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AMPHOE KHAO SAMING
Ban Hat Lek
Ban Hat Lek is the farthest border village in Trad. It is on Highway
No. 318 within Khlong Yai District about 16 kilometers from the
district town, or approximately 89 kilometers from the provincial
capital. After the conflict ended in Cambodia, it has become a channel
for Thai-Cambodia trading. There is an immigration check point at
the border. Visitors wishing to enter Cambodia from here have to
apply for visa at the Cambodian Embassy in advance. Along Highway
No. 318 (Trad-Khlong Yai) are several white clean beaches and other
attractions including:
Hat Ban Chuen
This quiet beach is at Km. 59 of Highway No. 318 (Trad-Khlong
Yai).
Accommodations are available.
Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre
The Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre on Trad-Khlong Yai Highway at
Km. 48 was formerly a facility to assist Cambodian refugees who
fled the fighting in their country into Thailand from 1978 until
peace was restored in 1986. After the refugees were repatriated,
the centre was closed. Today, the site has been adapted into a tourist
facility. Tel: 0 3952 1621.
Wat Saen Tum
This temple is a Dharma-practicing facility amid the cool shade
of forests and fruit orchards. To the south of the temple is what
is called the Khao To Mo Ancient Site where piles of stone pillars
have been discovered. It is believed that they were components of
ancient Khmer structures. In addition, a large number of relics
such as pottery and ornaments and beads were found at the site.
Wat Saen Tum can be reached by taking the Saen Tung-Bo Rai route.
At Km. 18.5, take a left turn to head for Ban Tha Lai, Ban Na Makham
and Ban Erem where the temple is situated. The temple is about 38
kilometers from Khao Saming district.
AMPHOE KOH CHANG
 Ko
Chang
A stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut tree orchards
is a common sight on Ko Chang the largest and busiest island in
Trad and the second largest island in the country after Phuket.
Covering an area of 429 square kilometers, Ko Chang, boasts several
amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional
way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep
hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral
reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit
orchards dot the island.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading
from the north to the south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai
Khao , Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the
western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature
trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through
wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the foot
of the hill in the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated
and Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a
road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier
to the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao
Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Ko Chang.
In addition to sea-based attractions Ko Chang has numerous inland
attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access.
They are the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong
Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall,
a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong
Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Phet.
As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many other attractions
including waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the
beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers
will find fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang
and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, sunken
warships, a reminder of times past, can be visited in the Salak
Phet Bay.
 The
Ko Chang National Park occupies an area of 650 square kilometers
and is comprised of 47 islets, which spread from Laem Ngob to Klong
Yai Districts. . The most popular islands includes Ko Chang, Ko
Klum, Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Rung where natural wonders await
travelers. The most popular season for traveling to the National
Park is from November to March. The park headquarters are divided
into 4 units namely Tha Than Mayom, Ban Khlong Son, Tha Khlong Plu
and Ban Salak which provide useful tourist information. At any one
of the headquarters, an entry fee of 200baht is collected.
For transportation to Ko Chang, please refer to the traveling to
Ko Chang section.
Wat Bang Bao is on the roadside, next to the turn-off to Ban Bang
Bao.
Wat Khlong Prao is located in Baan Khlong Prao, also right off the
main road.
Wat Khlong Son is approximately 500 metres from the intersection
in Ban Khlong Son, in the direction of the bay.
At the top of the hill after Sapparot Bay towards Ban Khlong Son
there is a Chinese temple.
Wat Khlong Nonsi is situated just before the Dan-May Pier in Baan
Khlong Nonsi. Turn towards the sea at the intersection on the main
road. Proper clothes should be worn during temple visits.
Ko Chang Naval Battle Area
This area is located to the south of Ko Chang close to Salak
Petch Bay. It is the area where the battle between the Thai and
French Naval forces was fought over the eastern border conflict.
The Thai Navy holds an annual event to commemorate the combat victory
and make merit for the dead naval forces on 17 January.
