About Pak Bara
Pak Bara is a coastal village on the southern Andaman coast, in Satun province, and mainly a transport hub for travellers to the islands. From the pier ferries and speedboats depart for Ko Tarutao, Ko Lipe and Ko Bulon Lae. About two kilometres before the pier lies a pleasant beach where you can eat and watch the sunset. The area belongs to Mu Ko Phetra National Park. The village itself is simple, with small shops and eateries. Many travellers stay only for the morning boat. In the rainy season, roughly mid-May to mid-October, ferries are limited and the sea is rough. Always check the boat schedule. Pak Bara lies about 60 km north of Satun, with minibuses to Satun and Hat Yai. In the high season it is better to buy your ferry tickets in advance.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April: dry, sunny and calm seas. September and October are the wettest months; from May to October the sea is often rough and some boat trips do not run. From mid-May to mid-October fewer ferries run and the sea is rough; always check the boat schedule. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Hat Yai by minivan or bus (about 2.5 hours, roughly 110 km); from Satun about 1 hour. Boats run in the dry season. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Pak Bara
- Ferries to Ko Lipe and Ko Tarutao Boats to the islands leave from the pier.
- Beach by the pier A pleasant beach two kilometres before the pier, good for sunset.
- Mu Ko Phetra A national park with islands and limestone in the area.
- Ko Bulon Lae A small island with calm beaches, reached by boat.
