Trang Travel Guide: Caves, Islands, and Southern Food

Trang at a glance

Trang is a provincial capital on the Andaman coast, south of Krabi and north of Satun, that most travellers pass by en route to Krabi or the Malaysian border. This is a mistake — the province has some of the finest islands in southern Thailand, an outstanding local food culture, and almost none of the tourist infrastructure that makes Krabi feel crowded.

The city itself is a genuine Thai provincial town: a covered market running the length of the main street, dim sum restaurants open from 5am, and a night market that caters entirely to locals.

The Trang archipelago

A group of five main islands off the Trang coast, each with distinct character:

Koh Muk — The most visited, for good reason. The Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) is the defining experience: swim through an 80-metre sea cave to emerge at a hidden interior beach lit from above. The beach — called “Morakot” for its emerald light — has no other access. The cave can only be swum at the right tide and requires basic swimming ability. Bungalow guesthouses available on the island’s west coast beach (Hat Farang).

Koh Kradan — Frequently listed among Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. A long beach of white sand with turquoise water, minimal development, and a coral reef accessible by snorkelling from shore at the southern end. No cars; basic to mid-range bungalows only.

Koh Ngai (Koh Hai) — The northernmost of the group. Long beach, clear water, and some of the best snorkelling in the Trang archipelago. More established than Kradan but still quiet.

Koh Libong — The largest island in the group. Most residents are Muslim fishing families. The island is known for dugong sightings in the sea grass beds on the east coast — Trang province has one of the last significant dugong populations in Thailand.

Koh Cheuk and Koh Waen — Two small uninhabited islands visited on snorkel tours. Waen has a particularly good reef.

Getting to the islands: Hat Yao pier (40km from Trang city) is the main mainland departure point. Boats run in the morning. Ferries from Pakмeng pier serve the northern islands. Off-season (May–October), boat services reduce — confirm before travelling.

Trang city food

Trang has one of Thailand’s strongest local food cultures — a mix of Chinese, Malay, and southern Thai traditions that produces dishes found nowhere else.

Dim sum (morning) — Trang is famous for its morning dim sum culture. The city has dozens of Chinese-Thai dim sum shops open from 5am. The best cluster on Ratsada Road and around the market.

Muu Yang (roast pork) — Trang’s signature street food. Chinese-style slow-roasted pork, usually hanging in the shop window, sold by weight. Eaten with steamed buns or rice.

Kanom Jeen — Southern-style fermented rice noodles served with a choice of curry sauces. The Trang version uses a sweeter, coconut-heavy sauce.

Night market — The Ratsada Road night market has excellent local food from 5pm.

Practical information

Getting there — Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (direct overnight, 14–15 hours). Bus from Bangkok (12 hours). Flights from Bangkok to Trang Airport (1h20m, from ฿900). Hat Yao pier for islands: 40km by songthaew or taxi (฿400–600).

Best time — November to April (Andaman dry season). May–October the sea can be rough and some island guesthouses close.