Trad Province

Introduction
Trad, a province that became famous among treasure hunters in 1971 for its abundant underground supplies of red sapphire and rubies. Twenty years later, when the area was over exploited by precious stone mining, people then start to notice and appreciate the magnificent natural landscape of Trad. The area is one of the best land for fruits production.

There are more than 50 islets and islands just not far off the coast. The most popular destination is Koh Chang National Marine Park, where visitors usually find water that is clearer than crystal, and sand that is whiter and finer than powder.

Dive Sites in Trat
Map & Diving Destination


Best time for diving in Trad is January - April and September- October.

Dive Site:Koh Chang Noi
Koh Chang Noi is one of 30 islands of Koh Chang cluster. Koh Chang Noi offers several scenic attractions including waterfalls, forest and beautiful beach. The stunning coral reef covers the island's shoreline until Chang Noi cape.

- Maximum depth: 25 meters
- Marine lives : Sea fan, hard corals, parrotfish, wrasses
- Underwater visibility 8-12 meters


Dive Site:Koh Wai
To the south of Koh Chang is Koh Wai. Besides huge submerged boulders, Koh Wai also features long scenic beaches and gigantic coral reef. Tourist accommodations are available on the island

- Maximum depth: 15 meters
- Marine lives : large parrotfish, giant cod, snappers and wrasses
- Underwater visibility 7-9 meters


Dive Site: Koh Rang
Just 6 km off the west of Koh Mak is Koh Rang, a small island surrounded by Koh Rang Yai, Koh Rang Lek, Koh Kra, Koh Tien, Koh Thong Lang, Koh Yak, Koh Sam Phi Nong, Koh Ma Pling, Koh Toon and Koh Kampan. Koh Rang features rocky boulders toppled with beautiful corals

- Maximum depth: 30 meters
- Marine lives : reef fish, hard corals
- Underwater visibility up to 12 meters


Topography

The province is next to Chanta Buri and Cambodia at the North and adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand at the South. Bantad Mount, being a natural boundary, separates the province from Cambodia by lying eastwards from the middle of the province.


Climate

The area is cool all year round by the sea breeze and seldom shower. Temperatures are averagely ranging from 21 to 34 degree Celsius. Best time for visiting is between November and May.


How to get there
By Car
Trad can be reached by car, in a comfortable 5 hour drive along many routes:
- State Highway Route 34, Bangkok-Chonburi-Rayong-Trat, or
- Tolled Motorway along Bangkok-Chonburi and connect to State Highway 34


By Bus
There are frequest air-conditioned and regular (orange ones) buses departing from Bangkok to Trad daily. For further details about schedules and fares please call
- Eastern Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Road, Ekamai at tel no. 0 2391 6846, 0 2391 2504
- North Eastern Bus Terminal (Morchit 2) on Kampaengpet Rd. Jatujak. Tel. 0 2936 2996, 0 2936 1972.
For further information, please visit the website of Transportation Company Limited: http://www.transport.co.th


Access to islands / islands hopping
Visitors may take ferries to Koh Chang or other islands from any of the three piers namely 1) Lam Ngob Wharf, 2) Koh Chang Ferry Wharf, or 3) Ao Thammachat Ferry Wharf