Your stay — Riverview Hostel
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The Property — Riverview Hostel
Riverview Hostel is a no-frills 3-star perched on the Trat River, a 10-minute walk from the main market. The lobby is a modest, airy space with bare concrete floors, a few wooden benches, and a fan spinning overhead; it feels like a functional travellers’ pit-stop rather than a destination. Its main draw is budget-friendly access to the river, where you can watch longtail boats putter by while sipping a cheap beer from the attached restaurant. Best for independent backpackers who need a clean bed and a good location, not pampering.
Chronicles of Trat
Trat started as a 17th-century Siamese trading post, its name derived from 'Krat,' the tree that once grew thickly along the coast. It briefly fell under French colonial control in the early 1900s, a quirk that left a handful of French-style shophouses in the old quarter. The city rebuilt after heavy bombing during the Second World War, and today it functions primarily as the gateway to Koh Chang and the surrounding islands. Architecturally, it’s a low-rise mix of ageing wooden stilt houses and functional concrete blocks, with a quiet, provincial feel that resists flashy development.
Best Time to Visit
Full Trat guide →Best months
December to February: dry, cooler days with temperatures around 28°C, low humidity, and clear skies for island hopping. Crowds are moderate, mostly on Koh Chang, not in Trat itself.
Peak / festival surge
Peak months are December and January, driven by European winter holidays and the best weather. Hotel prices in Trat rise by 30-50% from the off-season, though the Riverview stays budget-friendly. The Trat Fruit Festival in May also draws moderate crowds, but that’s more of a shoulder event.
Budget shoulder season
March and November are the budget sweet spots: still mostly dry, cooler mornings, and room discounts of 20-30%. Crowds thin out as weather becomes a bit more humid, but it’s still perfectly pleasant for exploring the city.
Weather & packing
Trat gets heavy afternoon rain even in ‘dry’ season, so a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho is essential. Pack two pairs of sturdy sandals: one for walking, one to keep dry for evening outings.
Live City Briefing — Trat
- The new Trat Bus Terminal opened in late 2025, 2 km east of town; local songthaews now connect it to the centre for 20 baht, but budget extra 15 minutes for transfers.
- The riverside promenade near the hostel has finished a flood-wall upgrade, which means the path is clean and well-lit for evening strolls, with a few new food stalls opened since March 2026.
- Seasonal note: July is the peak of the southwest monsoon, so expect daily downpours and possible ferry cancellations to Koh Chang; always check the morning forecast before booking tickets.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Riverview Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
High floors away from the street—request rooms on the fourth floor or above facing the courtyard or side street for better quiet.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors directly above the street entrance; these will pick up street noise and lobby bustle.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors facing the rear of the building offer a view over the town rooftops and possible river glimpses, since Trat is low-rise.
Quietest floors
Floors 4–6 are your best bet for quiet at this walk-up hostel without a lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Trat is a provincial transport hub—expect motorbike and pickup truck noise on the main road. The hostel sits on a side street but still catches passing traffic. No lift means more footfall on stairs near lower rooms.
Insider tips
Parking is tight—arrive early to grab a spot in the small lot out front, or use the public car park a block away. Ask reception to put you in a rear-facing room when booking: they usually upgrade quiet seekers free of charge.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Riverview Hostel
Free WiFi throughout; typical speed 20 Mbps download; no login constraints
No lift – three-storey building with stairs only
No newspaper service
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 07:00; late check-out until 12:00 for 200 THB
Free storage for same-day check-in/out; overnight storage 100 THB per bag
Step-free access to ground floor only; main entry has one step; no wheelchair access to upper floors
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is at Trat City Market, 200 metres away, 100 THB per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required at booking; 500 THB incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Palm Alley — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Muay Thai Arena — 599 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM Thanachart — 629 m · ~8 min walk
BUDDY Pharmacy — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Small Convenience Store — 528 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange counters at Bangkok airports or tourist bureaux in Trat town, which give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard accepted in larger hotels and supermarkets; cash is king at local markets, street stalls, and small eateries. Contactless is rare.
Not expected, though rounding up taxi fares or leaving 20-50 THB for good service at sit-down restaurants is appreciated. Hotel staff don't need tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local iced coffee (oliang) from a street cart or small café: 25-40 THB.
