Trang (Thailand)

When you arrive at Trang on the sleeper train from Bangkok, after a terrible night's sleep, you'll be pounced upon by Thais wanting to sell you excursions. If you didn't already know, Trang is one of the main stops for visitors touring the islands to the southeast. Don't be taken for a ride - thank the 'touts' and have a coffee in one of the typical bars close to the railways station. It will give you the chance to wake up and gather your thoughts before negotiating a better deal directly with a local agency. 

There's not a lot to do in Trang. That said, if you want to see what life is like in little Thai towns, then this is the place to do so. There's a huge market every day near to the station, where you'll find fruit and veg stalls, meat and delicious pre-prepared dishes. A second, more touristy market is held on Friday evenings by the station, which seems to attract a younger crowd. Delicious food, games, T-shirts, fresh fruit...you'll find typical Thai provincial life all around you.

Trang's temple, situated at 20 minutes's walk from the station, is nothing to write home about. Even so, during the November full moon festival (Loi Krathong), the entire region seems to head there. Both young and old send floating lanterns up in to the sky and throw their flower krathongs on to the river. This is a great family event with fun for everyone.