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Fah Thai Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

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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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