South West Coastal
Similian Islands
This group of nine remote islands located 95 km north-west of Phuket was designated as a national park in 1982. The Similan Islands are some the worlds most beautiful and unspoiled islands and together with the splendour of the rich, varied marine life, and stunning coral reefs they offer a world class underwater paradise for scuba divers. Below the surface the Similans offer a wide variety of underwater scenery and marine life. You can draw a line roughly down the middle of each island in the chain separating them into two parts, with each offering totally different diving environments. On the western side of the islands, huge granite boulders are stacked on top of one another creating magnificent archways, and plunging drop-offs. Most of these granite boulders are so completely covered in colourful soft corals that the rock is no longer visible.
Diving on the eastern side of the islands can give you the impression of diving in another part of the world. Here hard coral gardens gradually slope down to approximately 30-40 meters where sand takes over as the water depth increases. Massive schools of colourful tropical fish are attracted to the nutrient rich water that swirls around these islands. Sightings of large fish are rather rare in these waters but you may occasionally encounter leopard sharks and even whale sharks here.
There are more than 20 documented dive sites in the Similan Islands, many of which have developed their own international reputation. Christmas Point, on Island #9, Ko Bangru: is famous for a series of dramatic archways for divers to swim through while they swim with the schools Blue Fin Trevally, and Jack Tuna. Fantasy Reef, on Island #8, Ko Similan: is a popular site to exploring the massive underwater rock formations, and for a likely encounter with some of the many species of rays that live there. Elephant Head, on Island #8, Koh Similan: is probably the most famous dive in the group, the site is named after an unusually shaped group of rocks that jut out of the water just to the south-west of Koh Similan.
The Similan Islands are consistently ranked as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, and there is good reason to believe they will remain that way for future generations. The Thai Government can be justly proud of their efforts to preserve and protect this group of pristine islands. In one effort the Fishing Dept placed mooring buoys in the most popular anchorage's allowing visiting boats to tie up rather then dropping an anchor and risk damaging the fragile reef. It is easy to applaud all efforts to preserve the wild, unspoiled beaches, magnificent coral reefs, and the turquoise blue water of this special area.
The easiest way to get to the Similian Islands from Bangkok is to fly to Phuket and then take a boat which can make the journey from in 3 to 4 hours. Boats from Phanga are also available from Thap Lamu Pier which takes about 3 hours. Your journey can be booked with any travel agent in Thailand and they will undertake all the connections for you.
Khao Lak
Once a popular playground for families and avid scuba divers, this stretch of fabulous beach is now down in the history books as the area in Thailand most devastated by the 26 December 2004 tsunami. Today, many of the resorts and businesses have rebuilt and re-opened, and are struggling to bring back visitors. The beaches here remain pristine and it will only be a matter of time until the area is once again thriving. The Thai Government has built a Tsunami Warning System which can be used in the areas that are most under threat.
Khao Lak is a one-hour drive north from Phuket International Airport. It is much closer to the Similan Islands than Phuket, making it an optimal base for a scuba diving holiday. And, since scuba divers are on boats or under the water for most of the day, the beaches are quiet and clean for non-divers and for the days in between diving.
Khao Lak beach is the most popular among foreign visitors and is good for swimming and near all the tourist amenities and hotels. Bang Niang beach is not far away and is good for those looking for a bit more privacy. Bang Sak beach is where local Thais go for picnicking, and you’ll find some charming little beachside stalls here. Thai Muang beach, about half an hour away, is located inside a national park and is nicknamed Turtle beach for the sea turtles that lay their eggs here from November to February.
The Similan Islands are rated one of the top diving destinations in the world, and this marine park is home to vibrant hard and soft corals, unique underwater boulder formations, and an assortment of marine life including whale sharks. Khao Lak is also home to a few pretty waterfalls, as well as the Khao Lak Lamru National Park with its lush vegetation and variety of wild animals.
This stretch of the Andaman coast is pristine and mostly undeveloped offering a wonderful appendage to the beach area which is enjoyed by few other resort locations in Thailand. The park is typified by lofty hills, waterfalls and soaring cliffs, with gorges that can be explored by canoe. The mangroves are also pretty, particularly the Klong Thap Liang estuary which can be explored with the long-tail boats on offer. There are a few coastal trails and some bird and occasional wildlife can be spotted if you are lucky. Bungalows are also offered in the park headquarters.
There is plenty of accommodation in Khao Lak ranging from inexpensive bungalows to five-star luxury resorts and most are offering discounted rates, especially during the low season (approximately May to November). The main stretch in Khao Lak offers plenty of dive shops providing speedboat daytrips and live-aboard trips to the Similans. Here, you’ll also find accommodation, restaurants, and quiet bars.
Most facilities cater to foreign tourists and you’ll find shopkeepers can speak English and sometimes German and Swedish as well. Many people find Khao Lak to be a superb getaway from the bustle of Phuket and the area is definitely worth a visit.
Getting to Khao Lak by car/taxi or bus from Phuket takes just 60 minutes. From Bangkok you can fly to Phuket or can take the train to Surat Thani (a 12 hour journey) and then take a 2 hour bus journey to Phanga Town and from here a bus to Khao Lak. The bus from Bangkok to Phanga Town takes 12 hours. Local travel agents in Thailand can arrange all the connections for you very easily.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and nestles against the Andaman Sea coast 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. The island is about the size of Singapore, with some 40kms of beaches. Phuket has traditionally derived its wealth from tin and rubber however these days up-market tourism and property fuel the growth of the island. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, genuinely hospitable people and comfortable accommodation. There is super seafood, tropically vegetative mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese-influenced architecture, which creates an en-chanting ambiance perfectly suited to total relaxation. The island has many golf courses and is a great family destination with fun parks and attractions dotted throughout.
Phuket's population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces in Thailand. The province is the richest in Thailand (on a per capita basis) and second only to Bangkok in real terms.
Along with the incredible beaches, hills and lush jungle, Phuket is a water lover's paradise. The reefs and surrounding islands teem with marine life. There is a host of water activities including scuba diving, yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and para-sailing on offer. Other attractions are the Phuket Aquarium, the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and five golf courses, including the prestigious Blue Canyon Country Club.
Phuket is an ideal base from which to explore the Andaman region. Many boats leave Phuket for trips around Phanga Bay, with its impossibly sheer limestone outcrops that rise out of the sea, many caves and odd shaped islands. Other popular destinations are Phi Phi Island, Racha Islands and the Similan Islands. The Similans are considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world.
Phuket is not all about beaches. If you have time, the interior is definitely worth exploring. There are rice paddies, rubber plantations and small slices of Phuket's remaining rainforest. Phuket Town (now renamed Phuket City) is definitely worth checking out. There's plenty of shops and departments stores, as well as a few flea markets as well as some small antique and handicraft shops.
Patong, across the island from Phuket Town, is the noisy nightlife center of the island with great beaches and facilities. Beaches such as Kata, Karon and Surin are quieter and have a more relaxed feel to them.
One of the best family beaches is Nai Harn beach at the southern tip of the island. The best beaches are along the West Side, but the wind and waves from the Andaman sea can make them rough at times. Nai Harn on the other hand is a bay sheltered from worst winds and the sea is shallow for a long way out making it suitable for children (supervised of course). Also the beach is large enough, so there is plenty of room, and the restaurants and bars are right at the back under the tree line.
Getting to Phuket by air from Bangkok takes just over 60 minutes. The bus takes 14 hours and for a train journey you will need to change at Surat Thani having traveled for 12 hours and get the bus which takes a further four hours.
Phanga Bay
Phanga is located south along the coast from Phuket on the way to Krabi. Phanga features beautiful scenery and nestles among soaring mountains which rise up around the town. Phanga is located 788 kms. from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometers, most of which is mangrove and evergreen forest.
The majority of tourists visit Phanga to see the bay which can be toured by long-tail boat, speedboat or on larger vessels. The bay is the home to James Bond Island made famous in “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Sea Gypsies have created their homes on houses which rise out of the seas on stilts and where tourists can visit to buy food, drink and local produce.
