Trang Province

Trang, like the provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga, has a geography of limestone mountains pocked with caves and fine sandy beaches facing beautiful idyllic islands. Unlike the other two, Trang - for the meantime- has resisted a full scale leap into the tourism industry.  
This could simply be that it already has a fully developed economy, based on the rubber plantations that have flourished since the end of the last century. The seafood industry, tin and barite mining have also been well established to support the workforce of Trang.
Apart from the province's appealing tropical islands, the interior is strewn with caves, waterfalls, hot springs and lakes. The perfect environment for nature lovers, budding explorers and reef divers.
Trang's coast is littered with fine powdery beaches, with the best strip running south from Pakmeng to Kantang.

Places of Attraction

Hat Pakmeng
This long, broad beach runs south from the village of Pakmeng. The water here is not the best place for swimming, but the flat sandy beach is perfect for strolling along. In November the calm waters fill up with hawy thapao, a delicious type of clam. At low tide the locals swarm onto the beach to collect the delicacy. Off the shoreline, the mystical limestone rock formations protrude from the sea.

Koh Ngai
The island is actually a part of Krabi province but lies just 16 km from the Trang coastline, from the pier at Pakmeng. The island can also be reached from Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.The island is relatively small (barely 5 sq km) and is surrounded by beautiful groups of corals of various striking colours and formation.
Luckily it has resisted the temptations of the developers who are always willing to turn beautiful locations into resorts, without consideration of anything a metre beyond their boundary lines. On Koh Ngai you will not find beach bars rocking out reggae music or hosting transvestite shows.
Obviously with the lack of development there is a lack of amenities to help fill the visitors itinerary. Though this is great for those who want to escape from it all and experience a place that exudes the true tranquility of nature. 

Koh Mook
Koh Mook sits nearly opposite Hat Chang Lang and can easily be reached by boat from Pakmeng. The island is encircled with beautiful coral and has several small beaches ideal for camping and swimming. The finest beach is on the western side of the island at Hat Sai Yao. Towards the northern end of the beach is Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) known locally as Tham Nam. The cave is only accessible at low tide, through a 80 metre narrow passageway that leads to a clear pool touched by fine powdery sand and penned in by sheer cliffs.

Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is the largest and most beautiful of the islands that make up Hat Jao Mai National Park. The beaches are fewer but finer than on Koh Mook and there is a fascinating coral reef on the eastern coast. Two sunken WW2 Japanese warships provide a popular and interesting diving spot.

Koh Libong
Koh Libong is the largest of Trang's islands and is part of the Petra Islands group. The island is accessed by boat from Kantang which arrives in Ban Hin Khao. The only hotel on the island is located only five minutes away from here.
The Conservation of Wildlife Committee maintains free accommodation at the cape on the eastern side, Laem Ju-Hoi. The cape and the eastern part of the island also accommodate thousands of migratory birds who stop-over around March and April on their way back to the far off northern reaches. Expect to see terns, waders, curlews and godwits amongst many others. The waters off the shore are also home to green turtles.
For snorkeling enthusiasts the better places are the coral reefs off the south west coast, opposite the Libong Beach Resort. Diving equipment is available for hire at the resort.