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A Visit to Mangrove Forests and Beautiful Islands in Trang Province

We expect government regulations will allow this trip to go ahead. In the unlikely event that it is not possible we will give all members a full refund. During the trip we will follow all government Covid-19 guidelines.

Trang is 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 AD. 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 kilometres 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), which can be entered only by boat at low tide. Ko Kradan is also one of the most remote. White sand beaches and good snorkeling spots are the major attractions. Ko Libong is the largest of the islands, 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, 16 to Sunday, 18 April 2021. Member will be staying 2 nights at Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort and will spend 3 days travelling and exploring the little-known area.

When

Postponed

Leader

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

Booking

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Friday, 16 April: Bangkok – Trang – Ko Muk
Check in (individually) at an AirAsia counter, Don Mueang International Airport (terminal 2)
07:55 Depart Bangkok from Don Mueang Airport by AirAsia flight DD3241 for Trang.
09:30 Arrive at Trang Airport and proceed to Kantang district.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer for a local boat ride to visit a preserved mangrove forest and other natural sightseeing spots.
Proceed to the boat landing and continue to Ko Muk.
Check in at Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at the resort.
Day 2: Saturday, 17 April: Ko Muk
Members will be staying at Ko Muk for 3 days and 2 nights. Sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling at a various place in the area will be arranged. Meals will be served on the island or on the boat.
Day 3: Sunday, 18 April: Ko Muk – Trang – Bangkok
Morning: At leisure.
After lunch, depart Ko Muk for the airport.
17:00 Arrive at Trang Airport, check in at an AirAsia counter.
18:30 Depart Trang for Bangkok by AirAsia flight FD3246
20:00 Arrive in Bangkok at Don Mueang Airport.
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Booking

Note – To comply with the measures recommended by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. The Society kindly ask our participants to follow the safety and precaution measures that have been declared by the government and health organisations.

The contribution of THB 20,000 (THB 21,000 for non-members) single room surcharge THB 3,000 will cover airfares, local transportations, accommodation for two nights (two persons per room) meals, 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 TMB 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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