9 Fantastic Things To Do In Trang, Thailand

1. Collect seashells on the mainland beach of Had Pak Meng

Had Pak Meng (Haad / Hat Pak Meng) is one of Trang’s mainland beaches. Stretching for around five kilometres (3.1 miles) and curved like a large crescent moon, palm trees line the beach’s edge and provide some welcoming shade during the heat of the day. Easily reached by local bus from the main provincial town, accommodation options and restaurants sit alongside the main beach road. Seafood is particularly popular here, with menus featuring dishes like fried rice with seafood, mussels, and crab omelette.

Small islands and limestone islets are dotted in the sea, and the soft sands are perfect for lazy days of sunbathing. Parts of the beach have many seashells, with lots of twisty auger shells that were once home to sea snails. You might also find various conch shells, cockles, and others. Wander along the beach and find the perfect shell! Small ghost crabs dart hither and thither across the sands, named because of their almost translucent appearance.

Other pretty beaches on Trang’s mainland coast include Ban / Baan Chao Mai and Had / Haad / Hat Chang Lang.

2. Join snorkelling trips and visit nearby islands

Several islands, collectively known as the Trang Islands, are located just a short way from the coast. Numerous operators in the main town arrange boat trips to visit several of the islands and enjoy snorkelling in the clear blue waters. Itineraries and prices vary between operators, but most usually stop at several of the main islands as well as dropping anchor at a few great snorkelling spots. Enjoy the warm waters and gaze at interesting reefs whilst colourful tropical fish swim all around you.

As the boat journeys from place to place, lap up the lovely sea and island vistas. Koh Mook / Koh Muk is known for its dazzling Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave), where you enter through a dark sea cave and emerge on a stunning enclosed lagoon. Koh Libong is surrounded by sea grass, attracting the rare dugong (a type of sea cow). Other islands include Koh Ngai, Koh Kraden, Koh Rok, and Koh Sukorn.

3. Hop on a bike and explore Had Chao Mai National Park

Many guesthouses and shops around Had Pak Meng have bicycles to rent for really affordable prices. Expect to pay around 150 THB (approximately 4.20 USD) for a day’s rental. You can then cycle around the scenic coastal area and explore Had / Haad / Hat Chao Mai National Park. The national park includes several beaches, as well as caves and forested areas. Take a torch if you plan on exploring the caves. Creatures that live in the national park include an abundance of different insects, birds, and butterflies, small lizards, wild pigs, and monkeys. If you access the park via one of the main entrance points you will need to pay an admission fee of 200 THB (approximately 5.60 USD).

You will ride past local villages and will likely spot small fishing boats bobbing on the waters close to the shore. Fishermen also stand on bridges and at the edge of rivers, casting their nets and rods to see what they can catch. Cycling around is a great way to see the local way of life.

4. Enjoy the serene atmosphere in local places of worship

Multicultural Trang has long been the home of Thai, Malay, and Hokkien people, and the blend of cultures is noticeable in the traditions, architecture, and cuisine of Trang. Perhaps some of the best places to see how the different groups have made their mark on the province are the diverse religious buildings and places of worship.

Masjid Madinatul is one of the main mosques in Trang city, catering to the sizeable Muslim population. There are many Chinese temples and shrines, with ornate features like fearsome dragons and statues of gods, goddesses, and mythical figures. Wat Saingam and the Meunram Shrine are good places to start if you want to visit revered Chinese sites.

The Buddhist temple of Wat Tantayaphirom is close to the main part of the city. Its white and gold stupa / pagoda is particularly eye-catching, and you can see a replica of the Buddha’s footprint. Another lovely Buddhist temple is Wat Phu Khao Thong. A serene monastery, it is home to a beautiful and unique reclining Buddha statue. Thousands of years old, the statue is called Manorah. It is the only such statue in all of Thailand.

