Trang Province

Trang
ตรัง
Province

Ko Lao Liang Phi in Mu Ko Phetra National Park

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Trang Province
Country  Thailand
Capital Trang
Government
 • Governor Maitri Inthusut (since October 2009)
Area
 • Total 4,917.5 km2 (1,898.7 sq mi)
Area rank Ranked 44th
Population (2014)
 • Total 638,746
 • Rank Ranked 40th
 • Density 130/km2 (340/sq mi)
 • Density rank Ranked 36th
Time zone Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7)
ISO 3166 code TH-92

Trang (Thai: ตรัง, pronounced [trāŋ]), also called Mueang Thap Thiang, is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the western side of the Malay Peninsula facing the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Satun.

Trang was formerly a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first place where rubber was planted in Thailand. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber saplings from Malaya and planted them here in 1899, and rubber is now an important export of the country. The Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range, and the Palian River flows from the Banthat mountains. The province of Trang has an area of approximately 5,000 square km.

Geography

The province is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, and contains 46 islands together with the mainland area. There are only few plains, and most of the area is hills. The Khao Luang and the Banthat mountain range are the sources of the two main rivers of the province, the Trang River and the Palian River.

It has a long western coastline of about 119 kilometres. 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 for sea travel is during October to May. Situated along the Andaman coast, Trang province is home to innumerable beautiful islands, while the mountainous eastern region is home to dramatic waterfalls, caves and pristine jungle. Between the mountains and the coast are extensive plantations of rubber.

The southern coast of the province is protected in the Mu Ko Phetra National Park. The estuary of the Trang River together with the Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park and Ko Libong Non-hunting Area are also a registered Ramsar wetland.

Climate

Climate data for Trang (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 32.6
(90.7)		 34.4
(93.9)		 35.3
(95.5)		 35.2
(95.4)		 33.6
(92.5)		 32.8
(91)		 32.3
(90.1)		 32.2
(90)		 31.9
(89.4)		 31.8
(89.2)		 31.3
(88.3)		 31.2
(88.2)		 32.88
(91.18)
Average low °C (°F) 21.9
(71.4)		 21.8
(71.2)		 22.5
(72.5)		 23.2
(73.8)		 23.4
(74.1)		 23.2
(73.8)		 22.9
(73.2)		 23.0
(73.4)		 22.9
(73.2)		 22.8
(73)		 22.7
(72.9)		 22.3
(72.1)		 22.72
(72.88)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 32.5
(1.28)		 20.8
(0.819)		 83.4
(3.283)		 139.7
(5.5)		 217.5
(8.563)		 201.1
(7.917)		 258.5
(10.177)		 275.1
(10.831)		 305.1
(12.012)		 285.5
(11.24)		 203.9
(8.028)		 125.4
(4.937)		 2,148.5
(84.587)
Avg. rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 5 3 5 12 20 19 19 19 22 22 19 11 176
Average relative humidity (%) 75 72 74 79 84 85 86 85 87 88 86 81 81.8
Source: Thai Meteorological Department (Normal 1981-2010), (Avg. rainy days 1961-1990)

History

Trang was an important sea port of southern Thailand. Legend says the ships always arrived in the morning, which led to the town's name - Trang derives from the Malay word for "light' (Terang). The province was once a part of the ancient Kedah Tua Kingdom - A Kedahan-Malay kingdom.

According to cultural records Trang was be one of 12 satellite towns that existed about 900 years ago, but it was during the reign of King Rama II that the province got its first governor. The first Westerner to arrive in Trang was Captain James Low, who came in 1838 to negotiate commercial benefits.

The original town was located in Khuanthani (now a tambon in district Kantang). In 1893, the governor, Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi, also known as Khaw Sim Bee na Ranong, decided to make Trang an important seaport and relocated the town to Kantang district on the Trang River delta. It was moved again to its present location 26 km inland in 1916 by King Rama VI because of repeated floodings.

Trang was the first area of Thailand where rubber trees were planted, brought there by governor Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi from British Malaya in 1899.

Symbols

The seal of the province shows a lighthouse bridge.

The provincial symbolic flower and tree is the Green ebony (Jacaranda filicifolia). The plant was imported from Australia by the same governor who also imported the rubber tree, and it quickly got the name Sri-Trang by the citizens.

The provincial slogan เมืองพระยารัษฏา ชาวประชาใจกว้าง ถิ่นกำเนิดยางพารา เด่นสง่าดอกศรีตรัง ปะการังใต้ทะเล เสน่ห์หาดทรายงาม น้ำตกสวยตระการตา translates to Phraya Rasda’s town, generous people, delicious roast pork, The First city where Para rubber was planted , the Si Trang provincial flower, underwater coral reefs, scenic beaches and waterfalls.

Administrative divisions

Trang is subdivided into 10 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 87 subdistricts (tambon) and 697 villages (muban).

  1. Mueang Trang (Malay: Tarangue)
  2. Kantang (Malay: Gantang)
  3. Yan Ta Khao
  4. Palian (Malay: Tanjong Setar)
  5. Sikao
  6. Huai Yot
  7. Wang Wiset
  8. Na Yong
  9. Ratsada
  10. Hat Samran

Transportation

Air

Trang Airport is 7 km. away from the Trang town centre. It is served by Thailand AirAsia and Nok Air, with flights to Bangkok.

Rail

Trang is one of the southern destinations offering a train routes to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong central station starting from Thung Song Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, this south-western route passes Huay Yod station to Muang station and end at Kan Tang terminal in Trang.

      Time table:
      Train No.168 Kantang - Bangkok :12.40 pm. - 05.15 am.
      Train No.167 Bangkok - kantang  18.20 pm. - 11.05 am.
      Train No.84 Trang - Bangkok   17.20 pm. - 8.25 am.
      Train No.83 Bangkok - Trang   17.05 pm. - 07.55 am.

Road Major road to and from Trang are:

  1. Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Highway No. 41 (Surat Thani-Thung Song- Huai Yot-Trang), total distance of 828 kilometres.
  2. Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Ranong-Phang-nga-Krabi-Trang, total distance of 1,020 kilometres.
  3. Highway No. 404-416 (Satun-Palian-Trang), total distance of 140 kilometres.
  4. Highway No. 4-407 (Hat Yai-Phatthalung-Trang), total distance of 148 kilometres.
  5. Highway No. 4-402 (Phuket-Phang-nga-Krabi-Trang), total distance of 312 kilometres.

Passenger Vans

These vans ply between Trang and neighbouring provinces on a regular basis.

Tuk Tuk The most popular small vehicle in Trang city, this car have 3 wheels for carry passenger to around Trang city.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)

Songthaew are the most popular form of local public transportation around both the town and rural areas.

Bus

There are buses to and from Trang to Bangkok and main province (Phuket, HatYai, Nakornsrithammarat and Satun in the south.

Boats to islands

Trang has 4 main piers for boats to the islands, they are Pak Meng Pier, Ban Chao Mai Pier, Klong Son Pier and Kuan Thung Kuu Pier.

Tourism

Unlike its big sister provinces of Krabi, Pha-nga and Phuket, Trang’s tourism is on a much lower level with little in the way of major development. That is not to say however, that Trang has little appeal, as it certainly does – but the tourist crowds that Trang mostly pulls in are Thais and not foreigners.

Attractions

Activities

Trekking The province has plenty of forest, wildlife and more than 20 waterfalls, so making the province suitable for trekking. trails include:

Diving Trang offers divers coral reefs, clear water and colourful marine life. Unfortunately, most divers on coming to the south to dive fail to realize that Trang province offers diving sites on a par with neighbouring Krabi, Pha-nga and Phuket. So, Trang is appropriate for those who wish to get off the beaten track and away from the tourist crowds.

