Trat Airport
Trat Airport (TDX) is a scenic gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Located on the mainland but in close proximity to the popular holiday destinations of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Maak, it is incredibly conveniently situated.
Finding your way around Trat Airport is simplicity itself. The terminal is an attractively designed thatched-roof structure that sets the perfect rustic atmosphere for your visit to Koh Chang. As you arrive, you will see that the terminal buildings are set in attractive and meticulously maintained gardens.
Trat Airport Map
Perhaps the most notable features are the 20 or so shrubs that have been expertly crafted into the shape of elephants. Since the terminal currently deals with a maximum of four flights a day, arriving, moving on, checking in, and departing from Trat Airport is very easy.
How to Get to Trat Airport
Trat Airport (TDX) offers two main options if you’re looking to get there: by private car or by taxi. If you’re opting for the former, drive along Highway 3, which links Trat to Bangkok, and turn right at Photikit Junction onto Highway 3156 and drive for 15 minutes; the entrance to the airport is on the left. As far as public transport goes, it’s mainly limited to taxi service provided by mini buses that travel from various destinations such as Trat city center, White Sand Beach, Ao Thammachat Pier, Pearl Beach, Klong Prao Beach, and Kai Bay Beach; prices vary from 300 Baht to 900 Baht per trip. Additionally, some private vans are available for hire.
A Popular Gateway to Koh Chang
If you’re looking to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang, the closest airport you can fly into is Trat Airport (TDX), which is located on the mainland. From there, you can take a ferry or a speedboat over to the island. The journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on which option you choose.
Trat Airport Arrivals Transport
On arrival at Trat Airport, you will be taken by open-air trolley from the plane to the arrivals area. Here you can await your bags, which will almost always arrive just a few minutes later.
If you have arranged a pick-up with a hotel or tour company, they will be waiting to collect you as you leave the arrivals area. If you haven’t, then you should purchase a minibus ticket at the counter located on the right side of the arrivals hall. You can also book accommodation here if you need it.
The minibusses will take you from the airport onto the Koh Chang Ferry, then proceed onto the island and drop you off at your hotel. Prices vary depending on which beach you are traveling to, but expect to pay in the region of 500 baht one way and 800 baht return.
On departure, you will be dropped off at the check-in counter in another open-air building where you can obtain a boarding pass and dump your luggage. There is an office between the arrival and departure areas, and if you need to pick up tickets, make bookings, or anything like that, Trat Airport’s helpful staff here will be able to sort it out for you.
Facilities
There are a couple of ATMs available on the side of the departure building if you need to obtain cash. You now have two options for waiting areas. There is an open-air café across a paved area with a large pond in the center that sells drinks and light snacks. Alternatively, you can sit at tables situated in the delightful atmosphere of Trat Airport’s lush tropical gardens.
Others may choose to, or you can head straight into the departure lounge. Here you can await your flight while enjoying the free drinks and snacks that are available, as well as free internet usage.
While Trat Airport appears and is a pleasant, laid-back place, all of the standard restrictions on what you can and cannot bring on the plane remain in effect. You should make the usual checks to ensure that there are no fluids over 100 mL, sharp objects, or the like in your carry-on bags, or they will be taken from you at the security checkpoint as you enter the departure lounge.
By Andrew Bond