5. Enjoy nature at Khao Chong Wildlife and Conservation Centre

Located around 21 kilometres (13 miles) from Trang city, Khao Chong Wildlife and Conservation Centre was the first dedicated wildlife study area in Thailand. There are several nice walking trails that are surrounded by various species of tree, and you will probably see plenty of wildlife like birds, small lizards, and insects. The large park area also has three waterfalls: Ka Chong, Ton Yai, and Ton Noi. There are no admission fees and a local songthaew (a converted pickup truck with two rows of seats in the rear) from Trang stops outside the main entrance.

6. Check out impressive street art in Trang

Trang has a bustling art scene that many people are starting to notice and come visit from various local art enthusiasts to incoming international tourists. Indeed, street art in Trang is slowly being incorporated in Trang’s local culture and scenic attractions. Street art in Trang is clustered in three main locations, namely, Ratchadamnoen Alley, and inside the district’s municipal park, as well as the surrounding parts of it. Some of the most renowned art include murals called The Painting of Sri Tang that is located in a park. The mural of the bird is actually an eye-catcher as it is a three-dimensional mural that stunningly gives depth in the art beyond aesthetics and technique. Another iconic mural art is the Ton Te Waterfall that many locals are proud to showcase in the park which boasts the waters of Koh Muk and Koh Libong. Indeed, Trang has a lot more to offer beyond the provincial serenity and is a hidden gem breeding culture that travelers and art lovers alike should consider checking out.

Check out the street art of Trang

Address: Trang, Thailand

Website: Trang Street Art

Opening hours: 24 hours, Sundays to Mondays

Price: free admission

7. Awaken your appetite and taste local Trang food at the Chan-Chala Night Market

If you’re up for something a little more multi-sensory in terms of nightlife activities, roaming Thai street markets in Trang district is a much-recommended thing to do. Trang has a dozen night markets all over the district but one just in front of the Trang Railway Station that many locals in transit among others visit is the Chan-Chala Night Market. This night market is best known for selling local delicacies cheaper than those in Bangkok, along with authentic handmade souvenirs, goods, and products from Trang. Chan-Chala is open on weekends, Fridays to Sundays, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM with live musical and cultural performances visitors will come to enjoy while churning on some cheap and delicious grub.

Visit Trang's Chan-Chala Night Market

Address: In from of Trang Railway Station, Trang 92000, Thailand

Opening hours: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Fridays to Sundays

Price: approximately 2.31 to 5.00 USD

8. Walk around local night markets in Trang

Get a more in-depth culinary experience when in the South of Thailand by roaming around its endless night markets. Start with the main night market of Trang called Centrepoint where the best curry rice dishes are found, truly authentic food can be purchased there. Some of these include Gaeng Neva (beef curry), and Gaeng Tai Pla (fish stomach curry), among many other variations. The Centrepoint also sells an array of soup from chili to deep-fried dishes that travelers would enjoy tasting here and there. There is also the Municipal Market where the freshest seafood, fruits, and meats that get sold as high as 80 baht for a good portion. Your food trip can end at Yue Chiang where local cooks will serve you the best Gaeng Panang in the South of Thailand boasting of sweet and salty mixes in unique dishes that are a best-seller among locals. Experience authentic Southern Thai cuisine in the humble streets of Trang and taste topnotch flavors by the city’s best cooks.

Walk Around Local Night Markets in Trang

Address: Trang, Thailand

Website: Trang Night Markets

Opening hours: Centrepoint Night Market: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM; Municipal Market, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Yue Chiang, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: an estimate of 2.61 to 5.00 USD

9. Visit and pay tribute to the Chinese shrine of Kew Ong Ear

Popularly known as the Pintu Masuk Shrine in Thailand, this cultural spot in Trang is a Chinese shrine that is meant to be visited when in the Trang district. This cultural landmark is one that many travelers and tourists will enjoy if they are into deep cultural and historical musings from the Trang district. Visitors will be met with a behemoth of a shrine that has been in the area since the 19th century and holds quite a lot of interesting history on Chinese influence in the Thai people and their way of living.

Visit the Chinese Shrine of Kew Ong Ear

Address: 169 Taklang Rd. | Thap Thiang Subdistrict, Trang 92000, Thailand