Satun is one of the southern most provinces in Thailand. It’s facing the Andaman Sea on the west and to the South and bordering Malaysia. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Trang, Phatthalung and Songkhla.

The province is divided into 7 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Satun, Khuan Don, Khuan Kalong, Tha Phae, La Ngu, Thung Wa and Manang. These are further divided into sub districts (tambon) and villages (muban). Satun itself is the only town (thesaban Mueang).

Satun province covers an area of about 2,478 square kilometers and is located some 980 kilometers from Bangkok. Satun has about 80 kilometers of shoreline. The province of Satun also includes about 100 islands. The name Satun comes from Malay word setul meaning mangosteen tree.

Satun is one of the four provinces in Thailand which have a Muslim majority of around 70% are Muslim and 30% are Buddhists. Most of the Muslims have some ethnic Malay ancestry though only about 10% of the population claims to be ethnically Malay.

Satun belonged to the Kedah Sultanate, which had a strong relationship with Ayutthaya as well as with Siam Chakri dynasty. Its population of Malay Muslims commonly intermarries with Thai Buddhists without serious religious hesitation. This custom created a distinct social group known as Samsam, meaning mixed person.

The town’s two fishing harbors are the only source of activity in this quiet town. Its population which is predominantly Muslim is evidenced by the large Bambang Mosque in the centre of town. Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao Marine National Park.

Satun National Museum – Kuden Mansion. During 1997 – 2000, the Fine Arts Department renovated the Kuden Mansion into a western two storey brick building. Curved doors and windows are in the European architectural style of art. Its Thai styled hip roof is covered with Spanish terra cotta roof tiles. The top of the pediment is adorned with a star shaped vent in accordance with Islamic architecture.

In Satun you can find some of best natural views in the world. Aqua blue waters engraving the white sand surrounded by forest and the unique underwater peaks, that create paradise coves.

The stunning waterfalls, jungle and mangrove swamps are suitable for all kind of interests. In addition there is plenty of wildlife including numerous exote birds and monkeys, as well as green turtles, dolphins and dugongs.

Satun province actually has three national parks with all of unique character providing many opportunities in leisure and sporting activities. The virgin rainforests offer wonderful trekking adventures. Islands in the marine parks are world renown for scuba diving and sea canoe tours

Tarutao National Marine Park - Thailand's first national marine park was established in 1974 consists of some 51 islands to the west of Satun. A wealth of marine life can be found around the cluster of islands. The islands are largely untouched, the forests provide a habitat for wild boars, macaques, langurs, mouse deer and numerous bird species.

Koh Tarutao is the biggest island in the park and where the park office is situated. The island used to be a prison for long term punishment and political prisoners. Koh Tarutao contains several bays. 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.

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

There are many fascinating diving areas around Laem Chaban, Koh Khai and Koh Hin Ngam. Boats depart from Pak Bara Pier northwest of Satun to Koh Tarutao daily during November to May.

Contact the national park office. Tel: +66 (0) 74 729 002 in advance for accommodation on Koh Tarutao and Koh Adang. Bookings can be made online through the National Parks of Thailand website.

Mu Ko Petra National 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. Koh Phetra, Koh Khao Yai, Koh Lalobaentae, Koh Lidi, Koh Bulon, Koh Laoliang and Koh Perama.

Boats to these islands are available from the Pak Bara Pier. Accommodation is available at the park office 3 kilometers before Pak Bara. Koh Lidi and Koh Bulon have a selection of private bungalows available to rent.

Thale Ban National Park is located in the area of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Khun 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 is a medium size waterfall located 7 kilometers from Namtok Yaroi. Tham Lot Puyu a aquatic grotto which can be reached by boat from Tammalang Pierm, 9 kilometers from Satun town and the Thai Malaysian Border which is only 2 Kilometers from the parks office.

National Parks Thailand

Satun has no Airport or Railway Station. By far the most convenient way of traveling to Satun is by plane from either of Bangkok's Airports to Hat Yai. (Hat Yai is the commercial centre of southern Thailand). There are many daily fights available with the regions budget airlines.

Hat Yai to Satun. Taxis, minibuses and public buses are available. Taxis from the Ratthakan Post Office. Minibuses and public buses can be found beside the clinic near Hat Yai train station.

Minibuses depart every hour from 7:00 am. to 6:00 pm. Public buses departs from Hat Yai bus station every 2 hours from 6:30 am. to 4:35 pm. The distance is 97 kilometers.

The Bangkok to Hat Yai train, departs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station Bangkok at 12:25 pm, 2:20 pm, 2:45 pm. and 3:50 pm. from Hat Yai train station. You can take a taxi from Ratthakan Post Office to Satun. Minibuses and public buses are also available.

VIP Air conditioned and air conditioned buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminals Bangkok to Satun daily. For more information. Tel: +66 (0) 2435 1199, 2435 1200. Transport Services Thailand.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Satun province is a nature lover’s paradise. The unspoilt islands are the ultimate in relaxation. They provide the best in jungle trekking, scuba diving and Kayaking expeditions.

Satun has several mid range hotels around the province and in the town offering both modern amenities and leisure facilities. The town’s hotels and guesthouses provide easy access to many tourist destinations.

Koh Tarutao has bungalow accommodation and camping facilities available from the National Park office. For details and more information Tel: +66 (0) 74 729002, or visit website.

Koh Bulon and Koh Lidi have a selection of bungalow beach resorts which can be booked at Pak Bara Pier. The ferry departure point for the islands.