see why.

Ko Ngai

Ko Ngai is another of Trang’s stunning islands where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquillity. There isn’t as much choice of accommodation compared to Ko Mook, but it does have a more exclusive feel to it and is ideal for a romantic holiday.

Ko Libong

Although the beaches of Ko Libong aren’t as attractive as the other Trang Islands, there is still much to enjoy on an island which sees relatively few tourists. This is also one of the best locations in the country to see one of Thailand’s most unique sea creatures, the dugong.

Dugongs are rare marine mammals which are often compared to manatees. Ko Libong, the largest of the Trang Islands, is a prime location for spotting these gentle creatures as they graze on the seagrass meadows offshore.

Ko Sukorn

If you want to get away from it all, travel to Ko Sukorn. The beauty of this island doesn’t come from the beaches, but from the welcome of the local people. Hire a bicycle to ride around and relax on one of Thailand’s most underrated islands.

Ko Lao Liang

Ko Lao Liang is a pristine, uninhabited island where visitor numbers are strictly controlled as part of its ecotourism initiatives. It’s a fantastic spot for rock climbing, snorkelling, and kayaking.

Local life

Despite the growth of tourism, traditional ways of life in Trang remain strong. Many locals continue to rely on fishing and farming, just as their ancestors did. Whether you’re exploring the mainland or the islands, you’ll come across rubber plantations, small fishing communities, and family-run farms.

For an immersive experience, visit Ko Libong, Ko Mook or Ko Sukorn, where you can interact with locals while still enjoying beautiful island scenery.

On the mainland, explore Trang Town’s vibrant markets or visit the historic Kantang Railway Station, the last stop on Thailand’s southwestern rail line. Travellers interested in responsible tourism can check out community-based tourism experiences offered by organisations such as Local Alike.

Natural wonders

Trang is home to spectacular natural attractions, the most famous being Tham Morakot, or the Emerald Cave. Located on Ko Mook, this hidden lagoon is accessible only by swimming or paddling through a dark, 80-meter tunnel. Emerging into the sunlit chamber, you’ll find yourself in a breathtaking natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.

The province’s diverse landscape also includes limestone karsts, caves, and waterfalls. Visit Khao Kop Cave, an intricate network of chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, or cool off at Ton Te Waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool at the base of its 320-meter cascade. For a different perspective, take a tuk-tuk ride to Thung Khai Botanical Gardens, a lush forest reserve with canopy walkways and serene nature trails.

Trang Underwater Wedding

With its secluded beaches, stunning sunsets, and peaceful ambience, Trang is an ideal destination for a romantic retreat. For couples looking to tie the knot in a truly unique way, the province hosts the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony every February. This one-of-a-kind event allows scuba-diving couples to exchange vows beneath the Andaman Sea, making for an unforgettable wedding experience.

Trang’s unspoiled beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere make it an outstanding alternative to Thailand’s more mainstream beach destinations. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or an authentic local experience, this underrated province is well worth a visit.

Map of Trang