';
side-area-logo
© 2019 ThailandVillageAcademy.com All Rights Reserved.

Thung Wa Community

Satun

About the Community

The Sugnai Upe Canal once was the most important trade route around Southern Thailand’s Thung Wa area hundreds of years ago. Its name originated from the Malay words for “canal” and a certain species of betel nut palm, with seafarers in the olden days naming the canal after the most common plant found in the area. The town itself became so prosperous it was once considered second only to the port in nearby Penang.

Long after its glory days has passed, its charms can still be found in abundance, be it the many Shino-Portuguese buildings dating back to the Rama V era, archaeological sites at Tham Le Stegodon or the Ancient Elephant Museum at Thung Wa – where 1.8 million-year-old fossils of Stegodon are on display.

As for community-based travel, experiencing the traditional fisherman’s lifestyle is something not to be missed. Other fun activities include cooking local desserts alongside the village’s local women group to drying preserved fish and making shrimp paste. One can explore the garden and help out with planting pitcher plants or tapping rubber trees for latex. If you’re flexible in terms of when to come, it’s also recommended to visit when the villagers’ hold their ancestral spirits worship ceremony, an age-old tradition unique to Thung Wa community.

What will you learn?

Get a fascinating local history lesson at the impressive Le Stegodon cave and Tung Wha Elephant Museum which houses Le Stegodon fossils that date back over 1.8 million years. Experience the true coastal lifestyle and learn some local traditions which have been passed on for generations.

Cultural and Local Wisdom Heritage

Chino-Portuguese buildings: ” Chino-Portuguese ”-style buildings have a long history dating back to 1894, when King Rama V implemented the “monthon” administrative subdivision system. Later in 1897, Monthon Saiburi was founded, consisting of Saiburi, Palis and Satun. Praya Puminatpakdee was assigned to govern Satun for 18 years, starting from 14 June 1900. He had lived in Penang, so he decided to develop Su-ngai U-pe as a pepper plantation region, build a port to transport the products to sell in Penang via the Penang-Su-ngai U-pe steamboat route, and invited the Chinese in Penang to settle down in Su-ngai U-pe. These Chino-Portuguese buildings were built by the Chinese merchants to use as houses. Nowadays traces of them can still be seen in Tung Wah market.

Pee Bo: The Pee Bo (spirits) tradition comes from the word ‘Bo’ which means a “party” or “group” in the southern language. Pee Bo is an important tradition inherited from Tung Wah’s early days. It used to be done separately but later, when families grew bigger, large ceremonies started to take place together. It involves paying respect to the spirits and ghosts in front of the market, in the town center, to dedicate merit to those who have passed away with no relatives who would pray for them.

Activities
TEN00119
TEN00027
TEN07924
TEN07358
TEN00150
TEN07659
  • Take a kayak to explore the stalagmites in Le Stegodon Cave.
  • Explore the stegodon fossil at Ancient Elephant Museum Thung Wa.
  • Craft orchid flowers from Thai clay.
  • How to make tie-dyed.
  • Craft necklaces from candle ropes and sew cloth hats.
  • Explore the carnivorous plant “Nepenthes”.
Programs

