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Just a week ago, I hadn’t heard of Trat or Chanthaburi. 6 days later, my heart and taste buds were crying because we had to leave. There is so much to discover in Thailand but Trat and Chanthaburi stand as some of the best relatively ‘unknown’ parts of the Land of Smiles.
For those unfamiliar with them (as I was), here is a map to give you a clearer picture. They lie on the southeastern coast of Thailand, bordering Cambodia. However, there are no direct flights from Singapore to either province, and you will have to fly to Bangkok first.
DAY 1: SINGAPORE → BANGKOK
After our two-and-a-half-hour flight to Bangkok, we loaded up to head to a very special welcome.
137 Pillars Suites
137 Pillars Suites was named the Best Luxury Hotel in Bangkok by Trip.com in 2024, and their rooftop pool was recognised as one of the best in the city, too. We were there for the Afternoon Tea “Memoirs of Lanna” at the very elegant and chic Bangkok Trading Post Bistro & Bar.
Isn’t that absolutely gorgeous? No surprises, given that it’s a collaboration with the exquisite range from SARRAN Jewellery. This set is crafted around the flavours of Northern Thai cuisine, taking you on an artful journey inspired by the region’s fresh farm produce.
DAY 2: BANGKOK → TRAT → KOH CHANG
We flew from Bangkok to Trat on Bangkok Airways the next morning. I discovered that this airline has a lounge in Bangkok Airport for every passenger who travels with them. Simply show your boarding pass for free Wi-Fi, food, drink, couches and TVs.
The flight takes about 50 minutes to land at Trat’s single-runway airport. Aow Thammachat pier, the gateway to Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is a 20-minute drive from Trat Airport. A drive-on ferry plies the route daily, taking about 45 minutes one way.
Elephant bathing at Klong Son
I have done the tourist elephant bathing activity before but this was different. Instead of a sanctuary, the bathing was done in a river, where these elephants bathe naturally.
We got a playful adolescent male who would immerse himself just deep enough so we would have to struggle to get on, and then completely dunk itself, soaking us after we’d climbed aboard. It’s amazing how much personality they have, and how attuned an elephant can be to human emotions like joy and even humour. Don’t believe me? Just look at his eye in the photo on the right above.
Afterwards, we got to feed the elephants, too. It didn’t feel like a random tourist activity and I was very happy to have been a part of this little jungle adventure.
Forest bathing at Ko Chang National Park
The jungle wasn’t done with us yet. Forest Bathing on Koh Chang island is not a ‘bath’ in the sense of washing but an experience of bathing in the forest using our 5 senses.
While Ko Chang National Park is just next to Klong Son, you have to walk across a 10-metre path of rapidly-flowing ankle-deep water (above, right) to get there. Very fun and refreshing in the hot Thai weather.
Our guide was Thomas from Thomas Koch Travel & Adventure. He took us on a little trek and it was amazing to discover such diversity of flora, fauna and landscape in such a small space. The highlight for me was sitting at a small 5-feet-high waterfall, feeling the intense flow of cold water trying to whisk me away. Above, we saw a red hawk circling. Magical.
While the forest bathing experience lasted only an hour, it really did immerse us in nature far more than we are accustomed to in Singapore.
Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang
With that affinity to nature building in me, Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang felt like home; it was almost as if we hadn’t left the forest! Everything here has a touch of the rustic and of nature. The colours, textures and scents of the decor are distinctly earthy… but luxury is key and Karl Lagerfeld amenities adorn the bathroom.
If you like to document your travels, you’ll be happy to know that it was named Trip.com’s ‘No.1 most Instagrammable hotel‘ in Koh Chang.
A luxurious room costs as little as S$121 on Trip.com. Several activities, including many for the young ones (see above), are included with your booking.
Khao Kwan Restaurant
Prettily ‘overrun’ by flowers inside, Khao Kwan is so unassuming on the outside that it does not even have a signboard. This character is a reflection of the softspoken Chef Ya herself. Hiding behind the demure smile, though, is a culinary genius.
Her dishes all have her signature — edible flowers — but I say her signature is just delicious Thai food made for discovery. We had 7 dishes, apart from dessert, and I would rate every single one between 9 and 10. The presentation? Straight 10s.
