Trat Airport

Trat Airport is not merely a runway; it is a true aerial gateway to a tropical paradise, designed in a unique resort style. Owned by Bangkok Airways, this airport surprises visitors with its open-air architecture and tranquil atmosphere, immediately setting the mood for relaxation. Located in the province of Trat in Thailand, it serves as the main transit hub for travellers heading to the popular islands of the Koh Chang archipelago. Instead of hustle and bustle and standard waiting halls, you are welcomed by open-air pavilions surrounded by greenery, turning the wait for your flight into a pleasant part of your journey.

A key feature of Trat Airport is its intimacy and exclusivity. Since it is built and managed by Bangkok Airways, passengers of this airline enjoy special privileges, such as complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi access in a cozy lounge area. This creates the feeling of a boutique hotel rather than a transport hub. The airport is ideally located for those wishing to reach the ferries to the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak as quickly as possible, saving several hours of overland travel from Bangkok. Despite its modest size, the airport has everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your island adventure, including transfer counters and a café.

• Official Website: Trat Airport is managed by Bangkok Airways. All current information regarding services, schedules, and passenger regulations is available on the airline's official website in the section dedicated to Trat: www.bangkokair.com.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport information desk at +66 (0) 39 525 767 for general inquiries.
• Airport Address: 99, Moo 2, Tha Sorn, Khao Saming District, Trat 23150, Thailand.
• Email: The airport does not have a dedicated public email address. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the Bangkok Airways website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official Bangkok Airways social media pages, as the airport does not maintain its own separate accounts.
• Lost and Found Information: In case of lost or damaged baggage, you must immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the arrival airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to tickets, flight cancellations or rescheduling, as well as special assistance, please contact your airline's support service directly.

Getting to Trat Airport (TDX) from the city of the same name or from the piers where ferries depart for Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak is quite simple. Although the airport is small and primarily serves domestic flights within Thailand, transport connections are well-organized to meet the needs of tourists. The journey from Trat city centre usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

Taxi and Private Transfer — this is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport. You can order a car from your hotel or find a taxi in the city. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. The cost of a taxi ride is usually between 400 and 600 Thai Baht (THB). Many hotels and travel agencies also offer pre-booked transfer services, which eliminates the need to look for transport at the last minute.

A more budget-friendly alternative is a shared minibus or songthaew. This is a popular form of public transport, consisting of a pickup truck with two benches or a small bus. Their schedule is often linked to flight arrival and departure times. The trip will cost significantly less, around 100–200 THB per person; however, be prepared that the driver will pick up other passengers along the way, which may increase travel time. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers without bulky luggage.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is the ideal solution. There are several rental points in Trat city and the pier area. By renting a car, you can not only drive comfortably to the airport but also explore the entire province on your own. Trat Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long terms, which is very convenient for those flying out for a few days.

Trat Airport (TDX) is a unique example of a boutique airport that resembles a tropical resort more than a traditional transport hub. Its structure is maximally simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress typical of large airports.

The main feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, built in the format of open-air pavilions. There are no conventional walls or air-conditioned waiting halls here. Instead, passengers are surrounded by well-kept gardens and tropical greenery. The entire complex consists of several small buildings connected by covered walkways. Since there is only one terminal, it serves both domestic and international flights (although the majority of flights are domestic).

The airport layout is extremely simple. Departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. Upon arrival, you disembark from the plane and walk to the open-air baggage claim pavilion. The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a small security checkpoint. It is practically impossible to get lost here — everything is within direct line of sight.

Check-in and security procedures at Trat Airport are very fast due to the low passenger flow. Usually, this takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before departure to check in your luggage without haste and enjoy the unusual atmosphere. Navigation requires no effort: follow the signs, which are clearly visible, or simply follow other passengers — you definitely won't go wrong.

The history of Trat Airport (TDX) does not go back into the distant past, but it is closely linked to the development of tourism in eastern Thailand. The airport was built and opened by Bangkok Airways, which remains its owner and primary operator today. Construction began in 2002, and as early as April 2003, the airport received its first flights. The main goal of its creation was to provide fast and comfortable access for tourists to the popular islands of the Chang archipelago, primarily Koh Chang.

From the very beginning, the airport in Trat was conceived not as a typical transport hub but as a "boutique" airport. Its unique architecture is one of the most interesting facts of its history. The terminal is designed as open pavilions in a tropical style, creating a resort-like feeling for passengers from the first minutes after landing. This distinguishes it from most standard airports and makes it part of the travel experience.