Namtok Than Mayom
A 3-tiered medium-sized waterfall located behind the parks office.
There is a trail situated 500 meters from a durian orchard that
leads to the site where King Rama V and VI had visited and signed
their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.
Namtok Kiri Phet
Located to the south of Ko Chang, approximately 3 kilometers from
Ban Salak Petch.
Namtok Khlong Nonsi
This is a little waterfall in the northeast zone of the island.
The path to the area lies 3 kilometers from Baan Daan Mai or 3 kilometers
from the national park office.
Namtok Khlong Nueng
This is a small 120 meter high waterfall situated in a remote
area from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall is an
ideal place for relaxation.
Ban Salak Petch and Ban Rong Than
These are the largest fishing villages on the island and are
ideal venues for visitors wishing to experience or observe their
lifestyle. Bungalows and food shops are available.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
Another ideal spot to learn more about the lifestyle of fishermen
where residents build up their houses with poles pitched into the
sea and the community is linked together via a bridge that reaches
every house. In addition, Bang Bao is one of the zones rich in corals.
Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)
One of the longest beaches on Ko Chang, this beach provides
the most magnificent seascape. The beach, which is 2 kilometers
long, is dotted with reasonably priced bungalows and resorts. Embracing
the beach to the rear are orchards of coconut trees and forests.
Khlong Son Bay
Rich in coral lines, the bay is located on the western coast
of Ko Chang where Klong Son Community is situated.
Namtok Khlong Plu
A large 3-tiered waterfall situated 3 kilometers or a walking
distance of approximately 20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that
is a rewarding experience.
Tri Petch Waterfall
This single level waterfall is situated 3 kilometers from Salak
Petch Community along an orchard of rubber trees.
Hat Khlong Phrao and Laem Chat Chet
Laem Chai Chet is along the sea adjacent to Kai Bae Beach, which
is rather steep but offers possibilities for swimming. Standard
bungalows with facilities are available. The northernmost area of
Klong Phrao Beach is adjacent to Chai Chet Bay and Beach where visitors
can take in the beautiful landscape while enjoying the superb relaxation
and tranquil retreat.
Kai Bae Beach
This beach is close to Khlong Phrao Beach and is similar to
Khlong Phrao in that the beach is steep but safe for swimming with
quite a few inexpensively priced bungalows in the area.
Ao Bai Lan
This small bay with its long sandy beach where visitors can
enjoy the spectacular view in serene ambience is situated close
to Kai Bae beach.
Hat Khlong Kloi
This shady beach with coconut trees located next to Bang Bao
Village is a perfect place for relaxation.
Activities in Ko Chang
The main thing to do when in Ko Chang is to relax. Other than
that, there are numerous activities for visitors such as fishing,
snorkeling and visiting nearby islands. In addition, many resorts
rent out kayaks and arrange jungle treks as well as provide all
day boat tours to the nearby islands. Moreover, scooters can be
rented in most places, which make the island easier to explore independently,
however the driver should have some two-wheel experience as the
roads have a tendency to fade away to nothing more than tracks.
Furthermore, there are diving schools at all of the 4 largest beaches
on the west coast, where tours can be booked or various diving licenses
can be obtained and sailing-tours can also be booked in many resorts
and travel agencies.
Accommodations on Ko Chang
There are many resorts and bungalows on Ko Chang thus visitors
purchasing boat/ferry tickets from any of the piers should inform
the staff of the desired beach and resort accommodations reserved
to prevent misunderstandings on the destination. Facilities on Ko
Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches
which generally rent out bicycles and boats. Budget and high-end
accommodations are also available with prices ranging from 100 baht
(bungalow) to 6,500 baht for superior/deluxe rooms in boutique hotels
and internationally accredited resorts.
Best time to visit Ko Chang and other islands
The season is from October to May as from mid May to mid October
most of the resorts are closed, but visitors will still be able
to find a few open, as some of the owners actually live there and
are open all year round.
