Tarutao National Marine Park
Tarutao National Marine Park
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Located in the Andaman Sea, this is Thailand’s largest marine park that is a popular area for outdoor naturalists, snorkelers and scuba divers.
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4.5
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r5076
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia31 contributions
Dec 2012 • Business
Tarutao National Marine Park brings out my strongest opinions on probably any topic I can think of. I give it 5 stars because you can see first-hand the difference between paradise and how we ignorantly destroy it. We stayed on three of the islands for 8 nights: Tarutao and Adang in wonderful Thai Gov't National Park accommodation, and shamefully on Lipe. The islands of Tarutao & Adang are a paradise, virtually pristine, etc. I hope it stays that way after seeing other areas in SE Asia devastated by greed and general ignorance. However what appears to be recycling on these islands consists of sorting bottles, then quietly dumping them at the end of a track. I might be wrong, but that’s what I walked across. Once recycling is real, they should make Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang a model for sustainable tourism in the region and beyond. It’s not that hard folks. Lipe (exempt from park protection) is a prime example of how to quickly destroy it. It’s not a barren industrial wasteland, but if you have a conscience, I would try and avoid Lipe. The ferry operators in Pak Bara could not believe I didn’t want to go to Lipe, only Tarutao and Adang – let them know as well and maybe they will get the hint. As long as Tarutao National Marine Park or the Thai government denies development, places like Tarutao & Adang are without equal. I don't consider Ko Lipe part of the TNMP, rather as more of a tumour. If you require a massage, a pink cover for your iphone or fancy cocktails, please go to Lipe or some other dump with a beach. Dumps with beaches are not hard to find. Places like Ko Tarutao and Adang most certainly are.
Expectations: Ko Tarutao & Ko Adang consist primarily of a small group of basic yet comfortable bungalows & campsites on remote and beautiful islands. You can walk, swim, look for wildlife, perhaps hire a kayak/bicycle or just sit in a hammock (buy in Pak Bara for THB200) and pretend you just washed ashore. If you want to snorkel, Ko Adang is your slice of heaven as visibility at Tarutao was around 1-1.5m max off the beach versus 5m+ at Adang under calm conditions. So what? Tarutao has loads of trails within some truly impressive old-growth jungle with big peaks, and some very nice, rather empty beaches. I saw pythons in the trees near Ao Son and spent the afternoon photographing them. How do you put a price on that?
Accommodation: You can reserve online for Ko Tarutao & Adang, but it's rather complicated and involves wiring money to the park office in advance. This inefficient system is perhaps a blessing.
Ko Tarutao & Adang are hardly what I would call roughing it, even if you camp near the beach in one of their spacious park tents (THB150). Showers and toilets are aplenty. Cheap but very good food is never far away. If you bring a tent it’s a mere 60THB. The park bungalows we used were quirky if a little tatty in spots, but never uncomfortable. We stayed at Mo lae beach for three nights – some 4km from the jetty and main office. The shuttle charged THB35 per person each way for a lift - fair enough. At THB600 a night (450THB M-Th two-person rooms) it is an absolute bargain. Our Tarutao bungalow had a large bed with a massive hanging mozzie net right out of an old B&W movie and some chairs outside. The bed was well-made and clean, but the bathroom was fairly tatty on Tarutao/ great on Adang. Incredibly, you might see an insect or two in your room if you look hard enough, so drama queens, tuck your ample mozzie net under the edges of the mattress. Adang was largely insect proof. Non-heated showers are refreshing considering the climate, and electricity is only on from 6:30pm to c.11:30pm, so charge phones/batteries accordingly and bring a light if you like to listen to the jungle at night or stargaze on the beach (both highly recommended). I wore long-sleeves and trousers after dusk as mozzies and sand flies can be irritating away from the beach, though insects on Adang are not as blood-thirsty, perhaps due to the nice breeze. Leaving your room windows wide-open at night may well ensure you have several adoring macaque monkeys gazing up at you when you awake. There is a large pack at Mo lae who make the morning rounds outside, and will peer into your window without the slightest hint of shame. Wonderful!
Ko Adang is, broadly speaking, like a smaller version of Ko Tarutao, except with bigger rooms and crystal clear waters with abundant corals in places. Our hillside bungalow was huge, clean and had a large porch with sliding door and fully screened windows. I could easily live there, no kidding. Snorkeling off the SE shore past the campground was simply incredible – the coral formations kept going and going. Be careful at low tide, especially when swimming out over the delicate corals near shore until you get to deeper water as swells may drop you right on to some reefs - both you and the coral will lose. Winds and waves may make for challenging conditions for less experienced snorkelers – the shore facing Lipe is typically much calmer and still enjoyable in rough conditions. The cliff walk (c.45min to the top) gives superb views for a considerable distance with three viewpoints – Tarutao is clearly visible, while Ko Lipe is far enough away that it gives the illusion of only being half-destroyed. Pirate Falls is a fairly rugged (in places) 2km walk and has a nice refreshing stream to sit in.
Food: The restaurants at Tarutao & Adang have meals priced between THB80 and c.THB150. Most dishes are with rice or noodles with choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, squid, etc. Salads readily available. Sweets in short supply - bring your biscuits. All food was quite good except some portions may be a bit small if you have been very active all day. Grilled fish is available and sold by weight I believe. The Tarutao food was not spicy, but if you request it on Adang, trust me, they will deliver! Beer & cokes, juice, tea, water available. Coffee is instant only. One urbane gentleman stammered away repeatedly in disbelief when told there was no freshly ground coffee, so again, if you need it, bring it.
Ko Lipe- if you find yourself drifting aimlessly c.70km off the Thai coast and desperately need a new pink iphone cover or enjoy the camaraderie of thousands of tourists, the sights and smells of mountains of plastic in the centrally located rubbish heap/open incinerator, and the grating sound of construction equipment clearing remaining pockets of jungle, look no further – you're in for a treat. As an added surprise, the ferry to Lipe doesn't actually go all the way Lipe. What- the ticket people didn’t tell you? Instead, it stops 100m short on a floating platform, where you are herded together with your bags, and frantically forced to hand over 20THB each for some new dubious 'save the corals' or Lipe tourist tax. I’d like to know a bit more about that, please. If the tax is going to the right causes, I'd charge everyone THB500 in a heartbeat. Seconds later, while still reeling with confusion, you will be brashly charged another THB50 to be taken the remaining 100m to the beach via long-tail. By the time you make the beach head at Pattaya (think D-Day with rolling luggage and mobile phones) you will be hitting yourself in the head, while those people now frantically dragging their luggage will take care of your lower extremities. Room rates we checked online were at least double those offered by the National Park, but hey, you came here for the wi-fi, didn't you?
Upside to Lipe (oxymoron): A wide variety of cheap cack for sale. Wi-fi. General supplies. Different types of western food, and at least one Mexican joint. So what? There is some nice snorkeling over the corals at Sunset beach, though I discovered two underwater holding pens with large tropical fish, located next to where the long-tail boats anchor. They are not edible fish species, and are likely going to private aquarium owners for top dollar. The pens are located almost directly in front of the marine fisheries management unit but are unrelated, I'm told. Incredible. They do have a poorly-promoted facility on the island to refill water bottles, and some inhabitants give the appearance of thinking about trying to improve environmental issues, but it’s like using a teaspoon to clear a landslide. I immediately felt shameful walking through Lipe, and judging by other people's expressions, they felt somewhat similar. It's a tragicomedy after time on Tarutao. The locals were nice enough, but one can't help to feel like you and all your mates just crashed someone's quiet family gathering, even if you drop your wallet on the way out.
Getting to TNMP: Relax and don't count on precision timetabling. The ferry operators from Pak Bara may tell you a departure time an hour off, and then perhaps hurry you excitedly onto another operator's vessel at the last second. Thais involved in the tourist transportation sector appear to thrive on chaos and uncertainty - they love it. One boat I was on was very overcrowded, left in a hurry, then realising the situation, stopped and tied up offshore to a bigger boat while everyone jumped across with their luggage in a rolling swell. Nuts. I would try and bargain on price a little, but keep you tickets open or just buy singles. We paid THB350 each to get to Tarutao on a packed speedboat sporting no less than five massive engines. Strong petrol fumes at the back, claustrophobia towards the front – your choice. The open bow provided the best seats in the house, if rough in less than calm conditions. Water transport to the islands needs some logistical triage, especially from an environmental or safety standpoint. Plainly priced, government-run boats would be ideal. If you are not a strong swimmer, I’d wear your life vest in rougher conditions, though this may be construed as an insult to the pilot’s abilities.
Bottom line: If you love the outdoors and dislike crowds, Tarutao and Adang excel while maintaining a reasonably sensible attitude towards this incredible environment – though recycling is dubious. Visitors (including myself of course) are both the problem and the impetus for change. Tourism is, of course, very big business here so polite questions may influence things. The Thai government should unabashedly charge more for visitors and park accommodation to ensure the continued survival of the parks from developer insanity. It’s still very affordable. No ATMs - take all the required cash for food & accommodation with you from the mainland, and any specific items you require. This may sound harsh, but I'd skip Lipe if you have a conscience, unless you need the pharmacy/chemist.
Expectations: Ko Tarutao & Ko Adang consist primarily of a small group of basic yet comfortable bungalows & campsites on remote and beautiful islands. You can walk, swim, look for wildlife, perhaps hire a kayak/bicycle or just sit in a hammock (buy in Pak Bara for THB200) and pretend you just washed ashore. If you want to snorkel, Ko Adang is your slice of heaven as visibility at Tarutao was around 1-1.5m max off the beach versus 5m+ at Adang under calm conditions. So what? Tarutao has loads of trails within some truly impressive old-growth jungle with big peaks, and some very nice, rather empty beaches. I saw pythons in the trees near Ao Son and spent the afternoon photographing them. How do you put a price on that?
Accommodation: You can reserve online for Ko Tarutao & Adang, but it's rather complicated and involves wiring money to the park office in advance. This inefficient system is perhaps a blessing.
Ko Tarutao & Adang are hardly what I would call roughing it, even if you camp near the beach in one of their spacious park tents (THB150). Showers and toilets are aplenty. Cheap but very good food is never far away. If you bring a tent it’s a mere 60THB. The park bungalows we used were quirky if a little tatty in spots, but never uncomfortable. We stayed at Mo lae beach for three nights – some 4km from the jetty and main office. The shuttle charged THB35 per person each way for a lift - fair enough. At THB600 a night (450THB M-Th two-person rooms) it is an absolute bargain. Our Tarutao bungalow had a large bed with a massive hanging mozzie net right out of an old B&W movie and some chairs outside. The bed was well-made and clean, but the bathroom was fairly tatty on Tarutao/ great on Adang. Incredibly, you might see an insect or two in your room if you look hard enough, so drama queens, tuck your ample mozzie net under the edges of the mattress. Adang was largely insect proof. Non-heated showers are refreshing considering the climate, and electricity is only on from 6:30pm to c.11:30pm, so charge phones/batteries accordingly and bring a light if you like to listen to the jungle at night or stargaze on the beach (both highly recommended). I wore long-sleeves and trousers after dusk as mozzies and sand flies can be irritating away from the beach, though insects on Adang are not as blood-thirsty, perhaps due to the nice breeze. Leaving your room windows wide-open at night may well ensure you have several adoring macaque monkeys gazing up at you when you awake. There is a large pack at Mo lae who make the morning rounds outside, and will peer into your window without the slightest hint of shame. Wonderful!
