Hat Chao Mai National Park is a marine national park covering the 2 districts of Kantang and Sikao with a 20-kilometres coastline. The park headquarters is at Chang Lang Beach in Tambon Mai Fat, approximately 47 kilometres from the city. To get there, take the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng Road (Highway No. 4162) for 40 kilometres and then 7 kilometres more on a road paralleling the beach to the park headquarters. Land-based attractions of the park are Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, San Beach, Yao Beach, Yong Ling Beach, Chao Mai Beach, and Chao Mai Cave. All are easily accessible by car. Moreover, there are 7 other islands for which the park is responsible. They are Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak, Ko Pling, Ko Waen, Ko Meng, and Ko Chao Mai. The area was proclaimed a national park on 14 October 1982. The park also features the Marine Natural Study Centre (tel. 0-7521-0664) and the Tourist Service Centre.

Accommodation is available on the island. For more details, please contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, tel. 0-2561-2920 - 1 or Hat Chao Mai National Park, Moo 5, Tambon Mai Fat, Amphoe Sikao, Trang, P.O. Box 9, tel. 0-7521- 0099.

         Ko Ngai or Ko Hai is an island that is actually in Amphoe Ko Lanta of Krabi. However, it is classified as a tourist destination in the Trang Sea because it is easier to get there from Trang. The island has a white beach, clear waters and is surrounded by magnificent corals. A boat trip from Pak Meng Pier takes about an hour. A 10-person capacity boat rent is 1,500 baht and for 20-40 persons is 6,000-10,000 baht. Accommodation is available on the island.

         Rajamangkala Aquarium is around 30 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng Road (Highway No. 4046-4162). The large building is inside the Fishery Faculty, Rajamangkala Institute of Technology, Trang Campus, Tambon Mai Fat. The aquarium has 61 displays and a number of fishponds. The aquarium has freshwater and marine fish, amphibians and the most realistic model of a mangrove forest. It is open daily during official hours. For more information, call tel. 0-7524-8201-5.

         Hat Pak Meng is at Moo 4, Tambon Mai Fat, 38 kilometres from the city on the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng Road (Highway No. 4046-4162). The beautiful and peaceful, 5-kilometre-long beach is in the shape of a crescent moon and is frindged by a lovely pine forest. Assorted large and small islands dot the sea, looking like a person lying face up in the ocean. Trang locals and people from nearby provinces like to come here to relax and sample spicy seafood in the restaurants. Boats from Pak Meng Pier take visitors to Ko Ngai and other islands close by.

         Namtok Ton Te is 45 kilometres from the city. Go on the Trang-Phatthalung Road for about 17 kilometres, right onto the Ban Kachong-Ban Hat Lao Road (Highway No. 4124) for about 27 kilometres and left for 1 kilometre. Originating in the Banthat Mountain Range, water from this large and beautiful waterfall drops down 320 metres to the rocks below. Assorted tropical flora covers the surrounding area. The waterfall is accessible by car throughout the entire year.

         Ton Tok Waterfall is 1 kilometre from Ton Tae Waterfall along a walking trail. Streams flow through large and small rocks. Ton Tok offers a great view of Ton Tae.

         Sea tour of Palian is recommended by taking the Trang-Palian road (Highway No. 404). The Palian coastline is a lovely, indicative of the extraordinary feature of the Andaman Sea. Famous beaches include Chao Samran and Ta-se. Interesting islands are Ko Sukon, Ko Phetra, Ko Lao Liang Nua, and Ko Lao Liang Tai

         Moo Ko Phetra National Park is a marine national park in Amphoe Palian and Amphoe La-ngu in Satun. The area was proclaimed a national park on 31 December 1994 and comprises islands such as Ko Phetra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko Lanti, Ko Lidi, Ko Bulon, Ko Laoliang, and Ko Praoma. Access is possible from Pak Bara Pier in Satun. The most suitable time for a visit is during December-April. Tourist accommodation is available near the park headquarters. For more information, please contact the Marine National Parks Division at tel. 0-2561-2920-1 or the Moo Ko Phetra National Park at Moo 4, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Langu, Satun, tel. 0-7478-1572.

