dixonthum

6 Places to Stay in Satun, Thailand

July 19, 2024 dixonthum

Planning your stay in Satun, Thailand? Discover 6 hotels that promise unforgettable experiences and exceptional comfort. From riverside retreats to centrally located accommodations, each hotel offers unique experience. Whether you’re seeking tranquility at a boutique resort or the convenience of town area, Satun has something for every traveler’s preference. Come explore this list of hotels that I have curated for your next adventure in this beautiful coastal province of Southern Thailand.

Navakiri Boutique Resort
I think this is one of the more luxurious hotels in Satun. Situated in Ban Khuan, Navakiri Boutique Resort offers guests a serene stay with an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden, and a bar. The resort provides room service and currency exchange, ensuring convenience for all visitors. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with amenities including a desk, kettle, refrigerator, minibar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, terrace, and a private bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Free Wi-Fi is accessible to all guests. Breakfast, buffet style, is included too with local and western cuisine choices.

Location: 363 Chalung, Mueang Satun, Chalung, 91140 Thailand

Tanjung Buri Resort
Located just 2 km from Satun downtown, Tanjung Buri Resort is an ideal retreat after a day of excitement. The hotel features a cozy bar and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the property to keep you connected. The rooms offer a relaxing space with amenities such as a water heater, and a TV. This place also offers an excellent spot for sunrise viewing, at the Rainbow Bridge next to it.

Location: 159 Moo.3, Tanyongpo, Mueang Satun District, 91000, Thailand

Phuthan Resort
This resort is located in Thung Wa, offers a pleasant stay with a base for adventurous exploration. Started off as a fruit farm, now Phuthan Resort offers more facilities like water rafting and horse riding. The resort features a spacious, well-equipped event hall, catering to various occasions and special events. Rooms are equipped with water heater, air-conditioning, and TV. Whether you’re traveling alone or in groups, Phuthan Resort stands out as the smart choice for visitors to Thung Wa.

Location: 203 หมู่ 10 Nam Phut, La-ngu District, Satun 91110, Thailand

The One Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel in Satun offers a comfortable stay with its air-conditioned rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. It also features a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and currency exchange services. Each room includes a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, desk, and kettle, with some rooms offering city views. Conveniently situated in the city center, guests are close to attractions and dining options.

Location: 7 Satun Thani Road Phiman Subdistrict, Mueang District, Satun 91000, Thailand

DeliZia de Villa
DeliZia de Villa in Satun is a homestay that fits 10 guests, ideal for groups and families. This air-conditioned villa features three bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and coffee machine, and two bathrooms with showers and free toiletries. Towels and bed linens are provided too. Guests can enjoy free private parking, and free Wi-Fi. It is located in Satun downtown which makes it convenient to travel around.

Location: 58, Satun Thani Road, Satun, 91000, Thailand

The Room Corner
The Room Corner, newly open for business, is a cozy lodge featuring air-conditioned rooms equipped with a TV, private bathroom, and options for twin beds or a queen-sized bed. Sharing the same space with Corner Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of local and Western cuisine conveniently on-site. Located next to the highway to Songkhla, this lodge provides easy access for travelers looking for comfort and convenience.

Location: Thung Nui, Khuan Kalong District, Satun 91130, Thailand

Food & Drink, Travel

9 Places to ‘Cari Makan’ in Satun, Thailand

July 17, 2024July 19, 2024 dixonthum

After my trip to Satun, I discovered 9 must-visit places perfect for anyone looking for food and ‘cari makan’ while traveling in this charming Satun town in Southern Thailand. From cozy cafes, delightful restaurants to street food, these recommendations showcase the food-hunting experiences Satun has to offer.

📍 Mo Cafe Halal Dim Sum
Each plate of dim sums here is just 20 Baht! So eat all you want without burning a hole in your pocket. Wide variety of choices and taste good to me!

Address: Yattrasawaddee Rd, Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Tanjung Buri Cafe
Not as sensational as some viral ports nearby, but the seafood is very fresh. Taste as good, minus the crowd.

Location: Tanyongpo, Mueang Satun District, Wilayah Satun, Negara Thai

📍 Roti Bang Fan
Best place to lepak with travel mates as they open until late night, with many choices of roti (as in roti canai), western and local dishes with some fusion twist.

Location: Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Eagle Feeding Trip at Tammalang
It’s my first experience dining on a boat, surrounded by flying eagles. The seafood was fresh and taste very good. My favourite were the clams and prawns.

Note: For this special dining experience, pre-arrangements are needed.

📍 De Bua Cafe
Perfect place for outdoor garden dining. Great natural backdrop for picture perfect moments.

Location: 66 ซอย 2 Khlong Khut, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Corner Cafe
I love the wagyu beef steak here. So juicy and tender. Other local dishes were great too, a bit to the spicy side. Ambience was very nice too.

Location: Thung Nui, Khuan Kalong District, Satun 91130, Thailand

📍 De Aomai Cafe
Best place to chill by the seaside, with a cup of coffee and dessert. The whole building was aesthetically pleasing too.

