The Natural Environment

Trang is the ideal destination for nature lovers and visitors who enjoy exploring areas of natural beauty. Large areas of the province are designated national parks and forest reserves, preserving a variety of unique eco-systems from mangrove swamps to virgin rain forests. In addition, visitors can be charmed by the glistening waterfalls and exquisite caves carved out of the limestone.

Whilst some of the national parks are easy to visit, others are up to three hours drive from the hotel and are more of a soft adventure experience, requiring treks and some degree of strenuous activity. Nevertheless, driving through the countryside in Trang is in itself an experience. The area is completely undeveloped from a tourist perspective and the roads have little traffic so that you can enjoy the scenic beauty of mountains, forests and large scale rubber plantations. The areas outlined below are those, which are more easily accessible.

Our guide to enjoying Trang

= Recommended

= Family friendly

= Soft adventure

Mountains and Jungles

Kayaking in The Mangroves Behind The Resort

You only need to step outside the doors of the resort to have a wonderful wildlife experience. There are mangroves a short paddle behind the resort which are just teaming with life. Kayaks are available from the guest activities centre, together with a pair of binoculars.

Khao Chong Wildlife Centre

Located twenty kilometers to the east of Trang town on the Pattalung Road, this park is noted for itีs trekking opportunities and offers visitors the chance to follow trails through the forest, past streams and waterfalls. There is also a small zoo of animals native to the forest and a nature study centre.

Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park

Situated between Trang and Pattalung provinces, this park covering almost seven hundred kilometers was set up as a conservation area in 1982. The park is rich in bird life with 125 species being sighted including the rare black eagle. Spectacular caves can be seen, including Ruen Thep Nimit and Nai Phud, plus there are a number of impressive waterfalls. Fifty kilometers further into the park there is a breeding centre for wildlife.

Ban Khuan Khaeng Hot Springs

Easily accessible from the resort, the minerals in the water have developed into interesting emerald green growths, submerged in the water. A small centre is being built so that guests can "take the waters" and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at this scenic spot.

Caves and Waterfals

Caves

There are literally hundreds of caves in the Trang province carved into the rugged limestone mountains and cliffs. A few are accessible for visitors, whilst the majority are for the dedicated speleologist. Some of the caves have been turned into temples and house a variety of Buddha images.

Thaem Le/Khao Kob

Thirty seven kilometers north of Trang town, near Huai Yod, the cave is entered by boat along a very narrow stream. The floor to ceiling stalagmites and stalactites, are truly an impressive sight. The timing of visiting this cave needs to be checked, as it is tide dependant.

Tham Kao Pina

Along the same route, forty five kilometres from the town, Kao Pina is a compound of six multi level caves also with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. The caves are a shrine, with large seated and reclining Buddha images and at the foot of the hill stands a temple, Wat Khao Pina.

Tham Khao Chang Hai (Lost Elephant)

In the east of Trang, near Nayong, this cave has easy access and is amongst the most spectacular in terms of the quality and variety of rock formations. The cave is named after a legendry baby elephant, which became lost participating in a precession to put jewels into a pagoda in Nakorn Tahmmarat. The story goes that the mother elephant was too large to enter to cave to find her calf that hid behind a curtain of rock formations.

Tham Lod

South west of Kantang, near Hat Yao, this cave has only recently been opened up to visitors and is one of the most impressive in the region. Reached by Kayak from the village, through virgin mangrove, the entrance is tide dependant and quite low so there is not much headroom. However, a ten minute paddle through a pitch black tunnel reveals a hidden lagoon with mangroves and towering limestone cliffs. This is a "hidden secret" but well worth the effort finding.

Tham Morakot (Koh Muk)

Any list of Trang most interesting caves should definitely mention the Emerald Cave (see Beaches and Islands).

Waterfalls

The numerous waterfalls or "namtok" are a major attraction in Trang. As well as being a great place to bath and cool off, their scenic beauty provides an exquisite setting for a picnic.

Ton Tae

Forty six kilometers south east of Trang town, this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls towering three hundred and twenty meters high. This waterfall is always flowing, but is best seen in the rainy season from September to November. The approach is quite difficult but the climb to the top is definitely worthwhile and the surrounding forest is particular beautiful and has many different types of plants including rattan.