Ko Adang is, broadly speaking, like a smaller version of Ko Tarutao, except with bigger rooms and crystal clear waters with abundant corals in places. Our hillside bungalow was huge, clean and had a large porch with sliding door and fully screened windows. I could easily live there, no kidding. Snorkeling off the SE shore past the campground was simply incredible – the coral formations kept going and going. Be careful at low tide, especially when swimming out over the delicate corals near shore until you get to deeper water as swells may drop you right on to some reefs - both you and the coral will lose. Winds and waves may make for challenging conditions for less experienced snorkelers – the shore facing Lipe is typically much calmer and still enjoyable in rough conditions. The cliff walk (c.45min to the top) gives superb views for a considerable distance with three viewpoints – Tarutao is clearly visible, while Ko Lipe is far enough away that it gives the illusion of only being half-destroyed. Pirate Falls is a fairly rugged (in places) 2km walk and has a nice refreshing stream to sit in.
Food: The restaurants at Tarutao & Adang have meals priced between THB80 and c.THB150. Most dishes are with rice or noodles with choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, squid, etc. Salads readily available. Sweets in short supply - bring your biscuits. All food was quite good except some portions may be a bit small if you have been very active all day. Grilled fish is available and sold by weight I believe. The Tarutao food was not spicy, but if you request it on Adang, trust me, they will deliver! Beer & cokes, juice, tea, water available. Coffee is instant only. One urbane gentleman stammered away repeatedly in disbelief when told there was no freshly ground coffee, so again, if you need it, bring it.
Ko Lipe- if you find yourself drifting aimlessly c.70km off the Thai coast and desperately need a new pink iphone cover or enjoy the camaraderie of thousands of tourists, the sights and smells of mountains of plastic in the centrally located rubbish heap/open incinerator, and the grating sound of construction equipment clearing remaining pockets of jungle, look no further – you're in for a treat. As an added surprise, the ferry to Lipe doesn't actually go all the way Lipe. What- the ticket people didn’t tell you? Instead, it stops 100m short on a floating platform, where you are herded together with your bags, and frantically forced to hand over 20THB each for some new dubious 'save the corals' or Lipe tourist tax. I’d like to know a bit more about that, please. If the tax is going to the right causes, I'd charge everyone THB500 in a heartbeat. Seconds later, while still reeling with confusion, you will be brashly charged another THB50 to be taken the remaining 100m to the beach via long-tail. By the time you make the beach head at Pattaya (think D-Day with rolling luggage and mobile phones) you will be hitting yourself in the head, while those people now frantically dragging their luggage will take care of your lower extremities. Room rates we checked online were at least double those offered by the National Park, but hey, you came here for the wi-fi, didn't you?
Upside to Lipe (oxymoron): A wide variety of cheap cack for sale. Wi-fi. General supplies. Different types of western food, and at least one Mexican joint. So what? There is some nice snorkeling over the corals at Sunset beach, though I discovered two underwater holding pens with large tropical fish, located next to where the long-tail boats anchor. They are not edible fish species, and are likely going to private aquarium owners for top dollar. The pens are located almost directly in front of the marine fisheries management unit but are unrelated, I'm told. Incredible. They do have a poorly-promoted facility on the island to refill water bottles, and some inhabitants give the appearance of thinking about trying to improve environmental issues, but it’s like using a teaspoon to clear a landslide. I immediately felt shameful walking through Lipe, and judging by other people's expressions, they felt somewhat similar. It's a tragicomedy after time on Tarutao. The locals were nice enough, but one can't help to feel like you and all your mates just crashed someone's quiet family gathering, even if you drop your wallet on the way out.
Getting to TNMP: Relax and don't count on precision timetabling. The ferry operators from Pak Bara may tell you a departure time an hour off, and then perhaps hurry you excitedly onto another operator's vessel at the last second. Thais involved in the tourist transportation sector appear to thrive on chaos and uncertainty - they love it. One boat I was on was very overcrowded, left in a hurry, then realising the situation, stopped and tied up offshore to a bigger boat while everyone jumped across with their luggage in a rolling swell. Nuts. I would try and bargain on price a little, but keep you tickets open or just buy singles. We paid THB350 each to get to Tarutao on a packed speedboat sporting no less than five massive engines. Strong petrol fumes at the back, claustrophobia towards the front – your choice. The open bow provided the best seats in the house, if rough in less than calm conditions. Water transport to the islands needs some logistical triage, especially from an environmental or safety standpoint. Plainly priced, government-run boats would be ideal. If you are not a strong swimmer, I’d wear your life vest in rougher conditions, though this may be construed as an insult to the pilot’s abilities.
Bottom line: If you love the outdoors and dislike crowds, Tarutao and Adang excel while maintaining a reasonably sensible attitude towards this incredible environment – though recycling is dubious. Visitors (including myself of course) are both the problem and the impetus for change. Tourism is, of course, very big business here so polite questions may influence things. The Thai government should unabashedly charge more for visitors and park accommodation to ensure the continued survival of the parks from developer insanity. It’s still very affordable. No ATMs - take all the required cash for food & accommodation with you from the mainland, and any specific items you require. This may sound harsh, but I'd skip Lipe if you have a conscience, unless you need the pharmacy/chemist.
Written 1 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy J
Sarasota, Florida71 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
In Tarutao Marine National Park, we stayed three nights on Ko Adang and two on Ko Tarutao. We should have done the opposite, or avoided Ko Adang altogether.
The National Park Service has facilities on both islands. Both have bungalows, tents and restaurants, both run tours and both rent equipment - sort of, in the case of Adang.
But while the staff on Tarutao is professional, well-informed, speaks enough English to handle most foreigners' requests, and smiles occasionally, those at Adang are curt on a good day and surly, petulant and rude the rest of the time.
At first we thought this was because almost none of them speak any English; poor training put them in the position of having to deal with issues they couldn't understand. But then we realized, this group is just not well managed; in fact we saw no evidence of management at all. In its absence, passive-aggressive games flourished.
One night, the restaurant refused to open until customers put all the chairs back under the tables. Another night, the restaurant hid its menus with prices, set out menus with the same dishes but no prices, then tried to charge twice what you paid at lunch.
When we tried to rent snorkeling gear, we were told it was all rented, then that it wasn't rented anymore, then to come back in the morning. We did and, incredibly, got some.
Surprisingly, this nonsense did not carry over into maintenance of the bungalows. We stayed in one our last night. It was spacious, clean, comfortable and everything worked.
But we spent our first two nights in a tent, and campground maintenance was appalling. The common bathrooms were never cleaned. They had gaping holes in their roofs. The overflowing trash bins were emptied just once. The tents were roomy, but sleeping pads and bedding, readily available on Tarutao, were nowhere to be seen on Adang.
Once we reached Tarutao, we regretted putting up with Adang for so long. Tarutao's bungalows were fine and the food was better. On Tarutao - much bigger than Adang - you can bike for miles, kayak up a river, explore a cave, climb a viewpoint, visit waterfalls and see more animals. The beaches are broad, flat, white and powdery.
Tarutao also has Ao Molae, whose beach is what you pray to see as you wash up on a tropical isle - a deserted crescent of soft white sand, backed by coconut palms and shade trees - except with nice bungalows and a good restaurant.
Adang has one small waterfall and a viewpoint. Its beaches are white, but steep and grainy. We stayed because we heard the snorkeling was good. There is a long, wide reef right off the beach past the campground, but it's mostly dull and brown, evidently compromised by warming waters, and supports only modest fish life.
If you visit this out-of-the-way park, set aside most of your time for Tarutao. If you must visit Adang, find a nice guest house on Ko Lipe, and do Adang as a day trip.
The National Park Service has facilities on both islands. Both have bungalows, tents and restaurants, both run tours and both rent equipment - sort of, in the case of Adang.
But while the staff on Tarutao is professional, well-informed, speaks enough English to handle most foreigners' requests, and smiles occasionally, those at Adang are curt on a good day and surly, petulant and rude the rest of the time.
At first we thought this was because almost none of them speak any English; poor training put them in the position of having to deal with issues they couldn't understand. But then we realized, this group is just not well managed; in fact we saw no evidence of management at all. In its absence, passive-aggressive games flourished.
One night, the restaurant refused to open until customers put all the chairs back under the tables. Another night, the restaurant hid its menus with prices, set out menus with the same dishes but no prices, then tried to charge twice what you paid at lunch.
When we tried to rent snorkeling gear, we were told it was all rented, then that it wasn't rented anymore, then to come back in the morning. We did and, incredibly, got some.
Surprisingly, this nonsense did not carry over into maintenance of the bungalows. We stayed in one our last night. It was spacious, clean, comfortable and everything worked.
But we spent our first two nights in a tent, and campground maintenance was appalling. The common bathrooms were never cleaned. They had gaping holes in their roofs. The overflowing trash bins were emptied just once. The tents were roomy, but sleeping pads and bedding, readily available on Tarutao, were nowhere to be seen on Adang.
Once we reached Tarutao, we regretted putting up with Adang for so long. Tarutao's bungalows were fine and the food was better. On Tarutao - much bigger than Adang - you can bike for miles, kayak up a river, explore a cave, climb a viewpoint, visit waterfalls and see more animals. The beaches are broad, flat, white and powdery.
Tarutao also has Ao Molae, whose beach is what you pray to see as you wash up on a tropical isle - a deserted crescent of soft white sand, backed by coconut palms and shade trees - except with nice bungalows and a good restaurant.
Adang has one small waterfall and a viewpoint. Its beaches are white, but steep and grainy. We stayed because we heard the snorkeling was good. There is a long, wide reef right off the beach past the campground, but it's mostly dull and brown, evidently compromised by warming waters, and supports only modest fish life.
If you visit this out-of-the-way park, set aside most of your time for Tarutao. If you must visit Adang, find a nice guest house on Ko Lipe, and do Adang as a day trip.
Written 24 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makaroni J
Prague, Czech Republic84 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Before you go there you should ask yourself these questions.
Am I a internationally wanted criminal and need to lay low?
or
Do I need to do some deep self reflection on a "nothing to do island"?
