TRAT is not only full of beautiful islands, but it is also famous for being a place of tranquility. Travelers around the world choose to come here to hide away.
At Soneva Kiri, it truly is a paradise. There's everything you could ask for.
Luxury villas. Infinity pool. Magnificent view. White sandy beach. Delicious food. Friendly staff and Chocolate Room!
The rule here is 'No News, No Shoes'. So, let's leave the busy world behind, and enjoy your time!
This morning, our breakfast is quite special because it's served on the nest! It's really a special place for dining.
This is called 'Tripod Dining’ at Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood. It's one of a kind place. It is like a bird nest shaped restaurant hanging in the air.
We just came from downstairs, it is about 5-6-meter high. But from here, the view is magnificent. We can see the water. It is really clear from here.
Like I've told you before, there are many islands in TRAT. From here, we can see a few of them.
A few little islands. Very beautiful. Here, it is a kind of hidden in a tropical forest.
The special thing is, you see in front of us, they're serving food - breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. We're having a very full breakfast.
To come here, we walked. But when they serve the food, they came with sling. Wow!
I think the food will taste much better with this view. Let's start with something. Bon Appetite!

Nature Conservation
Coral reefs make up the most complex marine ecosystem on earth, essential to literally millions of plant and animal species.
Over the past many years, coral reefs around islands in TRAT have been damaged by diseases, storms, and human activities.
True recovery of a reef to take decades to centuries; therefore, coral transplantation is one good activity locals can do. The process is simple and inexpensive. However, a guide from an expert is recommended.

Eco Centro, Soneva Kiri
For Island way of living, it takes a lot of fuel energy to transport things to the island.
It is a great idea to produce biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils.
This can be used instead of diesel fuel made from petroleum.
Also, in some locations in TRAT, hotels operate their own organic farms where they grow vegetables and fruits to cook food for their guests.
With surrounding environment of island jungles and beautiful beaches, this is the best time for you to rejuvenate.
There is a large variety of spa and wellness programs in TRAT with some of the best experts.
Oriental messages, Thai herbal baths, facial treatments, warm oils, and a rich of wellness rituals await your choosing.
Discover the power of a healing touch from skilled therapists and attain the body and mind balance.

Bike Around Island
Do you know that 'Koh Kood (Kood Island)' is the 4th largest island in Thailand?
Guess which one is the largest?.
Phuket.
Right! And, the 2nd (largest) one?
Elephant Island - Koh Chang.
Koh Chang - that is also in TRAT. Then, the 3rd largest one is SAMUI.
This one (Koh Kood) is the 4th largest.
But, I think a lot of people do not know that there are many islands in TRAT province alone.
Guess how many islands?
It's 52. Wow! A lot.
Koh Kood (Kood Island) is only one of them. But only this island alone, there are shorelines or we can pass local villages as well.
I think it (biking) is one of the great activities to do. It's fun and it is healthy. Good exercise, actually.
I like the one with forests along the way, riding through the forest. Very nice.

As TRAT has 52 islands. To maximize your experience, you have to hop around!
You can take a public boat or rent a private boat.
But the second choice is not a bad idea because you can stop by any islands you want at the time when it's not crowded.

Fisherman Village in Koh Chang
Here at Baan Salak Khok Community, a small village of fishermen and fruit farmers located in the east side of Koh Chang (Chang Island), local people have developed a range of healthy ecotourism activities.
One of the must-dos is riding a traditional Thai boat or Ruer Maad (Maad Boat).

Ruer Maad (Maad Boat)
or this experience, there is a pedal man for you who will guide you through a narrow passage full of mangrove forests and connected to the sea.
Along the way, you can talk to locals and enjoy the peacefulness of the nature.

Palm Farmer Hats
This is palm hat weaving. It is one of the green activities over here.
Palm hat is the hat that the local villagers use, they use for fishing and planting.
Like in these pictures, there are many styles like that one - Pan Shape.
This one - Turtle Shell Shape. And this one - Conical Hat.
The materials are from local places around here. And it's actually made from palm leaves. Not too young, not too old.
It is about 70 centimeters long and you stick 36 of them altogether.

Palm Hat Weaving
It is about 70 centimeters long and you stick 36 of them altogether.
And spread it out and weave them together. It took about 4 hours to finish it.
It looks hard to make. You need some skills and practice.
And, they have to dry it later to make it yellow. It actually takes 7 days.
To make one hat, you need time. So, this is a local way since long time ago to make a hat that protects you from the sun. Very unique style.
There're still more stories about Trat. Stay tuned for the next post.