10 Best Things to Do in Satun, Thailand
What is Satun Most Known For?
Satun is one of Thailand’s top off-the-beaten-track provinces, making it the perfect antidote for travellers who’ve grown tired of the country’s more touristic destinations. And it’s precisely this lack of attention that makes Satun so appealing, as it’s friendly inhabitants and authentic culture can attest.
Considering the district’s distinct lack of foreign visitors, you might be surprised to learn there are quite a few exciting attractions to explore in Satun. From a bustling island paradise to the capital city’s sacred landmarks, here are the top things to see and do in the Thai province of Satun.
What are the best things to do in Satun?
1. Koh Lipe
Satun’s premier tropical island resort
Ideal para: Aventura
Koh Lipe is an obligatory stop on any Satun itinerary. After all, this tiny island paradise is the province’s primary tourist drawcard and serves as the hub for the stunning Tarutao Archipelago. Once a sleepy backpackers’ hangout, Koh Lipe has seen considerable investment in recent years and now boasts a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe.
The action revolves around Walking Street, which is home to the island’s biggest selection of restaurants and hotels. A leisurely stroll will lead you to one of 3 beautiful beaches, each with colourful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Travel agents around town will happily help you organise an island-hopping excursion to explore the aquatic sites beyond.
Localização: Satun 91000, Thailand
Koh Lipe
2. Tarutao National Marine Park
Scenic tropical islands and fascinating marine life
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Tarutao National Marine Park is a textbook example of why the southern islands are Thailand’s major drawcard. The marine life-rich zone was the first oceanic area in the country to receive ‘protected’ status, and upon exploring the stunning region in detail, it’s not hard to see why.
Towering limestone cliffs protrude abruptly from crystal-clear waters, while sugar-white sand defines each idyllic beach. Then you’ve got the coral-clad underwater world to explore, which teems with exotic marine life. Some islands are entirely uninhabited for a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure, while others boast beachfront bungalows for you to kick back in comfort.
Localização: Ko Tarutao, Satun 91000, Thailand
Telefone: +66 74 783 597
Tarutao National Marine Park
3. Pha Chado Viewpoint
The best vantage point in the area
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
The Pha Chado Viewpoint (or the Chado Cliff trail) is the best spot to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Tarutao National Marine Park. After all, pirates once used the viewpoint to keep a lookout for cargo-carrying merchant ships. Naturally, you’ll be able to capture an envy-inducing Instagram pic here as well.
Located on a clifftop on the picturesque Koh Adang Island, the lookout requires a usually sweaty 40-minute uphill hike to reach. It’ll be well worth the effort, though, as views from the top span as far as Koh Adang and Koh Lipe. On the way back down, stop by the Namtok Chon Salat Waterfall and take a quick dip to cool off.
Localização: Ko Adang, Satun 91000, Thailand
Pha Chado Viewpoint
4. Thale Ban National Park
An inland nature reserve with lakes and hiking trails
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
Thale Ban National Park is your go-to reserve if you want to see Satun’s inland splendour. The 196-sq-km park lies right on the Thai-Malaysia border, making it an easy option for travellers venturing between the 2 countries. Pine trees and mangroves comprise most of the dense tropical rainforest, lending a home to dozens of species of mammals and reptiles plus hundreds of types of birds.
Local legend says the beautiful Bueang Thale Ban freshwater lake was created during an earthquake here several hundred years ago. It’s an idyllic spot to fish and there are several nearby hiking trails to explore.
Localização: Wang Prachan, Khuan Don, Satun 91160, Thailand
Abre: Daily from 8am to 4.30pm
Telefone: +66 (0)74 750 758
Thale Ban National Park
5. Phu Pha Pet Cave
One of the world’s biggest caves
Ideal para: Aventura
Phu Pha Pet is Satun’s most popular cave that has quite a few options on offer. The name means ‘Diamond Cliff’ in English, which refers to the dangling stalactites that sparkle in the afternoon sun. This high-ceiling cave system is the largest in Thailand and the 4th biggest in the world, boasting over 20 ‘rooms’ to explore.
