Ko Tarutao
Island
Island in Tarutao National Marine Park with remote beaches, jungle trails and historical prison ruins; accessed by boat from Satun for camping and snorkeling.
Ko Tarutao is an island in the far south of Thailand that forms part of the Tarutao National Marine Park in the Andaman Sea off Satun province. It is known for remote beaches, mature tropical forest, and relatively undeveloped coastal areas within the protected park.
Visitors come for hiking, wildlife viewing, unspoiled beaches and basic camping or bungalow accommodation rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure. The marine park includes several islands and coral reefs that attract day trips and multi-day visits from mainland piers.
The island has a history of occasional use as a penal settlement and for small-scale occupation, but it is now managed as part of a national marine park intended to conserve terrestrial and marine habitats. Park management restricts some activities and provides visitor information at authorized piers.
Ko Tarutao lies off Thailand’s southern Andaman coast near the border with Malaysia and is reached by boat from Pak Bara Pier in Satun; it occupies a remote location within the archipelago of the national park.
- National park access: Included in Tarutao National Marine Park, the island and surrounding waters are protected and accessible by scheduled ferries from Pak Bara Pier in Satun province.
- Best season: Dry-season months, roughly November to April, are the most practical time for boat access and beach activities due to calmer seas.
Tips for Visiting Ko Tarutao #
- Visit during the dry season (roughly November-April) when seas are calmer and boat schedules from Pak Bara are most reliable.
- Book ferry or park accommodation in advance and bring sufficient cash and supplies; services on Tarutao are limited and day-trip schedules can be infrequent.
- Don't miss the island's historical sites and viewpoints - allocating an overnight stay lets you explore beyond the main day-trip beaches when most visitors have left.
Best Time to Visit Ko Tarutao #
The best time to visit Ko Tarutao is during the dry season (November-April) when sea conditions and access are most reliable; the monsoon months are wetter and less predictable.
Weather & Climate near Ko Tarutao #
Ko Tarutao's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2320 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (169 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (258 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (337 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (331 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (228 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
