Amphoe Khuan DonBung Thale BanBung Thale Ban is a large swamp that is situated in the middle of a valley and surrounded by Chin and Wang Pra mountains. The swamp covers an area of 320 square kilometers and is full of freshwater fish and shells. There is an abundance of Bakong trees around the swamp. The park built a pavilion beside the swamp, which is an ideal place for recreation.
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Namtok Ton PlioNamtok Ton Plio originates from the Chin Mountain. It is a large waterfall that comes down several levels and has an all-year-round water flow. To get there, drive on Highway No. 1484 (Khuan Sato-Wang Prachan) for about 12 kms. from the park headquarters, then take a laterite road at the junction for another 3 kms.
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Namtok Ya RoiNamtok Ya Roi is a waterfall which runs from Hua Kraming forest. It is a nine-level waterfall, each possessing a swimming basin. To get there, take Highway No. 4148 (Khuan Sato-Wang Prachan) for 7 kms., then turn right for 700 meters.
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Thale Ban National Park
Thale Ban National Park is at Ban Wang Prachan, Tambon Wang Prachan. The National Park is located 40 kms. from town and occupies an area of 195,200 square kilometers. The Park covers the National Reserve Forest of Ku Pang Pu To and Hua Ka Ming, including Khuan Bo Nam Pu Yu in Tambon Pu Yu, Amphoe Mueang. It was declared a national park on October 27, 1980.
The word Thale Ban derives from Loet Ru Ban in the Malay language, meaning a collapsed sea or a sea that was born out of a land collapse. Thale Ban National Park originated from a land depression between Khao Chin and Khao Mot Daeng. There is a large swamp, which covers an area of 101,360 square kilometers. Most of the area is mountainous and teeming with various kinds of plants and animals, such as water birds, tapir, and Khiat Wak, or Water Dog. The amphibious Khiat Wak resembles a frog or toad, but has a tail and yelps like a dog. Plenty of these creatures can be seen around the swamp in the rainy season. The Khiat Wak is an indigenous animal to Thale Ban. Bird-watchers should not miss a chance to see the different variety of birds here, including red back myna, woodpecker, bulbul, and swallow. Lodges and tents are available in the National Park. For more information, contact tel: 0-7479-7073.
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Amphoe Khuan Kalong
Namtok Panan
Namtok Panan is at Tambon Thung Nui, 39 kms. from town. The waterfall originates from Ka Ming Mountain. It has a year-round supply of water and is surrounded by a pleasant forested area.
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Namtok Than Sawan
Namtok Than Sawan is a five-level waterfall located at Tambon Khuan Kalong, 12 kms. from Khuan Kalong District Office. Drive onto the road that lies in front of the Industrial Estate Office junction, which passes the Khuan Kalong district, then drive onwards to Soi 10.
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Amphoe La-nguTarutao National Park
Tarutao is the first marine park of Thailand. It is famous for its distinguished history and natural beauty. It is located in the Andaman Sea 40 kilometres from town or 22 kilometres from Bara Pier. The park borders Mu Ko Phetra National Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park occupies an area of 1,490 square kilometres and comprises 51 islands. Seven large islands are Ko Tarutao , Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Li Pe , Ko Klang, Ko Ba Tuang, and Ko Bit Si. Tarutao was proclaimed a National Park on 19 April 1974 and declared by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve in 1982. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park that covers an area of 152 square kilometres. The island is teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches. There are also camping and diving facility to see corals.
Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island comprises two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southernmost bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison for common and political prisoners which is situated in the south and the east of the island.The historical six-kilometre road trail was built by prisoners connecting Ao Talowao to Ao Talo Udang and is 12 kilometres long.
Activities on Ko TarutaoWalking trail from the National Park Office on Ao Phante Malaka is a 12-kilometre walking trail which runs through verdant forest all the way to Ao Talowao. Various types of trees, wild animals like wild boar and mouse deer, and birds, hornbills in particular, are found along sides this trail. An eight-kilometre walking trail begins at Ao Ma Lae ends at Ao Son, passing through virgin forest where various kinds of birds are found. Bird-watching is ideal here.
Boat rides on a long-tail boat around island for eco-tourism is recommended. The National Park provides boat service with guides for visitors to tour around beaches. The journey could begin with bird-watching on Ao Chak, going to see the longest white sandy beach on Tarutao Island at Ao Son, tracing historical trail on Ao Talo Udang, enjoying natural beauty on Ao Talowao , ending with diving and visiting mangrove forests. For more information on a one-day trip, contact the tourist centre at the Tarutao National Park.