         Ko Sukon is a Tambon in Palian, only 3 kilometres from shore via the Trang-Palian Road (Highway No. 404). The island has many lovely beaches. In addition, it is renowned in the province for its delicious watermelons, which is abundant in March and April. To get there, take a bus on Trang-Palian route or a van from Amphoe Muang for approximately 35 kilometres and cross a ferry at Tha Kham Pier in Palian. Boats leave twice daily at 10.00 hrs. and 14.00 hrs. The trip takes 40 minutes. Alternatively, embark a boat at Ta-se Pier in King Amphoe Hat Samran by using Highway No. 404, turn right at Ban Na intersection and drive for around 18 kilometres and then left for another 7 kilometres or so. The total travelling time is 20-30 minutes. The boat rent is 500 baht for 10 people. There is tourist accommodation on the island.

         Khao Kop Cave is in Moo 1, Tambon Khao Kop, about 7 kilometres from the district office on Phetkasem Road, then 700 metres on a road on the left. Khao Kop Cave is truly a natural wonder with a stream flowing through the cave. The cave itself looks like a high and steep cliff with layers of rocks. A canal from the Banthat Mountain Range divides it into 3 waterways upon reaching Khao Kop, with 2 going around the mountain and the other flowing through the cave under the mountain. Stalactites and stalagmites line the cave for about 4 kilometres. Currently, the Khao Kop Tambon Administration Organization provides rowboats for visitors to view the cave’s beauty and eco-tourism and adventure activities are conducted by the locals. The fee is 200 baht for 7 persons, or 30 baht per person. For more information, please contact the organization at tel. 0-7527-1426.

         Thale Song Hong is in Tambon Bang Di, 8 kilometres from the district centre. To get there, take Phetkasem Road (Huay Yot-Krabi) to Ban Phraek, then right for 12 kilometres. Thale Song Hong is a large lake encircled by mountains. Jutting out in the middle is a mountain, dividing the water into two sections,hence, the name “Thale Song Hong” (Two-room Sea). The view here is breathtaking and the water is clear enough for viewing the many fishes underneath.

         Southern Thailand Botanical Garden (Thung Khai) can be reached via taking the Trang-Palian Road (Highway No. 404) to the 11-km marker. This is a new tourist destination for those interested in studying nature and flora in particular. Inside the park are a tourist service centre, a botanical garden, an herbal garden, a botanical library, a plant museum, and a technical meeting centre. The most important aspect of the park is the many nature trails available, all going through a lowland jungle, as well as a forest with many interesting plant species. Accommodation is available. For more information, please call tel. 0-7521-8435.

         Namtok Sai Rung can be visited by taking the Trang-Phatthalung road to about Km. 17, turn right onto the Ban Ka Chong-Ban Hat Lao road for 15 kilometres, then turn left at the waterfall sign and continue for about 4 kilometres. This single-level cascade falls from a high and huge cliff. The water turns into a rainbow as the sun shines onto it.

         Tham Phraya Phichai in Ban Nai Wang, Tambon Nong Bua, is a naturally beautiful cave that has plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. It is teeming with wildlife, especially “Hoi Lo”, or Lo snails, that are edible.

Tham Phraya Phichai

Tham Phra Phut

         Tham Phra Phut can be accessed from Ban Ka Pang by turning right to Chauat and driving for around 10 kilometres. At the intersection, turn right and continue for about 7 kilometres. Inside the cave is a large reclining Buddha image and a standing image decorated in the style of a regal southern Thailand dancer. Moreover, there are personal belongings that belonged to upper class people, like ceramics, lacquerware and old pottery. The origin of the items and the temple’s history are shrouded in mystery.

         Hat Samran is in Tambon Hat Samran, about 59 kilometres from the city. Take the Trang-Palian Road, turn right at Ban Na intersection in Palian, and drive for 22 kilometres. This Indian Ocean beach has a thick pine forest and offers a good view of large and small islands off-shore. The climate on the islands is warm and breezy all day, making them great holiday spots. Tourists come here to sample fresh seafood and watch the life of local fishermen.

Back to top