Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Southern Thailand

Satun is a small coastal province facing the Indian Ocean. 80 percent of the population is Muslim and a pork dish is hardly available. Satun is located 973 kms. from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometres, surrounded by Songkhla and Trang as well as the Malaysian state of Perlis. Most of the area is mountainous having the basin along the coast, and there are more than 60 offshore islands.

Satun is administratively divided into 6 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Satun, Amphoe Khuan Don, Amphoe Tha Phae, Amphoe Khuan Ka Long, Amphoe Langu, Ampoe Thung Wa, and King Ampoe Manang. Book your hotel in Satun before you leave home and save money! If you have already visited this Southern province, please share your highlights with other visitors to Thailand Guidebook.

Tarutao National Park Thailand's first national marine park established in 1974 consists of some 50 islands to the west of Satun. Major attractions in the park are as follows:

Ko Tarutao the biggest island in the park where the park office is situated, used to be a prison for long-term punishment and political prisoners. The island contains several bays including Ao Phante Malaka with a hilltop viewpoint; Ao Mo Lae and Ao Son. The ruined prisons are found at Ao Talo Udang and Ao Talowao.

Ko Adang and Ko Rawi situated 40 kms. west of Ko Tarutao are famous for beautiful beaches. There are several neighbouring islands such as Ko Li Pe where a sea gypsy village and coral reefs can be seen, Ko Hin Ngam which is full of shiny black pebbles along its beaches, and Ko Khai a small island with a natural stone arch.

Fascinating divine areas abound around Laem Chabang, Ko Khai and Hai Ngam. Boats depart form Pak Bara pier (60 kms. northwest of Satun) to Ko Tarutao daily during November to May. Contact the national park office (Tel. (074) 729002) in advance for accommodation on Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang.

Mu Ko Phetra National Park The park is in the areas of two provinces: Satun and Trang. It consists of a long coastline from Amphoe Langu to Amphoe Thung Wa and several offshore islands such as Ko Phetra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko Lalobaentae, and Ko Perama. Boats to these islands are available from the Pak Bara Pier. Accommodation is available at the park office (3 kms. before Pak Bara) and on Ko Lidi. Private run bungalows are available on Ko Bulon.

Thale Ban National Park This is located in the area of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Khuan Don, having an outlook as a picturesque lagoon surrounded by high mountains. Attractions in the park include Namtok Rani, a small waterfall near the park office: Namtok Yaroi, a medium size waterfall located 7 kms. from Namtok Yaroi; Tham Lot Puyu, an aquatic grotto which can be reached by boat from Tammalang Pier, 9 kms. from town, and the Thai-Malaysian Border, only 2 kms. from the office of the park.

To get to the national park, drive along Highway No. 406 from town for 19 kms. and turn right to Route No. 4184 for another 20 kms. Accommodation is available.

Namtok Panan This waterfall in the area of Tambon Thung Ka Long, consists of 10 levels and is surround by a pleasant forested area.

COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.