Get in

The closest town in Thailand with good connections is Trat, which is 90 kilometers away from the island. If you are in Trat, you can take minibuses to the border every 45 minutes between 6:00 and 18:00. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs 120 baht. If you prefer a cheaper and more enjoyable option, you can take a songthaew, which is a local pickup truck acting as a bus. First, take a songthaew from Trat to Ban Khlong Yai for 80 baht. From there, catch another songthaew for the remaining 15 kilometers to the border, which costs 20 baht. Please be cautious of overpriced transport scams at the border if you are entering from Cambodia. Some travelers have been forced to pay 1400 baht for transfers. If someone tries to prevent you from taking a minibus or songthaew, walk away and, if needed, head up the hill for about 150 meters to the police checkpoint. From there, you can easily find a songthaew or minibus for your onward journey.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing