If you don't count the night spent at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Trat was actually the first place in Thailand I ever properly visited. After flying out of Shanghai one night in February 2010 (and sleeping while waiting for my bus), I embarked on the very long journey to the island of Koh Mak.

Nevertheless, Trat wasn't a place I felt compelled to return to over the years as I explored the kingdom more extensively. While Koh Mak and the surrounding islands are beautiful, frankly, they pale in comparison to the idyllic beauty of the Andaman Sea.

In the decade and a half I've spent traveling in Thailand, I've returned here several times. And although this guidebook to Trat took some time to take shape, I promise you it was worth the wait.

How many days does it take to get to Trat?

Most travel blogs about the Trat archipelago focus on just one island. For example, there are Bangkok expats spending a weekend on Koh Chang, or groups of travelers heading straight to Koh Kood after seeing it in a drone video. Few travelers explore the entire Trat archipelago as a cohesive destination. I myself have only done so once – on my 2015 trip, which was sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

And that's precisely the point when considering how many days to plan for your time in Trat. If you only want to visit one island, 2-3 nights will probably suffice, as the journey between Bangkok and each island takes about half a day. However, if you want to see all the islands of Trat, I recommend a full week, with two nights each on Koh Chang and Koh Kood, and three nights split between Koh Mak and Koh Wai.

Where to go in Trat?

Koh Mak

Koh Mak will always hold a special place in my heart – as mentioned before, it was the first place I visited in Thailand. Some of Koh Mak's beaches (such as Ao Soun Yai on the north coast) are among my absolute favorite beaches in the entire kingdom; I also find the more understated south coast enchanting.

Koh Kham

This small island off the coast of Koh Mak is rarely found on travel itineraries for Trat. This is partly due to practical considerations: Koh Kham is better suited for a day trip (or even a half-day trip) than as a standalone holiday destination – at least until the abandoned resort on the coast finds new owners. Nevertheless, I find this secluded island to be a dreamy oasis, distinctly different from its nearest neighbor.

Koh Wai

A trip to tiny Koh Wai isn't exactly a typical activity in Trat, but I'm personally a big fan. Koh Wai consists of just a few very basic beach huts – which is why many visitors only do a day trip instead of staying overnight – and it's definitely the place in Trat where you feel like you're in the movie "Cast Away".

Koh Kood

No matter how many days you spend in Trat, I highly recommend a trip to Koh Kood. It's the second largest island after Koh Chang, but significantly less developed for tourism. This means you'll need much more time and patience—and ideally a motorbike, assuming someone in your group can ride one. To be honest, Koh Kood was never my favorite island in Trat, although I have to admit I should spend more time there.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, the largest island in the Trat archipelago, is also the most developed for tourism, with the most hotels and the most frequent connections to the mainland. On the other hand, although popular beaches like Lonely Beach are by no means bad, Koh Chang strikes me as less spectacular than the other Trat islands. I see its role as somewhat comparable to that of Phuket in the Andaman Sea.

Trat Town

Since Trat was probably the first province I visited in Thailand—almost two decades ago—it's almost unbelievable that I only visited Trat City this year (it's 2026 as I write this paragraph). Like nearby Chanthaburi (though much smaller), Trat's capital is architecturally charming and home to locals who, unaccustomed to foreign faces, are among the friendliest people I've ever met in Thailand.

Which is the most beautiful island in Trat?

Since Koh Mak was the first island in Trat I visited—and indeed the first island in Thailand—you might think I'd be biased against it. In fact, it's probably my least favorite of the four most popular islands in Trat. The beaches simply aren't spectacular, especially if you're traveling all the way from Bangkok. Koh Chang, apart from its central location among the islands, doesn't have much to offer either.

This Trat tour includes Koh Kood and Koh Wai. Koh Kood has a lot to offer, from a wide selection of hotels and restaurants to countless beaches, many of which are still largely untouched. Koh Wai impresses with its pristine nature and the fact that the island is easy to explore due to its small size. On the other hand, it's an understatement to say that the accommodations there are basic.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Trat, Thailand

Is Trat worth a visit?

Trat isn't the easiest island to travel around, but it can be worthwhile if you have realistic expectations and manage your time well. To be more precise: I wouldn't recommend Trat for a weekend trip from Bangkok, but a week of island hopping is, in my opinion, a very sensible use of time.

Is Koh Chang worth visiting?

Koh Chang, in itself, may not be the most impressive or interesting island in Thailand. On the other hand, it's a fabulous stopover in the Trat archipelago and an ideal base for exploring the other islands.

How many days does one need on Koh Chang?

How many days you spend on Koh Chang depends on your planned activities. If you want to visit the island as a standalone destination, one or two days will suffice. However, if you plan to use the island as a base for excursions to Koh Mak, Koh Wai, and Koh Kood, three to five days are recommended.

Conclusion

I hope this guide to Trat has been helpful. While the Trat archipelago may not be as postcard-perfect as the Andaman Sea islands—or even Koh Samui and its neighbors—a subtle sense of paradise surrounds you as you bask on one of its palm-fringed beaches, many of which remain virtually untouched. What places like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Wai, and Koh Kood lack in luxury hotels and amenities, they more than make up for in the feeling of having discovered a hidden gem. Need help planning your Thailand island getaway? I'd be happy to take care of the planning for you!