Trang City, Trang Province

Trang City is an awesome city to explore before island-hopping to the surrounding islands of Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Lipe.

Trang City is located in Trang Province in the south of Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. The mainland coastline has a stretch of limestone cliffs, mangrove beaches, and caves.

The Trang Islands include Koh Mook, Koh Kradan,and Koh Ngai.

Trang City has a very interesting history; its communities are built up of Chinese, Buddhists and Muslims, all living in harmony together. Trang is unique for many reasons: it’s the home of the Dugong (sea cow); the taxi Tuk Tuks have a unique frog face design, the roast pit pig with sweet sauce, pastries, street art and the most colorful train station.

Why visit Trang?

Most travelers use Trang City as a travel hub whilst Island Hopping to the surrounding Islands in Trang province and Satun Province (Koh Lipe) Yet Trang is worthy of a one to two day stop over. Explore a city which has not been spoiled by tourism.

The City itself is easy to walk around or you can take one of its unique Tuk Tuks hourly rate 250 Thb (max 5 people) however 1 hour is sufficient to visit the street art, Dugong Statue, and Town Square. I however recommend walking around and finding street restaurants, experiencing the Old Town Trang and street markets.

The following day at 10:45 / 11:00 catch the sharded transfer to the Pier to take the ferry to Koh Mook, Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai. 250 THB for a joint ticket transfer /ferry.

Street Art around Trang

The street art around Trang, is mainly in one area, however the Emerald Cave is near the intersection of Ratchadamneon Road, The street art reflect the identity of Trang Province. The rubber planation is a reminder that Trang Province was the first province to plant rubber trees. A nice 1 hour to spend walking around downtown Trang.

Dugongs around Trang

Dugongs are mainly seen around Trang and Koh Mook. From Trang you can book a Dugong sightseeing boat tour from one of the Towns agents. As you drive into the outskirts of Trang City a large statue can be seen and in Town Square roundabout, a large Dugong statue.

You find the Je Rat Dim Sum here on Google Maps!

Chinese Influence

As you walk around Trang it’s clear to see the Chinese influence with the red lanterns, and temples. Down on the Klong walkway, you can find the Temple ground and next a Buddhist Spirit house. This is unique in itself that two religious beliefs sit hand in hand.

Chinese moon cakes, red pork dishes and Chinese style soups can be found, but most popular is the Dim Sum restaurants.

Dim Sum restaurants offer a variety of options but I found the best restaurant was Ja Rat Dim Sum. The wonderful early morning feel, watching the city start its day, with locals eating at street cafes placed on walkways. This is what I love about Asia: the early morning hustle bustle.

Dim sums start from 15 THB a tray ( a tray is the small baskets) You simply go inside and choose what you want, they heat it and then bring them to your table with complimentary hot morning fresh tea.

Je Rat dimsum ร้านเจ๊รัตน์ติ่มซำ, Dim Sum Restaurant, Trang

Street Markets around Trang

Daily Trang has street markets set up through the old town from 5am to 9am evening is the food market in the square next to the Train Station from 5pm onwards.

Old Town Trang is an awesome market, the vibe is fun, and too many pastries to choose from. Its surrounded by old buildings, and it was the 1st market to set up in trang 100 years ago.

Once shopping is complete sit at the old post office coffee shop and take in some pastries from the market.

Chinese influence Trang town

Asian Cafe Coffee Shop Old Town Trang

Coffee Shops In Trang

The old Post office coffee shop not only ounces character, it serves the best cappuccino in Trang. So much to photograph from within and the surrounding old buildings.

The owner allows customers to purchase the pastries or desserts from the market right in front and eat with your coffee.

You find the Old Post office coffee shop (อาเชี่ยน คาเฟ่ ตรัง) here on Google Maps!

Trang Tuk Tuk Taxi – Getting around

Trangs Tuk Tuk Taxis unique design – Green Frog which have been turning heads for decades. Tuk Tuks are a popular tourist mode of transport for fun and sightseeing. Around Thailand they vary in design but in Trang these Frog shaped Tk Tuks are a unique design.

You can hire hourly from Trang Train station for 250 THB per hour max 5 persons. Book a sightseeing tour around the old town or the street art.

A Hidden Gem in Trang

Across the Train Track 10 minutes walk from the center is this funky cool bar hidden away. Sea Gypsy Bar.

The owner moved from Koh Lanta during covid and opened this super cool bar with his wife. The music is excellent, he offers a full western style bar and other items 🙂 They also sell food from 50 THB.

Monday to Thursday it closes at 6 pm; Friday to Sunday it’s open until the last customer leaves.

You find Seagypsy Homemade here on Google Maps!

Accomodation around Trang

The accommodations varies from Budget Hostels to Guest Houses all responsible prices for sleeping purposes whilst exploring Trang before heading off to Island Hop.

Booking Hotels via Booking.com is easy done – just click here to get a list of hotels in Trang!

Good location accommodation

Jaroonsak Grand. Use the link to Booking.com for full information and location.
Nokhook House Trang City – Excellent location.
My Friends Hotel is located 2 mins walk from the station. Good sized rooms, and good pricing.

To the front is the best place to relax if you’re looking for a beer in Trang center because there is no bar.

To book My Friends Hotel, use this link here to book it at booking.com.

Getting to Trang

If travelling from Bangkok there are two simple ways to travel. If you are seeking an adventure and have time, take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. This is a cheap way to travel and arriving at Trang Railway station is pretty cool being the most colourful train station in Thailand.

About Trang Railway Station

Trang station is the end of the track or starts from Trang to Bangkok vice versa. It’s a convenient and cheap way to travel. It is the travel hub for Island Hopping to the Trang Islands. Trang is the most colourful train station in Thailand.

During the journey, food sellers will come onto the train, selling a variety of Thai food, drinks and snacks, so you do not need to stock up with food for the long journey.

Second option is to fly into Trang Airport from Bangkok Don Muang International Airport.

Airlines serving this route:

Nok Airways – https://www.nokair.com/
Thai Lion Airways – https://lionairthai.com/en/
Thai Air Asia – https://www.airasia.com/en/gb

Taxi transfers can be booked from the airport to Trang City.

If travelling from Surat Thani Islands Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao take the Seatran Ferry or Lompraya Highspeed Catamaran to Donsak and joint ticket to Surat Thani Train station to Trang