Only a short flight away from Bangkok, Trang is probably one of the most underrated destinations ever. It offers so much to its visitors and almost feels untouched by the commercial influence. Here you will not find chain restaurant, franchise fast food, but instead just traditional dim sum, roasted pork and all the yummy Thai flavours (I am still dreaming about the amazing food we had here!).
The tide controls the time that you will be picked up by your boat to visit the surrounding islands, and just thinking about that, provides a sense of calmness and appreciation for nature. We often get caught up with schedules, and as with so many situations in Thailand, this is another reminder to slow down and adopt a tiny bit to the island mentality for a more zen life!
As I said, Trang will forever be in my memory for its unreal food and its beautiful nature. My experience was filled with firsts: first time visiting a hotel on an island which you can only get to by speed boat (Andalay Beach Resort), first time visiting an island that is a National Park and being the first people that day to visit. First time snorkeling and seeing the Nemo fish in real life, and first time swimming to a cave that was used for pirates to hide their treasures! To say the least, Trang was filled with adventure, excitement and luxury experiences, and today I must share my absolute must do top tips when in Trang!
1. Stay on Koh Libong
This is the island we had the pleasure of stay at and it is an experience in itself. Just a short trip away from Trang town, Koh Libong is just too beautiful to miss. There are a variety of luxury resorts on the island which will offer a speed boat shuttle from the main land. Depending on the tide the boat will drop you off at the beach for check-in. The island is calm, beautiful, the beaches sandy and filled with sea shells. From Koh Libong you can hire a speed boat to take you to the next few things I would highly suggest to check out!
2. Koh Kradan & Snorkling
Koh Kradan is a national park and the island has no hotels or resorts. It has some of the most incredible sandy beaches and gorgeous turquoise water. The key is to arrive to the island early, before the bigger groups make their way there! We were lucky to be the first ones on Koh Kradan that day, and it was absolutely priceless, a type of luxury no one can buy. Around Koh Kradan is the perfect spot to explore the reefs and do some snorkling. My first time, and I cannot explain how much I loved the experience.
4. Emerald Cove
Trang offers so much beauty, and Emerald Cove was exactly was it sounds like. Again, only reachable by boat, the cove is hidden in the rocky part of the island. Availability to swim the 80 m into the cave (best to wear a life vest if you are not a confident swimmer) depends on the tide that day. If you are as lucky as us, you will be able to swim into the turquoise water, and find a beautiful beach inside the rock. The water is emerald blue, the beach has the softest and whites sand... a movie moment! Pirates used to hide their treasures in this hidden spot!
Trang has stolen my heart with its beauty, its slow-living and kind ways. It is the perfect spot to experience the most beautiful beaches, underwater world, kind people, and authentic traditions. But in general, Thailand has had that whole effect on me: discover more about Bangkok and Phuket.
In generous partnership with the
Tourism Authority of Thailand