This is one of the most spectacular locations in South East Asia. The Islands comprise limestone Karsk formed of Permian limestone, thrust up high millions of years ago to form today a bewildering array of shapes, some reaching 400 metres high. There is abundant plant life and a vast array of fauna. The coastline of the park is extensively covered by mangrove forests.
Phanga Bay is a huge shallow bay fringed with extensive mangrove swamps, extending north from Phuket Island eastwards along the mainland coast past the mouths of six river systems to the mouth of the Mae Nam Marui. A great many limestone pillars and islands rise sheer from the coastal flats, and there are extensive shallows offshore - only 1-4m deep at mean low water. The site encompasses the two offshore islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi together with a great many smaller islets.
To get to Phanga is only one hour from Phuket and this is the easiest way by bus, taxi or car. From Bangkok you can take the train to Surat Thani (a 12 hour journey) and then take a 2 hour bus journey to Phanga Town. The bus directly from Bangkok to Phanga Town takes 12 hours. Again any travel agent in Thailand can arrange all of the connections for you.
Krabi
Located just South of Phanga and two hours drive from Phuket is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phanga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.
Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.
Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to May and the rainy season from June to December although the rains become quieter from October. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.
The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.
In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Haad Railay which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. These two locations are described within their own sections on the website. Tonsai Beach is quieter than the other beaches. Tonsai really is the place to read that book or just work on the suntan. A few bungalow resorts with names like "Andaman Nature" and "Dream Valley" Beach restaurants and bars, together with a climbing school give an idea.
Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.
Visit the Tiger cave, nunnery and monastery just outside of Krabi. In the Tiger cave grounds you can climb over 1000 steps onto the top of a large hill where a small temple has been built. Don’t take any food or you will be mugged by the monkeys that roam about the place in their 100’s.
To get to Krabi is very easy as it has its own international airport. By bus from Bangkok takes about 10 hours and by train you will need to change at Surat Thani after a 12 hour journey and then take a bus for about 4 hours to Krabi.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is Krabi's vibrant tourist centre. It has the relaxed vibe of a small town, the beauty of a beach resort, the modern comforts of home, and the friendliness the sets Thailand apart.
The town itself is small; an hour-long stroll takes you from one end to the other. By road, Ao Nang is just minutes from Krabi Town and Klong Muang Beach and mere seconds to Noppharat Thara Beach. The stunning views from Ao Nang beach over the Andaman Sea make Ao Nang a must for discovering Thailand. Long-tail boats offer tours of the nearby islands and Railay's beaches - including Ton Sai are just a few minutes away. The long tail boats are very well organised into a queuing system that allows tourists to pick up a taxi boat at any time without being hassled for business.
Of course, leaving Ao Nang is far from necessary. Great food, interesting people, cheap shopping, and a stellar beach make it a standalone destination. For plenty of travellers, this is the end of the road. Use it as a jumping-off point to see the rest of Krabi's wondrous secrets, or make it your only target. Either way, you'll thoroughly enjoy Ao Nang.
To get to Ao Nang simply get to Krabi and take a local bus or taxi which will take just 20 minutes.
Railay
Railay is one of Thailand's most sought after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, from either Krabi town or Ao Nang, Railay presents a private and extraordinary world. In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance!
At Railay there are no roads, only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just local long-tail boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang peninsular is effectively isolated by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys from Krabi's main holiday areas.
The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings. If it's sea kayaking, diving, rock climbing, snorkelling, jungle trekking, cooking, or lazing on the beach, you can do it all from here.
• Railay West Beach
Railay West offers perfectly soft sand, a wide beach, informal beach restaurants, friendly locals and a tiny community of travellers who just can't seem to leave.
At sunset the beach is a hive of activity with boats arriving and departing, impromptu games of football and people taking a stroll. The beach faces west, so it’s a great place to just sit and watch a stunning tropical sunset.
A pathway straight across the peninsula links Railay West with Railay East skirting past dozens of small bungalows dotted around the area. You can also walk along the beach at Railay East and along the base of the cliffs to Phra Nang beach.