Program 2 Days 1 Night

Program 2 Day 1 Night

Day 1: Hat Yai Airport – Chalermrach Cultural Centre – Lestagodon Cave
8.00 am Take an air-conditioned van from the meeting point at Hat Yai Airport and leave for Tung Wah District.
10.00 am Arrive at the tourist information centre of Satun’s Geopark
Go on a guided tour to learn about Satun’s land formation and how it gained the status of “Satun UNESCO Global Geopark”. Next, head to Chalermrach Cultural Centre, Tung Wah’s Ancient Elephant Museum which showcases the way of living and culture of the province, as well as the impressive Lestagodon elephant fossils that are over 1.8 million years old. Don’t forget to catch the 3D movie about Satun Geopark.
12.00 pm Local dishes for lunch by Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
Head to Lestagodon Cave and listen to the safety instructions from the guide before entering Lay Cave.
1.00 pm Kayak through the cave, admiring the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. This is thought to be the longest underwater cave system throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula (you’ll be following a 4km-route)
4.00 pm Depart for Tha Oyy View Point and take a long-tail boat out to see the ‘Dragon’s back’, which emerges when the tide is low in the middle of the sea – resembling a dragon figure enjoying the sea currents!
Check-in at Tung Wah Homestaygodon, certified by Thailand’s standard of 2017-2019
7.00 pm Dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and free time
Day 2: Old Town – Chom Phu Nimit Temple – Chim Hydroponics Farm
7.30 am Visit the old market, formerly known as “Su Ngai U Pay” and regarded as “little Penang” in the past. Take in the historical atmosphere as you pass old buildings and Chino-Portuguese architecture. You can also grab some breakfast at the market.
8.30 am Visit and learn about the history of Chom Phu Nimit Temple and pay respect to Luang Por Kan Chan, the invaluable figure of Tung Wah
9.00 am Be amazed by the various types of tropical pitcher plants and try dessert made of the certain plant at Suan Kuan Kong
11.00 am Orchid-making and Satun’s Paphiopedium orchid from clay
12.30 pm Lunch at Preeda Homestay
1.30 pm Visit “Chim Hydroponics”, the soil-less farm known for growing the best-quality melons in the region. Here, you can also try Satun’s only “Melon Coffee” – not to be missed!
3.00 pm Leave for Hat Yai Airport and bid farewell. Have a safe journey back to Bangkok with the group.

The program may be adjusted to suit the sea level.

Program 2 Days 1 Night

No. of visitors 1 person 2-3 persons 4-5 persons 6-7 persons 8-10 persons 40-50 persons
Rate/Person (THB) 14,800 8,400 5,300 4,300 3,800 3,500

Included in the program:

  • All transportation in the program
  • Tourist boat
  • 1 night’s accommodation
  • 3 meals
  • Guide
  • Entrance fees and activities

Not included in the program:

  • Tip for services
  • Food and drinks apart from those provided by the company

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Day 1: Hat Yai Airport – Chalermrach Cultural Centre – Lestagodon Cave
8.00 am Take an air-conditioned van from the meeting point at Hat Yai Airport and leave for Tung Wah District
10.00 am Arrive at the tourist information centre of Satun’s Geopark
Go on a guided tour to learn about Satun’s land formation and how it gained the status of “Satun UNESCO Global Geopark”.  Next, head to Chalermrach Cultural Centre, Tung Wah’s Ancient Elephant Museum which showcases the way of living and culture of the province, as well as the impressive Lestagodon elephant fossils that are over 1.8 million years old. Don’t forget to catch the 3D movie about Satun Geopark.
12.00 pm Local dishes for lunch by Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
Head to Lestagodon Cave and listen to the safety instructions from the guide before entering Lay Cave.
1.00 pm Kayak through the cave, admiring the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. This is thought to be the longest underwater cave system throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula (you’ll be following a 4km-route)
4.00 pm Depart for Tha Oyy View Point and take a long-tail boat out to see the ‘Dragon’s back’, which emerges when the tide is low in the middle of the sea – resembling a dragon figure enjoying the sea currents!
Check-in at Tung Wah Homestaygodon, certified by Thailand’s standard of 2017-2019
7.00 pm Dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and free time for the rest of the evening.
Day 2: Chom Phu Nimit Temple – Chim Hydroponics Farm
7.30 am Visit the old market, formerly known as “Su Ngai U Pay” and regarded as “little Penang” in the past. Take in the historical atmosphere as you pass old buildings and Chino-Portuguese architecture. You can also grab some breakfast at the market.
8.30 am Visit and learn about the history of Chom Phu Nimit Temple and pay respect to Luang Por Kan Chan, the invaluable figure of Tung Wah
9.30 am Learn about tie-dyed fabric from Taboon tree and dessert making at ‘Love dessert’
12.00 pm Lunch at the multipurpose hall
2.00 pm Visit “Chim Hydroponics”, the soil-less farm known for growing the best-quality melons in the region. Here, you can also try Satun’s only “Melon Coffee” – not to be missed!
3.30 pm Back to the accommodation
7.00 pm Dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and then free time
Day 3: Suan Kuan Kong
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestaygodon
9.00 am Be amazed by the various types of tropical pitcher plants and try a dessert made of the certain plant at Suan Kuan Kong
11.00 am Orchid-making and Satun’s Paphiopedium orchid from clay
12.30 pm Lunch at Preeda Homestay
2.00 pm Depart for Hat Yai Airport and bid farewell before flying back to Bangkok with the travelling group

The program may be adjusted to suit the sea level.

