Tarutao national park

In 1972, the government decided to make Tarutao a national park and surveyors were sent to the island. In 1974, Tarutao and Adang-Rawi islands were declared a national park; ThailandÕs second marine national park.

The 51 islands of the park archipelago lie in the Andaman Sea from 20-70 km. off the extreme southwest coast of peninsular Thailand. Tarutao, the largest of the islands, is 26.5 km. long and 11 km. wide. The topography is mostly mountainous (highest point 708 m.) with a few broad plains and valleys. Semi-evergreen rain-forest blankets about 60 percent of the island, and pure mangrove swamps are found in several areas. Long sandy beaches lie along the western coast.

The Adang-Rawi group of islands lies about 50 km. west of Tarutao and includes Adang, Rawi, Dong and Lipe. Adang Island, with a steep and rugged landscape almost completely covered by tropical rainforest, may be the most wild and appealing of the islands. Sparkling clear water and superb coral reefs provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life form, including many brightly colored fish.
For further information, please contact National Park Division, Tel. 561-4292-3 ext. 724-5