I would go out of my way to eat at Khao Kwan again. I am still shocked that this nondescript (from the outside, at least) little place on Koh Chang was where I had one of the best Thai meals I’ve ever had. In my estimation, an equivalent experience in Singapore would cost about 4 to 5 times as much. You have to try Khao Kwan if you visit the island.
DAY 3: KOH CHANG (2nd day)
It was just our second day on Koh Chang and it felt like I was becoming one with nature. The island is supremely, charmingly quaint. Just a single main road runs along its perimeter, meaning you get to see greenery of the jungle and the azure of the sea every time you go somewhere.
Rainforest Spa, The Sylvan
I was really glad for this second day in Koh Chang, not just because it meant another night at Dinso Resort but also because we got to experience the serenity of Rainforest Spa.
A multiple-time winner of the Thai World Class Spa Awards and recognised by the Ministry of Public Health, this establishment is where science meets relaxation. It was also recognised at the 14th Thailand Tourism Gold Awards (2021) for Health Tourism by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
My traditional Thai massage was administered by a kindly lady whose appearance belied her strength. After the hour-long experience, I was so relaxed that I felt like I could just melt into the floor.
However, the melting awaited outside; Rainforest Spa has both a Finnish Sauna and an Aromatherapy Steam Room. After sweating it out, I slipped into the adjacent pool and onto one of the hydrotherapy beds. Here, you lie partially submerged as jets of water gush against your back, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Bliss.
LE JaoJom Café Bistro & Bar
Did you ask for a seaside restaurant with insanely good Japanese Thai fusion fare? Well, this is it. LE JaoJom Café Bistro & Bar first caught our attention for its fusion of Japanese traditional architecture (check out their thatched roof) with a chic and modern interior. The same formula applies to the food!
We started with the Jao Jom pearl (assorted scallop with spring roll) (above, right). It was just the appetiser but one of the best I’ve had, anywhere. Other recommendations are the Stir-fried salty egg and almond with squid, Deep-fried grouper with pineapple sauce and Massaman curry with lamb.
It was amazing to have 2 (after Khao Kwan) such absolutely perfect dining experiences one after the other. Make time for LE JaoJom for both the stunning landscape and the food.
Altitude 79 Coffee Shop
‘Idyllic’ is the first word that comes to mind when I remember Altitude 79 Coffee Shop. It’s hardly what the name implies in the usual city sense; instead, this is not much more than a platform built into the lush hillside that overlooks the Gulf of Thailand.
Don’t let the simple setup dissuade you, though. The friendly people running the place dole out a wide range of coffees from around the world, as well as some pretty good cheesecake. Watching your diet? There are baskets of mangosteens and rambutans sitting on the counter and you can help yourself to them.
Gondola ride in Salak Khok mangroves
Salak Khok village is a small fishing settlement nestled within mangrove forests. The locals practice a traditional way of life, living off the fruit of the sea and land.
Mangroves? As perhaps with most Singaporeans, I initially wasn’t too enthused about them but Salak Khok proved me wrong. Part of the reason was the weather that day — a bank of puffy white clouds obscured the sun as the gentle breeze picked up, leaving us gliding through the water aboard a traditional Thai boat called “Ruea Mat” aka the Ko Chang gondola.
Tourists can get closer to nature by exploring in a kayak if they want to. This experience is perfect for anyone who loves the water but doesn’t enjoy the Singapore coastline with its dozens of anchored ships. The mesmerising, almost hypnotic sound of paddles cutting through the water, untouched nature as far as the eye can see — life doesn’t get much better than this.
The best experience for couples, though, is the sunset dinner on a gondola boat. The golden sky, the cool breeze and lapping waves make for a trifecta of perfection. The boat itself costs 200 baht per person, and you can choose your food and drink on board for the 40-minute ride.
Salak Khok Boat Trip Association
+66 08 7748 9497
Ban Ta Klua
Ban Ta Klua is a seafood restaurant and bar that sits right on the water’s edge at Salak Khok.
Trying the dishes here was a journey through Trat’s culinary soul. The Shrimp & Golden Trat Pineapple Spicy Salad hit me first with its vibrant freshness — the plump shrimp and juicy pineapple were perfectly balanced by a spicy kick that lingered pleasantly.
