The coastline of the Thai province of Trang in Southern Thailand is famous for its natural bounty. Unspoilt powdered beaches, clear sea waves and forests make it an ecological treasure-trove for nature lovers. This environment is also the last remaining habitat of Thailand’s indigenous endangered marine animal, the Dugong.
The Hat Chao Mai National Park of this province encapsulates some of the finest and diverse bio-habitats in all of Trang. Located in the western extremity of Southern Thailand, the park covers an area of over 230 square kilometres. This national park was established in 1981 in order to protect both the land and marine flora and fauna that flourish in the diverse eco-environments within the park. Only 94 square kilometres of this park covers a land area; the remaining 140 odd square kilometres are all submerged in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.
The park is segmented into two parts. The first part encompasses the coastal area and the islands, such as Muke Island, Kradan, Wan Island, Cheaung Island, Pring and Meng Islands. The western shoreline lays claim to several steep limestone cliffs.
The beautiful island of Muke is famous for its Morakot Cave, or the Emerald Cave as it is locally known. The entrance to the cave appears as a crevasse within the limestone escarpment that overlooks the ocean. This cave can only be entered at low tide, before it becomes totally submerged by the waves. The dark tunnel leads to a breathtakingly beautiful lagoon. However, one must make haste to get back before the tides come in, in which case, one may find oneself trapped.
The most popular beaches in the area are Pakmeng Beach (the most popular one in Trang) Chang Lang Beach, Yong Ling, and Chao Mai. The Kuan Khang hot springs of Amphoe Kan Tang are also a tourist favourite.
The other part is toward the north of the east coast, which comprises mainly mountains. Chong Chan, Kwan Dang, Kwan Med Chune are all mountains found where several streams converge into the Bang Sak canal, which in turns flows down to the mighty Trang River.
The park has a veritable montage of diverse habitats and landscaped, from verdant rainforests and grass forests to mangroves and beach forests. The park stretches beyond the fine-powdered beaches into a vibrant coral reef that spreads to the beds of the deep sea. These spectacular gardens of living coral can be explored best from islands such as Waen, Cheaung and Kradan.
This and the many natural marvels of Trang can be explored when staying at one of the hotels in the area, especially the secluded resorts in the archipelago. Those favouring a Krabi resort hotel should consider Anantara Si Kao, Thailand, located in Amphoe Si Kao. Only a short distance north of Krabi, travellers can enjoy a natural refuge in a luxurious environment surpassing many of Krabi resorts best offerings.