Satun

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The Muslim-majority province of Satun is the southernmost on Thailand's west coast, bordered to the south by Malaysia. The same-named provincial capital of Satun is a decidedly sleepy affair and is used by most travellers as nothing more than a launching point to either the offshore islands via the port town at Pakbara, or further south into Malaysia.

The highlight of these offshore islands is the gorgeous Ko Tarutao and the growingly popular blip of an island, Ko Lipe. Other islands include Ko Bulon Lae and the imposing Ko Adang. Ko Petra National Marine Parks also lie off Satun's 150-kilometre, mangrove-skirted coastline. In total the province lays claim to more than 100 islands, and while the majority of these remain uninhabited, the province is nevertheless a must-explore province for beach-lovers.

Back on the mainland, Satun is mostly mountainous, with plains flattening out the central and coastal areas. The province is also home to Thale Ban National Park, easily visited from the provincial capital, which features an attractive lagoon surrounded by towering mountains as well as several waterfalls.

Like some of Thailand's other far southern provinces, Satun was once a district of the Malaysian state of Kedah, not coming into the Thai fold till 1909 in part due to it's mostly ethnic Thai population. That said there's still considerable Malay influence that can be seen -- particularly in the food and clothing.

Unlike the other far southern province of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala, Satun has been largely unaffected by the ongoing troubles in the South and is considered by Thai government authorities to be safe.

 

The sleepy provincial capital of Satun (pronounced Sah-toon) sits near the mouth of the Bambang River a few kilometres from the Andaman coast and a whopping 940km from Bangkok. While officially part of Thailand's "Deep South" and home to a majority Muslim population, Satun has largely escaped the strife that plagues some of the neighbouring provinces. Satun is an entirely safe and very friendly place to visit.

Satun is one of Thailand's youngest provinces and don't be confused if you occasionally still see the Malay spelling of the town's name – Satul. Despite the large modern mosque which dominates the central part of town, Satun is more ethnically diverse than most of the far southern provinces with Chinese and Thai communities mixing peacefully with the ethnic Malay Muslim population.

As with any Thai town, there's enough minor attractions to keep one busy during an overnight stay -- including a small museum. Satun is also a little-known gateway into Malaysia, with the Kuala Perlis boat crossing and the almost never-used Wang Prajan land crossing.

Wang Prajan border crossing
This border crossing to Malaysia is unknown to most travellers, and only two km further north of the Thale Ban Park turn-off. Once across you can stay in Malaysia or re-enter Thailand to get a new 30 day visa. The border is open daily from 06:00 – 17:00. There's a small market here, but little else.

To reach the border, public transit is irregular at best. Mini-vans occasionally depart from opposite the Rain Tong Hotel. Enquire with the hotel staff in advance, or cross your fingers and show up before 08:00. If you're making a visa run, motorcycle taxis will run you there and back for 400B and songtheaws for 500B. Remember to pay once you're finished to ensure your driver sticks around.

Text and/or map last updated on 12th August, 2009.

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Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Satun. You can find the full forum here.

Topic	Replies	Views
Satun Province in August - what's open?  In Thailand: by caseyrebecca, last reply by swag	4	1711
E-Fish for Satun province, Thailand  In Travelfish Guides: by wessatong, last reply by somtam2000	3	1784
Satun islands  In Thailand: by steveandingrid, last reply by marineboy	3	954

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