SATUN

Satun

Satun

Satun

Satun

Satun

Satun

Satun

Satun

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Geography:

The province is located on the Malay Peninsula, on the shore of the Andaman Sea. The Ko Tarutao (Malay Pulau Tertua) and Ko Phetra (Pulau Petra) marine national parks are part of the province. Close to the border with Malaysia is the Thale Ban national park, a big freshwater swamp area.

History:

Until 1813 Satun was a district of the Malay state of Kedah, then known as Mukim Setul. In 1909, it was annexed by Siam as part of Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 negotiated with the British Empire. Kedah was split between the British and Thailand. The then Mukim Setul was given to the Siamese due to the fact that there was a large Siamese population there. It was at first administrated as part of the monthon Phuket, which in 1925 was included into monthon Nakhon Si Thammarat. In 1933 the monthon were dissolved and the province became a first-level subdivision of Thailand.

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.