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Tarutao National Park

In the dialect of Southern Thailand, Tarutao means “old, mysterious and primitive”, which describes this island that has been the home for centuries of the Chao Lay, or Sea Gypsies.The Park encompasses a land and sea area of about 149,000 hectares in Tambon Ko Sarai, Amphoe Muang in the province of Satun.

Location

Subdistrict Ko Sarai, Mueang Satun District in the province of Satun

Area:

1,490 sq km

Date declared as an AHP:

Khao Yai National Park was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park during the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meetingon 29 November 1984 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Other international designation/s:

Part of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Comples – a World Heritage Site

Habitat Types

Moist evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, mangrove forest, secondary forest, old agricultural land, beach forest, coconut plantation, scrub forest

Contact information

Panaphol Cheewaserichol
AHP Manager
Tel.: +667 478 3597
Fax: +667 4783667
E-mail: Tarutaosatun.go@hotmail.com

Unique Flora: Some of the islands are dominated by large mangrove trees such as Sonneratia caseolaris, Anacardium, Vitex, Myrsine, Rhizophora, Brugiera, and Ceriops.

Unique Fauna: Dusky langurs; crab-eating macaques; mouse deer and wild pig; squirrels; tree shrews; gaur; serow; hornbills and woodpecker; banteng; bears; tigers; dhole (Cuon alpines); lesser mousedeer. Bird species include reef egret, white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and hornbills.

Habitat Types: Moist evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, mangrove forest, secondary forest, old agricultural land, beach forest, coconut plantation, scrub forest.

Visitors can hike, enjoy the many pristine beaches, ride boats or kayaks, and go island hopping, snorkeling and scuba diving. They can also visit the vast cave systems and go bird watching.