Chaomai National Park This area, 20 km in length, is said to have one of the best diving sites in the world. Among the 40 islands in Trang, Koh Kradan is considered the best. Other popular islands for diving include Ko Chueak, Ko Ma and Ko Ngai.

Bird Watching For bird watching, Ko Libong is the well known place to go.

Golf For a game of golf, there is the Sri Trang Golf Club and Prayarassadanupradit Camp.

Spa

Spa service is available at some of the leading resorts. The most well known resorts with spa facilities are:

Local Products

Trang has a few local products which are popular as souvenirs, they are Suea Toei or Suea Panan (mats woven from screw pine), Muk (container for small things), ray leather products; namely, bags and shoes, basketry made of cattail stems, carved-wood products from Thep Tharo wood, para rubber toys, and ‘Na Muen Si’ local woven cloth. Products of local food include Trang roast pork, Trang’s cake, ‘Khao Chong coffee, ‘Kapi’ or shrimp paste, etc.

Nightlife

Types of nightlife available in Trang include:

Local Culture

Events and Festivals

Trang Tourism Festival (งานเปิดฟ้าเมืองตรัง) is an activity for the public relations of Trang tourism at the beginning of the tourism season. The event is held in the third week of January.

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony (พิธีวิวาห์ใต้สมุทร) Activities in this unusual event include a welcoming ceremony for the brides and grooms (Thais and foreigners) at the Trang Airport, a bridal procession around town, and a dowry procession by long-tail boat to Ko Kradan. A wedding ceremony is performed on the beach by means of pouring blessed water from a conch shell onto the bridal palms and followed by underwater marriage registration at a depth of over 12 m. The event is held on 13–15 February.

Trang Food Festival (งานมหกรรมอาหารดี ศรีตรังบาน) is held to promote dishes of Trang province renowned as the city of food lovers. There are a myriad of food stalls of Trang restaurants offering dishes at discounted prices. Various kinds of food including Chinese, Thai and local meals, as well as seafood are available. Additional activities are an eating championship and diverse forms of entertainment. The fair is scheduled for 30 March – 3 April of every year at the Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Park 95 (Khao Pae Choi).

Trang Cake Festival (งานเทศกาลขนมเค้กจังหวัดตรัง) derives from the fact that Trang people are well known for making delicious cakes. This is particularly true for the villagers of Ban Lam Phu Ra where making cakes dates back generations. The cakes of Trang have no frosting and have several flavours like orange, coffee, three-flavoured, etc. The festival is scheduled for every August.

Trang Roast Pork Festival (งานเทศกาลหมูย่างจังหวัดตรัง) is a tourism promotion activity of Trang, held every September. The festival features Trang roast pork is of a special recipe. The pork skin is crispy, the meat is tender and it is delicious due to a process by which the pig is fermented with herbs then roasted whole on a specially made grill. Trang’s roast pork is sold daily and eaten with morning coffee or can be a banquet dish.

Moon Festival (งานประเพณีไหว้พระจันทร์) is a tradition long observed by the Chinese people of Tambon Thung Yao, Amphoe Palian, to commemorate the fight for the nation against the Mongols. A ceremony is held in late September or early October on the full moon day in the eighth month under the Chinese calendar.

Vegetarian Festival (งานประเพณีถือศีลกินเจ) is a traditional festival of the Chinese in Trang, held around October every year on a full-moon night. Thais of Chinese heritage would become a vegetarian (no consumption of meat and certain kinds of vegetables) and dress in white for 9 days and nights. This is to bring good fortune and make merit. Throughout the 9 days and nights, the spirit in the “medium” would go out and give blessing (some call it out touring) to households where there are offerings set out in front. The procession bearing the medium must light thousands of firecrackers, creating a deafening din. The medium would also perform supernatural feats to show that the spirit is in him.

