Though most people don’t spend much time in Trang, except as a jumping off point to get to the islands, such as Ko Muk, it is actually a fun place to spend the day. Try and be here on the weekend because they have two fabulous night markets going on simultaneously. They start between 6-7pm. The first is located near the clock tower, and has not only food, but a large assortment of used (and new) clothing, sold very cheaply. I had some very excellent dumplings here, and would have enjoyed a whole chicken if I wasn’t saving my appetite for the next market. The second is located on the same street of the train station (easy walking distance along a tree lined boulevard from one market to the other). This one is very crowded, and boasts all kinds of goodies such as Fresh Fruit, nicknacks, Kabobs, Hamburgers-and the best thing: Home-made Potato Chips. Julian and I were so excited to find this, and I was so fascinated by the chip making machine that the owners let me have a try. They give you four choices for powder toppings, but we chose hot and spicy both times. These were certainly the best chips I’ve had, and what a surprise to find them in Thailand!
Though it was located right down the street from our hotel, we found the Wunderbar restaurant online. I think we might have passed right by it otherwise because the sign is not easy to spot. This was one of the first times we had Western food the whole trip (3 weeks in), and-to my surprise-I can’t express how happy I was to find bread. Thai food includes a lot of rice and even more noodles, but absolutely no bread, and this restaurant boasted of its baguettes, so I was excited. I had a Gouda Sandwich, which though expensive, it was worth having bread and good cheese for the first time in weeks.
The next day we had their “Western Breakfast,” which was a good deal at $4 for Croissants with butter and Jelly, Coffee or Tea, Orange Juice, Baguettes, Salami, Cheese, and Eggs Anyway.
Attached to the Wunderbar by rotating door is a cafe that has excellent smoothies (I had Strawberry Banana) and even better is the Choco Banana Shake. Better still is the 1952 Hamburger. It’s expensive, but so worth it if you’re in the mood for one. It comes with French Fries, and has nice, crispy Bacon on top.
In hopes of finding ice cream (always a fail in Southeast Asia), we tried their version of shaved ice. Is costs only $1, and is a refreshing treat. We had the Thai Iced Tea flavor, which the woman took out a huge chunk that was shaved by a machine into a bowl for us to enjoy. Like Pinkberry or Red Mango, they have all kinds of unusual toppings. We of course had oreo.
Sometimes the least expected places are most memorable when on vacation. Have you ever enjoyed a place that is supposed to be only a temporary layover location?