Trang is located on Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast and contains some of the most inviting beach scenery with spectacular cliff landscapes and beautiful mangroves forests. The town was once a Thai seaport on the Indian Ocean and the first rubber plants in Thailand were grown in this province. It is located some of 830 km from Bangkok. Trang has been a trading centre since at least the 1^st century A.D. It grew in prosperity during the Srivijaya period and remains an important commercial town today. The influence of Indian, Chinese and Malaysian culture can be seen in the region. In the west, the Trang coast has fine sandy beaches and several beautiful offshore islands such as Ko Sukon, Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Hat Chao Mai National Park, Ko Kradan, Ko Muk, Ko Libong and Ko Ngai. In Thailand mangrove forests are found in 23 provinces of the coastline and almost 50% of these are in Trang and the four neighboring provinces. Mangrove forests in Trang are found in Sikao and Kantang districts. Trang has 190 kilometers of coastline on the Andaman Sea and 46 islands offshore.

Mangroves are important to the ecology in fundamental ways. The healthy coastal ecosystem in turn support fisheries. The flora found in mangroves forest are prime nesting sites for migratory birds and home to other species such as monkeys, sea turtles, mudskippers, and monitor lizards. Another important function of mangroves is to increase the resilience of the

coastlines, protecting them from erosion, tropical storms and tidal waves. Mangroves co-exist with a wide variety of other plant life allowing them to function as a stock of fruits, honey, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and construction material among other useful products.

The inland region of Trang is mostly hilly. Two mountain ranges, the Khao Luang and Banthat, are the sources of its two major rivers, the 125 km long Trang and the 58 km long Palian. Both drain into the Andaman Sea. Most of the Muslim population of Trang live in the fishing villages of the Sikao and Kantang districts along the coast.

The town has a strong Chinese character and good Chinese restaurants. Trang’s Vegetarian Festival is renowned for the intensity of its ascetic rites which include body piercing.

There are many small islands off the coast of Trang province. Their stunning sands, pristine coral and rich bird and marine life remain the preserve of a handful of solitude seekers.  On Ko Ngai, there are wonderful beaches, particularly on the east coast and magnificent coral offshore. Ko Muk, is best known for Tham Morakot (emerald cave). It can be entered only by boat at low tide. Ko Kradan is also one of the most remote. White sand beaches and good snorkeling are the major attractions. Ko Libong is the largest of the islands. It is famed for its spectacular birdlife, which is at its best during March – April.

Under the leadership of Khun Kanitha Kasina-Ubol, The Siam Society is arranging an expedition for members to visit mangrove forest and some islands offshore of Trang province from Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 February 2022. Members will be staying 2 nights at Koh Muk and will spend 3 days travelling and exploring the little-known area.