Where to Stay in Trang: City Centre, Pak Meng Beach & Island Bases

Trang province is what the Andaman coast used to look like before the international tourism machine arrived at Phuket and Krabi. Its 46 islands, cave beaches, and mangrove coastlines remain largely free of the resort infrastructure - and the crowds - that define its neighbours. This does not mean Trang is undiscovered: Thai domestic tourists know it well, and the island ferry network is well-organised. But it does mean you can find beach accommodation at prices well below Krabi, and actual sand rather than sun-lounger farms.

The city of Trang (not to be confused with the province) is a pleasant, prosperous southern Thai city with an excellent food culture influenced by its Hokkien Chinese community. It functions as the transport hub and culinary base; most visitors sleep in the city before island-hopping or use the beaches at Hat Yao and Pak Meng as a base.

Trang city centre

Trang city is 45 km from the coast, functioning as a commercial and transit hub. It has good hotels, excellent food, and reliable transport connections by train, bus, and air.

• Budget (฿400–800): Ko Teng Hotel on Wisetkul Road - one of Trang’s oldest hotels, dating to the 1950s - offers basic but characterful rooms in a Hokkien shophouse at approximately ฿500–800 as of 2026. KB Hotel on Visekul Road is a clean, modern budget option at similar rates. Both are within walking distance of the train station and the morning market.
• Mid-range (฿1,000–2,200): Rua Rasada Hotel on Phra Ram 6 Road is the most reliable mid-range option in the city - modern rooms, a pool, and good service at approximately ฿1,000–1,800. Trang Hotel on Wisetkul Road (central location, helpful staff) runs approximately ฿900–1,600 and has the advantage of a ground-floor coffee shop that opens at 6 am - a genuine convenience for early train or ferry departures.
• Upper mid (฿2,500–4,500): Centara Trang Hotel on Kantang Road is the best-maintained international-brand hotel in the city, running approximately ฿2,500–4,500. Pool, gym, reliable Wi-Fi, and a consistent standard of service that makes it the clear choice for business travellers and anyone wanting predictable quality.

Hat Yao and Pak Meng beach area

Hat Yao and Pak Meng are the two beaches on the Trang mainland coast - Hat Yao is about 30 km from the city, Pak Meng is about 40 km. Ferries to the islands depart from these piers. Staying here cuts the morning commute to the ferry but limits your evening food and entertainment options to what’s available locally.

• Budget (฿500–1,000): Hat Yao has several simple guesthouses and bungalow operations running ฿500–1,000. Lay Trang Resort on Hat Yao beach offers basic beachfront bungalows at the lower end of this range.
• Mid-range (฿1,200–3,000): Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa (on Hat Chao Mai near Si Kao, about 20 km from Hat Yao pier) runs approximately ฿2,500–6,000 and is the most upscale coastal resort in Trang province - pool villas, spa, good restaurant. Well suited for couples who want beach comfort over island adventure.

Island accommodation: Koh Mook

Koh Mook (also Ko Muk) is the most popular island base from Trang, famous for the Emerald Cave. It has a small village (Mook Village), several beaches, and a range of accommodation from backpacker bungalows to one boutique resort.

• Budget (฿500–1,200): Several bungalow operations near the village and at Had Sabai beach run ฿500–1,200 for fan rooms. Sivalai Beach Resort at the lower range offers simple beachfront rooms directly above the water on the island’s west side - stunning sunset position.
• Mid-range (฿1,500–3,500): Koh Mook Charlie Beach Resort is the most established mid-range operation - good rooms, a pool, restaurant, and a reliable dive centre. Rates run approximately ฿1,500–3,000 as of 2026. Faasai Resort on the quieter south end has fewer rooms and a more restful atmosphere.

Island accommodation: Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is smaller and quieter than Koh Mook - a single beach, minimal village, and a handful of resorts. No ATM, limited Wi-Fi, arrival by longtail boat.

• Mid-range (฿2,000–5,000): Paradise Lost Koh Kradan offers beachfront bungalows at approximately ฿2,000–3,500. Seven Seas Resort is the island’s largest operation, running ฿3,000–6,000 - comfortable rooms and good snorkelling off the beach. Koh Kradan is best for travellers who want a genuine digital-detox island stay.

Food in Trang city

Trang’s Chinese-Malay-Thai food culture produces some extraordinary eating:

• Dim sum breakfast: The morning dim sum culture in Trang is comparable to Penang - Rong Tee and Ko Teng Coffee Shops on Wisetkul Road serve pork bao, char siu, and deep-fried dough from approximately 6 am. Budget approximately ฿100–200 per person as of 2026.
• Kaya toast: Trang’s Hokkien community makes this the toast-and-kaya-jam (coconut jam) breakfast a genuine tradition - try at any of the old coffee shops on Phra Ram 6 Road.
• Moo yang (grilled pork): Available from afternoon street vendors throughout the city, approximately ฿80–150 per portion.
• Trang Night Market: On Phra Ram 6 Road from approximately 5 pm - good selection of southern Thai dishes.

Our verdict

For most visitors, spending one night in Trang city (Centara for comfort, Trang Hotel for value and location) followed by two or three nights on Koh Mook or Koh Kradan is the ideal combination. The city gives you the food and transport logistics; the islands give you the beach. Do not miss the morning dim sum before taking the ferry.

See also: Where to stay in Krabi · Southern Thailand travel guide · Getting around Thailand

For island tours and island-hopping packages from Trang, browse southern Thailand tours on GetYourGuide.