Another option for subterranean adventurers is the Satta Khuha Cave, complete with a sizable contingent of bats and a tranquil underground stream. Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, make your way to Chorakhe Cave on a dugout canoe by paddling through a thick mangrove forest.
Localização: Palm Phatthana, Manang, Satun 91130, Thailand
Abre: Monday–Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm, Sunday from 8.30am to 4:30pm
Telefone: +66 (0)74 605 466
Phu Pha Pet Cave
6. Pak Barra
An authentic and seldom-explored town
Ideal para: Aventura
Pak Barra Pier is the jumping-off point for the Tarutao Archipelago, so you’ll likely pass through this peaceful little fishing village at some point during your visit. But rather than heading directly onwards to the islands, why not take a day or 2 to explore this quaint off-the-beaten-track region?
Pak Barra sits in the middle of a scenic estuary and boasts a long stretch of pristine sand to rival the best beaches on the Tarutao islands. A short ferry trip to the north takes you to Bo Chet Luk, otherwise known as Seven-Well Island, a quaint farming community with its own picture-perfect Ka Sing Beach. Both areas attract a local crowd and remain delightfully authentic.
Localização: Pak Nam, La-ngu, Satun 91110, Thailand
Pak Barra
7. Wang Sai Thong Waterfalls
Gushing limestone cascades in a thick tropical jungle
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
Although the Wang Sai Thong Waterfall requires a long drive and an uphill hike to reach, it’s worth the effort for off-the-beaten-track travellers looking to explore Satun’s inland attractions. And to make life easier, these cascading falls lie near the Phu Pha Pet Cave so you can cross both off in a single trip.
Despite the multi-tiered waterfall being fed from nearby karst limestone mountains, it’s water is remarkably clear. After you finish admiring the display, there are several forested walking trails to hike. Either visit the falls on a guided tour or rent a scooter for the day in Pak Barra.
Localização: Nam Phut, La-ngu, Satun 91110, Thailand
Telefone: +66 (0)61 226 4337
Wang Sai Thong Waterfalls
8. Prasat Hin Phan Yod sinkhole
A strange geological oddity to explore on a fun kayaking trip
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
The Prasat Hin Pun Yod sinkhole is a series of limestone spires just off the Satun mainland that makes for a superb kayaking trip. This natural attraction is the result of millions of years of erosion and looks like a jagged rocky castle protruding out of an emerald sea.
Excursions involve a scenic 15-minute boat trip from Bo Chet Luk Pier before you slide into a kayak to navigate the otherworldly terrain. Be sure to paddle under the natural stone bridge known as the Half-Heart Cave. You can organise a tour from the community centre on Bo Chet Luk island.
Localização: Pak Nam, La-ngu, Satun 91110, Thailand
Telefone: +66 (0)74 720 285
Prasat Hin Phan Yod sinkhole
9. Wat Chana Thip Chaloem Temple
Satun’s original and most prominent Buddhist temple
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Wat Chana Thip Chaloem is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Satun and is something of a novelty in this predominately Islamic Thai province. The structure, which was erected back in 1882, has been serving the region’s small Buddhist community for over a hundred years.
The first thing you’ll notice is the temple is different from other Thai wats. Wat Chana Thip Chaloem has 2 stories instead of one: the first a preaching hall made of brick and the second a monks’ quarters made of wood. A convenient location in the heart if Satun town makes this an easy spot to visit.
Localização: Phiman, Satun 91000, Thailand
Telefone: +66 (0)90 412 9266
Wat Chana Thip Chaloem Temple
10. Masjid Mambang Mosque
The province’s most prominent mosque
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Masjid Mambang Mosque, also known as Satun Central Mosque, is the province’s most important and interesting Islamic monument. The building was erected in 1979 to replace an older wooden mosque that had decayed in the humid tropical heat. As is typical of the era, the mosque was constructed in a modern Islamic architectural style.
Note the triple-tier roofs that cascade towards the sky and come complete with ornate decorations of glass, marble, and glazed tiles. Another highlight is the big golden dome up top, which serves as a local landmark. The mosque is still in active use and non-muslims are permitted to enter provided they dress appropriately.
Localização: 147 Satun Thani Rd, Phiman, Satun 91000, Thailand
Masjid Mambang Mosque
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