Raft Boat Sightseeing & Lunch at Ban Nam Rap Mangrove Forest in Trang Province South Thailand บ้านน้ำราบ จ.ตรัง

Touring mangrove forests is one of my favourite travel experiences as I always marvel at the teeming floral and marine life of these forests at tropical river mouths.

It was raining heavily when we were there at Ban Nam Rap Mangrove Forest in Sep 2024 - missed some sights but it didn't dampened our spirits at all, thanks to our gracious hosts operating the raft boat service.

Despite the heavy downpour, there was neither strong waves nor winds.

There were several raft boats providing the same sightseeing and lunch service at Ban Nam Rap Mangrove Forest in south Thailand's Trang province.

They are very comfortable and a unique way to experience the natural wonders of tropical Thailand.

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When the weather is good you can go up to Khao Jom Pa View Point for a bird's eye panorama of the lush mangrove forest all the way to the Andaman Sea in the great blue yonder.

Rained out, we turned our attention to the glorious food of the mangrove forests.

Personally, I prefer flower crabs (swimmer crabs) over mud crabs. Though swimmers are less meaty, their flesh is more delicate and flavours more exquisite in my opinion. What do you think?

The crabs were simply blanched. Staff showed us how to get the best from these beauties.

Sea bass fish seasoned with salt, gutted, and the cavity stuffed with aromatics and herbs like lemongrass. Wrapped in foil, baked over charcoal embers, the fish slow stewed in its own juices.

Soft, moist, savoury sweet meat with a subtle earthy taste.

Squid as fresh as it gets.

The simplest preparation is the best for fresh ingredients.

Love the thick meaty sweet tender flesh and especially the creamy soft roe.

I love fresh river prawns.

Good Thai meals will always have a spicy hot tomyam soup.

Making khanom krok together.

Khanom krok is made of milled rice solution and coconut milk in a special pan and grilled over charcoal fire.

Khanom krok is spongy soft tender, sweet and savoury from the salt added. Enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Even though it rained on our raft boat party, we enjoyed ourselves here at Ban Nam Rap Mangrove Forest a lot. Nice view and awesome hospitality from our hosts. It's the people that makes all the difference in any situation.