The airport's main achievement was the drastic reduction in travel time to the islands. While the journey from Bangkok previously took many hours by bus and ferry, the opening of the air harbor made it possible to reach the paradise beaches in just one hour of flight. This event became a key stage in the development of the region, attracted new investments, and contributed to the emergence of higher-class hotels.

Over the years of its existence, Trat Airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, as it was originally designed with tourist flow in mind. It remains a small but modern and efficient hub that perfectly fulfills its task — to be a picturesque gateway to the world of the tropical islands of Trat province. Its history is an example of how a single infrastructure project can completely change the tourism landscape of an entire region.

Trat Airport (TDX) is a small and cozy airport, often referred to as "boutique" due to its unique open-air design and relaxed atmosphere. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight.

In the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite or drink coffee before your flight. The assortment includes both local Thai dishes and familiar international snacks. There is also a small souvenir shop where you can purchase gifts and travel essentials.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. Since the airport is managed by Bangkok Airways, a special Courtesy Corner is often available for its passengers, offering complimentary beverages and light snacks. There are no full-fledged VIP lounges here, which aligns with the airport's intimate atmosphere.

For the convenience of travellers, there are ATMs at the airport. Currency exchange points may be limited, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. In case of need, you can visit the medical point for first aid. For passengers with small children and people with disabilities, standard amenities and the option to request assistance through the airline are provided.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds, but numerous hotels and resorts to suit every taste are located in the immediate vicinity and along the road to the piers from where ferries depart to the islands. Specialized conference halls or business centres are not provided at Trat Airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist transport.

Trat Airport (TDX) offers a unique approach to passenger service, which is especially noticeable in the organization of catering. Since the airport belongs to Bangkok Airways, the main and most attractive option here is the free Courtesy Corner lounge, available to all passengers of this airline. This is not just a café, but a cozy relaxation area where you can comfortably spend time before departure.

In the Courtesy Corner lounge, located in the departure zone after security control, guests are offered complimentary beverages (coffee, tea, juices, water) and light snacks. The assortment usually includes small sandwiches, pastries, popcorn, and traditional Thai sweets. This is more than enough to have a snack and refresh yourself before boarding the flight.

Besides the lounge, in the general waiting hall (before the control zone), there is a small café or snack bar. Here you can purchase sandwiches, desserts, and drinks for an additional fee. This option is suitable if you are not flying with Bangkok Airways or want to buy something more substantial. However, it is worth noting that the selection here is quite modest, and prices, as in most airports, are somewhat higher than in the city.

If you are looking for full meals of Thailand cuisine, you will not find them at the airport. Options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, or specific Halal requirements) are also extremely limited. For strict diets, it is recommended to bring food with you. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the city of Trat or at the provincial resorts before heading to the airport. The operating hours of all food outlets are tied to the flight schedule, so they are always open for departing passengers.

Trat Airport (TDX) is a small and cozy air gateway serving as the starting point for trips to the paradise islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak. To make your trip go as smoothly as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Trat Airport mainly serves domestic flights, and processes here are quite fast. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check in for your flight, drop off luggage, and pass security control without haste. Check-in counters usually close 40-50 minutes before departure.

Security Check and Hand Luggage. Screening procedures are standard. Remember the general rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons are prohibited. Power banks are allowed only in hand luggage, but their capacity may be limited, so it is better to check the rules with your airline.

Seat Selection on the Plane. The flight to or from Bangkok takes about an hour. To enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand and the picturesque coastline, try to get a window seat. Since the airport is compact, boarding the plane usually takes place by walking across the tarmac, which in itself becomes a small adventure.

For Passengers with Connections and Delays. Trat is rarely used as a transit hub; most passengers end their route here. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure there is enough time between flights. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. The small terminal has a café and a waiting area, but facilities for long stays are limited. The airline is obliged to provide information and, depending on the length of the delay, meal vouchers.

Customs Control. Upon arrival from another country, you will have to pass standard customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel." If you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits or items requiring special permission, use the "Red Channel."

Saving Time and Money. The most important tip is to book a transfer from the airport to your hotel or pier in advance, especially during the high season. This can be done online or through your hotel. Group minivans are the most popular and economical way to get to the ferries to the islands. Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be higher than in the city, so if you are travelling on a limited budget, bring a light snack with you.