Tarutao
ตะรุเตา · Satun Province
Population
35K
Budget / Month
$460
Internet
15 Mbps
Best Season
December to April (dry season, calm seas)
About Tarutao
The Tarutao National Marine Park is an archipelago of 51 islands near the Malaysian border, offering what may be Thailand's most remote and unspoiled island experience. The main island, Koh Tarutao, is a large jungle-covered island with a dark history as a WWII-era political prison and pirate base. Today it offers basic park facilities, deserted beaches, mangrove-lined canals, and dense tropical forest.
The Adang-Rawi island group to the west has some of the clearest water in Thailand. Koh Lipe, the smallest developed island, has become a popular backpacker-to-midrange beach destination but remains far less developed than Koh Samui or Phuket.
For visitors who want to experience Thai islands as they were 30 years ago — no jet skis, no beach bars, no traffic — Koh Tarutao proper is the answer. The park is open from mid-October to mid-May, closed during the monsoon season. Koh Tarutao has essentially no connectivity — no WiFi, very weak mobile signal — making it a complete digital detox.
Historical Note
Established in 1974 as Thailand's second national marine park. Koh Tarutao was used to imprison political dissidents in the 1930s-40s; starvation led prisoners to become pirates. The archipelago is an ASEAN Heritage Park and has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, calm seas)
At a Glance
Thai Name
ตะรุเตา
Province
Satun
Region
Southern
Population
35,000
Area
1,490 km²
Elevation
5 m
Postal Code
91000
Founded
1974
Local Language
Thai, Malay
Cost of Living
budget
/month16,500 THB
~$460 USD
comfortable
/month40,500 THB
~$1,125 USD
luxury
/month86,500 THB
~$2,400 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park canteen meal (Tarutao) | 80 | 150 |
| Koh Lipe restaurant meal | 80 | 400 |
| Water 1.5L | 15 | 25 |
| Large beer (Koh Lipe) | 70 | 120 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park tent rental (Tarutao) | 150 | 300 |
| Park bungalow (Tarutao) | 600 | 2,000 |
| Koh Lipe budget room | 500 | 1,500 |
| Koh Lipe mid-range | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Koh Lipe upscale | 5,000 | 15,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat Pak Bara to Tarutao | 600 | 800 |
| Speedboat Pak Bara to Koh Lipe | 750 | 1,000 |
| Longtail boat tour (full day) | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Kayak rental per hour | 200 | 500 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entry (foreigner) | 200 | 200 |
| Dive trip (2 dives) | 2,500 | 4,000 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
8% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
December to April for calm seas, best visibility, and dry weather. The park is closed from mid-May to mid-October during monsoon season. Peak season (Christmas/New Year) is extremely busy on Koh Lipe.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 23 | 30 | 75% |
| Feb | 32 | 23 | 20 | 72% |
| Mar | 33 | 24 | 40 | 74% |
| Apr | 33 | 25 | 100 | 78% |
| May | 32 | 25 | 250 | 82% |
| Jun | 31 | 25 | 280 | 84% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 300 | 85% |
| Aug | 31 | 24 | 320 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 350 | 86% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 300 | 85% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 180 | 80% |
| Dec | 31 | 23 | 60 | 76% |
Things to Do
Koh Tarutao wilderness experience
เกาะตะรุเตา
Explore the main island with deserted beaches, mangrove canals, jungle trails, and WWII prison camp history.
Tham Jara-Khe (Crocodile Cave)
ถ้ำจระเข้
Mangrove-lined cave on Koh Tarutao accessible by kayak or longtail at high tide.
Chado Cliff viewpoint (Koh Adang)
A 45-minute steep hike to stunning 360-degree views over Koh Lipe and the archipelago.
Snorkeling day trips from Koh Lipe
Longtail boat tours to Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and remote snorkel sites with pristine reefs.
Koh Lipe beaches
เกาะหลีเป๊ะ
Three main beaches — Pattaya (busy), Sunrise (quieter, great snorkeling), and Sunset (small, scenic).
Prison camp history walk
Learn about Koh Tarutao's dark past as a political prison where starvation led prisoners to become pirates.
Koh Hin Ngam (Stone Island)
เกาะหินงาม
Unique island covered in smooth black pebbles — do not take any, they are believed to be cursed.