Location: 90 ม.1, Tanyongpo, เมือง Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Weekend Night Market at Duson
Also known as Nat Duson Khuan Don. Only opens on weekends, with super wide range of food choices, from fried chicken to sweet pastries. There are stalls that sell non-food items too like pre-loved clothes, shoes and toys.

Location: Khuan Don, Khuan Don District, Satun 91160, Thailand

📍 Night Market at Satunthanee Soi 3
This one operates daily. Relatively small, but you would be able to find something you want to try here, like I did. Quite balanced of choices like savoury and sweet choices, with fruits and condiments.

Location: Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Thailand

Health & Wellness

Soft Launch of Kireina Wellness in Shah Alam: Innovative Non-Invasive Beauty Treatments with Exilis by BTL

July 16, 2024 dixonthum

Congratulations to Kireina Wellness on the soft launch of your new premise in Laman Seri Business Park! Today I had the pleasure of attending the highly anticipated soft launch of Kireina Wellness, a cutting-edge beauty center that promises to redefine the standards of beauty and wellness in Malaysia. Previously located in Bandar Sunway, now Kireina Wellness is revamped with a fresh image and has relocated to a bigger premise in the bustling Laman Seri Business Park. This new sanctuary of beauty is poised to become a haven for women (and men) seeking the best in non-invasive treatments.

Innovative Treatments with Exilis by BTL
The highlight of the event was the demonstration of the Exilis by BTL machine, a revolutionary device from the United States known for its effectiveness in providing head-to-toe beauty treatments, done by Dr. Ainna Alias, Operations Director of Kireina Wellness, and Ms. Valerie from BTL Aesthetics Malaysia. From Femme 360 treatment (Vagina Tightening and Vulva Remodeling) to PRX Face Lifting, Fat Loss & Body Contouring, and Stem Cell Booster, Kireina Wellness offers a comprehensive range of non-invasive treatments that cater to every beauty need.

A Vision for Women’s Wellness
Founder Puan Azizah binti Salleh’s vision for Kireina Wellness is truly inspiring. She expressed her desire to create a safe and welcoming space for women to share their concerns and receive world-class beauty treatments. In her words, “The challenges of today’s world put immense pressure on women, not just physically but also mentally. Women strive to succeed in their careers, build families, and maintain intimacy with their husbands.”

Celebrity Testimonials and Real Results
During the event, we had the chance to hear testimonials from celebrities like Shikin Maembong, who shared their positive experience with the Exilis treatments. Shikin highlighted how the painless sessions, lasting no more than 8 minutes, delivered immediate results without any downtime. This endorsement, along with the presence of other notable clients such as singer Zur Eda, actress Nadia Brian, and singer and actor Cat Farish, added a layer of credibility and excitement to the launch.

Cutting-Edge Facilities and Comfort
Kireina Wellness has invested over RM 1 million in state-of-the-art equipment and comfortable spaces to ensure that clients receive the best care possible. For your information, all treatments offered here are non-invasive and use medical-grade materials and machines, the highest grade in the beauty industry.

📍 Kireina Wellness
209, Block 2, Persiaran Sukan, Laman Seri Business Park,
Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Operations hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM

Travel

Exploring Satun: Street Art, Temples, and Coffee in Southern Thailand

July 16, 2024 dixonthum

It was my first visit to Satun downtown, a hidden gem in Southern Thailand, which offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and vibrant street art. Little did I know, known as the “Little Penang of Satun,” this charming town features stunning murals along Buriwanich Road and Satun Thani Road, showcasing local artistry and heritage. A walking tour through Satun reveals the unique Harmony Street, where the Masjid Mambang mosque, Po Jeh Geng Shrine, and Wat Chanathip Chaloem temple stand as symbols of the town’s multicultural harmony. Let me share with you my experience in discovering Satun’s treasures, from its captivating street art to the cozy Ban Rao Drip Coffee café and the historic Satun National Museum Kuden Mansion, makes for an unforgettable journey through one of Thailand’s most culturally diverse towns.

Discovering the Street Art of Satun
Satun offers a unique charm and vibrancy that’s perfect for a walking tour. One of the highlights of this tour is the incredible street art found along Buriwanich Road and Satun Thani Road, an area affectionately known as the “Little Penang of Satun.” The murals here are not just visually stunning but also rich in cultural significance. They depict scenes from its multicultural heritage, daily life, and historical events, blending traditional Thai art with modern street art techniques. Many visitors will discover ideal spots for taking photos with these captivating street art installations scattered throughout the town.

The Harmony Street
A short walk from the street art hub brought me to one of the most fascinating parts of Satun: Harmony Street. This aptly named street is a microcosm of Satun’s cultural diversity, featuring a mosque, a Chinese temple, and a Siamese temple all in close proximity, giving me a sense of familiarity, similar to the situation in Penang.