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

No. of visitors 1 person 2-3 persons 4-5 persons 6-7 persons 8-10 persons 40-50 persons
Rate/Person (THB) 18,900 11,900 7,900 6,000 5,500 5,000

Included in the program:

  • All transportation in the program
  • Tourist boat
  • 2 nights’ accommodation
  • 8 meals
  • Guide
  • Entrance fees and activities

Not included in the program:

  • Tips for service
  • Food and drinks apart from those provided by the company

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

Day 1: Hat Yai Airport – Luang Por Kaen Chan
Afternoon Take an air-conditioned van from the meeting point at Hat Yai Airport and leave for Tung Wah District.
Tung Wah District was once a prosperous port town named “Su-Ngai-Au-Pae” which was used to trade with foreign countries, hence the nickname of “Little Penang”. See the ancient way of life at Chom-Pu-Ni-Mit Temple and engage in a worship with Kan-Chan Monk, the highly-respected monk of Tung Wah District.
Check-in at Tung Wah Homestaygodon, certified by Thailand’s standard of 2017-2019
7.00 pm Dinner at the homestay and then free time
Day 2: ChalermRach Cultural Centre – Lestagodon Cave
8.00 am Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am Arrive at the tourist information centre of Satun’s Geopark
Go on a guided tour to learn about Satun’s land formation and how it gained the status of “Satun UNESCO Global Geopark”.
10.00 am Next, head to Chalermrach Cultural Centre, Tung Wah’s Ancient Elephant Museum which showcases the way of living and culture of the province, as well as the impressive Lestagodon elephant fossils that are over 1.8 million years old.
11.30 am Local dishes to try for lunch by Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
Head to Lestagodon Cave and listen to the safety instructions from the guide before entering Lay Cave.
1.00 pm Kayak through the cave, admiring the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. This is thought to be the longest underwater cave system throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula (you’ll be following a 4km-route)
4.00 pm Head to Tha Oyy View Point and then return to the accommodation
7.00 pm Dinner at the homestay and free time
Day 3: Dragon’s Back – Tie-dyed fabric
8.00 am Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am Depart for Tha Oyy View Point and take a long-tail boat out to see the ‘Dragon’s back’, which emerges when the tide is low in the middle of the sea – resembling a dragon figure enjoying the sea currents!
12.00 pm Return to Tha Oyy View Point to have lunch at the multipurpose hall
1.00 pm Learn about tie-dyed fabric from Taboon tree
2.30 pm Dessert cooking: Love dessert
4.00 pm Return to the accommodation
7.00 pm Dinner at the homestay and free time
Day 4: Kuan-Kong Garden – Orchid Handcraft – Than Plew waterfall
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Be amazed by the various types of tropical pitcher plants and try dessert made of the certain plant at “Suan Kuan Kong”
11.00 am Orchid-making and Satun’s Paphiopedium orchid from clay
12.30 pm Lunch at Preeda Homestay
1.30 pm Leave for Tarn Plew Waterfall
4.00 pm Return to the accommodation
7.00 pm Dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and free time
Day 5: Hydroponics Farm – Fisherman’s Way of Life
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
9.00 am Learn how to knit with wax rope and make a necklace or bracelet
10.00 am Hat-making from recycled cloths
12.00 pm Lunch at Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
1.00 pm Depart for the old market, formerly known as “Su Ngai U Pay” and regarded as “little Penang” in the past. Take in the historical atmosphere as you pass old buildings and Chino-Portuguese architecture.
Visit “Chim Hydroponics”, the soil-less farm known for growing the best-quality melons in the region. Here, you can also try Satun’s only “Melon Coffee” – not to be missed!
5.00 pm Leave to Tung Wah Pier and learn about fishermen’s way of life and Dinner on cruise
10.00 pm Return to the accommodation
Day 6: Urai Thong Cave – Had-Yai Airport
8.00 am Dinner at Tung Wah’s Homestaygodon
9.00 am Leave for Urai Thong cave, situated in a solitary limestone mountain with its peak at 90 meters high; explore the 50-meterlong cave underneath and admire the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
12.00 pm Lunch at the restaurant by Pak Bara Beach before leaving
1.30 pm Arrive at Hat Yai Airport and bid farewell before flying back to Bangkok.

