Trang is a charming Southern province with a long coastline along the Andaman Sea. It also has many islands - 46 of them scattered over the three districts of Kantang, Palian and Sikao.
Q: We went to Phi Phi island and saw the highlights of Phuket on our trip four years ago. This year, my husband and I will be in Thailand in May for two weeks and we're interested in the Trang coast. Do you have any islands to recommend? We'd prefer somewhere less busy than Phi Phi but not too isolated from the rest of the world. Thank you, Erin.
A: Trang is a charming Southern province with a long coastline along the Andaman Sea. It also has many islands - 46 of them scattered over the three districts of Kantang, Palian and Sikao.
Koh Ngai is a small island accessed by ferry from Trang town's Pakmeng Pier. It has a long sandy beach and some coral reefs that make for good snorkelling. There's accommodation to suit every taste and enough activities to keep you entertained all day long.
Another choice is Koh Mook, which although bigger, has fewer accommodation choices. It's served by ferry from Kuan Tung Ku pier in Kantang town.
Koh Kradan is more isolated so probably isn't what you want. All you can do is snorkel and sunbathe before returning to your room at the island's only hotel. Part of the island belongs to Had Chao Mai National Park.
Between Koh Mook and Koh Kradan lie Koh Chueak and Koh Waen. They are good for diving, but have no accommodation. Tiny Laoliang island is nearby. It's also isolated and has only one place to stay.
The populated island of Koh Sukorn can be considered if you'd like to stay in a simple hut and mingle with local Muslim community. It's in Palian district and not too far from the mainland, so the water is not as crystal clear as around the other islands.
The largest island and the quietest is Koh Libong. It is also the nearest to Had Chao Mai, the scenic beach on the mainland. The island is a part of Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve, with numerous seabirds and mangrove birds, as well as seaweed to feed a variety of marine animals including dugongs and sea turtles. It has three small fishing villages and also three beach bungalows for visitors.
Trang also has mainland beaches that still very serene, plus waterfalls, nature trails and caves to explore. It's really perfect place for a holiday.
Q: I'm going to Koh Samui soon and would like to know how to get around the island? I'm taking the ferry to Nathon pier and then want to head to Lamai beach. What transport is available at the pier? Thanks in advance, Mark.
A: You don't have to worry about transport as Samui is quite easy to get around. It's a lot easier than Phuket, and cheaper too. The island is Thailand's third largest but a round trip by car only takes about an hour. You'll find songthaews, covered redpickup vehicles running all day that serve as the local public buses. You can read the routes in English on the front and the side of the vehicle. The fare will be around Bt60, though you might be asked for Bt100.
Alternatively there are metered taxis. However, it is likely that when the driver susses you as a newcomer, he'll refuse to use the meter and charge you up to Bt500.
You can also rent a car or motorbike at Nathon pier. Having your own wheels is a great way of getting around. Prices vary for a car, between Bt800 to 2,000 per day depending on type and condition. If you don't have much luggage, motorbike rental should be considered; the price is around Bt200300 per day. Hope this helps.
