Satun is a small province in Southern Thailand that is located along the coast of the Andaman Sea. It possesses almost 100 islands; some are considered as the most beautiful islands of the Andaman Sea. Besides its picturesque islands, Satun also features some attractions about culture and local way of lives.

As Satun borders Malaysia, a majority of Satun’s population is Muslim, many of whom are of Malaysian descent, adding a colourful character to the town, particularly in regard 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 travellers 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.

Key Tips

 The winds coming off the Indian Ocean pick up moisture and dump heavy rains on the west coast of peninsular Thailand from May through October. The other six months of the year receive little or no rain. 

 The monsoon winds make boat travel off coastal Satun dangerous from May through October.

 Every year during the rainy season (16 May - 15 November) the island national parks, including Koh Tarutao (Adang - Rawi Islands) and Koh Phetra are closed for visitor safety.