Ko Tarutao
เกาะตะรุเตา
The main island of Tarutao National Marine Park, with primordial rainforest, mangrove creeks, and the ruins of an old political prison. It can be visited as a day trip.
Ko Tarutao is the largest island in the national marine park, about 40 kilometers from Koh Lipe. Fast boats can stop there on their way. In the north, at Pante Malacca Bay, are the park headquarters, a long sandy beach, and a small museum. Nearby, visitors can climb the Toob viewpoint or take a boat into the mangrove creeks to see the crocodile cave. On the southeast side of the island, at Talo Udang Bay, are the ruins of a political prison from the 1930s and 1940s. During World War II, there was a history of prisoners and guards turning to piracy. The park closes during the rainy season, roughly mid-May to mid-November. Entrance to the national park costs about 200 baht for foreigners.
Opening hours
Park open season, 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Chado Cliff Viewpoint
- Ko Adang
- Ko Kra
- Sunrise Beach
- Walking Street, Koh Lipe
- Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe
- Sunset Beach
- Ko Jabang