Trang has been a trading center since at least the 1st century AD. It grew to prosperity between the 7th and 13th centuries during the Srivijaya period and remains an important commercial town today. Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the town's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trangs Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized. The town has a strong Overseas Chinese character (and hence good Chinese restaurants) as a result of an influx of Chinese labor in the latter half of the 19th century.