Koh Chang Introduction

Trat is the province situated at the east border of Thailand, 315 kilometers from Bangkok. The town occupies the area of 2,819 kilometers or 1,761,875 rai. In the province, there are 5 districts, namely Muang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngob, Klong Yai, Bo Rai and 2 sub-districts; Ko Kud and Ko Chang which are the most famous islands in the province offering all kind of accommodations and plenty of white sand beaches.

The province is close to Chanta Buri and Cambodia in the North and adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand in the South. The east is separated from Cambodia by Buntud Mount Range eastwards from the middle of the province. Weru River separates the west Trat from Chanta Buri.

Climate
Ko Chang is the ideal location for the real rest as the weather there is very comfortable with the average temperature not too cold or too hot. Ko Chang is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern storms. That triggers limitations to the water transportation to the group of islands. Between May and October which is the period of southwestern monsoons, the west coast is always visited by storms and thus, not safe for ferry boats. Between November to April is very safe since there are quite a few storms. Most of Trat areas lie in the Gulf of Thailand. This makes the province abundant with tourism resources. Trat has as many as 52 islands, especially Ko Chang include sea, waterfalls and forest. The province is also the source of red sapphire, fine shrimp paste and sweet rakum, a kind of palm of genus Zalacca with sweet and acid taste.

History
It was surmised that the title "Trat " was a corruption of "Krat" which is the name of a tree plenty in Trat Province and used in broom production. In Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Naresuan, the town was called "Baan Bang Pra." While King Rama V was on the throne, Thai government inevitably made a treaty with France granting the area of current Trat Province to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanta Buri Province. Later, on March 23, 1906, the King had to grant areas, namely Pratabong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat, islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong River. Thus, Trat residents regard March 23 as the "Independence Day of Trat" and organize "Trat Recalling Day" every year. They also built up King Rama V Monument at the City hall to commemorate the King's attempt to keep Trat with Thailand.

On January 17 1941, during Indochina War, French Squadron transgressed Thailand's territorial waters. Thai Flotilla came to protect the land. Thus, the war which was later known as "Ko Chang Naval Battle" began. Thai Troop won and managed to drive out French Squadron. however, Thai side lost three warships, namely Songkhla, Chonburi and Thonburi as well as some naval officers. Therefore, on the date of every year, Thai Naval Army holds the annual merit-making day to dedicate to those who sacrificed their lives in their effort to protect the country.

Festivals &Events
● Ko Chang Naval Battle Remembrance Day.
January 17-21
Laem Ngob and Ko chang
It is organized to recall the naval battle between Thai and French troops on January 17,1941. In the fair, the merit making ceremony dedicated to Thai naval officers who sacrificed their lives for the country will be held. Exhibitions of Thai Naval Army and other government agencies together with entertainments will be on display. 

● Trat Independence Day
March 23-27
City hall's front yard
March 23,1906 was when Trat was liberated. During his reign, King Rama V made a treaty with France granting Trat and Patchantakiri (Ko Kong) to the country in exchange with French troop's maneuvers off Chantaburi Province. Later, on March 23, 1906 the King had to grant Prathong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat Province and islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong. In the fair, King Rama V Commemorative Parade, the exhibition featuring history of Trat and Lung Aan Siam Dog Competition will be held. Agricultural and local products, cultural performances and entertainments will be on view as well.

● Sweet Rakum and Red Rudy Day
City hall's front yard
During late May and early June on the city hall's front yard. Exhibitions, entertainments, fruits competitions, such as rakum, a kind of palm with sweet and acid taste, will be on display. Agricultural products are available.

Amazing Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand

Co Chang Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south.

To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.

On Koh Chang itself are several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3 kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-km. walk from the park headquarter, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kms. from Ban Salakphet.

Second in size to Koh Chang, Koh Kut is located in the southernmost point in Trat territorial waters. A speedboat transport visitors to the island within one hour. The inhabitants grow rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, while others are fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees mostly located on the western shores, it is also blessed with rich mangroves.

Bang Bao Sea Hut 1,750 THB	Chai Chet Resort 1,200 THB	Grand Cabana 1,900 THB	Seaview Resort 1,800 THB	Garden Resort 1,200 THB
White Sand Beach 1,100 THB	KC Grande Resort 1,800 THB	Nisa Cabana 3,500 THB	Thai Garden Hill 1,040 THB	Remark Cottage 1,400 THB