Ko Tarutao: Coastlines, Rainforest and Hiking Trails

Ko Tarutao brings together striking coastal landscapes, rainforest trails, and habitats for wildlife and birds. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, you can start by choosing a destination based on the experiences you’re after: Would you like to focus on coastal scenery, a hike, or wildlife and birdwatching? The following places and routes show the different sides of Ko Tarutao.

Coastlines, Reefs and Natural History

On the west coast of Tarutao Island, the limestone coastline forms tidal-flat and mangrove-swamp ecosystems. On the east coast, sandstone and sandy sedimentary rock form a long sandy beach. The highest peak in Tarutao National Park is on Tarutao Island and reaches 708 metres above sea level.

The national park includes more than 1,800 hectares of coral reefs. They are spread across a coastal zone near Tarutao Island and an offshore zone around the Adang-Rawi Islands. The reefs support significant marine biodiversity and serve as spawning and nursery grounds for fish populations. On land, another discovery points to the island’s long natural history: Cambrian trilobites found on Tarutao Island are the oldest documented to date on the Malay Peninsula and in Thailand.

The visitor centre at Pantaemalaka Bay features exhibitions on Ko Tarutao’s nature and history. A visit to the bay therefore offers a chance to learn about both the landscape and the destination’s history.

Hiking Trails and Bays

From Pantaemalaka Bay, you can hike up to the Pha Toe-Boo viewpoint. A 12-kilometre hiking route leads from the park headquarters at the same bay through dense rainforest to Ao Talo Wao Bay. Wild boars, muntjacs and hornbills can be spotted along the trail.

Another route runs from Ao Chak via Ao Mo Lae to Ao Son. It is 8 kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and is suitable for birdwatching, including hornbills and drongos. At 8 kilometres, it is four kilometres shorter than the route to Ao Talo Wao. This lets you compare a shorter birdwatching route with a longer rainforest hike. Check trail conditions and access locally.

Ao Chak is a small, peaceful bay adjoining Pantaemalaka Bay and is suitable for relaxing. Ao Son is another starting point for hikes and nature experiences. There is a campsite for visitors there; check its availability before your trip.

Boat Tour and Getting Your Bearings

The national park offers a one-day boat tour around Ko Tarutao, accompanied by staff. It includes birdwatching at Ao Chak, the white and longest sandy beach at Ao Son, historical traces at Ao Talo Udang, nature experiences at Ao Talo Wao, as well as snorkelling and a visit to the mangroves. Check the latest boat arrangements locally before adding the trip to your day’s plans.

Ao Talo Udang is on the southern side of Ko Tarutao and 8 kilometres from Ko Langkawi. A striking, large cleft rock lies in front of the bay; there is also a boat landing there. For directions, Pak Bara Pier is the pier closest to Ko Tarutao. It is outside the island at Pak Nam, in Langu District. Check schedules and boat arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Satun, Nikhom Phatthana, Pak Nam.

Back to the main travel overview: Satun.