About 51 large and small islands in the Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean was established as "Tarutao National Park" on April 20,1974, making it the nation's first marine national park. Later UNESCO proclaimed the Tarutao National Park as the "Heritage of ASEAN" a place to be protected and conserved for people all over the world to appreciate. It is famous for its distinguished history and natural beauty. Located in the Andaman Sea 40 kms. from town, or 22 kms. from Bara Pier, the park borders Moo Ko Phetra National Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park consists of 7 large islands namely, Ko Tarutao, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Li Pe, Ko Klang, Ko Ba Tuang, and Ko Bit Si. Among these, Ko Tarutao is the largest island. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park and covers an area of 152 square kms. The island, teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches, consists of many large and small coves and bays around the island, each of which runs a small stream flowing from the central part of the island into the sea on the western side. The word Tarutao is derived from the Malay word "Talo Trao" which means 'plenty of bays'. Several attractions on Tarutao Island are as follows:

Beaches and bays abound on the island, including Ao Phante Malaka where the headquarters of the Tarutao National Park is located. At the front of the bay is a canal that runs from the eastern side to the west. There are also Ao Mo and Ao Son that provides camping and diving facilities for viewing corals. Ao Son has the most beautiful stretch of long, powdery sand beach in Tarutao Island. The three-kilometer long beach is ideal for swimming because there is a fresh water source nearby for bathing.

Lu Du and Lo Po Waterfalls are located in the area of Ao Son. They are small, but beautiful waterfalls.

Tham Dong is at Ao Ruesi. Tham Chorakhe can be reached by riding a long-tail boat along Khlong Phante Malaka. The 300-meter cave has a walking trail and is well lit for viewing the glittering stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Pha To Bu is a cliff that is 60 meters above sea level and is located behind the office of Tarutao National Park. It is a famous observation point overlooking scenic views of the numerous surrounding islands. A pleasant, twenty-minute walk takes you from Ao Phan Tao to the peaceful, sandy beaches on Ao Mo Lo and Ao Son.

Khlong Phante Malaka is a canal that zigzags through mangrove forests in the central area of Tarutao Island. It is believed that crocodiles once inhabited the canal.

Diving to see corals and fish can be done around Papilon Cliff, which was named after the filming of this movie on the cliff and is 15 feet above sea level. Ao Son and Ko Takiang are also fascinating diving spots.

Exhibition centre showcases animal fossils dating from 400-500 million years ago. Various types of coral reefs and underwater animals are also exhibited.

Sea Turtle Nursery cares for baby sea turtles, such as chelonia mydas and hawksbill turtles, that were found by national park officers.

Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island is comprised of two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southernmost bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison for common and political prisoners, is situated in the south and the east of the island.

The historical six-kilometre road trail was built by prisoners connecting Ao Talowao to Ao Talo Udang and is 12 kilometres long.

Walking trail From the National Park Office on Ao Phante Malaka, there is a 12-km. walking trail that runs through verdant forest all the way to Ao Talowao. Alongside the trails are found various types of trees and wild animals, like wild boars, mouse deers, and birds, particularly the hornbills. An 8-km walking trail begins at Ao Ma Lae and ends at Ao Son, passing through virgin forest where various kinds of birds are found. This trail is ideal for birdwatching.

Boat rides around the island on a long-tail boat is highly recommended. The National Park provides boat service with guides for tours around beaches. A typical journey may begin with birdwatching on Ao Chak, followed by visiting the longest, white sandy beach on Tarutao Island at Ao Son, tracing the historical trail on Ao Talo Udang, enjoying the natural beauty on Ao Talowao, and ending with diving and visiting mangrove forests. For more information on one-day trips, contact the tourist center at the Tarutao National Park.

Moo Ko Adang-Rawi is a group of islands located 40 kms. east of Tarutao Island, or 80 kms. from town. Among the various islands in the Straits of Malacca, Adang is the most enchanting. The unbeatable beauty and scenic charms of this 30 sq. km. island is evident in its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant coral reefs. Good dive sites are located around Ko Adang and Ko Rawi. Apart from exquisite corals, Adang offers visitors many enchanting places to visit.

Large mountainside natural reservoirs, forest covered mountains, unrelenting sonorous waterfalls with year-round supply of water, crystal clear streams, and long stretches of white sand beaches around the island, particularly at Ao Son where an area is set aside by the National Park to accommodate 150 campers.

Attractions on Ko Adang include beautiful beaches at Laem Son, Ao Lo, and Ao Ta Lo Re Pa. Ko Rawi also has white sandy beaches.