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Home > Thailand Info > Southern Region
Southern
Region
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SATUN |
 Satun
is a small, mountainous province on the west coast, bordering
Malaysia and predominantly Muslim, as evidenced
by the large Bambang Mosque in the centre of town.
Most
tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao Marine
National Park. There are 51 islands in two main
groups - Tarutao group and Adang-Rawi group - ranging
from the largest, Tarutao, to small, uninhabited retreats
used for scientific study.
The
landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches,
calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps.
There's plenty of wildlife on offer, including numerous
birds and monkeys, as well as green turtles, dolphins
and dugong.
There
used to be crocodiles on Tarutao - have a look at Crocodile
Cave and it was also a penal colony, but now
it is a top tourist attraction. Excellent snorkelling
can be found at Lipe island, while neighbour Adang
is stunning with forest, hills and waterfalls.
Around
Satun, there are plenty of interesting sights, including
dove farms, forest parks, huge waterfalls and temples.
Thale Ban National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife,
with many waterfalls and caves worth visiting.
Songkhla
Lake is Thailand's largest inland body of water, where
fishing predominates. Yo island is famous for its
fabrics, the Institute of Southern Studies and its
collection of folk arts, and Wat Pha Kho, a temple where
legend says a holy man prevented a pirate invasion
by turning salt water into fresh water with his feet.
At the northern end of the lake is Khu Khut Waterfowl
Park, renowned for its wide variety of birdlife.
A
mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best
known as a fishing and trading port. It was settled
by the Hokkien Chinese, and their strong influence
is evident in the town.
Ranong
town is a gateway to Myanmar, with colourful longboats
ferrying produce and people across the narrow divide
that separates the two countries. The traffic is
even heavier these days since a casino opened at Victoria
Point. The famous hot springs are just outside of
town, where an arboretum and various first- class
hotels cater to visitors eager to benefit from the medicinal
properties of the mineral waters.
Ranong
has one of the highest rainfalls in the country, giving
rise to lush greenery and stunning waterfalls, like
Punyaban Falls that cascade off a cliff on the outskirts
of town. Further south, Laem Son National Park is an intriguing
seascape of mangroves, cliff, beautiful beaches and uninhabited
islands that offer interesting diving.
The
large island of Chang is increasingly popular as a relaxing
destination, with quiet beaches, herb gardens and
prolific fruit orchards.
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