Koh Tarutao
Weather :
Tags : Island
Time Required : 1 day
Entry Fee : THB 200 (valid for 5 days)
Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question
Ways to Experience this attraction
Koh Tarutao, Phuket Overview
Koh Tarutao, a remote island, located in the Southwestern region of Thailand, is entirely untouched and spared from mass visitors. This is one of the rare places in Thailand that is yet not fully discovered or explored by many tourists. Interiors of Koh Tarutao have steep trails and rough roads where bikers and hikers might have a very good time. Hiking, kayaking and mountain biking are some popular activities here. Near Koh Tarutao are Ko Adang and Ko Rawi ideal places for snorkelling and diving.
Once a concentration camp for more than 3000 Thai criminals and political prisoners, Koh Tarutao Island is the largest island belonging to the “Tarutao National Marine Park”. During the Second World War II, food and medical supplies from the mainland were depleted, and many prisoners died from malaria. Both prisoners and guards who survived became pirates in the nearby Strait of Malacca. In 1951, British troops suppressed the survivors to prevent the rise of more prisoners. The movie Survivor: Thailand was filmed on this island in 2002.
Mangrove forests and limestone cliffs surround Koh Tarutao Island while the whole island is white turquoise blue, making the landscape very picturesque. The gorgeous site is home to more than 100 species of tropical birds and animals. A few rivers run through the island, and there is a massive waterfall in the middle of the jungle. For a rejuvenating and lovely stay amidst peace and serenity, you must head to Koh Tarutao this holiday season.
Read More on Koh Tarutao
How to Reach Koh Tarutao Island
Once you land in Koh Samui, you must get to Pak Bara Pier tp get on a speed which will take you to Koh Tarutao Island in nearly 30 minutes. The speedboat ride might cost you THB 400. You can also hop on a boat from Krabi, Ao Nang and Hat Yai but these routes might cost you somewhere between THB 700 to THB 900.
Best Time to Visit
Places to Visit at Koh Tarutao
Source
This site is sure to leave you stunned with its exceptional coral reef and crystal clear waters and extraordinarily stunning sunsets. Getting to Ao Son might seem a little tedious, but this journey is worth its while. The camping area at the Ao Talo Phante Malacca will definitely leave you wanting for more.
2. Ao Ta LooLocated to the east of Koh Tarutao Islands, you will get to see many limestone hills from this beautiful isolated island. It is a historic trail one must not miss to take a look at. Many old structures here tell a historical tale worth exploring.
3. Ko Adang
Source
This is the second largest island in the vicinity of the National Park. At Ko Adang, you have a lot of things to do like camping in the forest, trekking, etc. The accommodation services here are also very good. This island has some of the most fantastic trails, one of which is the compelling view of Koh Lipe and another is that of a dazzling waterfall.
4. Ko KaiThis small island is nearly just halfway between Koh Tarutao and Ko Adang and can be visited only during the day time. What makes this worth a visit are the stunning arch formations on the beach that have startling and iconic views to offer. In case you want to spend a few quiet hours alone with breathtaking views then this might be the place you are looking for. Also, do not forget to carry your camera to this wonderland.
Things to Do & Activities
You can rent very sturdy and cheap bikes for a day on the island and probably take a trip to Ao Talo Phante Malacca or maybe if you are looking for a more remote place then you must visit Ao Son, which is about 6 km away. The rental would just cost you THB 250. The track will take you through the Tarutao Mainland Jungle, a scenic place with a view so great that every mile you travel will be worth the entire struggle.
Hiking
Nothing could be more fun than a hike through the lush green spread of jungle when at Koh Tarutao. Your trip won’t be complete unless you commence on the famous trek to the Lu Du Waterfall near Ao Son and the hike to the top of the 400 meters long Pha Toe Boo Cliff that stands majestically tall with a flamboyant backdrop. Going up to the Pha Toe Boo Cliff during sunset is an invigorating experience. Climbing this summit will just take 15 minutes and in no time you will be looking at a view that will leave you astounded.
Kayaking
The most famous activity amongst tourist in the Koh Tarutao Islands is Kayaking. All you could do for a soothing experience in the water is rent a kayak and paddle through the flourishing mangrove spread to the crocodile cave towards Ao Rusi located in the northeastern side of the island. This might be a very fun trip that will cause no fatigue. Renting the paddle boat will cost you around THB 500 for the entire day. Just remember to carry torch lights in case you are planning on visiting the crocodile caves.
_20190401212746.jpg)
Where to Eat & What to Eat
In case you are not in the habit of eating spicy foods then you might want to request the restaurant to tone down the chillies in your meal. ‘Barracuda’ is one such restaurant patronized the most by most locals. It offers the best Thai cuisine in the region. For those of you who are vegans or vegetarians, there are a few cafes in the area with a variety of dishes on their menu including burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc.
Koh Tarutao Accommodation
You also get to pick family bungalows that can accommodate up to 4 people. Even though you might be refrained from most of the modern day amenities, yet the bungalows are a more comfortable option as compared to the tents. Living in a tent is for those of you who are looking forward to living in nature. If you can comfortably sleep without a bed then you could stay in a tent by the beach and it might be a fun option for you. It will be an absolutely new and exciting experience for most of you.
Source
Top Hotel Collections
Top Hotels Near Koh Tarutao
Koh Tarutao Reviews
Have a Question on Koh Tarutao?
experience.