Had Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province

Had Chao Mai National Park in Sikao district, Trang Province
Had Chao Mai National Park covers the area of Pak Meng Beach and nine islands, for example, Meng Island, Pling Island, Cheuk Island, Wan Island, Mok Island, Kradan Island and Chao Mai Island.  the areas is 1,443,800 Rai.  It was created a National Park on October 14, 1981.  It is possible to get there via Trang Sikao road, passing Banna, Muangpet, the Hot Spring.  Chao Mai Beach and Changland Beach.  The distance is about 50kms.  Or one can take the coastal road from Trang town to Pak Meng Beach to get to the National Park Office which is about 7 kms. from there.  The office has a service center, toilets and areas.  Tents are also available for those who would like to spend the night there.  Contact in advance The National Park Division, Department of Forestry, Tel. 075-579-0529 Or Had Chao Mai National Park Amphur Sikao Trang 92000 Tel. 075-210099
credit : Tourism Authority of Thailand
Mook Island and Morakot Cave, Trang
Mook Island and Morakot Cave, Trang Province
Tham Le Khao Koph (Lae Cave)
Trang Vegetarian Festival 2009

Mook Island and Morakot Cave, Trang Province

Trang, or Taptiang, is another big town in the South, which is the first to grow rubber trees of which the saplings were brought in from Malaysia by Phraya Rassadanupradit Mahissarapakdi. Trang is a seaport on the Thai west coast. 1,124kms. from Bangkok on Phetchakasem Road. At present, there is a new route, from Suratthani to Trang, which makes the total distance from Bangkok 864 kms. Its area is 5,216 square kms.

Trang is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean and on a narrow piece of land, thus, there are monsoons all year round, resulting in a very high amount of rain. Only the time from February to April is without rain. The amount of rain in 1980 was as high as 2,607.6 mm. For this reason, Trang only has two seasons, summer and rainy season. The above said characteristics make Trang most suitable for agriculture, especially rubber planting.

Attractions off shore
Ko Mook and Tham Morakot (Mook Island and Morakot Cave) Ko Mook is an interesting island for tourists who enjoy the sea. It is a big island with most of which is cliffs, especially its west side which faces the open sea while there is a fishing village in its eastern part facing the mainland. The high cliffs are habitats for a large number of swllows. Underneath these high cliffs i the beautiful Tham Morakot, or Morakot Cave. This cave can be seen both of the tide is high or low. The entrance to the cave is rather small just high enough for a boat to pass through. This winding cave is approximately 80 meters long. At the other end of the cave is a beautiful beach with clean white sand and enclosed by high cliffs. The blue sky is its roof and its walls are decorated with green trees. The entrances to the cave is on the west of the island.

Ko Kra Dan (Kra Dan Island) This island is Trang's most beautiful island covering an area of 600 Rai. Five parts out of six of the island is under the responsbility of Hat Chao Mai National Park. The rest of it is covered by privat rubber plantations and coconut plantations as well as restaurants and accommodation for tourists. One of the highlights of the island is its beautiful beach of very find white sand as fine as powder. The other highlights include its crystal clear blue water though which you can see beautiful coral reefs on the north side of the island, together with colorful fish moving gracefully.

On the other side of the island. There is a small basin where big waves rolling onto the beach making it very suitable surfing.
credit : Tourism Authority of Thailand

http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2008/07/tham-le-khao-kohp-lae-cave-trang.html

TRANG

Located approximately 828 kilometers from Bangkok, Trang Province covers an area of 4,941 square kilometers. The province borders on Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the north, Satun Province and the Indian Ocean (Andaman Sea) to the south, Phatthalung Province to the east and the Indian Ocean and Krabi Province to the west. Trang is considered a magnificent coastal province as it long, beautiful coastline stretches 199 kilometers along the Indian Ocean. In addition, the province has two major rivers flowing through it, the Trang River, which originates in the Khao Luang Mountain Range and Maenam Palian from the Banthat Mountain Range.
Despite the fact that Trang City plays a key role in facilitating trade and communications to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand's southern commercial hub, Trang is a province less traveled to by tourists. It was only recently that Trang has been poised to establish itself on the international travel map.  

Trang has geographical advantages similar to that of Krabi and Phang-Nga. This includes breathtaking islands and astounding beaches along the coast as well as awe-inspiring inland limestone- propped mountains. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time to visit Trang is between December and May.
Trang has both mainland beaches and a whole string of offshore islands. For visitors interested in light-adventure activities such as cruising coastal waters, visiting notable sights such as the enchanting Emerald Cave, which is accessible only by water, will prove to be remarkable experience. Additional attractions include the Mu Ko Petra National Park with beaches and islands lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Some of the dive sites in the National Park are world-class. There are also wildlife sanctuaries such as Namtok Khao Chong and Khlong Lamchan Park with waterfalls, nature trails and caves. For those looking for a relaxed, tranquil ambience, Trang is a perfect place to unwind amidst stunning scenery.

With an abundance of blissful attractions mixed with cultural heritage, Trang Province is truly an emerging fascinating tourist destination with numerous jungles, mountains and waterfalls.
The City also has numerous attractions. Walking around Trang City, visitors will be amazed at the mixture of Western, Chinese and Thai cultures reflected in the architecture that range from the Sino- Portuguese shop houses to the Chinese temples and shrines. The Pan-Ya House is the local style of houses in Trang, which offers an insight into the architectural heritage of this town. In addition to architectural attractions there are many parks to stroll through and markets to explore. The main two markets in Trang are Ta Klang and Municipal markets.

History of Trang
Trang or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port engaged in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted after Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought it from Malaysia in 1899. Since then, rubber has become Souths major commodity and is now considered an important source of income for farmers.
Todays Trang
Trang has a total area of 4,941 square kilometers and is divided into 10 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran.

The best time to visit Trang is between December and May. As it is located on the same coastline as Phuket and Krabi Provinces, Trang Province is also influenced by the monsoon. The temperature is generally warm all year round with an average temperature varying from 20 Celsius to 36 Celsius.

In April, the daytime temperature is highest and it is also the hottest period of the year. The rainy season, which is from May to September, has rains and short downpours during the daytime. The monsoon period comes from September to November and then from December onwards the weather generally becomes more pleasant.- TourismThailand.Org

credit : The Official Website (Tourism in Thailand)