Satun
Satun General Information
Satun is a small province in the south of Thailand that borders Malaysia, facing the Andaman Sea. The province possesses renowned picturesque islands with verdant forests and mountainous land. The majority of the locals are Muslim. It is located 973 kilometres from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometres with 80 kilometres of coastline.
Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao National Park. Its landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches, calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps. Snorkelling can be found at Lipe island, while neighbour Adnag island is stunning with forest, hills and waterfalls.
Around Satun, there are plenty of interesting sights, including dove farms, forest parks and huge waterfall. Thale Ban National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife, with many waterfalls and caves worth visiting.
Satun Festival Information
- Floating Boat Festival
Floating Boat Festival is held by fishermen living on Lipeh Island, Satun. On the 13th-15th day of the waxing moon in May and October, sea gypsies would gather for the traditional 3 days and 3 nights celebration in the belief that the ceremony scares away bad luck and brings good fortunes for fishing.
- International Kite Festival
International Kite Festival is held annually in February at Satun Airport, which is 4 kms. to Satun town.
- Tarutao-Adang Fishing Club
Tarutao-Adang Fishing Club is held around March annually.
- Visit Tarutao Festival
Visit Tarutao Festival is an annual event held from November to April at Tarutao National Park.
Satun Attactions Information
- Bung Thale Ban
Bung Thale Ban is a large swamp that is situated in the middle of a valley and surrounded by Chin and Wang Pra mountains. The swamp covers an area of 320 square kilometers and is full of freshwater fish and shells. There is an abundance of Bakong trees around the swamp. The park built a pavilion beside the swamp, which is an ideal place for recreation.
- Namtok Ton Plio
Namtok Ton Plio originates from the Chin Mountain. It is a large waterfall that comes down several levels and has an all-year-round water flow. To get there, drive on Highway No. 1484 (Khuan Sato-Wang Prachan) for about 12 kms. from the park headquarters, then take a laterite road at the junction for another 3 kms.
- Thale Ban National Park
Thale Ban National Park is at Ban Wang Prachan, Tambon Wang Prachan. The National Park is located 40 kms. from town and occupies an area of 195,200 square kilometers. The Park covers the National Reserve Forest of Ku Pang Pu To and Hua Ka Ming, including Khuan Bo Nam Pu Yu in Tambon Pu Yu, Amphoe Mueang. It was declared a national park on October 27, 1980.
The word Thale Ban derives from Loet Ru Ban in the Malay language, meaning a collapsed sea or a sea that was born out of a land collapse. Thale Ban National Park originated from a land depression between Khao Chin and Khao Mot Daeng. There is a large swamp, which covers an area of 101,360 square kilometers. Most of the area is mountainous and teeming with various kinds of plants and animals, such as water birds, tapir, and Khiat Wak, or Water Dog. The amphibious Khiat Wak resembles a frog or toad, but has a tail and yelps like a dog. Plenty of these creatures can be seen around the swamp in the rainy season. The Khiat Wak is an indigenous animal to Thale Ban. Bird-watchers should not miss a chance to see the different variety of birds here, including red back myna, woodpecker, bulbul, and swallow. Lodges and tents are available in the National Park.
- Namtok Than Sawan
Namtok Than Sawan is a five-level waterfall located at Tambon Khuan Kalong, 12 kms. from Khuan Kalong District Office. Drive onto the road that lies in front of the Industrial Estate Office junction, which passes the Khuan Kalong district, then drive onwards to Soi 10.
- Tarutao National Park
Tarutao is the first marine park of Thailand. It is famous for its distinguished history and natural beauty. It is located in the Andaman Sea 40 kilometres from town or 22 kilometres from Bara Pier. The park borders Mu Ko Phetra National Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park occupies an area of 1,490 square kilometres and comprises 51 islands. Seven large islands are Ko Tarutao , Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Li Pe , Ko Klang, Ko Ba Tuang, and Ko Bit Si. Tarutao was proclaimed a National Park on 19 April 1974 and declared by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve in 1982. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park that covers an area of 152 square kilometres. The island is teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches. There are also camping and diving facility to see corals.
Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island comprises two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southernmost bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison for common and political prisoners which is situated in the south and the east of the island.
The historical six-kilometre road trail was built by prisoners connecting Ao Talowao to Ao Talo Udang and is 12 kilometres long
- Moo Ko Phetra National Park
Moo Ko Phetra National Park The sampan shaped island is situated on the Straits of Malacca, Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean, west of Thailand. It consists of a long coastline from Tambon Pak Nam, La-ngu district, Tambon Khon Khlan, Thung Wa distict, Satun and Tambon Sukon, Pa Lian district, Trang. The several off-shore islands include Ko Phetra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko La Lo Ban Te, Ko Li Di, Ko Bu Loan, Ko Lao Liang, and Ko Perama. Most of the area consists of steep mountains with plains in the valleys and beaches. The park occupies both land and sea areas, with an area of 494.38 sq. kms. It was declared a national park on December 31, 1984 and is full of forest, mountains, wildlife, and colorful corals.
- Ko Li Di Lek
Ko Li Di Lek is located 5 kms. from the Office of Moo Ko Phetra National Park (Ao Nun), or 7 kms. from Pak Bara Pier. The National Park Protection Unit is located on this island. The island offers a white sandy beach and crystal clear water. The island also has mangrove forests and various kinds of marine animals. Tourists wishing to camp on the island must bring their own tents and food as there are no restaurants. Ko Li Di Yai, nearby Ko Li Di Lek, has bird nest concessions operated by the private sector and is off-limits to visitors.
- Namtok Wang Sai Thong
Namtok Wang Sai Thong is on Ro Po Cho Road (Thung Nang Kaeo-Wang Sai Thong Road). The waterfall can be reached by taking the Satun-La-ngu Road at Ban Ko Ta junction, Tambon Kamphaeng. From there, it is about 26 kms. to Namtok Wang Sai Thong. Namtok Wang Sai Thong is also accessible from Wa Bridge in Thung Wa district, Tambon Pa Kae Bo Hin. This route is 19 kms. The highlight of this waterfall is the pool of water in each limestone basin that resembles a blooming lotus when water falls down to that level. The area has large shady trees and is suitable for relaxation.
- Ko Langkawi
Ko Langkawi Tourists who want to visit Langkawi Island in Malaysia can board boats from Tam Ma Lang Pier, which is located 5 kms. from town.
- Ku Den Museum
Ku Den Museum is situated on Satun Thani Road, opposite the Satun Land Department Office. The two-story building received the influence of western styled architecture; particularly the windows and doors which are of Roman motifs. The roofs were designed in the Thai's Panya style. The windows were assembled with narrow strips of boards arranged horizontally. The semi - circular clay tiles were used to cover the roofs. The ventilation at the upper-front of the building is decorated with star-shaped designs, imminently influenced by Muslim architecture. Phraya Phuminatphakdi, the former governor of Satun, built it in 1902 as his residence. The building was used as a city hall, though nowadays it serves as a museum housing antiques and artifacts and exhibiting the local art and culture.
- Laem Than Yong Po
Laem Than Yong Po and Hat Sai Yao are located at the estuary of Satun Bay and can be reached by boarding a boat for the 1-hour trip from Ko Nok Customs Office or at a pier behind Satun Central Market. Travelling by bus is also possible by riding a bus for 7 kms. to Che Bi Lang Pier, then turn left and continue another 15 kms. to Tan Yong Po. Laem Than Yong Po is a promontory jutting into the Andaman Sea. Tourists are lured here by the fascination of the fishermens' village and a powdery, white sand beach fringed with a large area of coconut grove.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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