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For those who have a free day or two and don't know where to go, I recommend "Waking up to Trat, seeing Nong." Nong here is none other than the Laem Klat community, which has good experiences waiting for us.

Traversing Diverse Modes of Transportation to Reach the Coastal Community of Laem Klat

Trad Province offers a multitude of transportation options to suit every traveler's preference. Whether you choose the convenience of your own vehicle, the affordability of a bus, the shared comfort of a van, or the swiftness of an airplane, the choice is yours. Our destination today is the coastal community of Laem Klat, nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. This unique location fosters a deeply intertwined way of life with the surrounding waters.

The first and most popular activity here is to search for various types of shellfish. During the rainy season (approximately May-October), shellfish become one of the main seasonal seafoods. This is because the water recedes during the day, making it easy to collect shellfish. The wide area of beaches and mudflats provides a perfect habitat for shellfish. If you get hungry, simply take off your shoes and walk into the mud to find shellfish.

Traditional Shellfish Harvesting in Ban Laem Klat

Shellfish harvesting in Ban Laem Klat relies on traditional methods, utilizing simple tools like hands, digging sticks, and buckets. This practice requires skill and expertise, as demonstrated by Grandma Thom, a local shellfish expert.

Her key technique for efficient harvesting is swiftness: "See it, grab it, don't be afraid." However, caution is necessary to avoid cuts from sharp shells.

During the rainy season, visitors to Ban Laem Klat can experience this unique shellfish harvesting firsthand.

Initially, I retrieved clams effortlessly, unafraid and oblivious to the potential danger of sharp shells. I plunged my hands into every opening I encountered. However, once my grandmother cautioned me about the risk of cuts from the clams, my foraging speed and boldness diminished significantly. Despite this, I managed to collect a substantial number of clams.

The first lunch after participating in the spear fishing activity with Grandma Thom. The local menu of the community, shrimp, fish, shellfish, chili paste, and golden pineapple from Trat, served to us. All ingredients are sourced from the community. All seafood is fresh, firm, sweet, and has no fishy smell. It is a meal that is very energizing.

After a satisfying meal, we had some time to relax and soak up the sun. With full bellies and heavy eyelids, we found ourselves drifting towards a nap. Whether lounging on the sandy beach or finding a comfortable spot on a fishing boat, the locals were happy to accommodate our needs. A quick power nap was just what we needed before continuing our adventures.

The next activity is a relaxing one: a boat trip to observe the local fishermen catching shrimp, mantis shrimp, and crabs. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, the community of Ban Laem Klat has a lifestyle that is deeply intertwined with the sea.


This event showcases the way of life of local fishermen. They are so skilled in fishing that they can walk on the boats as if they were walking on land. For those of us who are not as skilled, it is a nerve-wracking experience to watch. The boats seem to be on the verge of capsizing, but they never do. After witnessing the skills of these local fishermen, we can only say, "Wow, you are amazing!"

Freshly caught prawns, mantis shrimps, crabs, and fish, still alive and kicking, are brought up from the sea in baskets, making your mouth water (even though you just had lunch). The fishermen here are highly skilled in catching seafood, and importantly, they use traditional methods and self-made equipment, which helps prevent a drastic decline in marine life. This ensures the abundance of the Gulf of Thailand in this area.

The next activity prepared by the Laem Klat community is mangrove planting. The community will provide seedlings and local children will guide you through the mangroves to find suitable planting locations. This activity combines mangrove planting with a natural mud spa for your hands and feet at the Laem Klat community.



"Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and memories." This is a slogan used by many tourist destinations, but here in the Laem Klat community, in addition to leaving footprints on the trail, we also plant mangrove trees for the mangrove forest. And of course, the photos we get are not just beautiful, but beautiful to the core, making our hearts happy.

The first day's activities ended with a seafood feast, including fresh sea crabs, locally known as "poo dam," and a variety of shellfish such as "hoi khao," "hoi wan," and "hoi lot," steamed and served with a chili and salt dip (similar to seafood dipping sauce). Additionally, the chef treated us to garlic-fried mantis shrimp and sour soup with "pla kapong" fish, leaving everyone feeling full and satisfied.



After completing the first day's activities, it was time to check into our accommodations. The Ban Laem Klat community offers unique lodging options that provide us with comfort and convenience. The modern-style rooms are clean and comfortable, providing a perfect place to recharge and prepare for the next day's adventures.



Wake up to a delightful breakfast service, offering a diverse selection of menu options delivered directly to your room. Choose from American-style breakfast, rice porridge, or fried rice, to your liking. Start your day with a vibrant and energetic breakfast, ready to conquer the day's activities.