Mu Ko Adang Rawi is located 40 kilometres from the east of Tarutao Island or 80 kilometres from town. The 30 square-kilometre island possesses beautiful sandy beaches and coral reefs. There are several small islands around Mu Ko Adang-Rawi including Ko Li Pe, Ko Dong, Ko Hin Ngam, and Kao Yang . Diving can be done around Ko Adang and Ko Rawi. The area of Ko Adang is mountainous and covered with forest and has a large waterfall where water runs all year round.
Ko Li Pe, is located 2 kilometres from the south of Ko Adang. This is where a sea gypsy village is situated. On the 13th-15th day of the waxing moon in May and November, sea gypsies would gather for a traditional celebration for 3 days and 3 nights. They would join in building a boat to float in the sea to in the belief that this would predict that fishing fortunes. The island offers coral reefs, a beautiful bay, and a white sandy beach. Ao Phatthaya is the most beautiful bay on this island. Privately-owned accommodation is available.
Ko Hin Ngam is located in the southwest of Ko Adang. It is full of shiny black pebbles along its beaches.
Ko Khai is located in the west of Tarutao Island, 40 minutes from Tarutao. The famous natural stone arch which is somewhat of a symbol of Tarutao National Park is located on Ko Khai. Coral reefs can be found around the island. Camping is not allowed on this island but swimming can be done.
Diving and snorkeling can be done around Ko Cha Bang where light-coloured flower corals lie underneath the sea. Deepwater and shallow-water snorkeling for antler coral and table coral is recommended around Ko Yang and Ko Kata. Snorkeling for hard coral is recommended around Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Kra, and Ko Dong
How to Get To Tarutao National Park and its islandsPak Bara Pier is home to the branch office of Tarutao National Park. It is located 22 kilometres from Ko Tarutao and is the nearest pier to Tarutao Island.
Accommodation in Tarutao National ParkAccommodations are available on Tarutao and Adang islands. For more information contact the Marine National Park, Forestry Department tel: 0 2561 2918-21 or Tarutao National Park, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe La-ngu, Satun 91110 tel: 0 7478 1285 and Tarutao unit tel: 0 7472 9002-3.
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Moo Ko Phetra National Park
Moo Ko Phetra National Park The sampan shaped island is situated on the Straits of Malacca, Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean, west of Thailand. It consists of a long coastline from Tambon Pak Nam, La-ngu district, Tambon Khon Khlan, Thung Wa distict, Satun and Tambon Sukon, Pa Lian district, Trang. The several off-shore islands include Ko Phetra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko La Lo Ban Te, Ko Li Di, Ko Bu Loan, Ko Lao Liang, and Ko Perama. Most of the area consists of steep mountains with plains in the valleys and beaches. The park occupies both land and sea areas, with an area of 494.38 sq. kms. It was declared a national park on December 31, 1984 and is full of forest, mountains, wildlife, and colorful corals.
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Ko Bulon Le
Ko Bulon Le is located 22 kms. from Pak Bara Pier. The beach is white and the water here is suitable for swimming. Diving and snorkeling can be done around Ko Ayam and Ko Hin Khao, where one can get a great view of the sunset. At night a group of hermit crabs and smaller crabs populate the beach.
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Ko Li Di LekKo Li Di Lek is located 5 kms. from the Office of Moo Ko Phetra National Park (Ao Nun), or 7 kms. from Pak Bara Pier. The National Park Protection Unit is located on this island. The island offers a white sandy beach and crystal clear water. The island also has mangrove forests and various kinds of marine animals. Tourists wishing to camp on the island must bring their own tents and food as there are no restaurants. Ko Li Di Yai, nearby Ko Li Di Lek, has bird nest concessions operated by the private sector and is off-limits to visitors.
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Namtok Wang Sai Thong
Namtok Wang Sai Thong is on Ro Po Cho Road (Thung Nang Kaeo-Wang Sai Thong Road). The waterfall can be reached by taking the Satun-La-ngu Road at Ban Ko Ta junction, Tambon Kamphaeng. From there, it is about 26 kms. to Namtok Wang Sai Thong. Namtok Wang Sai Thong is also accessible from Wa Bridge in Thung Wa district, Tambon Pa Kae Bo Hin. This route is 19 kms. The highlight of this waterfall is the pool of water in each limestone basin that resembles a blooming lotus when water falls down to that level. The area has large shady trees and is suitable for relaxation.
