Things to Do in Trang

About Trang

Trang exists in that sweet spot most of Thailand's coast lost decades ago—genuinely laid-back, refreshingly unpretentious, and still oriented toward Thai visitors rather than international tourism. The province unfolds along the Andaman Sea with a scattered archipelago of limestone islands that rival Krabi's beauty without the crowds, while inland you'll find jungle-clad mountains and caves that actually feel like discoveries rather than attractions. The food scene here is legendary among Thais—this is where roasted pork and dim sum reach near-religious status, where morning markets sprawl with an abundance that speaks to fertile land and generous seas. You might find yourself the only foreigner on a longtail boat to an island with powder-soft sand, or wandering night markets where vendors seem genuinely surprised to see you. It's the kind of place that rewards slow travel and curiosity, where the lack of polish is precisely the point.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a motorbike to explore properly—Trang town is compact, but the best beaches and islands require pier access scattered along the coast. Longtail boats to islands like Koh Kradan or Koh Mook run frequently but on loose schedules; book through your guesthouse rather than showing up at piers where prices mysteriously inflate for walk-ups.

Money: Bring cash—ATMs exist in Trang town but become scarce near beaches and on islands. Many guesthouses and restaurants don't accept cards, and you'll need small bills for longtail boats and market food. Budget around 800-1,200 baht daily for comfortable mid-range travel, significantly less than Phuket or Krabi.

Cultural Respect: Trang has a substantial Muslim population, particularly in coastal areas—dress modestly when away from beaches, and be mindful during Ramadan when many restaurants close during daylight hours. Remove shoes before entering homes and smaller guesthouses, and ask before photographing people, especially in traditional fishing villages.

Food Safety: Street food here is exceptional and generally safe—look for high turnover and locals queuing. Don't miss the morning dim sum scene (starting around 6 AM) or the famous moo yang (grilled pork). Tap water isn't drinkable, but ice in restaurants is typically fine since it comes from purified sources in blocks.

When to Visit

November through March offers the classic sweet spot—dry, sunny days with temperatures hovering around 28-32°C and minimal rainfall (under 50mm monthly). Seas are calm for island hopping, though this is technically peak season with prices running 20-30% higher than low season. That said, Trang never gets truly crowded by Thai standards. April and May turn scorching hot (35°C+) but remain relatively dry—decent for bargains if you can handle the heat. The monsoon arrives June through October with September and October seeing the heaviest rainfall (400mm+), rough seas that cancel boat trips, and some island resorts closing entirely. Prices drop 30-40%, but it's genuinely wet rather than just afternoon showers. Interestingly, November can offer the best balance—post-monsoon freshness, fewer visitors than December-February, and reasonable prices. The Vegetarian Festival (usually late September or October) brings fascinating street processions, though timing is tricky given the weather. For budget travelers who don't mind occasional rain, late October or early November might actually be ideal—the landscape is lush, prices haven't peaked, and island services are reopening.