The program may be adjusted to suit the sea level.

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

No. of visitors 1 person 2-3 persons 4-5 persons 6-7 persons 8-10 persons 40-50 persons
Rate/Person (THB) 28,000 16,300 11,000 9,200 8,300 7,800

Included in the program:

  • All transportation in the program
  • Tourist boat
  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 15 meals
  • Guide
  • Entrance fees and activities

Not included in the program:

  • Tip for the services
  • Food and drinks apart from those provided by the company

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Day 1: Hat Yai Airport– Little Penang Chompoonimit Temple (evening)
Evening Board the A/C van at the meeting point, Hai Yai Airport. Travel to Tung Wah district.
Arrive in Tung Wah, a once-prosperous port and trading city known as “Su-ngai U-pe”. It was an important port that saw international trade, hence its former nickname of “Little Penang”. Travel back in time while visiting Chompoonimit Temple, pay respect to Luangpo Kanchan, Tung Wah’s sacred monk.
Check in at the accommodation “Tung Wah Homestay Godon”, a 2017-2019 Thai Homestay Standard-certified homestay.
7.00 pm Enjoy dinner at Tung Wah Homestay Godon and leisure time.
Day 2: Chalermrach Cultural Centre – Lestagodon Cave (morning, noon, evening)
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
9.00 am Arrive at the Satun Geopark tourist information centre. Get accompanied by a guide to see around the center and learn about the land formation in Satun and how it became “Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Then, head to “Chalermrach Cultural Centre, Tung Wah Ancient Elephant Museum”, where you can learn all about the life and culture of the province, along with an exhibition of Lestagodon elephant fossils that dates back over 1.8 million years. Watch a 3D movie about Satun Geopark.
10.00 am Take a look around Chalermrach Cultural Centre, Tung Wah Ancient Elephant Museum, which showcases the life and culture of the province, along with an exhibition on Lestagodon elephant fossils that are over 1.8 million years old.
11.30 am Try some local dishes cooked by the Tung Wah Homestaygodon group. Travel to Lestagodon Cave. Learn about the regulations and preparation for the cave visit.
1.00 pm Kayak past the stalagmites and stalactites in the cave. This is the longest underground cave on the Thai-Malay peninsula.  We follow the route to the end of the tunnel, over 4 km long and awarded 10th Tourism Industry of Thailand Award in 2015 and 11th in 2017 in the Natural Attraction category.
4.00 pm Travel back to Ta Aoi viewpoint then back to the accommodation.
7.00 pm Enjoy dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and leisure time.
Day 3: Dragon’s Backb – Tie-dye clothes – Kanom Pook Rak (morning, noon, evening)
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
9.00 am Travel to Ta Aoi viewpoint. Board a long-tail boat and visit the “Dragon’s Back”, a range of sand bars formed when the water level is low. It is most beautiful when the water level is at its lowest because the current around the bar makes it appear like a swimming dragon.
12.00 pm Back at Ta Aoi viewpoint with lunch served at the patio.
1.00 pm Learn how to dye clothes with natural dyes from cedar mangrove.
2.30 pm Learn how to make Kanom Pook Rak.
4.00 pm Back to the accommodation
7.00 pm Enjoy dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and leisure time.
Day 4: Kuan Kong Park–Crafting artificial orchid (morning, noon, evening)
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
9.00 am Admire the wonder of various species of the pitcher plant nepenthes gracilis. Taste cooked sticky rice stuffed in pitchers at “Kuan Kong Park”.
11.00 am Learn to craft artificial venus slipper orchid from clay.
12.30 pm Lunch at Ban Preeda Homestay
1.30 pm Enjoy the lush green scenery and fresh water at Tan Pliw Waterfall.
4.00 pm Back to the accommodation
7.00 pm Enjoy dinner at Tung Wah Homestaygodon and leisure time.
Day 5: Knit-bead-sew activity (morning, noon, evening)
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
9.00 am Learn how to knit thread necklaces and bracelets.
10.00 am Learn how to sew a hat from pieces of clothes.
12.00 pm Lunch at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
1.00 pm Visit the old market of Tung Wah and “Little Penang”, full of the old-day charms. Admire traces of old Chino-Portuguese buildings at Tung Wah market.
Visit “Chim Hydroponics Garden”, a soilless garden where Tung Wah’s high-quality melons grow. Taste “melon coffee”, a combination of coffee and melon from the only orchard in Satun.
5.00 pm Travel to Tung Wah pier. Learn about the fishermen’s way of life and dine on the boat.
10.00 pm Back to the accommodation
Day 6: Ban Ta Kam Kwai Community (morning, noon, evening)
8.00 am Breakfast at Tung Wah Homestay Godon
9.00 am Travel to Ban Ta Kam Kwai. Listen to the lecture on “Ban Ta Kam Kwai Community Tourism Management” and get an actual field learning experience with “Ban Wang Tong Donax Weaving Group”.
Noon Lunch
3.00 pm Board a boat to visit Mai Kao Beach, the only white-sand beach in Tung Wah. It is 1,600 meters long and is home to butterflies, ghost crabs, Lyle’s flying foxes and the wild nature.
Cruise along “Tong Hom Canal” and see how hawks are fed. Travel to Saban Island, a place to see Lyle’s flying foxes and shell fossils accumulated over a long period of time – now one of Satun’s most popular geological sites.
6.30 pm Dinner on a floating raft before heading to Ban Naton Homestay
Day 7: Uraitong Cave (morning, noon)
8.00 am Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am Travel to Uraitong Cave, a 90-meter-high prominent limestone hill with a 50-meter-long tunnel cut through. Inside are spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
12.00 pm Lunch at the restaurant near Pakbara beach. Head to Hat Yai Airport.
1.30 pm Travel to Hat Yai Airport. Enjoy a safe journey back – and don’t forget to share some of your great memories with us after!

