Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SATUN PROVINCE
Until recently, Satun was 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 in Malaysia. Which means, of course, that
they miss the untrammelled beaches and sea caves on Ko Tarutao, the rugged trails and
ribbon waterfalls of Ko Adang and the rustic beauty of Ko Bulon Leh.
Largely Muslim in make-up, Satun has seen little of the political turmoil that plagues
the neighbouring regions of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Around 60% of people here
speak Yawi or Malay as a first language, and the few wát in the region are quite humble
and vastly outnumbered by mosques.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Satun
POP 33,720
Lying in a steamy jungle valley surrounded by limestone cliffs and framed by a murky
river, isolated Satun is a surprisingly bustling little city - the focal point of a province
home to a quarter million people. Malaysia-based yachties, passing through for cheap re-
pairs in Satun's acclaimed boat yard, are the only travellers who seem to hang around, but
if you wander a bit before you leave, you'll see some interesting religious architecture, lots
of friendly smiles and plenty of gritty charm.
