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.
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. 

How to get there

By Bus 
Both air and non-air-conditioned (orange ones) 
buses depart from Ekamai Bus Terminal for Trat many times a day.
Bangkok - Trat 
Ordinary or non-air-conditioned buses 
TEL. (02) 3912504 
03.30, 05.30, 06.30,08.00, 12.30, 23.00 
Air-conditioned buses 
Sahamit-Cherdchai, TEL. (02) 3912237,3914164 
07.00, 09.30, 11.00, 12.30, 14.00, 15.30, 
17.30, 20.30, 22.30, 23.30 
Suparat Tour, TEL. (02) 3912331 
08.30, 10.30, 18.30, 22.30 
Chokanukul, TEL. (02) 3927680 
14.00, 23.30 
Chantaburi-Trat 
Ordinary buses depart Chanta Buri and Trat every half an hour since 05.50 until 14.30 Chanta buri to Trat which take about one and a half hour, additional buses are set at 15.45, 16.20 and the last trip at 17.30. The fare is 22 Baht. 

By Car 
Two ways from Bangkok 
Bangna-Ttrat (Highway No.3 ) which passing Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanta Buri. The distance is 385 Kms long.
Bangna-Chonburi-Klaeng-Chanta Buri (Highway No. 344). The distance is 315 Kms in length.

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.