| Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province,
located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia
with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52
large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches, unspoiled coral
reefs, and warm temperatures year-round, Trat offers delightful scenery and
a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing
and fishing area.
Trat is a starting point for Ko Chang island group or forays into outlying
gem and Cambodian markets and isa very important ruby-mining province, with
the most famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, some 50 kilometers
north of the Cambodian border. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted
as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in Thailand
due to Cambodian coastal trade.
The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong
of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Formerly known as "Mueang Thung Yai", Trat played
an important role in the development of country's stability and economy due
to its strategic location. |
