We often dream of spending our retirement in Thailand one day, and the Trat Islands are always the first destination that comes to mind. This archipelago in the eastern Gulf of Thailand comprises around 50 islands, with Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak being the three most well-known. Together, they form a tropical, relaxed, and charming destination that is definitely worth a visit.
Koh Chang was actually the first Thai island we visited together as a couple. It was practically a meeting with my future in-laws, as both families accompanied us. Since then, we've been to the Trat Islands several times and have never been disappointed. We often combine them with Chanthaburi (where Kat's family lives) and other regions like Chonburi or Rayong. This part of Thailand has a somewhat undiscovered charm that we love.
How to get from Bangkok to the Trat Islands
The most important things to know about Trat: The province encompasses both the islands and part of the eastern mainland. From Bangkok, you can reach Trat in 5–6 hours by bus or fly with Bangkok Airways to Trat Airport in one hour. The journey is 330 kilometers long, but can easily be broken up with stopovers. Here are some possible routes:
If you are not flying to Trat, you can travel by bus or private van/taxi. The boat docks are located 20–30 kilometers from Trat town, though most travelers do not pass through the town itself. Combination tickets for bus/minivan, ferry/speedboat, and shuttle to your resort are available at travel agencies in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can book individual journeys separately, depending on your route. Note that there are different docks for each island.
Kat takes the ferry to Koh Chang with her niece.
The best travel destinations in the province of Trat
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is the largest of the Trat Islands and known for its rugged jungle hills. In our opinion, it's the best of the three islands for scooter tours. Along the steep, winding roads of the west coast, you'll quickly find the next beach, while the east coast offers a more authentic, local atmosphere. While the beaches aren't quite as impressive on average as those on Koh Kood, they are still well worth seeing. We particularly like Klong Prao Beach and Klong Kloi Beach. From Koh Chang, you can easily reach Koh Mak and Koh Wai by boat.
Read more: 20 top activities on Koh Chang: The complete travel guide
Jungle hills of Koh Chang
Klong Kloi Beach, Koh Chang
Koh Kood
A visit to the Trat Islands isn't complete without spending a few days on Koh Kood: our favorite island in all of Thailand. We come here when we want to escape the daily grind and soak up the tropical atmosphere. Koh Kood has seemingly endless palm trees that instantly put us in a relaxed mood. And the beaches, like Bang Bao Beach, are simply breathtaking.
Koh Mak
Koh Mak isn't your typical island paradise, but it makes up for its lack of pristine beaches with its eccentric charm. For example, you could take a golf cart to your accommodation, enjoy cake and Thai tea at small street cafes, participate in a Muay Thai training session at the Elite Fight Club, and watch the sunset from the rustic wooden jetty of the Blue Pearl Bar. The waters around Koh Mak are incredibly calm, instilling a sense of serenity – especially from the boutique resort Little Moon Villa.
Read more: Koh Mak: How to spend 3 days on this dream island
Little Moon Villa, Koh Mak
Koh Kham
Koh Kham is a private island just off the coast of Koh Mak and is only accessible as a day trip. On this tiny island lies the abandoned Ananya Hideaway resort – a structure that resembles a deliberately designed work of art more than an unfinished construction project. But it's the beaches that truly make a visit worthwhile: dazzling white sand, palm trees, and black volcanic rocks scattered throughout the water.
Ananya Hideaway, Koh Kham
Koh Wai
The ultimate island adventure awaits you on Koh Wai, halfway between Koh Chang and Koh Mak. As the only island in the Trat group, it offers accommodations and stunning beaches all to yourself. But be warned: most bungalows and beach huts are equipped with fans instead of air conditioning. If you're happy with basic comforts, you'll have a wonderful time. Alternatively, a day trip is a great option.