The place is not a paradise, the beaches are not beautiful, the accommodations are ok but not on the beach. It all reminds me of Croatian Istria. A former military base or something similar. Food is priced same as on Lipe.
Read this before you hit the beach - IT IS INFESTED WITH SAND FLEAS!!! Google that. Me and my GF spend 20 naive minutes trying to soak up some afternoon sun and got eaten up. I'll try to attach s pic.
We rented the bikes for a day as we needed some activity - they charge 250baht. Bikes are in bad shape. The routes are very much up/downhill, so be in shape as you will be either pushing or pedaling up the hill. We did 30km on bikes in search of the paradise spot - no luck. Only more flea infested beaches.
Another thing - no hammocks. One small thing could make a big difference. If you cannot be on the beach - at least provide some hammocks for the people to chill somewhere.
There is a basic shop open only till 16:00.
We planned to stay 3 nights - made it 2. The place is really dead and I like peaceful vacation but if you cannot have beach time, cannot lie down anywhere but your bed - it's not for me. And yeah - the beach is a garbage dump.
Am I a internationally wanted criminal and need to lay low?
or
Do I need to do some deep self reflection on a "nothing to do island"?
The place is not a paradise, the beaches are not beautiful, the accommodations are ok but not on the beach. It all reminds me of Croatian Istria. A former military base or something similar. Food is priced same as on Lipe.
Read this before you hit the beach - IT IS INFESTED WITH SAND FLEAS!!! Google that. Me and my GF spend 20 naive minutes trying to soak up some afternoon sun and got eaten up. I'll try to attach s pic.
We rented the bikes for a day as we needed some activity - they charge 250baht. Bikes are in bad shape. The routes are very much up/downhill, so be in shape as you will be either pushing or pedaling up the hill. We did 30km on bikes in search of the paradise spot - no luck. Only more flea infested beaches.
Another thing - no hammocks. One small thing could make a big difference. If you cannot be on the beach - at least provide some hammocks for the people to chill somewhere.
There is a basic shop open only till 16:00.
We planned to stay 3 nights - made it 2. The place is really dead and I like peaceful vacation but if you cannot have beach time, cannot lie down anywhere but your bed - it's not for me. And yeah - the beach is a garbage dump.
Written 4 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas K
Zurich, Switzerland4 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
The actual island Koh Tarutao, which is the largest island of the National Marine Park and hosts the NP headquarter office is one of the last not commercially developed islands in the area. You can get from Pak Bara to Koh Tarutao in about 45 minutes on one of the speedboats that go on to Koh Lipe.
The price is usually 350 THB one way, but only the morning ferry stops there every day. If you go in the afternoon and less than 4 people want to go to Koh Tarutao, you may need to pay double. The park entrance fee is 200 THB for 1-7 days. There is no ATM on the island, so bring enough cash with you.
Accomodation on Koh Tarutao is managed by the NP office and can be reserved in advance via their website, though it seems there is almost always space in the bungalows that are spread behind the beach stretch next to the boat peer. If all are full, you can still stay in one of the tents that the NP office provides. The bungalows are quite basic with cold shower and western style toilet, but clean and quite spacious. There is power from about 6pm to midnight.
Most of the time you will have the beach almost to yourself. There are no corals to see here, but if you are just looking for some relaxing atmosphere, it is definitely the place to go. You can rent kayaks and mountain bikes to explore the island. It is well worth biking the 12km to the other side of the island to see the remains of the former prison, which has been transformed to an open-air museum.
There is a restaurant next to the bungalows, which serves solid quality breakfast, lunch and dinner for reasonable prices.
While Koh Tarutao may not have any snorkeling spots next door and organized trips do not exist, it is well worth spending 2-3 days on Koh Tarutao to relax and get away from the crowds of the tourist centers like Koh Lipe.
The price is usually 350 THB one way, but only the morning ferry stops there every day. If you go in the afternoon and less than 4 people want to go to Koh Tarutao, you may need to pay double. The park entrance fee is 200 THB for 1-7 days. There is no ATM on the island, so bring enough cash with you.
Accomodation on Koh Tarutao is managed by the NP office and can be reserved in advance via their website, though it seems there is almost always space in the bungalows that are spread behind the beach stretch next to the boat peer. If all are full, you can still stay in one of the tents that the NP office provides. The bungalows are quite basic with cold shower and western style toilet, but clean and quite spacious. There is power from about 6pm to midnight.
Most of the time you will have the beach almost to yourself. There are no corals to see here, but if you are just looking for some relaxing atmosphere, it is definitely the place to go. You can rent kayaks and mountain bikes to explore the island. It is well worth biking the 12km to the other side of the island to see the remains of the former prison, which has been transformed to an open-air museum.
There is a restaurant next to the bungalows, which serves solid quality breakfast, lunch and dinner for reasonable prices.
While Koh Tarutao may not have any snorkeling spots next door and organized trips do not exist, it is well worth spending 2-3 days on Koh Tarutao to relax and get away from the crowds of the tourist centers like Koh Lipe.
