Trat is one of the last major towns before crossing the Cambodian border. Located 400 km (250 miles) from Bangkok, the road leading to Trat passes through rubber plantations, paddies, and marshlands.

Visitors to Trat will be able to see an attractive Chinese temple called the Wat Bang Korn and the Oasis Sea World, which is a breeding and conservation station for dolphins. Try not to miss the daily aquatic performances by the humpbacked and Irrawaddy dolphins.

A gem-trading center, Trat is also the embarkation point for trips to offshore islands. There are boats leaving in the mornings for Ko Chang from the Port of Laem Ngop, about 20 km (15 miles) southwest of the town's clock tower. Ko Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, famed for wild boars and the Mai Yom Falls. Size-wise, it is about 8 km (5 miles) wide and 30 km (20 miles) long. And do be careful, for off the northern tip of Ko Chang near a rocky outcrop are some of the largest sharks in the gulf. However, the Ko Mak and Ko Kut are excellent places for diving with clear lagoons. You may find accommodations in the form of simple bungalows and new resorts.

From Trat, drop by Khlong Yai, a town built over the water. Rows of houses run into the sea from the main street, thus making the town rather unique. "Parked" between these rows of houses are fishing trawlers, acting like cars parked on a side street. The road, with beautiful sea views, continues on to Hat Yak, a fishing (and smuggling) village on the Cambodian border. This is a good place to while away some time.