Dining delights in Ko Chang
Ko Chang is still virtually an untouched gastronomic paradise
as the islanders have made a living fishing in the beautiful blue
seas for centuries. There are plenty of seafood restaurants dotted
around the island and with the recent addition of a number of resorts,
visitors can now enjoy a wide range of local and international cuisines.
As the island only has a single road and most restaurants are located
on the road or in resort compounds, they are easy to find. It just
takes a little looking around to find a place that suits your fancy.
Reservations are not normally required but if you want to dine further
up the scale it is best to book in advance.
Getting to Ko Chang
A 5 hours bus trip from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors
to the Trad Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m. until 12.00
p.m.). From there continue by song taew transport to Laem Ngop,
which is 17 kilometers from town, or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat
and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day.
Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on
Ko Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. The trip takes
45 minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can continue
to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae by local bus which
charges 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject
to change without notice due to climate condition. For current information,
please contact TAT Trad office, Tel: Tel: 0-3959-7255, 0-3959-7259-60
Fax: 0-3959-7255.
Ferry Services
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat or Ko Chang Center
Point Landings between 7.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a traveling
time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry.
Please note that vehicles used on the island should be the 4-wheel
drive types as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes
to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang are song taew services
to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.
Naval Battle Monument Pier (Krom Luang Pier)
Wooden boats depart every hour from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The
passenger fare for a round trip costs approximately 100 baht. Call
tel. 039 538 084 for more details.
Center Point Pier
Ferries leave hourly from 6.00 a.m. until 7.00p.m. Call 039
538196 for more information.
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicles, 60 baht/passenger
6-wheel vehicles, 250 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
10-wheel vehicles, 500 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
Ao Thammachat Pier
Ferries leave every hour from 6.30 a.m. to 7.15 p.m. Contact
039 528288-9 for more details.
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicle, 60 baht/passenger, no charge for driver
6-wheel vehicle, 500 baht, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee
is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
Ko Chang Ferry
Ferries depart every 45 minutes from 6.30 a.m. until 7.15 p.m.
For more information call tel. 039 597143.
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicle 150 baht, no charge for driver, but a fee of 60
baht/passenger is applied
6-wheel vehicle, 500 baht, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee
is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Wai there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Wai at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 120
baht/person/one way.
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Kham there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Kham at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 170
baht/person/one way.
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Mak there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Mak at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 150
baht/person/one way.
Facilities on Ko Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations
on most beaches and rental services for bicycles and boats.
Several smaller isles south of Ko Chang include Ko Wai, Ko Lao
Ya and Ko Kradat. Noted for both deep-water and shallow-water corals
are the Ko Kra group and Ko Rang which are to the west of Ko Mak.
Travel to other Islands
Most visitors come to Amphoe Laem Ngob where there are 2 piers
namely Laem Ngob and Ko Chang Centre Point, offering daily boat
services to islands such as Ko Mak, Ko Wai, and Ko Kham. Tourist
spots in Ko Chang and other groups of islands.
Ko Chang Noi
Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi lie to the north of Ko Chang. The
sea between Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with corals.
Ko Kham
This island is located near Ko Mak and is endowed with natural wonders
such as crystal clear seas, chie sandy beaches, coral reefs and
most importantly, tranquility and privacy. Ideal for swimming and
diving, the trip to Ko Kham from Laem Ngob takes 2.5 hours.
Ko Klum
Like Ko Chang, this is an island of historical significance during
the Thai-French Naval Battle in 1941. Attractions on the island
include the stone yard landscape and fishing activities.
Ko Kradat
This island is situated to the northeast away from Ko Mak. In the
past, the area had an abundance of Kradad trees (paper trees); hence,
the name of the island. This island is notable for the fact that
it is the only island in Thailand to be issued a land title deed
during the period of King Rama V as a measure to protect the island
from French colonization. Ko Kradad is famous for its white long
sandy beach and wonderful coral reefs.
