Hugging the Malaysian border in the far south-west of Thailand, Satun is a coastal province that scatters across the Andaman Sea. It’s renowned for the coral reefs and paradisiacal islands of Tarutao National Park, as well as being home to the wildlife-filled swamps of Thale Ban.
Things to do in Satun
Explore the jungle-swathed islands of Tarutao National Park, a UNESCO-listed reserve and the first marine park to be established in Thailand. They boast beautiful beaches and healthy coral reefs, as well as forests inhabited by crab-eating macaques, tree pythons and Brahminy kites.
Stay in one of the beach resorts on Koh Lipe, which is the most developed island in Tarutao. Relax on the sands of Pattaya or Hat Chao Le, go snorkelling just offshore, or deep dive to explore the sea pinnacle of 8 Mile Rock and the Yong Hua Shipwreck.
Want a more remote escape? Visit the traditional villages of the Urak Lawoi people on the forested island of Koh Adang. Trek to Pirate’s Waterfall and soak up the sweeping views of Koh Lipe from one of the island’s lookouts, then jump aboard a long tail boat to see the striking black sand beach on Adang’s north coast.
Explore the spectacular karst landscapes and mangrove forests of the Thale Ban National Park, which lies just a stone’s throw away from the border of Malaysia. Venture into the river cave of Tham Ton Din or hike to the park’s highest peak of Chin Mountain while keeping your eyes peeled for Malayan tapirs, sun bears and threatened Sumatran serows.
Getting around Satun
Satun is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Hat Yai International Airport, with buses travelling throughout the province and connecting north to Bangkok. Minivans travel south into Malaysia and ferries connect across the Strait of Malacca to Langkawi.