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OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Trat: A Place of<br />
Dream Islands<br />
Translation Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
Story & Photos Courtesy of Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Located to the east of <strong>Thai</strong>land, Trat province offers<br />
travellers a variety of attractions – from stunning<br />
blue seas, abundant forests and mountains, magical<br />
waterfalls, to community-based tourism. Strong<br />
practices in environmental awareness contribute to<br />
an endless list of activities.<br />
Koh Chang, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s second<br />
largest island after Phuket as a popular<br />
getaway boasts powdery white sandy<br />
beaches, a plethora of boutique resorts<br />
and restaurants to chill out. With<br />
abundant ecosystems, Koh Chang<br />
makes for a year-round paradise for all<br />
sea and beach lovers.<br />
For a different island vibe, there’s<br />
charming Koh Kood, also surrounded<br />
by the azure sea and blessed by bright<br />
blue skies that’s a haven from a busy<br />
city life. Enjoy the luxury of time while<br />
strolling around the fisherman village<br />
in Ao Salat (Pirate Bay) and embrace<br />
the slow-paced lifestyle. Dotted with<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
A lighthouse stands<br />
tall at Bang Bao<br />
Bay, Koh Chang.<br />
Enjoy the endless<br />
view on Koh Mak.<br />
Rowing along Trat’s<br />
lush and green<br />
waterways.<br />
seafood restaurants, Ao Salat is a place<br />
to get the fresh catch of the day from<br />
the sea, both cooked and raw. Enjoy<br />
a variety of beach activities or laze<br />
around in the resort on the island.<br />
Koh Mak island sits between Koh<br />
Chang and Koh Kood. This idyllic island<br />
offers an enticing line of coconut trees<br />
along the powdery white sand beach<br />
that will put you in vacation mode. With<br />
crystal-clear water in the bays being<br />
calm and safe, visitors can choose to<br />
dive into Ao Ta Nid, Ao Phai, Ao Prong,<br />
Ao Pad and Ao Daeng. The villagers<br />
live a simple life, engaging in their work<br />
in rubber plantations and traditional<br />
fisheries. The abundant coral reefs<br />
around Koh Mak and its neighbouring<br />
islands make popular spots for shallow<br />
water snorkelling.<br />
Close to Koh Mak is Koh Kham, an<br />
island where a huge volcanic rock lines<br />
the shore, making a dramatic contrast<br />
against white sand and deep blue sea.<br />
The vibrant coral reef on the east side<br />
of the island is a beautiful place to<br />
snorkel and scuba dive.<br />
Apart from the beautiful islands<br />
and stunning sea, Trat also has various<br />
interesting community-based tourism<br />
attractions under its sleeve such as<br />
Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Group, and<br />
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