Koh Tarutao
The large, wild park island on the way to Koh Lipe, a former prison colony with long empty beaches, mangroves and park bungalows at Ao Phante Malaka.
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Tours that include Koh Tarutao
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Tarutao.
Why go, and how to do it well
Koh Tarutao is the biggest island in the national park that carries its name, a long ridge of jungle with beaches on its west coast and mangrove rivers cutting inland, and almost nothing built on it. From 1936 the Corrections Department ran a penal settlement here for convicts and political prisoners, and some of the convicts later took to piracy in the strait; the remains of the camps are part of the reason to visit. Today the park headquarters at Ao Phante Malaka in the northwest has the pier, a visitor center, a restaurant, bungalows and a camping ground, and Ao Mo Lae farther south has more park lodging.
Tarutao is the opposite of Koh Lipe, an hour away by speedboat. There are no bars and no resorts, the beaches are long and usually empty, and you get around on foot, by rented bicycle or on the park's own transport. It suits a night or two in a park bungalow between the mainland and Lipe.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Koh Tarutao
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Tarutao.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Tarutao, round out your day in Koh Lipe with contrasting stops nearby.
Ko Tarutao
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Islands
Check Island Closures
Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Tachai close mid-May to mid-October. Some smaller islands reduce ferry service in monsoon season. Always verify schedules before planning your route.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Bring Cash to Smaller Islands
ATMs on smaller islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Yao charge high fees and sometimes run out of cash. Withdraw enough on the mainland before heading over.
Koh Tarutao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Tarutao worth visiting?
Koh Tarutao holds a 4.7★ rating from 105 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated islands in Koh Lipe.
When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao?
The best months to visit Koh Lipe are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Chinese New Year — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close).
Where is Koh Tarutao located?
Koh Tarutao is at Ko Tarutao, in Koh Lipe. Getting around Koh Lipe: Walking — the island is under 3 km end to end; Motorbike taxis with sidecars for luggage runs.
Also popular in Koh Lipe
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)
Koh Lipe's long, east-facing white-sand beach, with calm shallows, the longtail stand for snorkel trips and the view across to Koh Adang.
Pura Vida Diving Koh Lipe Dive Center
A well-regarded dive center on Koh Lipe offering guided dives and courses in the Andaman Sea.
Theseason sunset bar by Theclifflipe resort
A clifftop sunset bar on Koh Lipe offering sweeping sea views and drinks in a mid-range, relaxed setting.
Akira Lipe Resort
A well-regarded beachside resort on Koh Lipe offering a relaxed island escape in southern Thailand.
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