Satun: Old Town, Architecture and Culture

Discover Satun through its Old Town, with its range of cultural and architectural perspectives. Sino-European or Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses, street art and religious cultural sites each offer a different focus; the Satun National Museum–Kuden Mansion explores the history and way of life of the people of Satun. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Satun, these themes can help guide your trip planning: they can show whether architecture, street art or history should shape your stay.

Architecture in the Old Town

The Old Town features a variety of architectural styles, shaped by influences from different periods in the city’s development. One clearly defined group is the Sino-European or Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses, locally known as “Penang-style rowhouses.” They are found in the Buriwanich Road area and along Sullakanukul Road. The two style terms describe the influences on these buildings; “Penang-style rowhouses” is their local name. This connects a specific type of building with a broader picture of the Old Town’s architecture: the focus is both on the shophouses and on influences from different stages of the city’s development.

Cultural Sites and City History

The Satun National Museum–Kuden Mansion was restored as the city’s national museum. Its aim was to collect and present the history, customs, traditions and way of life of the people of Satun. As a cultural destination, the museum complements the architectural perspective with a focus on the history and way of life of local people. These offer two different approaches to trip planning: one through the built environment, and the other through the subjects explored by the museum.

Wat Chanathip Chaloem and the Satun Central Mosque (Mambang Mosque) are named as religious cultural sites in the Old Town. The Po Je Keng Shrine is also located there: according to a community record, it stands on Samanta Pradit Road and is more than 125 years old. Together, these places provide further specific names and locations to help you explore Satun’s culture.

Street Art: A Different Perspective

Street art brings a different focus to the Old Town: along the road of the multicultural province, visitors can find works they can photograph. This adds street art to the architectural and religious cultural sites. The information is especially specific for photography enthusiasts, as it links the subject to an activity visitors can enjoy.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Satun, you can start by asking yourself which perspective interests you most. Architecture enthusiasts can focus on the Old Town’s variety and its shophouses; those looking for photographic subjects can include the street art. The museum focuses on history, customs, traditions and way of life, while Wat Chanathip Chaloem, the Satun Central Mosque and the Po Je Keng Shrine offer further cultural points of interest.

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