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Everything You Need to Know about Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is one of the more accessible island paradises in the province of Satun. It’s known for its serene coastlines, rock formations, diverse wildlife, and nature trails, making it a solid option for adventure seekers.

The island is also home to Tarutao National Park Headquarters. It’s always been a popular port of call for tourists visiting popular islands like Koh Adang and the touristy Koh Lipe and all the adventure goodies it offers. 

Simply put, Koh Tarutao’s accessibility and natural beauty make it an unmissable gateway when exploring Satun’s rich marine ecosystems. Just don’t expect as much comfort (e.g., hotels, malls) as the ones you find in the big cities. 

Where is Koh Tarutao?

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Image Source: Google Maps

Koh Tarutao is off the coast of western mainland Satun in the Andaman Sea. It’s north of Langkawi and east of Koh Khai.

Things to Know

Phone: +66 63 643 1744
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Costs: 

  • 200 baht (Adults)
  • 100 baht (Kids)

How to Get to Koh Tarutao

Speedboat: Koh Tarutao is only accessible via Satun’s Pak Bara Pier, so travelers from Bangkok must head there first. From there, you can choose between two carriers: Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club and Ploy Siam Speedboat. 

What to See and Do in Koh Tarutao

Explore Tarutao National Park

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Tarutao National Park is the main attraction in Koh Tarutao, and it’s definitely worth visiting because you’re already paying for the park’s entry fee when entering the island anyway. 

A large chunk of this nature reserve is ocean, so expect plenty of water activities. Think swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and more. But that’s not all because this island boasts hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and diverse wildlife.

It’s common to spot dusky leaf monkeys, hornbills, and macaques just by strolling around the island.

This national park also covers 50 other islands around Koh Tarutao, including popular ones like Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, and Koh Khai. If you’d like to visit these, however, you’d need to book a tour at the ranger station. 

Ride a bike to Ao Talo Wao

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Ao Talo Wao is one of the most picturesque bays in Koh Tarutao. It doesn’t have a sandy coastline but it makes up for it with its stunning view of the massive rock formation Ko Mak Lot.

The bay also has a pier that lets you get close to this rock formation, perfect for taking numerous photos from different angles. There’s also a grassy area along the bay in case you like to set up a picnic blanket and have a snack while enjoying the view.

Nearby, you’ll find Koh Tarutao Historical Prison, so don’t forget to check it out via the jungle trail to the south. It used to keep thousands of political prisoners, so expect to see remnants of the underground cell.

Check out Crocodile Cave

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Crocodile Cave, also known as Tham Chorakhe, is one of the more unique attractions in Koh Tarutao. It’s connected to the river on the north end, so it’s a popular destination while kayaking around the island.

Boats can also enter the cave’s mouth so you can charter a longtail boat to get there. You can’t fully explore this cave on a boat or kayak, though, because of the uber dark chambers.

Bring a flashlight to see inside the deeper parts and a hat to help against bat droppings. There’s a concrete walkway inside so checking out the cave’s unique-shaped stalagmites and stalactites is a breeze. 

Take a dip at Lu Du Waterfall’s refreshing pool

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Though crystal-clear turquoise waters surround Koh Tarutao, nothing beats Lud Du Waterfall’s cool and refreshing pool. You also need to traverse a rocky jungle trail to get there, perfect if you’re itching for some hiking action.

The waterfall’s trailhead is marked so it’s easy to find but we still recommend hiring a guide because you’ll lose signal reception the deeper you go. 

Just a heads up: Lu Du Waterfall doesn’t have an impressive cascade, so its natural pool takes the spotlight. It’s refreshing and deep—perfect for swimming and cooling down. 

There are numerous small freshwater fish so bring snorkeling gear as well!

Visit Toe Bu Cliff

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Toe Bu Cliff, also known as Pha To Bu Viewpoint, is a fan favorite among hikers. It’s close to Koh Tarutao’s western coastlines, so expect a stunning panoramic view of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands like Koh Adang and Koh Khai.

It also has a hilltop temple that enshrines an ornate sitting Buddha image with a unique elongated final. The golden statue is perched on a concrete pergola that also overlooks the island’s westside forests and coastlines.

You must climb some steep rock trails to reach the cliff’s summit so wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Mo Lae Bay

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Mo Lae Bay is a quiet white-sand beach in Koh Tarutao. This underrated seaside area doesn’t attract huge crowds, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed island experience.

It’s also a palm-fringed bay, so expect to find tree swings or suitable spots where you can set up a hammock and enjoy relaxing naps. You can also set up a tent to make the most of the cool ocean breeze and serene atmosphere.

There’s also a ranger station offering food service, so you’re covered for your meals.

Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao National Park Restaurants

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Address: 325 Walking Street
Phone: +66 61 745 6304
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 

  • 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for Thai food
Website

The numerous restaurants within Tarutao National Park make finding food and drinks on the island a no-brainer. In fact, you’ll find them at every ranger station in Koh Tarutao, especially around Ao Son, Mo Lae Bay, and Pentai Melaka Beach.