Then came a surprise favourite: the Deep-fried Mangrove Leaf Rolls. I’d never tasted anything like it — crisp, earthy leaves wrapping a rich mix of pork and shrimp. But the standout for me was the Sweet and Sour Pork Stewed Belly with Chamuang Leaves, rich and silky with just the right tartness. And finally, the Massaman Chicken Curry with Un-ripened Durian—strange, yes, but deeply complex and oddly addictive.
The meal was followed by the Taste of Trat Afternoon tea set and seasonal fruit..
DAY 4: KOH CHANG → CHANTHABURI
The next day, we took the ferry back to Trat and then drove back to Chanthaburi. Koh Chang was an eye-opening adventure for mind, body and soul. I think that I may come back again and spend a week just exploring its nooks and crannies.
Bua Khao Kitchen
Bua Khao Kitchen is where you would go to get a taste of an authentic Chanthaburi home. There’s no pretence here, just an open kitchen, wooden chairs and tables and delicious Thai food. A great place to lunch.
The dish that surprised me most was the Boiled squid with sugar cane sauce (above, left). I don’t usually enjoy squid and I think it may be the mellowing effect of the sugar cane juice that gave it (what I think was) a much more gentle, palatable feel and flavour.
My Deep fried sea bass with fish sauce (above, left) was the other surprise — laden with peppers, chilli, onion and more like a colourful coat, the fish shone through. Fragrant as you can imagine from those ingredients, it was also soaked in a myriad of tastes from sweet to salty to sour to spicy. I would take it to accompany rice any day.
Luggage buying guide: 5 bags for every trip [Sep 2024 update]
Nong Bua Walking Street
Nong Bua Walking Street is street food heaven.
Whether you are looking for traditional Thai snacks that you don’t even see in places like Bangkok to familiar favourites, Nong Bua Walking Street is the place to see and discover. I must warn you — come with an empty stomach, and go easy no matter how delicious you find one snack — there will be many more even better ones to find as you keep walking.
Chanthaburi Gem Market
It was unfortunately a Sunday when we visited the Gem Market, meaning that many of the stores were shut. Perhaps that was for the best as there were already more than enough open to attract crowds around them.
How much would you pay for the amethyst above? I know nothing about gemstones but the girls were squealing with delight when I told them the asking price for this huge amethyst (above, centre) was just S$80.
This is definitely a place where you want to pace yourself. There are dozens of stores along the stretch and each has gorgeous unique pieces. If you are looking for a gift or a showpiece, you will save a lot buying them here instead of in Singapore.
Chanthaboon Waterfront
Quaint, a lot of arty wall graffiti, small Malaysia-esque very old stores with the old metal shutters and windows, classic cars, unique architecture and curio vendors. The Chanthaboon Waterfront is a wonder of all this beautiful, eccentric, antique and unusual.
Some of the sights, sounds and smells reminded me of old Singapore from my childhood. There is something lovely about your senses suddenly triggering old, forgotten memories and this place did that to me time and again.
There is the new, too, with modern art paintings and sculptures. I loved that many were just pieces that the store owners had for decor and weren’t for sale. It was art for art’s sake, a little community of people displaying what was beautiful to them. And so, it was beautiful to me.
Jewellery workshop at Mejai Studio
Want a token of your trip for yourself or a loved one but want to put some heart into it? Mejai Studio is a fine place to start with its classy range of both affordable and exquisite jewellery and accessories.
I stepped waaaay out of my comfort zone by sitting down and putting together a bead bracelet. However, it wasn’t as ‘girly’ nor as simple as I had assumed. Completing your bracelet with all the beads in the sequence you like and then tying it off so it won’t come undone requires a fair bit of concentration.
But I’m happy with the result (above, top right)! I so talented.
Motifs Eco Hotel
Motifs Eco Hotel — the name says it all. This hotel blends comfort and ease with sustainability, which has earned it a Sustainable Tourism award. It exudes an aura of calmness and deceleration with earthy colours, a lot of greenery and even a koi pond.
In a way, it has the same vibes as Dinso Resort in Koh Chang — very nature-focused and built around sustainability. It’s a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the town outside, but a short distance away from everything you could want.
Chui Restaurant
Dinner was at Chui Restaurant, which is basically a very large food hall. For such a basic setup, the food (once again!) defied expectations.
