TRAT — Tourist numbers to Thailand’s Trat province, particularly its three main islands—Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak—have increased significantly since December 2024 through the New Year 2025 period. This sustained growth in both Thai and international visitors reflects the province’s success in promoting sustainable tourism.
Taweesak Wongwilat, Vice President of the Trat Tourism Business Association, reports that international tourists are now booking extended stays of 1-2 weeks. The number of foreign visitors has increased by more than 40% compared to 2024.
“This growth can be attributed to promotional efforts across multiple channels, especially the ongoing campaigns by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Eastern Region and Trat offices since 2024,” Wongwilat explained.
Koh Chang Bookings Reach Over 80%
Early 2025 initiatives included bringing European tourism operators and influencers to the province to attract international visitors. Most recently, tourist groups from Oman in the Middle East traveled to Koh Chang, boosting the promotion of Trat’s attractions and generating substantial revenue for the province.
“What’s clearly evident is that hotel bookings for the Songkran period in Koh Chang district have already reached over 80%, particularly from international tourists,” noted Wongwilat. Foreign visitors have established online groups showcasing Trat’s attractions, highlighting the beauty of both the sea and forest areas in Koh Chang National Park, as well as the popular “Wan Lai” festivities during Songkran.
“While Thai and international tourists typically flock to these events each year, this year we’re seeing earlier arrivals, increased bookings, and longer stays,” he added.
Mainland Trat Also Seeing Growth
Wararat Chottiwan, owner of Trat City Hotel and committee member of the Trat Tourism Industry Council, said that mainland Trat has also seen consistent hotel bookings. “While the increase isn’t dramatic, it’s better than previous years, thanks to joint efforts by private and public tourism sectors to make the province more attractive to visitors,” she said.
The continuous tourism promotion activities from late 2024 into early 2025, including the various Songkran festivals organized throughout the province, have enhanced Trat’s tourism appeal.
Impressive Tourism Statistics
Acting Lt. Korakot Opas, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Trat Office, reported that tourism in Trat has shown steady growth during the first three months of 2025. For the April 2025 Songkran festival period, projected visitor numbers continue to grow:
- Total visitors: 19,980
- Tourists (with overnight stays): 19,200
- Excursionists (day visitors): 780
- Average occupancy rate: 82.09%
- Average hotel stay: 1.98 nights
- Revenue generation: 142-200 million baht
- Average expenditure per trip: 7,107 baht
- Available rooms: 11,299
- Tourist to excursionist ratio: 96:4
April 2025 includes extended holidays for Chakri Day and the Songkran festival, boosting tourist numbers, especially Thai visitors. Various districts are hosting Songkran activities from April 12-26, 2025, with the final “Wan Lai” celebrations scheduled for April 25-26 in Laem Ngop district, which is expected to draw large crowds.
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