These restaurants serve simple Thai dishes like tom yum, steamed fish, Thai green curry, and more. The food portions are good but the prices are slightly higher than the prices offered by local restaurants in mainland Satun.

Alcoholic drinks are banned in national parks, so your drink options are limited to bottled water, fruit juice, and canned soda.

Bar Lay Cafe

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Address: Pak Nam, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 95 337 5687
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Wednesday – Monday)
Good to know: Good for drinks, snacks, seafood
Website

Bar Lay Cafe is a charming snack bar along the Pak Bara Pier, making it a convenient food spot for travelers planning to visit Koh Tarutao. 

It serves a wide array of refreshing drinks, from fresh fruit shakes, smoothies, Italian soda, and mocktails. There’s also fresh coffee, including one that uses coconut milk that vegans will definitely appreciate. 

Their best-sellers are their diverse selection of authentic Thai salads, with versions that include meat, seafood, veggies, and fruits. And check out their assortment of small-plate snacks and seafood dishes if you want more variety.

The Barista Cafe

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Address: 153 Pak Nam Subdistrict, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 97 348 9832
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for halal food
Website

The Barista Cafe is one of the more modern cafes near Pak Bara Pier. It has a charming industrial-style interior and a garden dining area for guests who prefer a more casual atmosphere.

Its extensive menu offers a wide range of dishes, from Thai to Western, Japanese, and fusion cuisines. Everything on its menu is also halal-friendly, perfect for tourists following an Islamic diet.

This cafe doesn’t sell alcoholic beverages, so expect a fine selection of mocktails instead. Don’t forget to try their cakes and frozen desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Where to Shop in and Near Koh Tarutao

Lotus’s Go Fresh La-ngu

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Address: 1473 Moo 3, Kamphaeng Subdistrict, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 74 775 467
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for groceries
Website

If you need fresh goods and travel essentials, Lotus’s Go Fresh La-ngu is one of your best options near Koh Tarutao. It has a wide selection of fresh produce, meat, and basic toiletries, so it’s worth the 18-minute drive from Pak Bara Pier. 

We also like the travel accessories sold in its small department store section, like socks, sunglasses, hats, towels, and more.

You can also shop here for packaged breads, wrapped snacks, and beverages in case you plan to prepare snacks for your island escapade. Ready-made dishes are also available at the food kiosks within the supermarket, for more convenience!

7-Eleven Pak Bara

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Address: 1119/2 4052, Pak Nam, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 2 826 7744
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for essential items
Website

This 7-Eleven branch in Pak Bara is the most convenient shopping spot you’ll find before heading to Koh Tarutao. This convenience store has all the essential items, from toiletries to disposable food containers, ready-to-eat meals, and more.

Avoid snacks and drinks in plastic packs or bottles because single-use plastics are banned at Thai national parks. The ATMs outside the store are also convenient if you need to stock up on cash because there isn’t one in Koh Tarutao.

Bangtes Seafood Souvenir Shop

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Address: 587 La-ngu-Pak Bara Road, Moo 2, Pak Nam, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 64 126 6889
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for souvenir shopping
Website

Bangtes Seafood Souvenir Shop, as its name suggests, is known for its local seafood products. Their popular products include crab egg chili paste, horse crab paste, spicy fish kidney curry paste, and eagle fish paste.

They also sell plenty of dried seafood products, making it popular among those who like cooking with Thai ingredients. The shop is also only 2 kilometers from Pak Bara Pier, so you don’t have to drive far to get there.

Where to Stay in and Near Koh Tarutao

Tarutao National Park Campsite

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Address: 325 Walking Street
Phone: +66 74 783 485
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for nature lovers, backpackers
Website

Tarutao National Park provides convenient accommodations in Koh Tarutao. It has numerous campsites near its ranger stations, so there are plenty of spots for visitors to set up tents.

These stations also provide rental tents and sleeping gear, so you don’t have to bring any camping gear unless you only want to pay the camping fee. However, it also has wooden cabins in case you’re looking for a cozier place.

Keep in mind that these cabins are only available if you book and pay for them at least two days before your trip. Just note that you can only book them through the official Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation website.

Bara Bara Budget Satun

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Address: 968, Pak Nam, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 90 226 6968
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Bara Bara Budget Satun is a chic hotel near Pak Bara Pier. It’s known for its minimalist modern rooms with fishing-themed furnishings and charming bamboo furniture pieces.

The hotel’s granite countertops and bathroom sinks give it a classier vibe. There’s also a chic and large outdoor pool between several rooms, so most guests have direct pool access.

Byte Hostel Pak Bara

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Address: 4052, Pak Nam, La-ngu District
Phone: +66 89 653 5008
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
Website

Byte Hostel Pak Bara is a favorite among backpackers who frequent Koh Tarutao. They provide affordable dorm-style rooms with up to four bunk beds, perfect for travelers who don’t mind sharing a space with strangers.

There’s also a communal kitchen with a refrigerator, a sink, toasters, and coffeemakers. We also like their communal lounge with a writing board and a few board games, perfect if you like to hang out with other guests.

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