Eden of the East
Eastern Thailand is famous for its historic glorious and rich natural beauty. The province is also renowned for its abundance of tropical fruit and plenty of interesting places to visit, including its facinating islands and historical attractions.

The provinces are also known as a source of some of the world's finest rubies and sapphires, and is emerging as on of the newest international beach resorts.It has well over 20,000 inhabitants and is mostly used as a stop-off point for visitors to Koh Chang, Koh Kud or on of the other islands and also for the journey via Koh Kong to Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia.

Eastern Thailand has plenty of inexpensive resorts and luxurious spa resorts to choose from. Beside the market hall the night market with its various stalls offering cheap and tasty Thai dishes is worth a visit. In the major cities you will find hospitals, convenient stores, banks, ATMs, and internet -cafes. Just like the rest of Thailand, delicious resturants and entertainment discotheques can be found on every corner.

The major attraction of the area are the 52 islands located off the coast of Trat. The most famous island is Koh Chang, Elephant Island, and the area has been made a national marine park. Many small islands can be found dotting the Gulf of Thailand. Other important islands include Koh Laoya, Koh Wai, Koh Ngam, Koh Phrao, Koh Kradat, Koh Mak, and Koh Kud, which are within short boat trips from one another. Each of these islands has its own amazing natural beauty, and worth visiting them all if time only allowed.

In addition to beaches and natural scenery, the area also offers places of cultural interst, such as Wat Buppharam, an ancient temple that is about 350 years old. A museum is currently being built in its compound to house ancient objects for towns-people and visitors to appreciate and study.