Written 7 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MinxOnTheMove
7 contributions
I was looking forward to the stay on Koh Adang, the undeveloped island in the Tarutao National Park where you can stay in National Park accommodation, for a taste of the quiet life and the sparking turquoise waters that I'd seen pictures of online. Perhaps it was the weather (cloudy at best, sometimes torrential and always disappointing) or perhaps it's me and that I'm getting too old for budget accommodation, but I had a dismal time. The accommodation itself is very good value at £16 a night for a private bungalow with bathroom, and it was certainly clean, but I had the most uncomfortable two nights there on account of the beds (other travellers have complained of the hard beds in Thailand and I've had to disagree - but this really was like sleeping on a board), the shortage of electricity (available from 18:30 to 23:30 only) which put paid to the electric fan overnight, and the very chilly cold water shower. I was also very disappointed with the view from our bungalow (of the Rangers station. If you do decide to go here, I would advise you to book bungalow 1 or 2) and the scenery in general. As I mentioned, the weather was poor so the sea was not the emerald/turquoise mirror I had hoped for), but the beach was largely without shade and the sand very gritty. All in all, it wasn't a good spot to hang out in, and neither was the restaurant, which was extremely utilitarian and, much worse, built right away from the beach. This may seem trivial, but it would have made all the difference being able to gaze out to sea on a shady terrace with a cold drink to hand. On the plus side, we did see a colony of hornbills and were delighted by the birdsong of what is still a mystery bird whose whistles came in bursts of 8 to 10, each more piercing than the last, until they stopped abruptly only to begin again a few minutes later.
If you're looking for the simple life and don't mind a bit of discomfort, then this could be the right place for you, especially if the sun is shining - but I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend it.
If you're looking for the simple life and don't mind a bit of discomfort, then this could be the right place for you, especially if the sun is shining - but I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend it.
Written 23 December 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabrizio_guide
Sorrento, Italy22 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
We visited for 8 days Koh Lipe, Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao.
The first is a quickly developing island nice to have some fun for youngers.
The latters are managed by the National Park.
In Koh Adang you can snorkel from the beach, which is great, you can camp and there are a few bungolows.
In Koh Tarutao you may not be swimming much, there is a lot of jungle out there but it is not very accessible. The park offers bike rental but there was no smaller bikes for our kids who are 10 and 8. So we got pretty much stuck at the major compsite.
The reason for my bad review however is the fact that all of those pristine islands and the ocean around it are literally covered in Plastic, on the beach or floating out there.
The employees of the National Park are very keen in sweeping the little alleys of the camping but they could not care less for all the rubbish all around. The environment means nothing for those burocrats.
And yet with all those tourist out there they should be more aware!
The first is a quickly developing island nice to have some fun for youngers.
The latters are managed by the National Park.
In Koh Adang you can snorkel from the beach, which is great, you can camp and there are a few bungolows.
In Koh Tarutao you may not be swimming much, there is a lot of jungle out there but it is not very accessible. The park offers bike rental but there was no smaller bikes for our kids who are 10 and 8. So we got pretty much stuck at the major compsite.
The reason for my bad review however is the fact that all of those pristine islands and the ocean around it are literally covered in Plastic, on the beach or floating out there.
The employees of the National Park are very keen in sweeping the little alleys of the camping but they could not care less for all the rubbish all around. The environment means nothing for those burocrats.
And yet with all those tourist out there they should be more aware!
Written 18 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnGray-LingYai
Phuket, Thailand55 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Tarutao has it all. The Park Headquarters beach is my favorite in Thailand, the Park HQ has both bungalows and camping, the restaurant has OK food, and the natural attractions around the Park are spectacular.
Like hiking? You can go for days and never get bored.
Like relaxing? Park HQ beach is perhaps the best in Thailand, with very few people.
Exploring? You can get lost (literally) in the mangrove estuary. Don't try kayaking in the Crocodile Cave. The tides can be very dangerous - just walk it.
Visit the Old Prison, but the Parks Dept. ruined it by restoring with modern, typical NP style buildings - nothing authentic.
Go kayaking either way from Park HQ and have a great treat - but stay out of the caves. They are oyster encrusted and very tidal - can be very dangerous. My company goes there but we are professional sea cave explorers.
Get off to Adang where there is another Park Station with options for camping or bungalows on a beautiful sand beach. Go snorkeling on some of Thailand's best reefs. Rent a longtail boat (NOT a speedboat!) and see Rawi and some remote reefs. (Make sure the boatman doesn't drop anchor on the reef!)
I can go on and on, but why go to a 5-star hotel and burn your money when you can stay in a Park bungalow for a few hundred baht. The restaurant is just typical Thai food but the entire experience is one of Thailand's best.
Like hiking? You can go for days and never get bored.
Like relaxing? Park HQ beach is perhaps the best in Thailand, with very few people.
Exploring? You can get lost (literally) in the mangrove estuary. Don't try kayaking in the Crocodile Cave. The tides can be very dangerous - just walk it.
Visit the Old Prison, but the Parks Dept. ruined it by restoring with modern, typical NP style buildings - nothing authentic.
Go kayaking either way from Park HQ and have a great treat - but stay out of the caves. They are oyster encrusted and very tidal - can be very dangerous. My company goes there but we are professional sea cave explorers.
Get off to Adang where there is another Park Station with options for camping or bungalows on a beautiful sand beach. Go snorkeling on some of Thailand's best reefs. Rent a longtail boat (NOT a speedboat!) and see Rawi and some remote reefs. (Make sure the boatman doesn't drop anchor on the reef!)
I can go on and on, but why go to a 5-star hotel and burn your money when you can stay in a Park bungalow for a few hundred baht. The restaurant is just typical Thai food but the entire experience is one of Thailand's best.
Written 13 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
graham l
Bangkok, Thailand2,444 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
I stayed here start of May. Lots of websites on the internet state it closes mid April. Evidently it doesn't.
I stayed for about 23 hours. I hired a small tent for 150 baht. I somehow avoided the national park fee, I think the guard/ranger who was supposed to collect it was in the toilet or otherwise engaged.
In that 23 hours I saw a crab-eating mongoose, 3 drongos (birds with really long tail feathers), green pigeons, monitor lizards, dusky langur monkeys (these are black and have a cute face), the usual brown monkeys, so many butterflies, and at least a dozen other types of birds and lizards that I don't know the name of. I saw about 6 people on the roads, over about 35km. Try beating that anywhere else in Thailand.
I hired a bicycle for 250 baht for a day, which was fair as the bikes were very good quality, they need to be because the hills are steep in places. They also had kayaks for rent but I would only advise renting one of those to go down the river to see the cave (the river at the park headquarters, where all the boats drop you off). I wouldn't use it on the sea to get between beaches because everything to see in terms of animals is inland, and it's much slower than a bicycle anyway.
The beaches are full of sand fleas and some of the ranger stations have signs up about them. Wear long clothes and insect repellent or just don't lie or sit on the beaches, walking is okay. Rangers will warn you about the monkeys but they didn't bother me at all. The crows on the other hand, they opened my bag and stole a packet of crisps and drilled a hole in a loaf of bread.
The roads are good. On the east coast the road is concrete until you get about 12km down, to the old prison historical trail on the east coast - you can go all the way to the south of the island on this road but after the historical trail you can't get any further on a bicycle, walking only - due to fallen trees and bad surface. On the west coast you can get to Ao Sone on a bicycle (there's a waterfall here too) and about 70% of that road is concrete. After that I'm not sure as I didn't get any further down the west coast.
The restaurant at the main ranger station was really overpriced, I paid 90 baht for an omelette with shrimp and struggled to see any shrimp in it. Fried rice was 80-90 baht. It's a lot more than you pay at other national park islands e.g. Koh Surin. Try and take your own food and drink.
No wifi. And no phone data signal on the west coast (Truemove). Truemove had signal on the east coast (the coast closest to the mainland) but that's the other side of the island to the main ranger station where you will probably stay. You can stay on the east coast though, there are stations there. If they had wifi I might have stayed an extra night.
Transport is from Pak Bara pier. Take your pick from the speedboat operators. I paid 350 baht for a speedboat to Tarutao, each way. Most people on the boat will be going to Koh Lipe. Most boats seemed to be leaving at 11:30am. And coming back from Tarutao, the ranger told me to be ready at the pier for 10am for the boat back to the mainland. Boat arrived about 10.15am.
It's an amazing place if you like nature and animals and tranquillity. This is real, unspoiled jungle. The prison and pirates add to the sense of adventure.
I stayed for about 23 hours. I hired a small tent for 150 baht. I somehow avoided the national park fee, I think the guard/ranger who was supposed to collect it was in the toilet or otherwise engaged.
In that 23 hours I saw a crab-eating mongoose, 3 drongos (birds with really long tail feathers), green pigeons, monitor lizards, dusky langur monkeys (these are black and have a cute face), the usual brown monkeys, so many butterflies, and at least a dozen other types of birds and lizards that I don't know the name of. I saw about 6 people on the roads, over about 35km. Try beating that anywhere else in Thailand.
I hired a bicycle for 250 baht for a day, which was fair as the bikes were very good quality, they need to be because the hills are steep in places. They also had kayaks for rent but I would only advise renting one of those to go down the river to see the cave (the river at the park headquarters, where all the boats drop you off). I wouldn't use it on the sea to get between beaches because everything to see in terms of animals is inland, and it's much slower than a bicycle anyway.
The beaches are full of sand fleas and some of the ranger stations have signs up about them. Wear long clothes and insect repellent or just don't lie or sit on the beaches, walking is okay. Rangers will warn you about the monkeys but they didn't bother me at all. The crows on the other hand, they opened my bag and stole a packet of crisps and drilled a hole in a loaf of bread.
The roads are good. On the east coast the road is concrete until you get about 12km down, to the old prison historical trail on the east coast - you can go all the way to the south of the island on this road but after the historical trail you can't get any further on a bicycle, walking only - due to fallen trees and bad surface. On the west coast you can get to Ao Sone on a bicycle (there's a waterfall here too) and about 70% of that road is concrete. After that I'm not sure as I didn't get any further down the west coast.
The restaurant at the main ranger station was really overpriced, I paid 90 baht for an omelette with shrimp and struggled to see any shrimp in it. Fried rice was 80-90 baht. It's a lot more than you pay at other national park islands e.g. Koh Surin. Try and take your own food and drink.
No wifi. And no phone data signal on the west coast (Truemove). Truemove had signal on the east coast (the coast closest to the mainland) but that's the other side of the island to the main ranger station where you will probably stay. You can stay on the east coast though, there are stations there. If they had wifi I might have stayed an extra night.
Transport is from Pak Bara pier. Take your pick from the speedboat operators. I paid 350 baht for a speedboat to Tarutao, each way. Most people on the boat will be going to Koh Lipe. Most boats seemed to be leaving at 11:30am. And coming back from Tarutao, the ranger told me to be ready at the pier for 10am for the boat back to the mainland. Boat arrived about 10.15am.
It's an amazing place if you like nature and animals and tranquillity. This is real, unspoiled jungle. The prison and pirates add to the sense of adventure.