Rice with a stir-fry or curry from a local eatery (khao gaeng): 40-60 THB.
A simple noodle soup or fried rice dish at a family-run shop: 50-80 THB for a main.
Along the main road in Trat town, especially near the morning market (Talad Sod), there are evening stalls selling grilled meats, som tam, and fresh fruit shakes.
Tesco Lotus and Big C are the common budget supermarkets in Trat town.
The weekend market (Talad Nat) in Trat town sells cheap casual clothes and local textiles; also try the small shops on Sukhumvit Road.
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run fixed routes around Trat town for 10-20 THB per ride. From Trat Airport, the cheapest way is a shared minibus (approx 100-150 THB per person) into town.
Eat at local markets and street stalls rather than tourist-oriented restaurants. Buy bottled water at convenience stores (7-Eleven) for 7-10 THB, not from hotels. Negotiate fares for long-tail boats or taxis in advance.
Good to know — Trat
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.47 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Trat, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Riverview Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM Thanachart — 629 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · BUDDY Pharmacy — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Trat Town (Talad Mai Market) → Laem Sok Pier (drop-off, then taxi a short distance to resort)
💡 This bus is mostly used for island ferries, not the resort directly. Get off at the pier junction and take a motorbike taxi (20 baht) for the final 2 km. Ask locals to point 'Siam Beach' – it's a well-known bungalow strip.
Trat Airport → Trat Bus Station, then songthaew to Siam Beach Resort
💡 From the bus station, flag a white songthaew heading towards Klong Kloi – tell the driver 'Siam Beach'. Share the fare group-style; don't pay more than 40 baht per person.
Trat Town (Centre) → Siam Beach Resort
💡 Negotiate hard: 500–600 baht is fair. If you’re coming from the ferry pier (e.g. Koh Chang), try the shared minivan to the resort instead – about 250 baht per person.
Trat Airport (TDX) → Siam Beach Resort (Klong Kloi Beach)
💡 Book through the airport kiosk for flat rates. Avoid touts outside; meters are not used on this route. Shared vans cost half but wait for 6–8 passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Riverview Hostel?
High floors away from the street—request rooms on the fourth floor or above facing the courtyard or side street for better quiet.
Which rooms should I avoid at Riverview Hostel?
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors directly above the street entrance; these will pick up street noise and lobby bustle.
Is Riverview Hostel noisy?
Trat is a provincial transport hub—expect motorbike and pickup truck noise on the main road. The hostel sits on a side street but still catches passing traffic. No lift means more footfall on stairs near lower rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Riverview Hostel?
Rooms on the upper floors facing the rear of the building offer a view over the town rooftops and possible river glimpses, since Trat is low-rise.
What are insider tips for staying at Riverview Hostel?
Parking is tight—arrive early to grab a spot in the small lot out front, or use the public car park a block away. Ask reception to put you in a rear-facing room when booking: they usually upgrade quiet seekers free of charge.
What time is check-in at Riverview Hostel?
Check-in at Riverview Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Riverview Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout; typical speed 20 Mbps download; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Riverview Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Riverview Hostel?
Rice with a stir-fry or curry from a local eatery (khao gaeng): 40-60 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Riverview Hostel?
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run fixed routes around Trat town for 10-20 THB per ride. From Trat Airport, the cheapest way is a shared minibus (approx 100-150 THB per person) into town.
When is the best time to visit Trat?
December to February: dry, cooler days with temperatures around 28°C, low humidity, and clear skies for island hopping. Crowds are moderate, mostly on Koh Chang, not in Trat itself.
Top Attractions in Trat
💡 Visit late afternoon when the light catches the gold trim. No entry fee, but polite to leave a small donation (20-40 baht) for incense.
💡 Bring insect repellent after dusk – mosquitoes are active. Stop at the floating noodle boat (50 baht) near the end of the promenade.
💡 Go before 7am for the best dried squid and durian chips. Bring small change – stallholders rarely accept cards.
💡 Ring the bell once for luck – locals say it brings safe travel. Temple dogs are friendly but ignore them if they bark.
💡 Call ahead to check if the English labels are in place – they rotate exhibits. The garden has a free map of local waterfalls.