Koh Tarutao Island: Adventure, Nature & Relaxation in Tarutao Park

Ko Tarutao: An Adventurous Destination

Are you looking for a unique destination where adventure, nature, and relaxation come together? Then Koh Tarutao is the place for you! This stunning island, located in the namesake Tarutao National Park, offers breathtaking views, exciting activities, and a glimpse into history.

Arrival at Ko Tarutao

Once you arrive at the pier in the northwest of Ko Tarutao, you’ll quickly encounter the headquarters of Tarutao National Park. Here, you can get information, rent mountain bikes and kayaks.

Entry Price to Tarutao National Park

Upon arrival, you’ll also need to purchase an entry ticket for the national park. This costs 200 baht per person (or 100 baht for children). This fee helps maintain the natural environment and facilities on the island.

6 things to do at Ko Tarutao

Koh Tarutao offers a variety of activities, from exploring unique caves to taking short hikes with great views. There are also quiet beaches and historical sites to visit. There’s something to discover for everyone on the island.

1. Explore Crocodile Cave

One of the highlights of Koh Tarutao is Crocodile Cave, or Tham Chorakhe. Once, countless saltwater crocodiles swam these waters, but today, there’s only one place to discover their legacy: the mysterious Crocodile Cave, or as the locals call it, Tham Chorakhe.

Your journey begins with a long, relaxing boat ride from Punte Malakka. For just 450 baht, you can hire a longtail boat that will glide you over the crystal-clear waters. This fee covers the entire boat, so if you’re smart, you’ll share the costs with fellow travelers. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight! You can buy one at the base camp, but your phone will work just fine.

The trip takes you through a picturesque canal lined with lush mangrove forests, and after about fifteen minutes, you’ll arrive at the majestic cave. Here, you’ll dock at a wooden pier and follow a path leading to the entrance. Via a walkway and a ladder, you’ll reach a plastic raft that literally pulls you into the cave.

Then, through a long, dark tunnel, you’ll find yourself in the breathtaking Crocodile Cave of Koh Tarutao. This gigantic cavern spans several hundred meters in diameter and offers a plethora of exciting discoveries. While much of the cave is not accessible to visitors, you can still stroll around and marvel at the natural beauty this place has to offer.

So, when you visit Koh Tarutao, be sure to carve out some time to explore the Crocodile Cave. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

2. Hike to Toe Boo Cliff Viewpoint

If you’re up for some exercise, hike to Toe Boo Cliff Viewpoint! This hike takes a maximum of half an hour and offers stunning views over Punte Malakka and the surrounding islands. It’s a perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy nature.

3. Explore Mo Lae Bay and Ao Son

Mo Lae Bay features a beautiful beach with powdery white sand surrounded by lush forests. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation. If you’re looking for more tranquility, head to Ao Son, where you can enjoy long walks along the beach and perhaps even see some turtles.

4. The Lu Du Waterfall

For adventurous hikers, there’s the Lu Du waterfall. Follow a three-kilometer path through the jungle, but be prepared for some challenges along the way. It’s definitely worth it!

5. Historical Sites

Near Ao Ta Lo Woo pier, you’ll find historical buildings that date back to when Koh Tarutao was a prison island. This piece of history makes your visit even more special!

6. Nature and Wildlife

Hire a ranger for a guided walk to learn more about the island’s nature and history.

Eat and Drink

No worries about going hungry during your stay; both accommodation spots have restaurants where you can enjoy meals priced between 70 and 200 baht. For snacks, there’s a small grocery store at the visitor center.

Koh Tarutao is home to many different animals such as macaques, langurs, and even wild boars. Be cautious with your food, as they are always on the lookout for snacks!

Accommodationa on Ko Tarutao

Koh Tarutao doesn’t offer luxury resorts, but you can stay in bungalows or tents. There are three places to stay, ranging from simple tents for 200 baht per day to bungalows starting at 350 baht. Keep in mind that there’s no electricity 24/7 on the island, so a power bank comes in handy!

Another option is to stay on the island of Koh Lipe, which is not far from Koh Tarutao, and visit the island as a day trip. On Koh Lipe, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from hostels to luxury resorts.

Where to stay in Koh Tarutao NP ? Find out here!

Koh Lipe

The Noi Guesthouse and Restaurant

Agoda

Koh Lipe

Bella Vista Beach Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Sita Beach Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Mountain Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Serendipity Beach Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Idyllic Concept Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Akira Lipe Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Lipe Beach Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Wapi Resort

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Agoda

Koh Lipe

Lipe Oasis Resort

Agoda

Koh Lipe

Family Song

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Agoda

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Koh Lipe

Adang Island Resort

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Agoda

Transportation on the Island

There aren’t many transportation options on Koh Tarutao. Scooters are reserved for locals, but you can rent a mountain bike for 250 baht per day. This gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. If biking isn’t your thing, there are also shuttle taxis that run at fixed times. Make sure to get well informed about these times, especially when you need to catch a boat to the mainland or Koh Lipe.

Getting to Koh Tarutao

You can travel from Bangkok to Koh Lipe in a single day. From there, you can continue on to Koh Tarutao. It’s recommended to spend the night on Koh Lipe. You can arrange everything yourself by buying separate tickets locally, but we usually use 12go for trips like this. They handle all the arrangements on-site, ensuring your connections line up and tickets are available. The fee you pay is typically only a few hundred baht more than if you booked everything yourself.

Dicover all Islands at Koh Tarutao NP

Ko Tarutao is part of Koh Tarutao National Park, which includes a bunch of other beautiful islands just waiting to be explored. It’s the perfect spot for island hopping. Besides the popular Koh Lipe, you can also opt for total relaxation—like we did—by spending a few nights on Koh Adang.

Islands at Tarutao National Park

Koh Adang

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Koh Khai

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Koh Yang

Snorkeling in the waters around Koh Yang was the best snorkeling spot we experienced near Koh Lipe! This tiny island lies between Koh Adang and Koh Rawi and is a must-visit spot during a snorkeling trip from Koh Lipe. While there is little coral, there are countless fish to see!

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Koh Ra Wi

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Koh Lipe

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