Written 6 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keenore
Tampa, FL111 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
Having dived long beach at Koh Adang from Koh Lipe, I was anxious to spend the night on this very unspoiled island. You can rent a bungalow for as little as 600 a night at the ranger station, they also have tent options. The bungalow was clean, airy - unexpectedly high ceilings etc. It came with twin beds clean sheets and towels although the mattress is quite hard as previoulsy mentioned by another reviewer Couldn't figure out what it is made of? compacted sawdust was my closest guess. In any event the view from the balcony overlooking the stretch of sea back to Koh Lipe was beautiful, as was the hike up to the viewing point - don't be fooled that you are nearly there... when you get there it says only view point 1 and you have to keep climbing to get to view point 2 and view point 3, but worth it. The restaurant is open air, has a basic thai food menu. I was looking for rice with vegetables through it, but along came white rice with a side of veg in soy sauce. However, at dinner time I ordered fried rice and it was a lovely mix with veg through it. Electricity shuts off around 10p-11p so handy to have a torch with you. Considering the remoteness of this island the facilities are very good, I had expected to rough it more. The monkeys are supposed to be problematic if you leave food lying around, unfortunately having obeyed all the notices I didn't see a single monkey ha! not even on my climb to the top.
By the way I had booked from Koh Lipe and the 600 turned in to 1000 by the time i paid 100 each way for a longtail and 200 for a pass to enter the national park.
By the way I had booked from Koh Lipe and the 600 turned in to 1000 by the time i paid 100 each way for a longtail and 200 for a pass to enter the national park.
Written 7 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kooladdski
London, UK141 contributions
May 2013
Arrived from satun ferry pier about 45mins from main land, no other tourist around on island beautiful sandy beach and stunning views looking to the surronding islands.
National park is thankfully keeping the package holiday makers away, as there are no hotels or bars.
Accomation are wood bungalows to rent at cheap price or can rent a tent and have it next to the sea.
Bungalows have no working AC but have a fan toilet and shower which are all basic but work fine.
Power gets switched off around 11pm so prepare yourself for a sticky night, as the bungalows are set well back from the beach and don't get much of a breeze.
If I stayed again I would rent a tent and stay on the beach with the cool breeze.
There is an on site resturant with friendly staff good food hot and cold drinks and beer.
Around site is a wooded area on the beach front, a walk to a view point to look over the island a lagoon to visit by kayak.
Wildlife is good here monkeys wild bore many species of birds including hornbills.
It's a must visit, but don't go on a weekend it's a speed boat tour stop point and is really really busy.
National park is thankfully keeping the package holiday makers away, as there are no hotels or bars.
Accomation are wood bungalows to rent at cheap price or can rent a tent and have it next to the sea.
Bungalows have no working AC but have a fan toilet and shower which are all basic but work fine.
Power gets switched off around 11pm so prepare yourself for a sticky night, as the bungalows are set well back from the beach and don't get much of a breeze.
If I stayed again I would rent a tent and stay on the beach with the cool breeze.
There is an on site resturant with friendly staff good food hot and cold drinks and beer.
Around site is a wooded area on the beach front, a walk to a view point to look over the island a lagoon to visit by kayak.
Wildlife is good here monkeys wild bore many species of birds including hornbills.
It's a must visit, but don't go on a weekend it's a speed boat tour stop point and is really really busy.
Written 24 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ciao gianni...ti chiedo un informazione...dove posso prenotare per dormire su ko tarutao???
Written 21 August 2019
Ciao ma come avete fatto a prenotare il bungalow nel parco statale? Io ho provato dal sito ma è difficile
Written 26 May 2019
House garden close by Venice
City of Venice, Italy
Ciao Gianni,
Avevate prenotato il bungalow?
Se si, come?
Ringrazio anticipatamente
Claudio
Written 1 February 2019
Anche io vorrei soggiornare 1/2 notti qui, ne vale la pena o meglio prevedere in escursione giornaliera in barca?
Come si prenotano i bungalow dei Rengers?
Written 1 February 2019
There is any deposit for luggages?
C'è un deposito bagagli?
Written 10 January 2019
hola quisiera saber como se puede reservar para dormir en este sitio gracias
Written 29 January 2018
Greetings! I am planning to travel to Tarutao this coming December 2017. I amplanning to stay on the island for 4 weeks and do a lot of snorkelling. My question is, can I get therapeutic Thai massages during my stay on Tarutao?
Written 24 September 2017
Sorry not sure but probably I will say that there is not alot on the island but it is beautiful
Written 26 September 2017
torresmann
Murcia, Spain
Hola buenas, como reservo un Bungalow con antelación ?
Gracias
Written 20 August 2017
Hi. Me and my girlfriend we are going to visit koh lipe in the begining of may..any good island hopping availble from lipe ? And tatutao will be open in may ?? Thanks in advice
Written 25 March 2017
To be exact, the AdangRawi group of islands will be closed from mid May to Mid November. So, if you go early May, you can still catch the late worm.
AdangRawi group of islands is where you will tour during your stay on Koh Lipe.
You can join a boat tour with snorkelling the and lunch for 450-650 baht per person.
During Park Closure, Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe are open all year round.
Written 26 March 2017
Im coming to Koh Tarutao next month. Im going to stay at Ao Pante bungalow. I got question as below
1) I want to rental a longtail boat to Koh Khai to take some photo for 1 day including fishing. How much is the rental cost for a long tail boat?
2) The food sell at the Ao Pante reataurant is Halal?
Tqvm
Written 27 November 2016
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