It is located in the Andaman Sea 40 kilometres from town or 22 kilometres from Bara Pier. The park borders Mu Ko Phetra Nationl Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park occupies an area of 1,490 square kilometres and comprises 51 islands. Seven large islands are Ko Tarutao, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Li Pe, Ko Klang, Ko Ba Tuang, and Ko Bit Si. Tarutao was proclaimed a Nation Park on 19 April 1974 and declared by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve in 1982. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park that covers an area of 152 square kilometres. The island is teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches. There are also camping and diving facility to see corals.

Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island comprises two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southern most bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison, a prison for common and political prisoners which 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.

Activities on Ko Tarutao

Walking trail from the national Park Office on Ao Phante Malaka is a 12-kilometre walking trail which runs through verdant forest all the way to Ao Talowao. Various types of trees, wild animals like wild boar and mouse deer, and birds, hornbills in particular, are found along sides this trail. An eight-kilometre walking trail begins at Ao ma lae ends at Ao Son, passing through virgin forest where various kinds of birds are found. Bird-watching is ideal here.

Boat rides on a long-tail boat around island for eco-tourism es recommended. The National Park provides boat service with guides for vesitors to tour around beaches. The journey could begin with bird-watching on Ao Chak, going to see the longest white sandy beach on Tarutao Island at Ao Son, tracing historical trail on Ao Talo Udang, enjoying natural beauty on Ao Talowao, ending with diving and visiting mangrove forests. For more information on a one-day trip, contact the tourist centre at the Tarutao National Park.