BEYOND THE BEACH : WHERE TO EAT, TRAVEL, AND SHOP AT IN TRANG

Overview

Trang, a province located in southern Thailand, offers more than just beautiful beaches. Our recent trip to Trang Town opened our eyes to the diverse attractions this region has to offer. From stunning natural landscapes to delicious local cuisine, we discovered a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. In this article, we will take you through our three-day itinerary in Trang, highlighting the unique experiences and must-visit places in this charming province.

Day 1: Exploring Trang Town

Our adventure began in Trang Town, where we embarked on a journey to discover the hidden treasures of this vibrant city. Our first stop was Ka Chong Hill, a year-round attraction that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. This hill is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its coffee plantation, which has been in operation for over a century. We indulged in the rich aroma and flavors of the legendary coffee, surrounded by picturesque views.

After satisfying our caffeine cravings, we headed to Talad Na Pod, a bustling market known for its local food, fresh vegetables, and tropical fruits. This market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, as it offers a wide variety of local delicacies and products. We couldn’t resist trying the popular Trang dishes such as dim sum and roasted pork, which tantalized our taste buds with their unique flavors.

To satisfy our sweet tooth, we made a stop at KUANITO Patisserie, a modern pastry and cake shop located in downtown Trang. Here, we indulged in delectable pastries and cakes, including the famous thin crepe served with rich cream cheese. The cozy ambiance and wide selection of treats made this a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some sweet delights.

As evening approached, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the renowned “Trang’s Cake and Roasted Pork Festival.” This annual festival showcases the best shops specializing in Trang’s signature cakes and roasted pork. We savored the traditional “plain bake” cake, which is made without any cream and comes in various flavors. The festival has been held for over 20 years and is a true celebration of Trang’s culinary heritage.

To end our day on a high note, we explored Talad Chin Ta, a vibrant night market situated in the heart of Trang Town. This bustling market offers a multitude of activities, performances, and shops selling homemade products. We immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere, sampling local street food, and capturing the vibrant scenes through our camera lenses.

Day 2: Natural Wonders and Culinary Delights

On the second day of our adventure, we set out to explore Trang’s natural wonders and indulge in its culinary delights. Our first stop was the Salt Hot Spring Ban Khuan Sa, a natural spring known for its salty water and therapeutic properties. We soaked our feet and bodies in the warm spring water, believed to stimulate blood circulation and provide relief for various ailments.

After a rejuvenating soak, we made our way to Thung Khai Botanic Garden, a vast garden covering approximately 2,000 rai of land. The garden offers several nature trails, but the highlight is the Canopy Walkway. This unique walkway consists of suspension bridges that rise 18 meters high into the sky, providing panoramic views of the surrounding forest. We strolled along the walkway, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment.

To satisfy our appetites, we headed to Phong-O-Cha 2, a traditional morning restaurant famous for its dim sum and roasted pork. This restaurant has been serving these delectable dishes for over 30 years, and the flavors did not disappoint. We indulged in a variety of dim sum, paired with flavorful roasted pork, rice soup, and other mouthwatering dishes.

After a satisfying meal, we sought out Cha Ko Jaeng, a unique indie tea shop known for its meticulously crafted cups of tea. Each cup is carefully prepared, offering a delightful blend of flavors and aromas. We sampled their fruit tea, which combines fresh fruits with tea to create a refreshing and unique taste. The relaxed atmosphere of the shop provided the perfect setting for us to unwind and savor our tea.

In the afternoon, we explored Tanon Street Art, a vibrant street that showcases Trang’s appreciation for art. Created by the Trang Rotary Club, the murals on the walls depict scenes from Trang’s past, present, and future. These colorful paintings blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, telling the story of the province’s rich history and cultural heritage.

To satisfy our coffee cravings, we made a stop at Tabtieng Old Town Café & Bistro, an old-style coffee shop in downtown Trang. The shop’s bare cement walls and vintage decor created a nostalgic ambiance, transporting us back in time. We enjoyed a cup of cold brew coffee, paired with unique snacks such as Chinese cake and O-Eh, a Phuket-style dessert. The combination of flavors and the shop’s charming atmosphere made this a memorable coffee break.

To end our day, we visited Kantang, a town known for its cultural attractions and scenic river views. We checked into At Kantang Loftel, a loft-style hotel that offered a warm welcome and comfortable accommodations. The hotel’s convenient location and modern facilities made it the perfect base for exploring Kantang and its surroundings.

Day 3: Historical Sites and Natural Beauty

On our final day in Trang, we embarked on a journey to explore the province’s historical sites and witness its natural beauty. We started our day with a grand breakfast at Ran Lor Kung, a Chinese restaurant known for its expertly prepared dishes. We indulged in fried flat rice noodles with super-sized prawns, crispy kale, squid, and fish maw. The flavors and textures of the dishes left us fully satisfied and ready for the day ahead.

Our first stop was the Kantang Railway Station, a historical landmark renowned for its architectural beauty. The station’s unique perforated wood panels, dating back to the reign of King Rama VI, create an enchanting ambiance. Painted in mustard yellow and lined in dark brown, the station serves as a terminal along the southern line of the Andaman Coast, connecting Trang to other destinations.

From Kantang, we embarked on a unique mode of transportation – the Frog Head Tuk Tuk. These colorful tuk-tuks are a signature of Trang and offer a fun and nostalgic way to explore the city. We hopped on board and visited various tourist spots, including ancient buildings, churches, parks, and renowned restaurants. The friendly tuk-tuk drivers were more than happy to take us to our desired destinations, providing a personalized tour of Trang’s highlights.

To conclude our Trang adventure, we visited the Emerald Mine, a unique attraction that was once a mining area. Today, the mine has transformed into a large emerald green pool, surrounded by a 100-meter-high cliff. We marveled at the stunning views and reflected on the beauty of nature’s creations.

Our three-day journey in Trang was filled with unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and warm hospitality. We discovered a province that offers much more than just pristine beaches. Trang’s diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes left a lasting impression on us. We encourage everyone to visit Trang and explore its hidden gems, as it is a destination that truly deserves recognition and appreciation.

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