Koh Tarutao gives the park its name and is by far its largest island — about 26 km long and covered in rainforest, mangroves and limestone cliffs, with long beaches on its west coast where you may not see another soul. Its name is thought to come from a Malay phrase meaning “old, mysterious island”, and it still feels that way.
It also has a dark history. From the late 1930s the Thai government used Tarutao as a penal colony: ordinary criminals were held at Ao Talo Wao on the east coast and political prisoners at Ao Talo Udang in the south. During the Second World War supplies ran out, and some prisoners and guards turned to piracy in the Strait of Malacca until British forces suppressed them in the late 1940s. In 1974 the islands were declared one of Thailand’s first marine national parks.
Top things to do at Koh Tarutao
Climb Toe-Boo Cliff at Ao Pante
From the park headquarters at Ao Pante, a short, steep trail climbs to Toe-Boo Cliff (Pha To-Bu), a rocky outcrop with a sweeping view over the bay and the islands. Sunset is the classic time.
Kayak or boat the mangrove river
Khlong Phante winds inland from Ao Pante through dense mangrove forest to the Crocodile Cave (Tham Jorakhe). Kayaks and longtail trips are available at the headquarters in season; go at high tide.
Visit the old prison sites
At Ao Talo Wao there are reconstructed prison buildings and a small exhibition; the political prison site at Ao Talo Udang is more remote. Both give a vivid picture of the island’s past.
Walk the empty west-coast beaches
Ao Jak, Ao Molae and Ao Son stretch for kilometres. Ao Son in particular is wild and beautiful; look for monitor lizards, hornbills and dusky langurs in the trees behind the beach.
How to get to Koh Tarutao
- From Pak Bara: about 30–60 minutes by boat to Ao Pante in the high season. Some speedboats to Koh Lipe stop at Tarutao on the way, which lets you combine the two — check when you book.
- On a day trip: tours from Pak Bara usually combine Tarutao with Koh Khai.
- From Koh Lipe: reachable on boats heading back to Pak Bara via Tarutao, or by charter.
Insider tips
- The island normally closes to visitors from around mid-May to mid-October; the exact dates are announced by the park each year.
- Accommodation is in national park bungalows, longhouses and tents at Ao Pante and Ao Molae — book through the Department of National Parks website.
- There are no ATMs on Tarutao: bring enough cash for food, transport and the park fee.
- Hire a bicycle or join a park truck to get between Ao Pante and the west-coast beaches; the island is big and hot.
Best tours & tickets for Koh Tarutao
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Koh Tarutao from Koh Lipe:
Transfer from €26 One-Way Speedboat Ticket from Pakbara Pier to Koh Lipe
Just the boat: the standard way across if you are already in Pak Bara, or arriving there by your own car, bus or taxi. Departures are fewer in the low season, and the national park entry fee is usually collected separately.
- Speedboat from the mainland pier to Lipe
- Some sailings stop at Koh Tarutao on the way
- Fixed daily departures
Transfer from €34 One-Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe
The simplest way to reach Lipe if you fly into Hat Yai: a van meets you at the airport and drops you at Pak Bara in time for the speedboat. More than eighty reviews and a 4.6 rating. Check the last van departure against your flight time before you book.
- Minivan from the airport to Pak Bara pier
- Speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe
- One ticket, one booking, connections timed
Transfer from €34 One-Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai City to Koh Lipe
The same combined ticket as the airport version, for those who spent the night in Hat Yai. Handy if your flight lands too late to reach the last boat the same day.
- Pickup in Hat Yai city
- Van to Pak Bara, speedboat to Lipe
- Rated 4.8 by travellers
