Understand

Ko Taratao is an island located 30km west of the coastal city of Satun. This 26.5km long and 11km wide island is adorned with lush rainforest that covers over 70% of its land. Its highest point stands over 700m above sea level, offering breathtaking views. The intriguing name "Tarutao" originates from the Malay words "Pulau Tertua" meaning "the island of old". From 1937 to 1948, Ko Tarutao served as a prison, housing up to 3,000 prisoners at a time. During World War II, when food supplies were scarce, the prisoners resorted to savage piracy, ruthlessly murdering the crew of passing ships. In 1947, the British army successfully forced the surrender of these pirates within a week. An important milestone for Ko Tarutao came in 1975 when it was declared the first marine national park in Thailand. Its natural beauty and rich biodiversity deserved this recognition. The island made its mark again in 2002 as the filming location for the fifth season of the popular television show Survivor. The remote south part of Ko Tarutao, where the filming took place, is known for being un-patrolled and reports have mentioned its association with gangsters and human trafficking. However, despite its challenges, this area can be reached via a thrilling several-hour trip on a long-tail boat.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing