Satun Province

The Andaman's southernmost region, Satun was until recently mostly overlooked, but that’s all changed thanks to the dynamic white sands of Ko Lipe – a one-time backpacker secret turned mainstream beach getaway. Beyond Ko Lipe, the rest of the province passes by in the blink of an eye, as visitors rush north to Ko Lanta or south to Pulau Langkawi (Malaysia). Which means, of course, that they miss the untrammelled beaches and sea caves of Ko Tarutao, the rugged trails and ribbon waterfalls of Ko Adang, the rustic beauty of Ko Bulon Leh and easy-going Satun itself.

Largely Muslim in make-up, Satun has seen little of the political turmoil that plagues the fellow Muslim majority provinces of neighbouring Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Around 60% of inhabitants speak Yawi or Malay as a first language, and the few humble wát in the region are vastly outnumbered by mosques.

Explore Satun Province

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Satun Province.

  • National Park

    Ko Tarutao Marine National Park

    This 51-island marine national park, covered with well-preserved virgin rainforest teeming with fauna and surrounded by healthy coral reefs and radiant…

  • Viewpoint

    Toe-Boo Cliff

    Behind park headquarters at Ao Pante Malacca, on the northwest side of the island, a steep 500m (20-minute) trail winds through the jungle below a…

  • Beach

    Hat Sunset

    With its slender strip of golden sand, gentle jungle-covered hills and serene bay that spills into the Adang Strait on the western side of the island, Hat…

  • Beach

    Hat Sunrise

    Hat Sunrise, a sublime long stretch of powder-fine sand, runs along Ko Lipe's east coast and is the best beach on the island. From its northernmost point,…

  • Cave

    Tham Jara-Khe

    The large stream flowing inland from Ao Pante Malacca, on northwest Ko Tarutao, leads to Tham Jara-Khe, once home to deadly saltwater crocodiles. The cave…

  • Beach

    Ao Molae

    Quiet, wonderfully secluded and with white sands, Ao Molae is the pick of Ko Tarutao's beaches. Behind it is a ranger station, bungalows and a campsite,…

  • Island

    Ko Usen

    Ko Usen, one of the little islands opposite Hat Sunrise, has some good coral. Most resorts rent out mask-and-snorkel sets and fins (100B to 200B). Take…

  • Island

    Ko Kra

    There’s good coral around Ko Kra, one of the little islands opposite Hat Sunrise, but be aware of, and take care around, oncoming long-tail boats. Most…

  • Viewpoint

    Chado Cliff

    There are great views from Chado Cliff, a 30-minute hike above the main beach. Apparently pirates plotted attacks on commercial ships from this viewpoint.

  • Beach

    Hat Pattaya

    Busy Hat Pattaya on Lipe's southern coast has beach bars, seafood and a party vibe during the high season, though long-tails often crowd out swimmers.

  • Waterfall

    Nam Tok Lo Po

    You can walk inland to Nam Tok waterfall (5km, about 2½ hours each way) by taking a trail that starts 500m south down Ao Son's beach.

  • Waterfall

    Nam Tok Lu Du

    A signposted track 300m inland from Ao Son beach leads to Nam Tok waterfall (3km, 1½ hours each way).

  • Beach

    Ao Son

    This isolated bay is on the west coast, a 30-minute boat ride (1500B) or 8km walk or cycle south of Ao Pante Malacca. A signposted track 300m inland from…

  • Museum

    Satun National Museum

    Housed in a restored 1902 Sino-Portuguese mansion, Satun's excellent little museum was originally constructed as a temporary home for King Rama V during a…

  • Bay

    Ao Taloh Udang

    The overgrown ruins of Tarutao's political prisoners camp can be seen at Ao Taloh Udang, 24km southeast of the park headquarters. Return long-tail…

  • Bay

    Ao Taloh Waw

    The prison camp for civilian prisoners was on Ko Tarutao's isolated east coast, 12km southeast of Ao Pante Malacca. A historical trail leads through Ao…

  • Beach

    Ao Pante Malacca

    Ao Pante Malacca, on the northwest of Ko Tarutao, is the island's main arrival and departure point, with a pleasant beach shaded by pandanus and…

  • Mosque

    Masjid Mambang

    Dating back to 1849, Satun's oldest mosque sits in the centre of town and was extensively rebuilt in a contemporary style in the 1970s. Non-Muslims are…

  • Waterfall

    Pirate’s Falls

    Reached via a short jungle trail, Pirate’s Falls is rumoured to have been a freshwater source for pirates (and is more of a cascading river than a…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Satun Province.

  • Activities