Ko Laoya
This wonderful island which is less than 1 kilometer long and 300
meters wide with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and colorful
corals lies about 3 kilometers west of the southeastern end of Ko
Chang. Ko Laoya forms an island group with Ko Laoya Klang and Ko
Laoya Nok and is connected to Ko Laoya Klang by a wooden bridge.
Travel time from Laem Ngob to the island takes about 2.5 hours and
only chartered boats can reach the island. Accommodation is available
but must be reserved well in advance.
Ko Mak
This is a large island to the south of Ko Chang that is blessed
with several beautiful bays and beaches and coral reefs nearby that
are still in perfect condition. The islanders make their living
by growing rubber and coconut trees. The best time to visit is from
November until late April. There are a number of accommodations
and tourist facilities available. A passenger boat departs Laem
Ngob daily at 3.00 p.m. and returns from Ko Mak at 7.00 a.m., traveling
time is 3.5 hours.
Ko Ngam
This island is situated southeast of Ko Chang and is comprised of
twin mountains linked by huge rocks with a huge sand knoll at the
middle. The little bay formed by the lines of the mountain stretching
into the sea makes the island a splendid and serene site worth visiting.
Accommodations are available.
Ko Phrao
This island situated in front of Salak Petch Bay has clean and calm
seas, and is cool and shady with coconut trees. Travel time from
Laem Ngob is two hours. Accommodations are available on the island.
Ko Rang
This small island at the west of Ko Mak does not have enough flat
area suitable for setting up of any resorts and bungalows. However,
Ko Rung is well known as the location for its birds nest concessions,
sea turtle eggs and bat's dung. The main attractions at the island
are the stone knolls and the magnificent deep-sea corals.
Ko Wai
This big island, which a part of Ko Chang National Park and is situated
next to Ko Laoya, has stone laden beaches. However, Ko Wai is famous
for its coral and is also the best place for fishing and swimming.
As for accommodations, Ko Wai Pakarung Resort is ready to serve
tourists.
AMPHOE KO KUT
 Ko
Kut
This island is the farthest island from the coast of Trad. Its size
ranks it as the fourth largest island in Thailand or the second
largest island next to Ko Chang in Trad. The island, which is 25
kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide covers an area of approximately
105 square kilometers or 65,625 rai. Its natural features include
mountains and plains where many streams originate and become waterfalls.
One famous waterfall is Nam Tok Khlong Chao, which flows throughout
the year and is an ideal place for swimming as it is comprised of
3 tiers; of which the upper two tiers are running streams and the
lower one is a large pond. In 1911, King Rama VI paid a royal visit
to this waterfall and named it 'Nam Tok Anam Kok' to commemorate
Ong Chiang Su. In addition; there are beaches with crystal-clear
seas which are popular among visitors such as Taphao Beach, Khlong
Chao Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, Phrao Beach, etc. Accommodations with
a private atmosphere is available for visitors at the inner sea
of Ko Kut, and the other two islands, Ko Rat and Ko Mai Si, opposite
to Ko Kut.
Package tours including accommodation (on Ko Kut, Ko Lao Ya and
Ko Ngam) as well as return fares are usually offered. Those wishing
to charter a boat can contact the Laem Ngop landing or make advance
inquiries at the Ko Chang Centre Point at Tel: (039) 538055, 538059).
Getting to Ko Kut
There are boats from Ko Chang to Ko Kut three times a week (Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday). Please ask for the departure times of the
ferries from Laem-Ngop Pier to Ko Kut at the pier.
Infrastructure on Ko Kut
The island is rather flat compared to Ko Chang with the highest
mountain on the island, Khao Phaenth, measuring 315 metres. It has
a good number of wonderful beaches with crystal clear water (Ta
Pho Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Thakian Beach, Phrao Beach etc.).
Inland, the island is very wild with a lot of coconut and rubber
tree plantations located in the plains.
Population on Ko Kut
Most of the island inhabitants live off of the cultivation of
coconut, rubber production or fishing. But meanwhile the expanding
tourism industry gives more and more work to the less than 2,000
residents.