My experience with these dishes was a rollercoaster of bold Thai flavours and textures. The Stir-fried seafood with chilli sauce (above, left) delivered immediate heat and depth — each bite of shrimp, squid and fish was coated in a rich, spicy sauce that clung beautifully. A real standout was the Hor Mok Ma Praw (Steamed fish with curry in coconut) (above, right). Its presentation in a young coconut was beautiful, and the red curry custard inside was smooth, spicy and subtly sweet.
The Kaeng Som with lotus stem and fish egg (above, right) was bold and tangy, the crisp lotus stems and delicate roe giving it a unique texture I’d never tried before.
I keep thinking back to the difference between the simple setting and the wow food — it’s every Singapore foodie’s dream!
DAY 5: CHANTHABURI (2nd day)
On our second last day, we visited the Ban Samet Ngam Mat Weaving Centre. Despite the name it is really just one small village coming together to produce woven goods made the traditional way. It was an eye-opening experience to see them made from scratch, and to try our own hand at it. It really made me appreciate the skill and effort we overlook.
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu (Blue Temple)
The Blue Temple is the most stunning structure I saw on this trip. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer level of detail on each surface.
Its position by the sea has eroded the original construction and a complete overhaul was underway in July 2025; you can see the scaffolding on the superstructure in the photo on the left, above. Still, there is no denying the mastery of craft that has gone into this building.
There was a sense of peace around the complex, and especially so inside. I spent a little time there and came out better for it. It’s worth a detour, if only to appreciate the intricate detailing.
Chern Rim Nam
Fitting perfectly into the cool, artsy vibe of the streets here is Chern Rim Nam. From the statue at the front to the pieces of art adorning the walls and shelves to the dedicated gallery space, this is the space to soak in creative vibes.
The signature Chanthaburi Salt & Chilli Fried Rice (above, left) stood out immediately for being nothing like the usual Thai fried rice. Salt and chilli gave it a savoury heat that paired perfectly with the fresh prawns, squid and fish, all stir-fried with fluffy rice. It was bold, coastal and comforting all at once.
The Spicy Salmon Salad (Pla Nueng Manao Sai Kiew) (above, top right) was light but intense— chunks of tender salmon tossed with fresh herbs, garlic and chilli, lifted by lime juice and a splash of fish sauce. It hit that perfect Thai sweet-sour-salty-spicy balance and felt incredibly refreshing.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Visible across the river from the restaurant’s deck is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, famous for its statue of the Virgin Mary adorned in hundreds of thousands of semi-precious gems.
Priew Waterfall
Priew Waterfall in Namtok Phlio National Park, Chanthaburi Province. It’s steeped in history and framed by lush rainforest and crystal-clear pools. It is linked to the royal romance between King Rama V and Queen Sunandha Kumariratana. The king built the “Pyramid of Love” (Pra Nang Ruea Lom stupa) in her honour and it is said that couples who pray there secure lasting love.
The waterfall is big and loud, and the water is refreshingly cool. We went on a weekday and had the pool at its base all to ourselves, which was amazing.The entire complex is actually a series of waterfalls in a line, many of which are just a few feet high. No matter how small, each has its own little shallow pool, with a lifeguard to match.
I would describe it as a very well-maintained forest with a paved road running through. Nature seekers who don’t want to venture too far into an actual jungle to appreciate the flora should definitely check this out.
DAY 6: CHANTHABURI → BANGKOK
Alas, our 6 days in Trat and Chanthburi went by very fast. The last day was a blur as I just knocked out in the van and then on the plane. Back to the grind!
Final thoughts
That marked the end of our trip to Trat and Chanthaburi, a journey that fed all the senses and left us enchanted. My memories are of the nature that surrounded us in its most serene forms: winding mangrove forests, quiet rivers and refreshing waterfalls. Everything moved at a slower, more peaceful pace.
Both Trat and Chanthaburi seem to have committed themselves to sustainability. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to hidden restaurants and acclaimed eateries, I generally found a more thorough adoption of green initiatives than I have seen in Singapore.
Maybe I am biased but the food was especially good. Dishes of local flavours, with seafood caught that very morning, herbs snipped straight from the soil, and spices ground fresh for each dish — true foodies are starved for gastronomic journeys like these.
As with every trip I take to Thailand, I left with just a little bit more love for its people and their culture.
With the school holidays coming up in September, I think Trat and Chanthaburi are the ideal regional escape destinations. Most of us have probably never been there before, and that’s the perfect reason to visit.
* This post is brought to you in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
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