The underrated province of Trang boasts numerous offshore islands, crystal-clear beaches, mountains, and national parks. World-class dive sites and sea caves can also be found throughout the province. Friendly dugongs are frequent inhabitants of this wildlife sanctuary. As the province is rarely visited, it is ideal for travelers seeking peace and relaxation.

The small southern province of Trang, on the Andaman Sea, offers tourists a wealth of natural beauty: mountain ranges, beaches, and islands galore, as well as extensive forests and parks for nature lovers. But if you ask a local about Trang's true secret, they'll likely point you to a local eatery. The streets and alleys of Trang offer visitors a veritable culinary feast: from dim sum in the morning and the ubiquitous Trang roast pork to traditional coffee and pastries, and the province's incomparably fresh seafood. Trang itself is famous for its cakes (where else can you find so many pastry shops in such a small area?), which are made without icing and come in flavors like orange, coffee, triple flavor, and many more. Showcased each August at the Trang Cake Festival, these cakes make excellent souvenirs for friends and colleagues.

Beyond the culinary delights, every visitor to Trang should take a trip to one of the province's many islands and beaches. Around 46 islands lie off Trang's 119 km coastline. The largest, Koh Libong, is home to a large herd of dugongs that live and forage in the seagrass meadows surrounding the island. The shallow waters also attract numerous native and migratory birds, especially in winter, many of which are found nowhere else in the country. Koh Libong is part of the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve (+66 7525 1932). Boats depart hourly from Hat Yao Ban Chao Mai Pier and take 30 minutes to reach the island. Accommodation is available.

While Koh Libong is considered a wildlife hotspot, Koh Kradan is widely regarded as Trang's most beautiful island. Located mostly within the Hat Chao Mai National Park, the island offers several private accommodations with meals and overnight stays. Koh Kradan is particularly impressive for its powder-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, which provide unobstructed views of the coral reefs beneath. Visitors can reach the island by boat from Pak Meng Pier or Chao Mai Pier; the crossing takes approximately 90 minutes.

Another fascinating island is Koh Muk, with its steep, sea-facing cliffs to the west and a fishing village to the east. On the west coast lies the breathtaking sea cave Tham Morakot, accessible only by swimming through a small entrance. The light filtering through gives the cave a greenish glow, hence its name, "Emerald Cave." Koh Muk can be reached by boat from Pak Meng Pier in the Sikao district. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes. Accommodation is available on the island.

If swimming to a sea cave doesn't appeal to you, perhaps a trip to one of the impressive caves in the Ratsada district would be a good alternative. Tham Phra Phut, 17 km from Ban Ka Pang, houses a large reclining Buddha statue as well as a standing statue of a majestic dancer from southern Thailand. Ceramics, lacquerware, and ancient pottery of mysterious origin are also on display. Nearby is Tham Phraya Phichai, a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites, teeming with a variety of creatures, particularly edible snails called "Hoi Lo." Visitors should be prepared for wet conditions and bring a flashlight.

Budding botanists and nature lovers shouldn't miss the 2,600 rai South Thailand Botanical Garden (Thung Khai). It's home to one of the few remaining lowland jungle areas in the country. Located in the Yan Ta Khao district, the park features a tourist center, a botanical garden, a herb garden, a botanical library, a plant museum, and a conference center. Visitors can explore the trees and wildlife by bicycle or on foot along the numerous nature trails and canopy walkways, which offer a unique perspective from high above the forest floor. Thung Khai is accessible via the Trang-Palian Highway (No. 404) to kilometer 11. Accommodation is available. For more information, call +66 7528 01 66.

Trang's most famous specialty is roast pork. Prepared according to a special recipe with local herbs, it's roasted whole on a grill until the crackling is crispy. Available daily, it pairs perfectly with morning coffee. It's especially recommended during the Trang Roast Pork Festival, held every September. A must-try!

Getting there: Nok Air (www.nokair.co.th) and Thai AirAsia (www.airasia.com) offer daily flights from Don Mueang to Trang. Rapid and express trains run daily from Bangkok to Trang, covering the 870 km distance in 15 hours (www.railway.co.th). Air-conditioned buses depart daily from Bangkok's southern bus station to Trang; the journey takes 12 hours (www.transport.co.th).

For further information, please contact the regional TAT office in Trang at +66-7521-5867 or +66-7521-1058.