The recent Songkran holiday was followed by another round of government-sponsored happiness for Thai tourists, with a special long weekend on May 6th. Many people took advantage of the two-day holiday on Tuesday and Wednesday, combined with today's Visakha Bucha Day, resulting in an 11-day break. The period from April to May can truly be considered the "Golden Weeks" for Thais. Many friends' Facebook statuses have been updated, giving the impression that the admin has traveled around the world within 24 hours, visiting every continent.

The article's title mentions a trip to Trat, but the author clarifies that they haven't actually been traveling due to a busy work schedule. The hot weather in Bangkok has them reminiscing about past trips to the sea, including one to Trat. They note that they haven't yet reviewed Trat and hope the information is still relevant for readers seeking accommodation in the province.

This resort, Centara Chaan Talay Trat, is located in Trat province, near the border with Cambodia. It is a luxurious resort that offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, gym, and spa. However, the area around the resort is quite remote, and it is not recommended to drive at night. The nearest town, Khlong Yai, is about 20 kilometers away and offers a variety of shops and restaurants.

When discussing Trat's coastline, many people immediately think of relaxing on the cool, clear waters of Koh Chang or Koh Kood (even I, the admin, haven't been to these two islands yet - I really need to go!). Beachfront resorts in Trat seem to be overlooked and unpopular, despite the province having over 150 kilometers of coastline and beaches and seas considered the most beautiful on the mainland of the Eastern region. After leaving the Mueang district to take a boat to Koh Chang or Koh Kood, the long, narrow coastline bordering Cambodia hasn't received much attention from tourists. One reason is that it was previously an area of political conflict with neighboring countries and home to a Cambodian refugee camp. Even though decades have passed, not many businesses have ventured into this area. The beachfront is still mainly owned by locals and local investors. However, there are now many signs advertising land for sale along the road leading to the resort.

Due to its remote location, most resorts in this area are small and outdated. However, they offer affordable prices, starting from a few hundred baht. Even Centara Chaan Talay, considered the most luxurious resort in the area, only costs around a thousand baht. However, this does not mean that the rooms are as luxurious as other five-star hotels in the Centara chain. For the price, I would say the hotel is only a three-star establishment. Nevertheless, it is still luxurious and comfortable enough. The real highlight is not just the reasonable price and comfort, but the pristine beach. The sea here is incredibly calm, so much so that I hesitated to swim in it. Haha! We arrived at the resort in the late afternoon after spending a long time exploring Chanthaburi and Trat. This time, we rented a 1600cc car, which took a bit longer than usual. The resort is easy to find. Just drive straight from Rayong to Chanthaburi, following the road to Khlong Yai checkpoint. The road is good throughout, even though it is a two-lane road in the Khlong Yai section. The road is a bit winding, but there are cars passing by regularly. Believe it or not, the resort is always full on weekends. However, I stayed for another two or three days during the weekdays, and there were very few cars, making for a comfortable drive. The hotel itself is located right on the main road, making it easy to find.

The resort generously upgraded my room from a garden view to a beachfront suite. This upgrade allowed me to enjoy stunning ocean views directly from my room and easy access to the beach. However, my room was separated from the beach by a swimming pool. Larger rooms were located directly on the beach and offered Jacuzzis with ocean views (although these were located on the balcony, making privacy a concern). Despite this minor inconvenience, my suite was spacious and comfortable, featuring a separate living room and bedroom. The room could comfortably accommodate ten people, although the resort's policy limited occupancy. The television signal was clear, although not yet digital (this may have changed since my visit). A DVD player was available for entertainment. The bedroom lacked a television, promoting relaxation and sleep. The air conditioning was powerful and kept the room comfortably cool. The bed was large and comfortable, earning a near-perfect score. However, there were two important points to note. The resort is located near the Banthat Mountains, bordering the dense forests of Cambodia. While wildlife is unlikely to venture into the resort, mosquitoes are a significant concern. These large mosquitoes can bite through insect repellent, so it's crucial to keep doors closed and use mosquito nets. During my visit in early January, the weather was cool, but the mosquitoes were relentless, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. Fortunately, these mosquitoes are primarily active in the early evening hours. After 8 pm, the strong and cool sea breeze effectively驱散了蚊子.

