Satun
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 are Muslim. It is located 973 kilometres from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometres with 80 kilometres of coastline.
Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao National Park. Its landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches, calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps. Snorkelling can be found at Lipe island, while neighbour Adnag island is stunning with forest, hills and waterfalls.
Around Satun, there are plenty of interesting sights, including dove farms, forest parks and huge waterfall. Thale Ban National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife, with many waterfalls and caves worth visiting.
How to get there :
By 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.
By 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. Somphots 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.
By 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.
By 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.
Local Products :
A variety of handicrafts
A variety of handicrafts such as artificial flowers, batik, basketry can be bought from the local products centre in La-ngu district.
Fish and shrimp crisp
Fish and shrimp crisp, a produce of Chebilang Village, this accrues additional income for the villagers aside from fishery. |
