Guide to Ban Tha Ranae in Trat
Undeniably, Thailand is a country that boasts a wide and varied selection of nature spots. From Phang Nga Bay’s magnificent multi-island views, to the 7-tiered Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi.
Consequently, there are many hidden gems that backpackers might have missed checking out. So, for those who dream of venturing into thicc forests like in the Amazon, Ban Tha Ranae in Trat lets you explore massive mangroves while Stand-Up (SUP) paddling. Come along for the ride below as we take you on a preview of what to expect here.
Check out more about Thailand:
- Erawan Waterfall: largest waterfall in Kanchanaburi with 7 levels
- Shibuya Pattaya: hidden Japanese-themed eatery with a coffee bar & nightly live music
- Nivés Cafe & Bar has a Scottish castle & ‘Hobbit House’ in Samut Sakhon
Paddle on a SUP board through mangrove forests
Image credit: @sempervict
Ban Tha Ranae is a natural attraction in Trat, eastern Thailand that boasts thick mangroves, reminding us of the Amazon Forest. The resemblance is especially apparent when we look at the expansive area via a bird’s eye view. The land is so lush that you can hardly see through the green foliage to the ground, and it’s become an acclaimed tourist spot in the province.
Image credit: Mgronline
As for the highlight, the tabun forest comprises Xylocarpus Granatum trees that present lots of strange-looking, aerial roots. To get to the forest, you’ll have to get on a 10-minute boat ride through lush forests for ฿100 (~USD2.70) per person. If you’d prefer to row yourself in the spirit of adventure, rent a SUP board for ฿700 (~USD19) per person. For this price, you can paddle for a round trip, which takes about three hours.
Image credit: @ice_rasita
On the way to the tabun forest, you will be going through three forests – a mangrove forest, nipa palm forest, and tabun forest – on both sides of each body of water. Expect to hear some ambient nature sounds on your journey, be it the sounds of birds singing, water flowing, or a calm breeze, allowing you to feel relaxed.
Mysterious forest filled with thousands of roots
Image credit: Travel Together / คนเดินทาง
Once you step foot in the tabun forest, we bet you will be surprised by the sight of thousands of roots intertwining and expanding all over the land. We’d say this is not a view you can expect to see anywhere else.
Image credit: @fontina.h
Somewhere in the forest, there’s a swing that you can use for a cool photo op. With the right angle and lighting, we’d aim to get a profile-pic worthy shot against the background of the majestic mangroves.
Image credit: blog.bangkokair
When the evening hours come, we heard there are fireflies to be seen around the area. We’re sure that an evening here will definitely be pretty beautiful, with the glowing dots of light flickering in the dark.
Getting to Ban Tha Ranae
Even though there are a wide variety of forests to be visited around Thailand, this mangrove forest is a lesser known spot for vacationers so we’d highly recommend it before it gets too popular. Apart from sightseeing, you can also opt to partake in more adventurous activities in the community, like trying local cuisine, or making tie-dye clothes.
Getting here isn’t complicated. You can fly to Trat Airport and get a ride to Ban Tha Ranae within 40 minutes. But if you drive from Bangkok, it could take up to five hours. Let us know if you’re game to visit Thailand’s very own mini Amazon Forest in the comments below.
Ban Tha Ranae
Address: Nong Khan Song, Mueang Trat District, Trat
Telephone: +66
Ban Tha Ranae’s Facebook | Google Maps
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @fontina.h, Mgronline and Travel Together / คนเดินทาง
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