About Tarutao National Park
Tarutao National Park is a marine national park in Satun Province, southern Thailand, comprising 51 islands in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. Established in 1974 as Thailand's second marine national park, it covers 1,490 square kilometers of islands, beaches, mangroves and coral reefs. Notable for pristine natural landscapes, diverse marine life, historic penal colony ruins on Ko Tarutao, and its status as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a remote archipelago of 51 islands with white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, mangroves, dense forest and coral reefs. The main island Ko Tarutao offers visitor centres, historic prison ruins, camping areas and bungalows, while smaller islands like Ko Lipe, Ko Adang and Ko Rawi offer snorkeling and diving sites. Exploration is by boat, with trails, viewpoints, caves and beaches accessible on foot. Facilities are basic and electricity and supplies are limited.
Key highlights
- 01
Archipelago of 51 islands covering 1,490 sq km in the Andaman Sea
- 02
Pristine beaches including Ao Son, Ao Mo Lae and Ao Pante Malacca on Ko Tarutao
- 03
Historic penal colony ruins and museum from 1938-1948 period
- 04
Crocodile Cave (Tham Chorakhe) and limestone cliffs and viewpoints
- 05
Coral reefs and diverse marine life for snorkeling and diving around Ko Lipe, Ko Adang and Ko Rawi
- 06
ASEAN Heritage Park designation for biodiversity conservation
- 07
Camping, trekking and kayaking in largely undeveloped natural environment
History of Tarutao National Park
Established in 1974 as Thailand's second marine national park and first marine park in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao served as a penal colony for political prisoners and serious offenders from 1938 to 1948, with ruins of prisons and facilities still preserved. The park was later listed as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 1982 for its natural and historical value.
Culture & Context
The archipelago is traditionally associated with Urak Lawoi (sea people) fishing communities who have inhabited the islands for generations, with small settlements and traditional fishing practices present on some islands.