AMPHOE LAEM NGOB 17 kms from the municipal town of Trat, serves as the spring board to all the islands belonging to the Koh Chang Marine National Park. All three main piers servicing the islands are located in Laem Ngob (Ngob Cape.) It is also an interesting place to shop for souvenirs, seafood and other local food products like the popular Trat shrimp-paste, dried shrimp, fish sauce and the "ngob," which is a hat woven from dried palm leaves.

The Ao Taan Ku (Taan Ku Bay) is another attraction of Laem Ngob. The first bay of Trat bordering Chantaburi in Tambon Bang Pid, Ao Taan Ku boasts beautiful beaches, foodstuff and the distinct wide-brimmed ngop hat.

The bay is a favorite retreat for the locals. Its reddish sand beach with pebbles, clear waters and good food at reasonable prices continue to draw crowds especially during holiday seasons.

AMPHOE BORAI was famous for its gems markets and Siamese Ruby, which is world renowned for its clarity and pure red colour. Unfortunately, the supply is now depleted. The more popular gems market is now in Chantaburi, 60 km from Trat. The market opens early and close as early as 11.00 am! However, gemstones and the famous ruby are still available at shops and some smaller gems markets in Hua Tung, Ban Sa Yai, Nong Born and Khao Saming.

Borai also has the Saladdai Waterfall located 7 kms from the 25th km milestone, and is right in the center of a rainforest.

Other places of interests include the Laem Klador, Lan Sai Beach, the Saphan Hin Waterfall and the Thai Red Cross Society's Khao Lan Center (also called Rachakaroon Center) which houses a museum featuring the history, lifestyle and household items of Cambodian refugees. All these are along the Trat-Klong Yai Road and within 50 kms from the center of Trat town.

Jai Dee Guesthouse is one of the few accommodations that are found in the center of town. Set in a street of traditional shophouses, this nostalgia of a Thai house has been converted into a guesthouse that is welcoming. The minimalist rooms have either twin or double mattresses, in true Thai fashion, but are immaculately clean, as with the shared bathrooms down the hall. Prices start at 150 baht a night for a twin mattress.

The city center of Trat is rich in eating places, where a good meal can be had at moderate prices. At night, there's always the market with a whole host of Thai food with English signage. But popular restaurants are those near Jai Dee Guesthouse, namely Kuaytiaw Puu Sukhumvit which specializes in Egg Noodle dishes with fresh seafood accompaniments. Also, check out Nong Bua restaurant, where you can have a meal and also shop for Trat souvenirs.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

Ngob Nam Chiao is a woven hat of bamboo and palm leaves worn by people tending the field or farming the land. Ngob (in short) comes in various shapes and sizes. The ngob hat can be purchased from Ban Ngob Nam Chiao, a community 8 kilometers south of the provincial capital along highway 3148 near Laem Ngob Pier. There, the villagers specialize in making all types of Ngob. The village is also a good place to purchase local products, including dried shrimps, shrimp paste and fish sauce. Particularly famous is the shrimp paste since it is made entirely from shrimp. Ordinary shrimp paste is often a mixure of shrimp and fish.
The day market in Trat is a good place to purchase food, household items, and various knick knacks, with vendors setting up shop early in the morning. It is well worth the visit to see what fresh culinary and snack delights Trat has to offer. Knife vendors say that kitchen knives are always a popular purchase for many German visitors who like to cook and are reminded to check in their knives at the airport!

Koh Chang Wine comes from local fruits and herbs such as mangosteen, pineapple, grape and galingale. This award-winning brand is a good souvenir to take home. It is available at some hotels (eg. Koh Chang Lagoon Resort) and at some convenient stores (eg. V Mart) and in Trat (eg. Shogun Souvenir Shop). Price starts from 199 baht

Rakam Waan or Sweet Rakam is quite a well-known fruit in Trat. The fruit is very sweet when ripe and is quite popular among Thais. Trat is also famous for other tropical fruits such as the rambutan, mangosteen, mango, durian, coconut and pineapple.

The Lang Aan (Ridgeback Siamese Dog) is probably Thailand's most famous canine breed. Lang Aan dogs have short, silky and shiny hair, but this breed's distinctive feature is its ridgeback pattern of fur on its back. These ridgeback dogs are also known for their loyalty and intelligence. A well-bred Lang Aan Siamese Dog can fetch up to 300,000 Baht.