Just a few hours beyond Pattaya lies a quieter world of waterfalls, forest trails, and stormy sea crossings. PATTAYA, Thailand – While Pattaya’s streets are busy with new safety campaigns and stricter enforcement, those seeking an escape from city buzz are heading a few hours east — toward the emerald isles of Trat province. Despite stormy skies, choppy seas, and a steady downpour, travelers have not been deterred from visiting the rain-soaked beauty of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak during the recent four-day holiday (May 31 – June 3). These remote islands, often described as Thailand’s “last frontier” of natural tourism, are drawing over 1,500 visitors daily via high-speed ferries from Laem Sok Pier in Trat. According to operators like Koh Kood Express, Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, and Suer Dam Ko, demand has remained so strong that extra morning boat trips have been added to accommodate the rush. At Laem Sok Pier, marine officers from the Marine Department in Trat have been deployed to oversee boarding procedures and ensure safety compliance. All passengers are required to wear life vests before departing to Koh Kood — a clear sign that safety measures are being taken seriously even amid unpredictable monsoon conditions. “Yes, it’s the start of rainy season and yes, the waves are rough — but it’s not stopping people from coming,” said Atthaphon Klinthap, manager at Boonsiri High Speed Ferries. “Nature here in the rain is different — waterfalls are flowing, the jungle is lush. We added more boats today, and we’ll probably do the same tomorrow.” Beyond the adrenaline of rough-sea crossings, these islands offer a different kind of Thailand: dramatic waterfalls in full cascade, misty rainforest treks, and beach resorts where you might be the only guest. It’s a world away from the neon of Walking Street or the congestion of Bangkok — yet reachable within half a day. Safety officials at Laem Sok Pier kept things smooth as ferries ran extra trips to meet rising tourist demand. Koh Chang remains the gateway — Thailand’s second-largest island — known for its mountains, waterfalls, and beach towns like White Sand and Lonely Beach. Further out, Koh Kood offers serene jungle resorts, hidden beaches, and a pace of life that feels frozen in time. And for the intrepid, tiny Koh Mak offers near-private beaches and rustic charm. According to Kornkanok Opas, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Trat, the province welcomed over 57,000 tourists in May 2025, with domestic travelers leading the way. These visitors brought in more than 2.5 billion baht in tourism revenue — remarkable for what is typically considered low season. To support this steady flow, the TAT and local authorities are organizing seasonal promotions, nature excursions, and island-hopping packages tailored for monsoon travelers. “Green season” isn’t just a euphemism — it’s when these islands bloom,” Kornkanok noted. “With fewer crowds and nature at its most alive, this is the best-kept secret in Thailand’s tourism.” So if the city is wearing you down, and you’re ready to trade traffic checkpoints for tangled mangroves and crashing waves, follow the road east — because the real Thailand, rain and all, is still waiting just beyond Pattaya.