Trat (Hat Lek Pier) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Hat Lek Pier in Trat is accessible via multiple transportation options from major Thai cities. From Bangkok, the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours by bus, with regular services departing from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Travelers from Pattaya can reach Trat in about 3 hours by minivan or bus. For those preferring air travel, Bangkok Airways operates daily flights to Trat Airport, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to Hat Lek Pier. The pier area offers both short and long-term parking facilities, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

Nestled along Thailand's eastern seaboard, Trat serves as a vital maritime gateway to Cambodia and the stunning islands of the Gulf of Thailand. This charming provincial capital blends serene coastal beauty with authentic Thai culture, offering a refreshing alternative to Thailand's more crowded destinations. From Hat Lek Pier, travelers can embark on adventures to pristine islands, encounter traditional fishing communities, and experience the natural splendor of Thailand's eastern frontier.

Trat enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, making timing your visit crucial for an optimal experience. November through April offers the most pleasant weather, with sunny days, gentle breezes, and minimal rainfall – perfect for ferry travel and island exploration. March brings the colorful Trat Independence Festival, celebrating the province's historical significance. The monsoon season (May to October) brings frequent rainfall and occasionally rough seas, with some ferry services operating on reduced schedules. For the ideal balance of good weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of November and April.

Hat Lek Pier serves as a springboard to some of Thailand's most spectacular island destinations. Koh Chang, the largest island in the area, is accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride and offers everything from pristine beaches to lush mountain jungles. Koh Kood (or Koh Kut), reachable in about 1.5 hours by speedboat, boasts some of Thailand's clearest waters and least developed beaches. The smaller Koh Mak, just 45 minutes away, presents a tranquil escape with family-run resorts and car-free roads. For the adventurous, the Cambodian coastal town of Sihanoukville can be reached via international ferry services, opening up further exploration opportunities along the Cambodian Riviera.

While many travelers use Trat as a jumping-off point, the area itself holds numerous attractions worth exploring. The vibrant Trat Night Market offers a sensory feast of local specialties, including fresh seafood and the province's famous pomelo and durian. Nature enthusiasts should visit the mangrove forests at Laem Ngop, where elevated walkways allow close observation of this crucial ecosystem. The 300-year-old community at Ban Nam Chiao showcases traditional fishing village life and distinctive stilt houses built over the water. Culinary adventurers shouldn't miss regional specialties like pu pad pong karee (crab curry) and the incredibly fresh seafood served at waterfront restaurants near the pier.

Trat province briefly belonged to French Indochina in the early 20th century before being returned to Thailand in exchange for other territories – evidence of this period can still be seen in some local architecture. Hat Lek Pier sits at Thailand's easternmost point, marking the country's border with Cambodia and serving as an important trading post for centuries. The waters surrounding Trat are home to rare dugongs (sea cows), with conservation efforts in place to protect these gentle marine mammals. Despite its strategic importance, Trat remains one of Thailand's least populated provinces, allowing it to maintain much of its natural beauty and traditional way of life.