Ban Thammachat Lang Tourism Community Venture, Khlong Yai Subdistrict

Ban Thammachat Lang is a community-based tourism venture in Khlong Yai subdistrict, Laem Ngop district — mainland Trat, across the water from Koh Chang rather than on it. Residents run boat trips, canal paddling, and craft demonstrations rather than a fixed-site attraction, so a visit works best arranged ahead through the community or a Trat tour operator.

What There Is to Do

The village sits on the historic Khlong Phae canal, once a working trade route for the nearby Bang Kao Bua community — visitors can paddle a stretch of it from a small pier behind the houses, passing mangrove and fruit orchards along the bank. A separate boat trip crosses the adjacent bay to look at the native sea grasses that grow along this stretch of coast, plus the chance to spot local birdlife where the canal meets open water.

On land, the standout is a local herbalist with deep knowledge of Thai medicinal plants — visitors can hear about traditional remedies including a carminative herbal treatment for flatulence, uses for velvet grass, and how herbal compresses are prepared, alongside organic home-cooked dishes made with the same ingredients.

Insider Tip: Ask about the eco-utensil workshop even if it’s not on the standard itinerary — villagers here fashion cutlery, plates, and serving trays from betel palm husk, teak leaf, casuarina, and Indian almond leaf as an alternative to plastic and foam. The project is funded by CPF (Charoen Pokphand Foods) and gives the community a second income stream alongside farming and fishing.

A short rise known locally as Small Hill gives an open view over the Gulf of Thailand and makes a natural stop to close out a canal or bay excursion, especially in the late afternoon. The venture is one of several Trat communities recognised under the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Amazing Village” programme, which promotes small, resident-run tourism outside the province’s beach resorts — a similar model runs at Ban Tha Ranae near Trat town and Mai Rut further south.

Watch out: This is a working village, not a managed tourist site — there’s no ticket booth or fixed schedule, and boat/canal activities depend on tides and weather. Contacting the community or a local operator before turning up avoids a wasted trip.

Getting There

Ban Thammachat Lang Tourism Community Venture is at 65 Mu 6, Khlong Yai subdistrict, Laem Ngop district, Trat. View on Google Maps. It’s easiest reached by car or taxi from Trat town or Laem Ngop pier, the departure point for Koh Chang ferries.