Trat City Gem Market & Old Town

About this Place

Trat city is a compact, charming provincial town that most travellers pass through quickly en route to the islands — a mistake, as the town rewards slow exploration. The gem market near the town centre is where ruby, sapphire, and precious stone dealers cluster, remnants of Trat's historical role as a major gem trading post. The old town along Trat Canal has well-preserved wooden shophouses from the early 20th century, independent guesthouses, excellent coffee shops in heritage buildings, and a genuine small-town atmosphere. The Tha Rua market by the canal is the morning food hub — fresh produce, seafood from the Gulf, and Trat's regional specialty: sweet yellow coconut pancakes and fresh river shrimp. The daily outdoor market behind Sukhumvit Road is vivid and entirely local. Trat also has good transport connections for Cambodia border crossings at Ban Hat Lek.