The activity of unfolding artificial seagrass involves unrolling ropes strung with buoys to resemble artificial seagrass, which marine animal larvae use as a refuge or spawning ground. This task is not difficult, simply use two hands to gradually unravel the rope into small, thin strands. In fact, in the program we would have gone to release the artificial seagrass buoys in the middle of the sea. Unfortunately, it rained, so we had to ask the villagers to dispose of the buoys for us.




For today's lunch, we cooked one dish ourselves: Black Pepper Crab. We did everything from preparing the ingredients, such as chopping the crab and vegetables, to grinding the spices. It wasn't difficult at all, as there were experts on hand to guide us through each step of the process. No need to worry about not being able to eat it.




The stir-fried crab with pepper that I made myself turned out delicious and was completely devoured. In addition to the dishes we prepared ourselves, the villagers also made a few extra lunch dishes for us as a precaution. This ensured that even if something went wrong with our cooking, we would still have a satisfying lunch.

  • With the activity concluded, our two-day, one-night tourism package with the Laem Klat community came to an end. However, since we had some time to spare and the villagers were so kind, they invited us to participate in other activities. If you ever follow in our footsteps, don't hesitate to try and befriend the locals.

    **Special activities for special people, or rather, for those with time to spare!** The villagers took us to try our hand at crab trapping in the Ban Laem Klat community. The villagers live close to each other and can easily visit each other's homes. It only takes a few minutes by car to reach each other's houses. Within the community, they share the production of tools and equipment. One house makes traps, another makes fishing nets, and another has a boat. They rely on each other for support and assistance. Experiencing this way of life filled us with a sense of contentment that is difficult to describe.



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    And then, where there is effort, there is success. Finally, after setting the crab traps, my own handiwork was complete. Whispering to my grandmother, I asked, "Grandma, how many of these do you usually make in a day?" She smiled and replied, "Ten or so…" The speed at which she made the traps compared to mine was probably about 10:1. My advice: if you come here, talk to the locals and ask to help them make crab traps. It's a truly wonderful experience.



    Having finished setting the crab traps, we found ourselves with some time to spare. We decided to head to a nearby house to set up some crab nets. It was only a short drive away. "The boats are just coming into the harbor now," a local resident informed us. "Would you like to see them, young man?" With nothing else to do, we readily agreed.






    The houses of the fishermen in this area have a unique characteristic. Each house is connected by a veranda, which is used to arrange crab nets. In front of the houses that are close to the water, there are parking spaces for colorful fishing boats. Taking pictures of this scene is...beautiful...








    While casting the crab net, if we are lucky enough to encounter a fishing boat, we will be blessed with the sight of a net full of crabs. Large, fresh sea crabs, just looking at them makes you want to eat them all up!






    This community in Ban Laem Klat offers a plethora of activities. Just visit the place and you'll see for yourself.

    A Two-Day, One-Night Escape to the Tranquil Fishing Village of Baan Laem Klat, Trat

    Leaving the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind, I embarked on a two-day, one-night journey to immerse myself in the serene fishing village of Baan Laem Klat, Trat. This hidden gem, previously absent from my travel plans, unveiled itself as a treasure trove of authentic experiences.

    The warmth and hospitality of the local community instantly captivated me. Their welcoming smiles and genuine interactions created an atmosphere of inclusivity and belonging. This is a place where time slows down, allowing you to truly connect with the rhythm of life and appreciate the simple pleasures.

    The absence of crowds and the unhurried pace provided a refreshing contrast to the frenetic energy of city life. Here, I could truly unwind and reconnect with nature, savoring the tranquility of the surroundings.

    Baan Laem Klat offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture firsthand. From learning traditional fishing techniques to savoring freshly caught seafood, each moment was a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the community.

    This immersive experience left an indelible mark on my memory. The genuine warmth of the locals, the breathtaking natural beauty, and the unique cultural insights made this trip truly unforgettable.

    Baan Laem Klat is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is a place where you can escape the ordinary, embrace the simple joys of life, and create lasting memories.















Community-Based Tourism Program at Ban Laem Klat: 2 Days 1 Night

Package Includes:

  • 2-day, 1-night accommodation voucher in the community, including meals and community activities.
  • Price:
    • Minimum of 2 persons
    • 2 persons or more: 1,490 Baht per person

Validity:

  • This voucher is valid from today until December 31, 2019.
  • Booking for accommodation and activities must be made 15 days in advance.



Contact the Community:

Phone: 080-1913169 (Mr. Ravi)

Website: www.1nightstaywithlocals.com

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