Besides "mosquitoes", there are also "jellyfish". When I went there, it was the beginning of the year, which is the tourist season for the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, the sea is clear and the water is beautiful, even a bit cold. However, during the rainy season, it is said that you can see a phenomenon where the sea is full of jellyfish of various colors. It is another interesting tourist attraction, but be careful not to get stung, as it can cause itching and burning. I didn't see it myself, so I borrowed a picture from the Kapook website to show my friends. I would like to thank kapook.com for the picture.

The water pressure was not as strong as we would have liked, but it was still within acceptable limits. The hot water was also somewhat inconsistent, especially during the cold winter months. We had to adjust the temperature frequently to avoid getting too hot or too cold. Overall, the water pressure and temperature were adequate, but not exceptional.

The resort offers all the amenities one would expect from a large hotel, including a spa, a gym, and various outdoor activities such as kayaking and beach volleyball. While I observed an increase in Thai visitors during weekends, the majority of guests were foreigners who tended to stay for extended periods. These guests were often energetic, but the cold seawater, even during sunny afternoons, seemed to deter most Westerners from swimming.

The hotel only has one restaurant, which serves breakfast. On weekends, breakfast is a buffet, but on weekdays, it is a set menu. The quality of the breakfast is average, but the selection is adequate. However, the dinner is excellent. We decided to try it one night after getting tired of eating seafood outside. Although the restaurant does not focus on barbecue or grilling, the chef's skills are top-notch. We noticed that local residents also frequently dine at the hotel for dinner. The prices are reasonable, comparable to other restaurants in the city. There is also a wine menu available (but I do not drink alcohol, so I cannot review it). We ended up having dinner there two nights in a row. However, be prepared for mosquitoes.

The Beauty of Trat's Coastline

The final question on everyone's mind: how clear and beautiful is the water along Trat's coastline? The answer is, quite simply, stunning. While not as pristine as the Andaman coast, Trat's waters rival those of Phi Phi, Phuket, Khao Lak, Chonburi, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. In fact, I would argue that Trat's beaches are second only to Phuket in terms of beauty and clarity, surpassing even Ao Nang in Krabi and Khao Lak.

Compared to the beaches near Sattahip naval base, Trat's coastline emerges victorious. The tranquility and lack of development contribute to the pristine natural beauty of Trat's beaches, a stark contrast to the overcrowded and polluted beaches of Jomtien, Pattaya, and Bangsaen.

The tranquility of Trat's beaches can be both a blessing and a curse. While the lack of crowds allows for a peaceful experience, it can also be unsettling. The crystal-clear water, devoid of swimmers, can be intimidating, especially with the fear of sharks and crocodiles (even though they are unlikely to be present). It wasn't until a group of brave foreigners started kayaking and swimming in the afternoon that I finally gathered the courage to join them.

Despite the initial hesitation, the afternoon swim proved to be delightful. The sun was warm, the water pleasantly cool, and the wind had calmed. However, it's important to note that the water in Trat is quite deep and the open sea generates strong waves, especially during high tide in the morning. The waves can be as powerful as those at Surin or Bang Tao beaches in Phuket. While the sand isn't as white as in those locations, it is still fine and soft.

In conclusion, Trat's coastline offers a unique and beautiful experience. The pristine water, quiet beaches, and powerful waves create a memorable and invigorating escape. However, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions.

The story has come to an end. The closing credits roll with a final image. Thank you for being with us. Please take care of your health, especially during this hot weather. Goodbye. The admin will now escape the heat and seek refuge in the cool lab refrigerator.

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