Hidden islands of Mu Ko Chang National Park
All major archipelagos harbor hidden islands waiting to be discovered, and this is especially true of Mu Ko Chang National Park. Day trips to the marine park are best organized from Koh Chang or Koh Kood. From there, you can snorkel at spots like Koh Rang or explore the idyllic beaches of islands like Koh Lao Ya. If you're unsure where to go, visit the Sol Beach Club on Koh Chang and book one of their private boat tours. As they say, "We know the insider tips."
Private boat trips offered by the Sol Beach Club
Signposts to the islands in Mu Ko Chang National Park
Trat Town or Chanthaburi
It's recommended to break up the trip with a stopover in Chanthaburi* or Trat Town. Chanthaburi is our personal favorite, as we spent a lot of time there with Kat's family. It's a fairly large city with all the comforts you could wish for, from shopping malls to historic hotels along the waterfront. The atmosphere is very authentic, and the food is simply divine – worth a visit for that alone. Trat Town, on the other hand, is a smaller city with its own unique charm: picturesque canals, street art, and local markets.
*Note: Chanthaburi is not located in Trat province, but on the way from Bangkok.
Which of the Trat islands should you visit?
Koh Chang vs Koh Kood
Ideally, you should visit both islands on the same trip. However, if time is limited, you may have to choose. Here's a comparison: Koh Chang offers more affordable resorts and generally a much wider range of accommodations. The island also boasts more restaurants, activities, fire shows, and a vibrant nightlife. Koh Chang has two lively tourist centers (Lonely Beach and White Sand Beach).
In contrast, life on Koh Kood, apart from a small row of shops on Klong Chao Beach, revolves largely around the resorts. The island is significantly less developed for tourism than Koh Chang and noticeably quieter. Those who want to relax on the beach all day will find Koh Kood ideal. Those seeking a bit of adventure while beach hopping should choose Koh Chang.
Read more: 20 top activities in Koh Kood: A tropical paradise
Koh Kood vs Koh Mak
Koh Mak is interesting for a one-off trip, but honestly, we're not sure if we'd go back, as much as we enjoyed its unique charm. Koh Kood, on the other hand, is a place we definitely want to visit again in the foreseeable future. Its tropical beauty is simply unparalleled. The mere fact that Koh Kood has waterfalls like Khlong Chao, while Koh Mak doesn't, makes the island even more appealing.
Frequently asked questions for a visit to the Trat Islands
When is the best time to travel?
The biggest drawback of the Trat Islands is the extreme rainfall during the monsoon season (May to October). Therefore, we advise against visiting during this period. The best months to travel are November and December, at the end of the rainy season. At this time, the hills of Koh Chang are lush and green, and the waterfalls of Koh Kood are particularly abundant. The dry season, however, lasts until April and offers plenty of sunshine.
Are the Trat Islands expensive?
Trat is suitable for both budget and luxury holidays, depending on which islands and accommodations you prefer. Koh Chang offers a wide selection of affordable hostels and mid-range resorts, while Koh Kood has a higher concentration of expensive resorts. To save money on Koh Kood, it's advisable to book accommodation months in advance to avoid price increases during peak season. Koh Mak falls in between in terms of price and generally offers very good value for money.
How many days does it take to get to the Trat Islands?
Since the journey from Bangkok is quite involved, you should plan at least four to five days on the Trat Islands to make your visit worthwhile. You could split your days between Koh Chang and Koh Kood or focus on one of the two islands. Alternatively, you could reserve seven to ten days for the Trat Islands and use this region as a beach stop during your two-week Thailand trip. This would give you enough time to explore Koh Kham, spend one or two nights on Koh Wai, and venture deeper into the marine park.
Concluding remarks
The Trat Islands have captured our hearts for many reasons – from holidays with Kat's nieces to the simple joys of riding a scooter through palm groves and enjoying the sunsets. And it's not just the islands themselves that captivate us. Our stopover in Chanthaburi is also a delight: exploring the dimly lit streets along the riverbank and sampling local specialties like Massaman durian curry. Bangkok → Chanthaburi → Koh Kood is the route we would recommend to our friends to show them the best of Eastern Thailand. And it's always a resounding success.
Scooter riding in Koh Mak
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