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A Visit to Mangrove Forests and Beautiful Islands in Trang Province

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 1st 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.

When

Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 February 2022

Leader

Khun Kanitha Kasina-Ubol, Managing Director of The Siam Society

Booking

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Friday, 25 February: Bangkok – Trang – Ko Muk
Please check in (individually) at Nok Air counter, Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (terminal 2)
11:10 Depart Bangkok Don Mueang Airport by Nok Air flight DD592 for Trang Airport.
12:40 Arrive at Trang Airport.
Noon: Late lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to Tung Ku pier to proceed to Ko Muk.
Check in at the resort at Ko Muk, then take an afternoon boat ride to visit a preserved mangrove forest and others natural sightseeing spot in the area.
Evening: At leisure.

Dinner at own arrangement on the island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Saturday, 26 February: Ko Muk
 

 

Full day excursion for swimming and snorkelling at the various spots around the Ko Muk e.g., Ko Kradan, Ko Waen, Morakot cave etc. Lunch will be served on boat or on the island.

Dinner will serve at the resort in BBQ style.

Day 3: Sunday, 27 February: Ko Muk – Trang – Bangkok
 
Morning: At leisure.
After lunch, depart Ko Muk back to the airport.
15:00 Arrive at Trang Airport, check in for counter Thai Lion Air.
16:25 Depart Trang for Bangkok by Thai Lion Air flight SL827.
17:50 Arrive at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport.
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Booking

Important note:

The Society requires all study trip participants to be fully vaccinated. We kindly ask that you attach appropriate proof(s) of vaccination along with your registration. 

– To comply with the measures set forth by the government in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to protect yourself and others around you, the Society kindly asks our participants to follow the appropriate safety and precautionary measures as stipulated by the government and health organisations.

The contribution of THB 22,000 (THB 23,000 for non-members), single room surcharge THB 3,000 will cover airfares, transportation, accommodation for 2 nights (two persons per room), meals as mentioned in the programme, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Alternatively, you can transfer the money to The Siam Society travel account at TTB Bank, Asoke Branch, saving account no. 053-2-18000-7. Please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 504 or Khun Supanut Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, Fax 02-258-3491 or email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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