Satun
Satun is a quiet southern province known primarily by travelers for its spectacular if infrequently visited islands, particularly Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao.
Satun is located in the far south of Thailand, nearly 1000 kilometers from Bangkok. Most of the provincial inland is mountainous and the coastal region features more than 60 islands. As Satun borders Malaysia, a majority of Satun’s population is Muslim, many of whom are of Malaysian descent, adding a colorful character to the town, particularly in regards to food and clothing. Fortunately for the people of Satun and visitors to the area, Satun has been largely unaffected by the domestic unrest in the south and is a quiet and safe place to visit.
Satun town, the province’s capital, is a sleepy town that typically only sees travelers who are en route to either the offshore islands or Malaysia. However, mainland Satun does feature the Thale Ban National Park, which contains a number of waterfalls and a large lagoon surrounded by towering mountains.
From the port town at Pakbara, the top island destinations in Satun are Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe, idyllic and generally undeveloped islands renowned for their spectacular natural beauty. Other islands include Koh Bulon Lae, Koh Adang and Koh Petra National Marine Park.
Satun is a small province in the south of Thailand that is located along the coast of the Andaman Sea. In addition to a border crossing with Malaysia Satun Province possesses picturesque islands, verdant forests, and a mountainous interior.
Satun, once part of an independent Sultanate, has had strong ties with Thailand since the Ayutthaya period and as mixed marriages between Thais and Malay Muslims has been common for centuries, many Satun people are Samsam, meaning a mixed person. While most inhabitants of Satun, including most Samsams, are Muslims, Satun has avoided the regional unrest occurring in other southern provinces.
Most visitors to Satun come to visit the province’s spectacular national parks, including Mu Koh Tarutao National Park and Mu Koh Phetra National Park.