Tarutao National Park, National marine park in Satun Province, Thailand
Tarutao National Park is a marine protected area in southwestern Thailand spanning 51 islands in the Strait of Malacca, featuring two main island groups. The landscape includes coral reefs, mangrove forests, and rocky shorelines that support diverse marine ecosystems.
The islands served as a prison location in the early 1900s, where inmates and guards eventually cooperated during isolation. The area later became protected to conserve its natural resources.
The islands get their name from an old Malay word meaning ancient land, showing how this region connects Thai and Malaysian waters through shared maritime history.
Access the park via Hat Yai Airport with a ride to Pak Bara Pier, where boats connect to the islands. The best time to visit is from November to March when weather is stable and the sea is calm.
The islands support more than 100 bird species, including the reddish scops owl and Nicobar pigeon. Small deer move freely along island paths and are regularly encountered by visitors.
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