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Satun Freshwater Fisheries OfficeSatun Freshwater Fisheries Office is at Moo 7, Tambon Kamphaeng. The Fisheries Office is a nursing home of rare Kradan turtles that can be only be found here in all of Thailand. It is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information, call 0-7478-1299.
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Amphoe Thung WaNamtok Than Plio
Namtok Than Plio is at Moo 7, Tambon Thung Wa, 14 kms. from the District Office. The two-level waterfall originates from Lung Khroe Mountain in Trang-Satun. The lower level is a basin that is 40 meters wide and 50 meters long. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and various kinds of trees. To get there, drive off the Thung Wa-Pa Lian Road at the 35-km marker, continue onwards for 8 kms. to Ban Thung Yao Nui in Tambon Thung Wa.
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Amphoe MueangKhao To Phaya Wang Park
Khao To Phaya Wang Park is located in Satun metropolitan area on Khuha Prawet Road. Surrounded by a small, limestone hill with a cave and a brook, it is teeming with various kinds of trees, which makes the public park peaceful and suitable for recreation.
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Ko LangkawiKo Langkawi Tourists who want to visit Langkawi Island in Malaysia can board boats from Tam Ma Lang Pier, which is located 5 kms. from town. For information contact the Thai Ferry company tel: 0-7472-2143, 0-7473-0050-1, fax: 0-7471-1782 or Satun Travel and Ferry Company tel: 0-7471-1453, 0-7472-1960.
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Ku Den MuseumKu Den Museum is situated on Satun Thani Road, opposite the Satun Land Department Office. The two-story building received the influence of western styled architecture; particularly the windows and doors which are of Roman motifs. The roofs were designed in the Thai's Panya style. The windows were assembled with narrow strips of boards arranged horizontally. The semi - circular clay tiles were used to cover the roofs. The ventilation at the upper-front of the building is decorated with star-shaped designs, imminently influenced by Muslim architecture. Phraya Phuminatphakdi, the former governor of Satun, built it in 1902 as his residence. The building was used as a city hall, though nowadays it serves as a museum housing antiques and artifacts and exhibiting the local art and culture.
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Laem Than Yong PoLaem Than Yong Po and Hat Sai Yao are located at the estuary of Satun Bay and can be reached by boarding a boat for the 1-hour trip from Ko Nok Customs Office or at a pier behind Satun Central Market. Travelling by bus is also possible by riding a bus for 7 kms. to Che Bi Lang Pier, then turn left and continue another 15 kms. to Tan Yong Po. Laem Than Yong Po is a promontory jutting into the Andaman Sea. Tourists are lured here by the fascination of the fishermens' village and a powdery, white sand beach fringed with a large area of coconut grove.
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Old Buildings on Buri Wanich Road
Old Buildings on Buri Wanich Road Located on Buri Wanich Road in Satun municipality area, the 600 meter long row houses provide a pedestrian walkway that is shaded by the upper floor. The front of the concrete walled houses consist of three parts: the Roman styled color glass arch at the top, the wooden board Venetian blinds in the middle, and the solid concrete bottom. These buildings, previously called Phraya Phumin Phakdi's Row houses, were built during the same period as Ku Den Museum. Now some of the houses have been dismantled but most parts still remain.
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Satun Central Mosque
Satun Central Mosque (Majid Mambang) is located on Buri Wanit Road and Satun Thani Road in the center of Satun. The mosque was built in modern Islamic architecture style and decorated with marble and colorful glasses. The building is divided into two parts: outside is a corridor that leads to a dome tower where there are picturesque views of Satun and inside is a prayer hall. The library is located in the basement. Previously, Masjid Bambang was a one storey building. Its unique three-tier roofs were arranged in a pyramid shape with the smallest one on the top and the largest at the bottom to cover the whole building. The floors were covered with brown tiles. The interior measured 13 meters both in length and width and the building was supported by four wooden poles. The original Masjid had deteriorated because of its wooden structures and because it was too small to accommodate worshippers performing prayers. It was then uprooted and rebuilt in the same plot of land. The new building was completed in May 1979.
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Fish and shrimp crisp
The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers. Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.
High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.
The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs. To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April to November.
Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.
In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.
When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.
The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.
Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading. 
Rambutan Fair
