Community of Ban Laem Klat: Shellfish Gathering, Crab Trapping, and Observing the Fishermen's Way of Life

35. Ban Laem Klat Community: Shellfish Gathering, Crab Trapping, and Observing the Fishermen's Way of Life

If you are a seafood lover, this is the perfect place for you!

This trip... I had the opportunity to visit "Laem Klat Community Tourism" in Trat Province. Looking at the map, it is a community located at the tip of a cape that juts out into the Gulf of Thailand. This gives it a rather quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with a high degree of naturalness and an interesting way of life.

I traveled from Bangkok by private car, which I found to be the most convenient way to reach the easternmost tip of Thailand. The journey took approximately five hours, and I arrived at my destination, Haad Laem Sai, located near the border of a neighboring country.

After parking the car, I took a walk to stretch my legs and enjoy the fresh air. After a while, I was served a refreshing welcome drink that perfectly quenched my thirst. I also enjoyed some local snacks that were a must-try.

Relax by the sea at "Yamadaya Beach Resort".

According to the program (2 days 1 night), I will have to stay overnight at Baan Laem Klat for 1 night. I will be staying at the Yamadaya Beach Resort, which is located at the tip of Laem Klat. The overall atmosphere is very peaceful and quiet. Each house faces the sea, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze comfortably.

Within the hotel, there are activities to do, such as renting a buggy to drive around. It is said that this is the first and only place in Trat Province to offer this activity.

Indulge in a Seafood Feast: A Culinary Adventure for the Senses

This section delves into the world of seafood, exploring its culinary delights and the satisfaction it brings.

The package includes four meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch). Each meal features a diverse menu with a focus on seafood as the primary ingredient.

The menu that appeals to seafood lovers like me is the variety of shrimp, shellfish, crab, and fish. These are all freshly caught from the sea.

Sweet clams dipped in a spicy seafood sauce, a taste beyond description.

Another dish worth trying is garlic fried mantis shrimp. The fresh mantis shrimp are fried until hot, resulting in a firm and sweet texture.

At the "Baan Laem Klat Community", you are guaranteed to enjoy delicious meals like this for all four meals. Both delicious and very filling, they really go all out!

Community Tourism Activities in Ban Laem Klat

• Shellfish gathering activity

During low tide, villagers can be seen carrying hoes and buckets, walking along the beach with their heads bowed, searching for shellfish. Let's learn about the local methods for finding shellfish. Before venturing out into the scorching sun, don't forget to wear the iconic, stylish hats unique to this region.

**Before digging for clams, it is essential to learn how to identify their burrows. This will enable you to dig accurately and efficiently.**

The majority of the harvested shellfish are sweet clams, which can be obtained in a relatively short period of time. These clams can be sold for additional income or used in cooking.

The majority of Laem Klat villagers are engaged in fishing. Crab trapping is another intriguing method, and in addition to taking tourists crab trapping, the community also offers crab trap making workshops. These workshops feature demonstrations by local villagers.

Experiment on sewing the net to the steel frame to make a crab trap.

• Deployment of artificial seagrass.

To contribute to the conservation of nature, we can engage in the artificial seagrass planting process. This involves using high-quality rope to secure plastic poles, which are then unraveled to create thin strands resembling seagrass, providing a habitat for small marine life.

Artificial seagrass will provide shelter and habitat for small marine animals in coastal areas.

With the artificial seagrass fully unfurled, it is lifted onto the boat and transported to the designated conservation area within the bay.

The local guide, Piggy the Grill Master, will follow you everywhere, even on a boat trip to the sea. No worries!

It is unclear whether the tourists or the locals will have more fun. After a short boat ride enjoying the scenery, we arrived at the spot where we would drop the artificial seagrass. This will provide a habitat and spawning ground for marine life.

In addition to laying artificial seagrass, we also witnessed the local fishermen's crab trapping method. They use dozens of small mesh traps, placed along the length of the boat, with buoys attached to ropes for easy identification.

Fish are used as bait to lure crabs into the trap. The trap is left in place for 3-4 hours before being retrieved.

• Evening firefly watching activity

A Glimmering Spectacle: Witnessing the Fireflies of Khlong Pratun

As dusk settles, a captivating highlight awaits: a boat ride through the meandering Khlong Pratun, a narrow canal adorned with lush mangrove forests. These trees serve as a haven for countless fireflies, their tiny bodies illuminating the surroundings with a mesmerizing twinkle. Capturing this spectacle with a camera proves challenging, as the fleeting lights evade the lens. Nevertheless, the experience of witnessing this natural wonder firsthand is truly unforgettable.

And in the morning, if you wake up early, you can watch the fishermen unload their catch of shrimp, shellfish, crabs, fish, and lobsters from their nets. These nets are freshly brought up from the fishing boats and the catch is unloaded to be sorted and graded for sale.

My recent trip to the Ban Laem Klat community was not only an opportunity to indulge in fresh seafood, but also a chance to gain valuable knowledge and experiences. I learned about the community's simple way of life, which was truly inspiring. If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting this community!

"Baan Laem Klat Community" Package

Package: 2 days 1 night accommodation with 4 meals and community activities, 1,490 baht per person (*minimum 2 persons)

Contact the community: Mr. Rawi 080-1913169

Additional Information: Ban Laem Klat Community

#Laem Klat Community #Trat

#SocialTravelsCommunity #CommunityReadyToShowSocial

#Tourism Authority of Thailand #Amazing Thailand

One night stay with locals.

One Night Stay with Locals

Go Local: A Guide to Understanding Your Community

This guide provides an overview of the importance of understanding your local community and offers practical tips on how to engage with it effectively.

Why Go Local?

Understanding your local community is crucial for several reasons:

• Building relationships: Connecting with your neighbors and local businesses fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social ties.
• Supporting local businesses: Patronizing local businesses contributes to the economic vitality of your community and creates jobs.
• Addressing local issues: Engaging with local government and community organizations allows you to participate in shaping the future of your neighborhood.
• Learning about your history and culture: Exploring local landmarks and cultural institutions provides insights into the unique character of your community.

How to Go Local:

• Get involved in local events and activities. Attend community festivals, farmers markets, and town hall meetings.
• Volunteer your time and skills. Support local charities, schools, and environmental organizations.
• Shop at local businesses. Choose independent stores and restaurants over large chains whenever possible.
• Connect with your neighbors. Introduce yourself, participate in neighborhood gatherings, and offer help when needed.
• Stay informed about local issues. Read local newspapers, attend community meetings, and follow local government websites and social media pages.

By actively engaging with your local community, you can make a positive impact on your neighborhood and build a stronger sense of belonging.

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