The Masjid Mambang, with its serene atmosphere and intricate designs, stands as a testament to the deep-rooted Islamic heritage in the region. A few steps away along Samanthapradit Road is the Po Jeh Geng Shrine, vibrant in colours, reflecting the long-standing Chinese community in Satun. Not far away, the Wat Chanathip Chaloem, with its distinct Thai architecture, adds another layer of cultural richness. Walking through Harmony Street, I was amazed by how these diverse religious and cultural landmarks coexisted so peacefully, showcasing Satun’s vibrant multicultural spirit.

A Coffee Break at Ban Rao Drip Coffee
After soaking in the cultural richness of Harmony Street, I found myself at Ban Rao Drip Coffee, a cozy café that’s perfect for a refreshing break. This café is a gem for coffee enthusiasts, offering a variety of drip coffee options, like americano, latte, cappuccino and many more.

The ambience of Ban Rao Drip Coffee is warm and inviting, with rustic décor and friendly staff. Sipping on a perfectly brewed cup of drip coffee, I took a moment to reflect on the blend of cultures I’d just experienced. I was impressed by how Satun, akin to Penang, flourishes with its multiculturalism, where each community enriches the town’s distinct character.

📍Ban Rao Drip Coffee
Sulakanukoon 1 Alley, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand
Operations hours: 6AM – 7PM (daily), 9AM – 7PM (Friday)

Satun National Museum (Kuden Mansion)
My walking tour concluded with a visit to the Satun National Museum, housed in the historic Kuden Mansion. The mansion was built Phraya Phumnatphakdi or Tunku Baharutdin Bin Tammahong (formerly Kuden Binkumae), the former governor of Satun, and was intended to be a royal residence during a royal visit of King Rama V to Southern Thailand. However, the king did not stay overnight here.

The mansion is currently used as a museum which exhibits range from ancient artifacts and traditional costumes to historical replicas and photographs. One of the most captivating displays is the section dedicated to the different ethnic groups and their houses that have shaped Satun’s history. As I wandered through the museum, I gained a deep sense of admiration for how Satun’s diverse cultural heritage has been intricately woven through the ages.

📍Satun National Museum
Satun Thani Rd, Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand
Operations hours: 9AM – 4PM daily (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)

Multicultural & Diversity
Exploring Satun on foot was a rewarding experience, revealing the town’s hidden gems and its harmonious multiculturalism. Just like Penang, Satun is a place where different cultures and religions coexist peacefully, enriching the community and creating a unique, vibrant atmosphere. Whether it’s through street art, historical landmarks, or a simple cup of coffee, Satun invites visitors to embrace and celebrate its diversity.

In conclusion, I find Satun is more than just a stopover; it’s a destination that offers a rich, multicultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to add Satun to your itinerary—you won’t be disappointed.

Travel

My Rafting Adventure & Retreat at Phuthan Resort in Satun, Thailand

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 dixonthum

Phuthan Resort is located in the tranquil and picturesque district of Thung Wa and is proved to be a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. My recent stay at this serene resort was nothing short of delightful, making it an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For your information, Phuthan Resort is one of the earliest and highest homestay along the Thung Wa Waterfall in Satun District.

Location and Surroundings
Phuthan Resort is strategically located, offering easy access to several natural attractions. It is merely 40.45 km from Mu Ko Phetra National Park and 39.91 km from Ko Sukorn, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The resort itself is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.

Activities and Amenities
Phuthan Resort offers a variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests. I indulged in some exhilarating water rafting, which was both thrilling and refreshing. This was a novice in water rafting, but I was misunderstood to be an “expert” by the operator. Luckily, they took care of the situation very well and we all had a safe and enjoyable rafting experience. Besides that, they also provide other interesting activities like horse riding and BBQ too. For your info, there is a stall selling snacks and beverages, but stocks are limited. The resort also boasts numerous photo spots, each one offering a unique backdrop of natural beauty. Whether it was the riverside, the lush gardens, the cafe or the quaint corners of the resort, every spot was Instagram-worthy.

The Resort Experience
From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the friendly staff and the resort’s warm and close to nature ambience. The accommodation was both affordable and comfortable, striking the perfect balance for any traveler. My room was well-equipped with a double bed, air conditioning, a water heater, a TV, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Some accommodation packages come with 3 meals too!

Dining and Relaxation
The on-site cafe was a delightful surprise, serving up excellent coffee and delectable desserts. Besides the cafe, there is a hall used to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is big enough to fit in about 30 people, making it perfect for group retreat. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of activities, with a serene view that added to the overall experience.

Interesting Fact
According to the owner, Phuthan Resort started off as a fruit orchard where guests come to eat fruits and was the earliest establishment here. Gradually, with growing requests, they launched a homestay and developed into the current condition.

Phuthan Resort is undoubtedly an excellent choice for anyone visiting Thung Wa. Whether you’re planning a solo retreat, a family vacation, or even a special event, this resort has everything you need. The combination of great service, comprehensive amenities, and a tranquil environment makes it a standout destination. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway close to nature, Phuthan Resort should be at the top of your list.