This archipelago is comprised of 51 islands. The 7 largest ones are Koh Tarutao, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Li Pe, Koh Klang, Koh Ba Tuang, and Koh Bit Si. Tarutao received the title of "Asean Heritage Parks and Reserves" from UNESCO in 1982. Koh Tarutao is an island that perfectly blends nature and history together.

Ao Phante Malaka is the location of the office of the Tarutao National Park. The Visitor Service Center contains an exhibition of the nature and history of the island. There are restaurants, accommodation and a convenience store to service visitors.

This bay has a long, clean white beach for recreation and is an excellent spot to watch the sunset. There is a viewing point at Paa Toh Bu which is 60 meters above the sea. From here one can see Koh Bu Loan, Koh Klang, Koh Khai, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi and the Pe Tra group of islands. Ao Mo Lae has a white sandy beach with rows of coconut trees. There are restaurants and accommodation. Ao Son is 8 kilometers from the National Park Office. The bay is curved with sandy beaches interspaced with rocky beaches. It is a nesting spot for sea turtles. Ao Talowao is on the east of the island and is the location of the National Park Rangers office. This area used to be a prison.

The National Park has recreated the rehabilitation center, guardhouses and prison cells for historical study with explanation signs along the way. Koh Adang is the location of the Tarutao National Park Rangers Headquarters. There are steep cliffs and small bays with clean fine white sandy beaches. Coral reefs surround the island and there is a fresh water stream.

Accommodation, restaurants, diving courses, boats and diving equipment rentals are available. Koh Rawi has fine white sandy beaches and clear water. It is quiet and suitable for relaxation, swimming and diving. It can be said that this white sandy beach is the best snorkeling area. There are number markers, signs and guides to the marine wildlife. Restaurants, fresh water showers and toilets are also available. Koh Lipe has 2 contrasting sides. The south side is called Pattaya beach. The water is clear and the white sand is fine. There are amenities to service visitors so they can swim, sunbathe and enjoy beach life. At night, the beach side restaurants come alive with music to accompany the sound of the waves.

The north side called Pramong beach is quiet and restful. Visitors can relax, sun bathe and go canoeing on the long white sandy beach. Koh Khai is a small island with beautiful beaches where sea turtles come to lay eggs. The island has leatherback turtles and olive ridley turtles in abundance. There is staghorn coral and a large rock arch stretching from the sand into the sea which is one of the landmarks of the Tarutao group of islands. Koh Hin Ngarm (Beautiful Stone Island) contains round black stones full of amazingly beautiful patterns. When clear blue water and bright sunlight come into contact with the stones, the images created are breathtaking.

The back of the island is also an excellent site for snorkeling. You will find yellow and orange sea fans in abundance. Rong Nam cha Bang is situated in front of Koh Hin Ngarm. It is the most beautiful diving site of Tarutao. However, the water current is strong. To see the coral clearly, visitors must choose a calm sea or come during a waxing or waning moon when the tide is low. Life vests must be worn and instructions from guides must be strictly obeyed.

For more information:
Tarutao National Park Tourist Office
Paak Bara Port, T. Paak Nam, Amper La Ngu, Stun, Thailand 91110.
Tel: +66 7478 3485

Tarutao Park Rangers, Tarutao Island
Tel: + 66 7472 9002-3, +66 7471 2425