Food & Dining
โรตีทะเล
Roti Talay (Seafood crepes)
Koh Lipe specialty — Muslim Thai-Malay roti filled with seafood.
60-120
Walking Street restaurants, Koh Lipe
อาหารทะเลย่าง
Beach BBQ Seafood
Fresh catches grilled nightly on the beach — prawns, fish, and squid.
150-400
Pattaya and Sunrise Beach restaurants
แกงมัสมั่น
Massaman Curry
Rich, mild southern curry reflecting the area's Muslim Malay culinary heritage.
60-120
Koh Lipe Walking Street
อาหารโรงอาหาร
Park Canteen Food
Simple Thai dishes at Koh Tarutao's park canteen — fried rice, curries, noodle soups.
80-150
Ao Pante Malacca canteen, Koh Tarutao
Night Markets
- Koh Lipe Walking Street
Food Streets
- Koh Lipe Walking Street
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,500
THB / night
Mid-Range
2,000 - 5,000
THB / night
Luxury
5,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
8,000 - 15,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
12,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Peak season (Dec-Jan) prices double or triple on Koh Lipe — book 1-3 months ahead. Tarutao bungalows must be booked via the DNP website. Low season (May-Oct) many Koh Lipe places close.
Getting There from Bangkok
Fly to Hat Yai + minivan + speedboat
5-6 hours total
2,000-5,000 THB
Overnight train to Hat Yai + minivan + speedboat
16-18 hours total
1,000-2,500 THB
Getting Around
Longtail boat taxi (Koh Lipe)
WidespreadBetween beaches on Koh Lipe
50-100
Walking (Koh Lipe)
WidespreadThe island is only 2 km long
0
Walking/cycling (Koh Tarutao)
LimitedLimited bikes available at park HQ
0-100
Longtail boat (inter-island)
LimitedFor island hopping between Lipe, Adang, Rawi, and Tarutao
300-1,500
Neighborhoods
Koh Tarutao (Main Island)
Remote and wildThe largest island with dense jungle, mangrove coast, historical prison sites, and park facilities at Ao Pante Malacca.
Best for: Genuine wilderness
Koh Adang
Pristine and undevelopedMountainous island with a ranger station, Chado Cliff viewpoint, and pristine forest and reefs.
Best for: Hiking and snorkeling
Koh Lipe
Relaxed backpacker-to-midrangeThe developed island with three beaches, Walking Street, dive shops, restaurants, and bars.
Best for: Comfortable island life
Festivals & Events
Park Opening Season
The park reopens after monsoon closure. Early season has fewer crowds and good deals on Koh Lipe.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Beach celebrations on Koh Lipe and local celebrations on Tarutao.
Practical Info
Hospital
Small clinic on Koh Lipe; nearest hospital in Satun (half-day journey)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai and Malay. English at Koh Lipe tourist businesses. Zero English on Koh Tarutao.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bring water to Tarutao — no shops on the island.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Adang
Pristine island with Chado Cliff hike, snorkeling, and ranger station beach.
Koh Rawi
Uninhabited island with some of the most beautiful and empty beaches in Thailand.
Koh Tarutao from Koh Lipe
Historical prison walk, mangrove kayaking, and jungle trails on the main island.
Snorkeling circuit
4-5 island stops with excellent coral and marine life.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Koh Lipe or Koh Tarutao — which should I visit?
Koh Lipe for beaches, restaurants, and easy snorkeling with full tourist services. Koh Tarutao for genuine wilderness, history, and solitude with basic facilities. They are completely different experiences.
How remote is Koh Tarutao really?
Very. Basic park bungalows and canteen, no WiFi, no shops, limited electricity, no restaurants beyond the canteen. Thailand's closest equivalent to a Robinson Crusoe experience.
Can I get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi?
Yes, seasonal ferries operate November to April (approximately 1.5 hours). Immigration is done on the Koh Lipe floating pier.
Is the area safe?
Yes. Satun province has not been affected by the insurgency in the other deep south provinces. The area is peaceful and safe for tourists.
What is the best way to get there from Bangkok?
Fly to Hat Yai (1.5 hours), then minivan to Pak Bara pier (1.5 hours), then speedboat to the islands. Total transit: 5-6 hours.