Tarutao National Park: Fees, Boats & Best Time
Plan Tarutao National Marine Park: how it relates to Koh Lipe, boat access from Pak Bara, fees, seasons and what to see on Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang.
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Last updated November 2026, this guide covers Tarutao National Park, a marine park of 51 islands in the Andaman Sea, Satun Province, near the Malaysian border. Koh Lipe and Koh Adang sit inside the park area, and Ko Tarutao is the largest island. For fee context across Thai parks, start with our national park fees guide.
Featured image: Rushen!, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr.
What Tarutao National Park Is (and How Koh Lipe Fits)
Tarutao National Marine Park covers roughly 931 sq km (about 359 sq mi) and was established in 1974. It forms part of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Three names cause most of the confusion. "Tarutao" is the park, Ko Tarutao is its largest island, and Koh Lipe is the popular base inside the park area. Most visitors reach the park by boat from Lipe, not from the mainland. Ko Tarutao has To Bu Mountain at 708 m (2,323 ft) and Lu Du Waterfall on jungle trails. Ko Adang and Ko Rawi, northwest of Tarutao, are the snorkeling islands. Ko Tarutao also served as a penal colony in the mid-20th century. Ruins and interpretive trails remain on the island. Official park information sits on the Department of National Parks site.
Best Time to Visit Tarutao and the Seasonal Closure
November to April is the calm-sea window for the Andaman side, and it is when boats run most reliably. Thai marine parks on this coast typically close in the rainy season. That window is commonly stated as roughly mid-May to mid-October, with exact dates set each year by the DNP. Mid-November, when this guide was updated, sits at the start of the main season. Rough water can still cancel a crossing, so build slack into your plans. Leave at least one spare day before any international flight. Book flexible accommodation on Koh Lipe in case a boat does not run.
How to Get to Tarutao
Pak Bara Pier in Satun Province is the usual mainland departure point. Most travelers fly into Hat Yai, which is about 100–120 km (62–75 mi) from Pak Bara. Vans, taxis and buses cover that stretch in 1.5 to 2 hours. From Pak Bara, access to the islands is by boat only. Speedboats are the popular choice. Passenger ferries are slower and cheaper. Schedules and fares change by season, so check them with the operator when you book.
| Route | Reported time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier | 1.5–2 hours | Van, taxi, rental car or bus |
| Pak Bara to Ko Tarutao | About 30–60 minutes | Speedboat or ferry; best for history and trails |
| Pak Bara to Koh Lipe | About 1.5–2 hours by speedboat | Main base for snorkeling and island hopping |
| Koh Lipe to Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Koh Hin Ngam | Day-trip boats | Check duration and price at booking |
Entry Fees, Tickets and Opening Hours
Some online widgets list this park as free, but Thai national parks normally charge foreign visitors. We have no confirmed DNP figure for Tarutao's current rates, collection point or hours, so check the DNP official site before you travel. Our Thai park fee overview explains how foreign and Thai rates usually differ.
Best Things to Do in Tarutao
Snorkeling is the main draw around Ko Adang and Ko Rawi, with reefs also reachable on boat trips from Koh Lipe. Koh Hin Ngam lies west of Ko Adang. Its shore is covered in smooth black stones instead of sand. Park rules forbid removing stones, and local belief says doing so brings bad luck. Visitors report that swimming and overnight stays there are not allowed, so treat it as a short photo stop.
- Ko Tarutao: Ao Pante Malaka beach, the Chao Pho Tarutao Shrine, Lu Du Waterfall trails and penal-colony ruins.
- Ko Adang and Ko Rawi: snorkeling and viewpoints.
- Koh Kai: a natural stone arch, reached by longtail boat.
- Kayaking through mangroves, trekking and stargazing on quiet beaches.
- Wildlife: crab-eating macaques, monitor lizards, hornbills and white-bellied sea eagles are reported. Sightings of rarer species such as sun bear or clouded leopard are never guaranteed.
How to Plan Your Time
Pick the version of Tarutao that fits your schedule. Koh Lipe's walking circuit takes only 1–2 hours, so the park islands are where the extra days go. A day trip from Lipe suits snorkelers on a short itinerary. One night on Ko Tarutao suits history and trail fans. Skip the overnight if you need Lipe's restaurants and nightlife.
Koh Lipe's walking circuit takes only 1–2 hours, yet the Pak Bara to Koh Lipe speedboat ride takes about 1.5–2 hours.
| Option | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|
| Day or snorkel trip from Koh Lipe | Low effort, reefs, Koh Hin Ngam | You get seasick or have a tight flight the next day |
| Overnight on Ko Tarutao | Trails, waterfall, penal-colony history, quiet | You want Lipe-style amenities |
| Ko Adang and Ko Rawi area | Viewpoints and snorkeling | You want a mainland-only day trip |
Where to Stay and Getting Around
Staying on Koh Lipe gives the most choice. Pattaya Beach is the arrival point for speedboats and holds the most restaurants and hotels, plus Walking Street. Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach are quieter. Park lodging and camping exist on the park islands, but check availability and booking rules through the DNP before you commit. Expect basic facilities there. Bring water, snacks and cash, and confirm mobile coverage with your provider. Between islands, you travel by longtail or tour boat.
Tarutao vs Other Thai Marine Parks
Tarutao is remote and boat-dependent, so compare it with other parks on access, season and crowds. Other Andaman options are Similan Islands and Surin Islands, which also depend on boats. Phi Phi and Ko Lanta are easier to reach. Gulf parks such as Ang Thong and Chumphon suit other months.
| Park | Coast | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tarutao | Andaman, far south | Quiet islands, history, Koh Lipe base |
| Similan / Surin | Andaman | Seasonal boat-based snorkeling |
| Phi Phi / Lanta | Andaman | Easier access, more crowds |
| Ang Thong / Chumphon | Gulf of Thailand | Different season from the Andaman |
Mistakes to Avoid and Practical Tips
Do not assume the park is free. Do not book a tight onward flight after a boat day, since sea conditions can delay crossings. Do not expect Lipe amenities on Ko Tarutao. Ignore the "325 Walking Street" address on some listings, because Walking Street is on Koh Lipe. Take nothing from the park, including stones from Koh Hin Ngam. Do not feed monkeys, and carry all trash out. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven rock and bring sun protection. Boat stops may last only 15–20 minutes, so confirm timings with your operator.
Boat stops may last only 15–20 minutes, while the Pak Bara to Ko Tarutao leg alone runs about 30–60 minutes.
Notes for your next dive trip
Optional updates to our Thai diving guides.
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