 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 is Muslim. It is located 973 kilometres from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometres with 80 kilometres of coastline.
Most of the area is mountainous, with plains in the centre near the coast. Brooks lie in the east of Satun, mangroves can be found along the coast and there are more than 100 offshore islands. Famous islands are Ko Tarutao Ko Adang and Ko Rawi and Mu Ko Phetra .
Satun is administratively divided into 6 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Satun, Amphoe Khuan Don, Amphoe Tha Phae, Amphoe Khuan Kalong, Amphoe La-ngu, Amphoe Thung Wa, and King Amphoe (sub-district) Manang.
How to get there
Car
From Bangkok, drive on Highway No. 4 past Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon then take Highway No. 41 to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. From Phatthalung, drive on to Amphoe Rattaphum, Songkhla then take Highway No. 4 and turn right to Highway No. 406. It is 973 kilometres from Bangkok.
Bus
The journey from Bangkok to Satun can be made on air-conditioned coaches originating from the Southern Bus Terminal. The coaches, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok at the following times:
VIP Bus: 6 p.m.
Standard 1 Bus: 7 a.m., 6.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Standard 2 Bus: 6.30 p.m.
The trip takes about 13 hours. For more information, call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1199-200 or the Satun Bus Station at tel: 0 7471 1446.
Satun can be reached by van, public bus and taxi from Hat Yai. Taxi is available at the Ratthakan Post Office, van and public bus can be found beside Dr. Somphot's Clinic near Hat Yai train station. The van leaves every hour form 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Public bus leaves from Hat Yai bus station every 2 hours from 6.30 a.m. to 4.35 p.m.
Train
There is no direct train to Satun. Visitors can take a Bangkok-Hat Yai train, leaving the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 12.25 p.m., 2.20 p.m.,2.45 p.m. and 3.50 p.m. Getting off at the Hat Yai train station, visitors can take a taxi from Ratthakan Post Office to Satun. Vans and public buses are also available. It is 97 kilometres from Hat Yai to Satun. For more information on trains, contact the State Railways of Thailand, tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.srt.or.th .
Air
There is no direct flight to Satun. The trip by air can be made via Hat Yai airport then taking a taxi or public bus to Satun for 97 kilometres. For more information on flight schedules, contact Thai Airways, tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com .
Festivals
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. |