The Buddha Image Procession and Trang Cultural Festival (ประเพณีลากพระและมหกรรมวัฒนธรรมสัมพันธ์จังหวัดตรัง) is aimed to preserve, revive, and pass down ancient customs and traditions which are local uniqueness. It is held during the first and third days of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month (at the end of the Buddhist Lent). Activities include a contest of Buddha image boat floats, local sports competitions, Southern-style folk arts and cultural performances, concerts, entertainment, sales of Trang OTOP products, and merit-making for the Buddha image processions.

Four-wheel Drive Vehicle Competition (การแข่งขันรถยนต์ขับเคลื่อนสี่ล้อ) (The Nature Adventure of Southern Thailand – NAS Challenge) is an off-road circuit for members of off-road racing clubs in Thailand and from foreign countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc., with more than 100 cars participating. It is scheduled for November of every year. The circuits in use are in Trang town and other districts of Trang.

Taphao Shell Festival (งานเทศกาลหอยตะเภา) is aimed at promoting the conservation of nature and the environment. The festival is held at Pak Meng Beach every November. There is a contest to gather Taphao shells.

Fishing Competition at the Trang Sea (การแข่งขันกีฬาตกปลา “เบิกฟ้าทะเลตรัง”) is organised around December of every year in the waters of Trang and Krabi provinces. More than ten categories of fishing are arranged for the game.

H.M. the King’s Birthday Celebrations and Red Cross Fair (งานเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาและงานกาชาดจังหวัดตรัง) are an annual magnificent event of Trang, which has been continued since the reign of King Rama VII. It is scheduled for 5–15 December of every year at the Thung Chaeng Stadium in Amphoe Mueang Trang. Activities include exhibitions of agencies in the public and private sectors, sales of food and products, concerts, entertainment, naval Red Cross activities, etc.

Education

Secondary school:

Recent year, Trang province was supported by government for higher educations:

Art

Even though it is Indonesia in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself within the local culture. Very famous & former MAD TV actor, Bobby Lee comes from here and his alter - ego Toki Fong. He has 2500 wives in Trang.

Learn

Some visitors come to Trang to learn about the rich diversity of colourful coral and others, the huge variety of bird species on Bird Island.

Local Food

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen),rice and vegetable (Natural medicine) mix with Voodo sauce (KhaoYam),pork fried with Dasheen and red toufu sauce (GoYuk) and chicken birayani. Trang also has a unique breakfast cuisine found nowhere else in Thailand.

Trang is well known for its many local foods such as Mhu Yang Trang (Trang-style roasted pork), Trang cake, Trang breakfast (Dimsum).

Local coffee shops (Ran Gafae) in Trang have their own special menu with Go pii (black coffee served with sugar) on it. The other is the local breakfast (Timsum), Ja Kuai (deep fried bread). Go pii and Pa Tong Ko (local sweet donut) make the essence of the traditional Trang breakfast.

Medical Health Care

The provincial town has one quality hospital which provides top-class service named

Moreover, in all areas of Trang, clinics and pharmacies can easily be found.

Media / Contact

Local television, satellite TV channels are available. English language newspapers and magazines are available in some bookstores.

Landline telephone, satellite phone and all mobile phone systems are available at available downtown and village areas. Internet can be had in hotels, resorts and internet cafés. There are Post Offices in every district.

Retailers

There are 5 retailers in trang : Robinson, Tesco Lotus, Siriban shopping center, Siam makro and Home Pro. Robinson is the most popular shopping mall in trang with SF Cinema city(Theatre), KFC, Diary's Queen, Fuji(Japanese restaurant),MK restaurant etc.

Sports

Football is widely popular in Trang. Trang FC http://www.trang-fc.com] is local football club in Trang since 2010 play in division 2 or reginal league(south).

References

    External links

    		 Krabi Province Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
    Phattalung Province
    		   Trang Province  
    Andaman Sea Satun Province
    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Trang.

    Coordinates: 7°33′29″N 99°36′42″E / 7.55806°N 99.61167°E