Satun, Thailand

 

 

Introduction:

Satun is a province in the South of Thailand that borders Malaysia. Situated on the west coast in the vicinity of the Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean. Satun is about 973 kilometers from Bangkok. Its total area of 2,478.98 square kilometers also encompasses 105 islands. The mainland's shoreline extends 144.80 kilometers in length.

Prior to A.D. 1813, Satun was a district of Kedah, known as Mukim Setul, meaning "the district of santol tree" Historical , Satun had a strong link with Kedah until A.D. 1909, under the Anglo-Siamese Agreement, when the Siamese government then agreed to relinquish the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Tregganu, and Perlis to Britain in exchange for the British's renunciation of its Extra-territorial Rights in Siam (former of Thailand).

The consequence of the Anglo-Siamese Agreement shifted the status of Satun from being part of Kedah to that of Phuket and later in 1925 was under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat. When democratic reform was be one of the provinces in the South. Satun consists of six administrative districts (Amphoe) and one sub district (King amphoe): Amphoe Muang Satun, La-ngu, Thun Wa, Khuan Kalong, Khuan Don, Tha Phae; and King Amphoe Manang.

The unique bi-cultural characteristics of the people in Satun reflect social harmony among the people of two faiths: Buddhists and Muslims. In addition, Satun also hosts the cultures of an indigenous group called Chao Le (Orak Lawoi, Orang Laut or Sea Gypsies) or an official label of Thai Mai (recently naturalized Thai) whose settlements can be found on Lipeh Islands, Tambon Ko Sarai, Amphoe Muang Satun; and on Bulone Island. These people observe distinctively different cultures and traditions from those of the local people.

Boundary:
Satun is the southernmost province of Thailand on the west coast bordering Malaysia and other Amphoes and province as follows:
 

Attractions:
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.


How to get there:
By bus
The Transportation Company Limited provides daily services both of non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses, leaving from the Southern Bus Terminals at the third kilometer on Pinklao-Nakhonchaisi Road. Further information can be acquired by calling 435-1199, 435-1200

By Train
Trains run daily from Bangkok to Hatyai. Visitors can take a taxi, bus, van to Satun
Contact :  Bangkok Railway Station , Tel. (02) 223-7010, 223-7020, 225-0300
Ext. 5100-3.

By plane
Thai Airways International offers daily flights from Bangkok to Hatyai. From Hatyai visitors can take a taxi, bus, van to Satun. Flight reservations can be made at
Tel. (02)280-0060, 628-2000.