The program may be adjusted to suit the sea level.

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

No. of visitors 1 person 2-3 persons 4-5 persons 6-7 persons 8-10 persons 40-50 persons
Rate/Person (THB) 35,500 20,400 13,500 11,200 9,900 9,900

Included in the program:

  • All transportation in the program
  • Boat tours
  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • 18 meals
  • Guide
  • Entrance fees and activities
  • Travel insurance with a sum insured of 1 million baht plus medical fee

Not included in the program:

  • Tips for service
  • Food and drinks apart from those provided by the company

Seasons/ Periods of Visit: All-year-round

Local Foods
TEN08035
TEN08032
  • Hearb-roasted mini shrimps
  • Nautiloid in black sauce
Local Products
TEN07647
TEN00135-3
TEN07908-3
  • Tie-dye clothes
  • Sticky rice in pitcher
  • Melon coffee
  • Crafted venus slipper orchid
  • Kanom pook rak
Home stay
Ban P’Samrit
TEN08494
TEN08470
TEN08469
TEN08488
TEN08479
Ban Khun Preeda
TEN00050
TEN00058
TEN00077
TEN00088
TEN00029
Ban Ja Yoh
TEN08372
TEN08376
TEN08398
TEN08403
TEN08391
Hosts/Local Masters
Local Master
นายพีรเดช-สิทธิโกศล

Mr. Peeradet Sittikoson

Cultural master

นายวรวิทย์-ควนข้อง

Mr. Worawit Kuankong

Agro-cultural master

นายราเฉด-แดงงาม

Mr. Rashade Daeng-ngam

Local wisdom master

Local Interpretors
นายพีรเดช-สิทธิโกศล

Mr. Peeradet Sittikoson

Photo/VDO Gallery
ปกGalleryชุมชนทุ่งหว้า3
View All
Nearby attractions
TEN08220-Edit
TEN00107
TEN08117
  • Ban Ta Kam Kwai Community
  • Uraitong Cave
  • Pan Yod Stone Castle
  • Pu Pa Pet Cave
  • Wang Saitong Waterfall
  • Rafting
How to get there

Take a Hat Yai-Tung Wah van, then a community vehicle will bring you around.

Community’s Contact Information

Community tourism coordinator: Ms. Kanlaya Ketsri
Phone: 08-4858-5100
Social media: Lestagodon Cave
Address: 260 Moo 8, Tung Wah sub-district, Tung Wah district, Satun 91120

Tour Agent Contact Information

Tour operator’s name: Satun C.P.S. Travel Co., Ltd.
Address: 529/1 Moo 1, Ban Kuan sub-district, Mueang district, Satun 91140
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 09-0289-6245
Social media: www.facebook.com/satuncpstravel

logo