The best time to go to Ko Kut
The best time for a visit to Ko Kut is between beginning of
November and the end of February. At this time it is relatively
cool, dry and mostly sunny. But until the end of May, when it is
hotter than the cool season, a visit is still convenient. Even during
monsoon season, Ko Kut is worth visiting for it doesnt rain every
day and all day long.
 Activities
on Ko Kut
Besides lazing on the beach, snorkeling at the beautiful coral
reefs or just watching stars at night; visitors can also visit nearby
islands for snorkeling and other activities.
Some of the more expensive Resorts on Ko Kut offer Banana-, Donut-boat-trips
and water-skiing. In addition visitors can do drop line fishing
at the beaches and bays or rent a boat over night (about 3000 Baht)
in order to try night time fishing.
Sights on Ko Kut
The village Aow Salad (Baan Aow Salad) in the Salad Bay (Aow
Salad) is located in the northeast part of the island. It is the
biggest fishing village on Ko Kut fresh seafood can be bought every
day.
The marvelous waterfall Nam Tok Khlong Chao or Than Sanuk Waterfall,
which was visited by King Rama VI in 1911, is one of the most beautiful
spots to be found on Ko Kut. It consists of 3 tiers: the upper two
are running streams and the lower one is a large pond - an ideal
place for swimming.
Ko Wai, this small paradise is situated approximately 6 kilometers
south of the southernmost end of Ko Chang The island is about 3
kilometers long, in the widest point 1.5 kilometers and has some
very beautiful sandy beaches.
Ko Wai is reached daily by a boat starting at 3.00 pm from the
Laem-Ngop-Pier. The travel time is 2.5 hours and costs 130 Baht.
AMPHOE LAEM NGOP
Ao Tan Khu
This is a bay with fine sandy beaches that are popular with the
local people during holidays. It is 4 kilometers off of Highway
No. 3156 (Ban Saen Tung-Laem Ngop).
Ban Nam Chiao
This village is approximately 8 kilometers from town on the Trad-Laem
Ngop route. It is noted for Ngop Nam Chieo, a native hat to ward
off the sun. The hat, which is still widely used today as it is
light and comfortable, is woven with local palm leafs grown in mangrove
area. In addition to the traditional shape, it has been adapted
into other more fashionable shapes as souvenirs.
Ko Chang Yutthanawi Memorial
The Ko Chang Yutthanawi Memorial, at Laem Ngop, commemorates the
Franco-Thai naval engagement on January 17, 1941. Other attractions
at the memorial include the Statue of Prince Chumphon, father of
the Thai navy, and a warship-shaped museum displaying old equipment
and armaments of the fleet with exhibits on the Ko Chang naval battle.
AMPHOE MUEANG
City Pillar
Located on Lak Muang Road, the City Pillar stands in a Chinese-style
building. Erected by King Taksin, it is a highly revered edifice
for the townspeople.
Residanggamport Residence
On Lak Muang Road, this is an old 3-story building that was once
used as the residence of the French governor when the town was occupied
in 1904-1907. Subsequently, from 1928, it became the residence of
Trad's governors.
Wat Buppharam
On Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit) just opposite the Trad Hospital, turn
into Plai Khlong Road and proceed for 2 kilometers in order to reach
Wat Buppharam. Built in the Ayutthaya era, this temple it features
the oldest wooden vihan in the country. The architectural style
and the remaining wall murals are of the early Ratanakosin influence
with a mix of Chinese influence. The temple's museum houses scores
of valuable ancient relics, particularly the Holy Relic, Buddha
statues in different postures and Chinese and European porcelain
items. All these point to commercial and cultural exchanges carried
out between the different parts of the world in the past.
Wat Yotha Nimit
This temple, which is also known as Wat Bot, is located on Tetsaban
4 Road near the city pillar. With fine murals in its former Ubosot,
the temple was once used as the site for the government officials'
oath of allegiance ceremony during the reign of King Taksin. The
rite was shifted to Wat Phai Lom by King Rama V.
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