During the Second World War, guards and prisoners collaborated as pirates to hijack ships passing through the Malacca Strait due to supply shortages.
The island served as a detention site for political prisoners following the 1932 Siamese revolution.
The park was designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 1982 to protect its biological diversity.
The rare Irrawaddy dolphin is occasionally sighted in the coastal waters near the park's islands.
The karst formations within the park are composed of sedimentary rock deposited during the Paleozoic era.
Tarutao National Park is Thailand's first marine national park, comprising 51 islands in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. The park encompasses a total area of 1,490 square kilometers, including diverse marine ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves. Ko Tarutao, the largest island, contains a history of use as a political prison during the 1930s and 1940s. The park's varied terrain features limestone cliffs, dense tropical forests, and diverse beaches. Its remote location supports populations of langurs, crab-eating macaques, and mouse deer. The surrounding waters provide habitats for sea turtles, dugongs, and numerous reef fish species. Visitors can explore the remnants of the historical prison site at Talo Udang and Talo Wao. The park is managed under the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The viewpoint at Ao Taloh Wao overlooking the limestone cliffs and the eastern coastline.
Bring sufficient insect repellent, as the forested areas of Ko Tarutao are prone to mosquitoes and sandflies.
Carry your own supply of drinking water and snacks, as facilities on the islands are limited.
Rent a bicycle on Ko Tarutao to traverse the primary road connecting the main bays.
Attempting to visit during the monsoon season (May-October), as boat services are frequently suspended due to rough seas.
Closed annually from mid-May to mid-October for the monsoon season and reef recovery.
Respect the 'Leave No Trace' policy by packing out all personal waste; quiet behavior is expected near wildlife nesting areas.
