Things to do in Satun Province
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On's
With its bamboo, sarong-draped tables, leafy front porch and tasty Thai and Western dishes, this is the place to hang in Satun (which explains the yachtie barflies).
Chinese and Muslim bites can be scouted on Th Burivanich and Th Samanta Prasit. Try the 'red pork' with rice at the Chinese food stalls or the southern-style roti offered at most Muslim restaurants (around 50B each). Satun's popular night marketcomes to life around 5pm and serves great Thai curries.
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Ko Tarutao Marine National Park
Like with any good secret, it’s only a matter of time before someone lets the cat out of the bag. In this case, that someone was a producer from Survivor, America’s eminent reality show, who chose this stunning marine park for the fifth instalment of the hit series. Fortunately, stringent Thai law has protected Ko Tarutao Marine National Park from preying developers – the national park is still one of the most exquisite and unspoiled regions in Thailand. The massive archipelago features myriad coral reefs, and 51 islands covered with well-preserved virgin rainforest teeming with dusky langurs, crab-eating macaques, mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, fishing cats, wate…
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Ku Den Museum
Tears won’t be shed if you have to give this place a miss – Satun only has one real attraction, the Ku Den Museum. Housed in a lovely old Sino-Portuguese mansion, this excellent museum was constructed to house King Rama V during a royal visit but the governor snagged the roost when the king failed to show up. The building has been lovingly restored and the exhibits feature dioramas with soundtracks covering every aspect of southern Muslim life.
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Thale Ban National Park
Very few foreigners make it out to this park, which lies on the Malaysian border about 30km northeast of Satun. Its main feature is a freshwater lake that sits in the middle of the 196-sq-km park, a scenic area of upland rainforest with captivating wildlife, waterfalls and caverns. There's no public transport to the park, but you can get here by hired taxi from Satun or Hat Yai.
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Andaman Trips & Services
The friendly Andaman Trips & Services has English-speaking staff, can book boats and buses, arrange trips to Thale Ban National Park and moonlights as a day-care centre. Price includes transport, a knowledgeable local guide, trekking to caves and waterfalls, and lunch.
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Aroy
True to its name ( aroy means ‘delicious’), this popular Thai restaurant sits along the inland road connecting Sunrise and Pattaya Beaches. The sign is small so you might have to ask around, but you’ll be happy you made the effort once you sample the dishes.
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Café Lipe
A local breakfast legend, the Swiss-run Café Lipe whips up stellar morning repasts – the unfinishable muesli topples over with fresh fruit and colourful grains. A group of brand-new bamboo bungalows (500B; no running water) squats in the backyard.
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Tham Lod Pu Yu
If you head down to Tammalang pier, a 7km sŏrng·tǎa·ou ride south of Satun, you can hire long-tail boats to visit Tham Lod Pu Yu, a picturesque limestone cave dripping with stalactites, right on the Malaysian border.
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Ko Phetra Marine National Park
Ko Phetra Marine National Park is a stunning archipelago that includes Ko Khao Yai, Ko Lao Liang, Ko Bulon Leh (the park’s only island with privately run accommodation; see p720) and 19 other furry green isles.
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Toe-Boo Cliff
Next to the visitors centre at Ao Pante Malacca, a steep trail leads through the jungle to Toe-Boo Cliff, a dramatic rocky outcrop with fabulous views of Ko Adang and the surrounding islands.
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Flour Power Bakery
Located behind Sabye Sport on Sunset Beach, Flour Power uses imported ingredients to craft delicious homemade cakes and brownies – just like Mum’s recipe back home.
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Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club
During the high season, the Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club runs speedboat tours to Ko Tarutao, Ko Bulon Leh and Ko Lipe - visit the website for the latest details.
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Ao Taloh Udang
You'll find the overgrown remains of the political prisoners' camp in the southeast of the island at Ao Taloh Udang reached via a long overgrown track.
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Canteens
The Ko Tarutao Marine National Park authorities run two canteens, one at Ao Pante Malacca, the other near the jetty at Ao Taloh Waw.
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Pooh's Bar
This massive complex was built by a Lipe pioneer and includes bungalows, a dive shop and several restaurants. It's a very popular local expat hang-out, especially in the low season. Each night it projects films onto its big screen.
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Ao Son
A 30-minute boat ride or 8km walk south of Ao Pante you'll find Ao Son, an isolated sandy bay where turtles nest between September and April.
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Elephant Joe Bar & Restaurant
Stop here while waiting for your ferry for Western breakfasts, espresso drinks, cocktails or the house speciality, soft shell crab.
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Snorkelling Trips
Resorts can arrange snorkelling and fishing trips to other islands in the Ko Bulon group. You can also rent sea kayaks.
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Jack’s Jungle Bar
Jack’s Jungle Bar is a friendly spot in the heart of the jungle that also serves a few killer curries.
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Time
This highly recommended air-conditioned place has chirpy staff and a fun atmosphere. It serves excellent Thai food.
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Canteen
The park authorities run an excellent Canteen. The food is satisfying and tasty and they even have cold beer.
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Adang Sea Tours
Adang Sea Tours is a reliable travel agency. Shop around the agencies for day trips kayaking through caves.
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Night Market
Satun’s popular night market comes to life around 5pm and serves great Thai curries.
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Andrew Tour
Andrew Tour is a reliable travel agency. Shop around the agencies for various day trips.
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Karma Bar
For a round of beers, try Karma Bar, an old fave near Mountain Resort.
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