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TravelTips24 : Asia : Southeast Asia : Thailand : South : Satun (province) : Satun

Satun

Satun (สตูล) is the provincial capital of Satun Province.

Culture and History

Satun, having a population of about 22,000, is the gateway to Thailand's southern islands at the side of Andaman Sea. It is only a few kilometres from the Andaman coast but a whopping 940km from Bangkok. Although a majority Muslim population town, Satun has largely escaped the strife that plagues some of the neighboring provinces such as Narathiwat and Pattani, Satun is safe and very friendly place to visit.

Travel to Satun & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Satun

from BKK to HatYai than minivan , bus , or taxi to Satun ..

By train

BKK - HatYai BKK - Trang

Buses to Satun

BKK - Satun .. Hatyai -Satun

Express buses to Kangar leave hourly from Butterworth (RM10.40, 2 hours 15 min). Then, head to Kangar city bus terminal from express bus terminal and take Mara Liner's Kuala Perlis bound bus (RM1.50, 35 min) to the jetty. This kind of city bound bus departure is infrequent and it is always good to plan ahead, the approximate departure time is 11:45, 13:15, 14:45 and 16:45.

The journey can only to be continued with long tail boat from Kuala Perlis's Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) jetty, which is about 200m further of the Langkawi bound jetty.

Upon reaching Satun Tammalang pier, take red Songtheaw to Satun town (30B, 10 min). The songtheaw is most probably available when ferry arrives. If you are stuck in the middle of waiting songtheaw, motorcycle taxi is another option, although is most costly (60B).

By car

To travel by car from Malaysia, first take the road from Kangar towards Padang Besar and take a left turn towards Wang Kelian approximately 8 km before reaching Padang Besar. Pass the border checkpoints of Wang Kelian on the Malaysia side and of Wan Pra Chan on the Thailand side. You may want to stop at the morning market at the border area for some fresh fruits and vegetables. Drive pass some scenic mountains on the way to Khuang Don and take a left turn towards Satun town. On the way you will pass by the town of Chalung. The trip from the border check points takes about 90 minutes.

By boat

Langkawi Ferry [1] has 4 daily services between Langkawi, Malaysia and Satun. No reservations are possible, just show up. The trip takes 1:15 and the fare is 300 baht/RM 30 one-way.

Kuala Perlis Fisherman's Boat - Kuala Perlis situated on Peninsular Malaysia. Gateway to Langkawi, and Satun. No reservations are possible, just show up. Stay a night at Putra Brasmana Hotel and take a trip cruising the Perlis river to the pier. From there, take long tail boat to Satun. The trip takes 45 minutes and and the fare is 150 baht / RM15 one-way. Feel the different!

Tours & Getting around Satun

Satun attractions and sightseeing

the mangroves is the main nature view .. tempels and mosks .. museum ..

Satun city tours

There is not much excitement in the predominantly Muslim populated town of Satun. Most visitors head for the Tarutao National Park ( a group of beautiful islands about 2 hours by ferry ride from the jetty of Tammalang). Tammalang is the southern gateway to Satun (by ferry from Langkawi or from Kuala Perlis).

From Tammalang, the ferry times to the island of Ko Li Pe or Ko Tarutao are ETD 10 am and ETA 4 pm (varies, the ferry may turn up at 5 or 6 pm local time). Check out the island activities at the local tour agent at the Tammalang jetty point. After booking your tour, you may want to head back to Satun to stay the night before the next morning early tour (most likely you would have miss the ferry!).

While in Satun, walk around to discover the quaint attractions of Satun town and enjoy the local food. Local food includes spicy Thai food, Chinese style fare and Malaysian influenced cooking of roti canai. There are a few pubs along the main town street. The only disco in town is about 3 km from the town centre - last visit, there were about 4 customers and 2 sexy dancers for the whole night!

The above ferry trip to the Tarutao National Park islands cost about 1000 Bahts return (you can book the ticket through the agent too). Scuba gear, snorkeling sets are available for rent at the island dive shops. So just bring your suntan lotion and cash (better to change the currency on the mainland - better rates).

Satun souvenirs & shopping

Satun Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Restaurants don't seem to have prominent signage or branding. As such it is difficult to label one better than another. Fortunately most of the food is good Thai food with a noticeable lack of western franchises such as McDonald's or Starbucks. Don't be afraid to walk up to any place that looks as if it's serving food and just use sign language or simple English to order food. Most people are very receptive and will go out of their way to help you get something in your belly. Phonetically "Pad See Ewe" is fried noodles with various vegetable bits and perhaps some meat. Be adventurous, chew slowly, and watch out for bones. In Muslim stalls they prefer their "Rotee" with a sauce.

INFORMATION

for a good snack or information about regional food and and the city Satun with his most exciting places .. asking cost nothing

Satun nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Southern Thailand is predominantly Muslim which means that portion of the population seriously does not condone alcohol consumption. Alcohol is available in some restaurants and in most mini-marts. There are a few bars downtown and some other places with karakoe machines in the surrounding area. Generally it's not a hot spot for three day drunken clubbing binges but the dedicated Bukowski fan can still get some work done.

FOR A COOL DRINK

drinks and food ... "Port Satun" at fresh market and Rientong peer.. for FREE information tourist , trips , rent .. etc.

Satun cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Farmkhai

== Farmkhai == thai-swiss managment since 1985 

, eco resort in real natural environment ..
** budget** bungalow from 200 till 300 a day ..cheaper rates for longer stay ..

location:from the national museum(Satuntaneeroad Soi 5)follow the road beside the montain.. 

past little village over bridge ..after 300m on the right side ..FARMKHAI appartements+bungalows 
TEL: + 66 89 657 1885  or farmkhai@gmail.com   
=== Budget ===

Mid-range

Splurge

Get out

This page was last edited at 12:51, on 12 November 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by GOH Tat Kean, Stacy Hall, Ryan Holliday and Jani Patokallio, Wikitravel user(s) Morph and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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