Eating out at Railay, is generally low key and casual, with many small local eating places around the resorts or beach areas, serving both western and Thai food. Nightlife is fairly low key with the party scene, located in Railay East.
Both Railay West and Phra Nang have surrounding cliffs that twist into fantastic shapes, weathered by the wind and rain over time. Trees and shrubs cling precariously to the rock face, as do the rock climbers who come here for sun, sand and the challenge of an overhang or a vertical wall. Most people, however, just come to relax and enjoy.
• Phra Nang Cave Beach
Most people arrive at Phra Nang by boat and are amazed by this beautiful cove. Phra Nang is more popular and busier than Railay West, especially in high season (Nov- April) and has all the ingredients of a perfect beach. Duvet soft sand, clear shallow water for safe swimming, a small island and coral reef, accessible at low tide, caves and rock-pools. All this, set against a backdrop of picturesque limestone cliffs that provide natural shade from the hot afternoon sun.
At the bottom of the limestone cliffs lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok. Dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess, the cave contains a strange combination of large phallic symbols, garlands and offerings in the hope of increased potency and prosperity. Local fishermen still leave offerings although it's now becoming a local tourist attraction.
Further along the base of the cliff (south end) is a pathway to an entrance which leads inside the rocky headland to an interior lagoon. The lagoon is fed by the tides and only accessed by a strenuous climb. It's worth the climb to see the eerily quiet lagoon, which, in addition to its location inside the rock, is also well above sea level. At the top is a fantastic view over the whole of Railay and the coastal area beyond.
Just offshore, is a tiny island which you can walk to at low tide along a sand bar and go snorkelling. If you can't be bothered, just take it easy. There's no accommodation on Phra Nang Beach except the deluxe Sheraton Rayavadeee which unobtrusively occupies part of the beach.
• Railay East
Railay East, a narrow beach on the opposite side to Railay West, is home to mangroves, local fishing boats and local birds. It's also the most convenient place to find a long-tail taxi boat to Krabi town and other beaches.
A few local restaurants line the beach, providing welcome shade and a drink while you wait for your boat. At night they form the focal point of the Railay high season party scene. Bars like Gecko, Cliffs, Railay Experience and the Last Bar offer an eclectic mix of fire-twirlers, good music and good vibes until it's time to wend your way back to your bungalow. Shoes optional.
Along the pathway which links to Railay West are dozens of small bungalows giving the feeling of a small self contained village, which indeed it is, with restaurants and convenience stores in addition to the bungalows. Accommodation can also be found around the north end of Railay East, near the nightlife scene. If you're interested in climbing, check out the climbing schools also located at this end of the beach.
You can also walk from Railay East to Phra Nang Beach .The two beaches are connected by a path which follows the base of the cliffs bordered by caves, stalactites and of course, vendors. If you plan to walk around it's a good idea to keep your shoes and wear a T shirt. Although it's a short walk to the other beaches it gets unbelievably hot!
Koh Phi Phi
Acclaimed world-wide, the Phi Phi Islands form part of a protected maritime park and are known for their white sandy palm fringed beaches and stunning limestone monoliths that rise from the Andaman Sea.
The Islands are located some 48 kms east of Phuket and 42 kms south of Krabi and consist of the larger inhabited Phi Phi Don, and the smaller Phi Phi Lei, which obtained repute from the blockbuster movie The Beach. Access to the islands is by ferry or speedboat from either Phuket or Krabi.
The two islands of Koh Phi Phi (Don and Lei) are some of Thailand’s most alluring. This is sometimes a curse, as despite their national park status, developers have encroached to cash in on tourism. Nevertheless, newcomers are awe-struck by the area’s natural splendour, and Koh Phi Phi remains a foremost tourist destination.
The larger Phi Phi Don consists of two rock masses bridged by a strip of white sand with beaches on both sides. The southern beach (Ao Ton Sai) is more developed, with boats anchoring in the calm bay. The legendary tranquillity has gone, but one blessing is that decent restaurants and bungalows are easy to find. The northern beach (Ao Lo Dalam) is comparatively rougher, with fewer bungalows than Ao Ton Sai. More lovely beaches are on the longer, eastern side of the island, known as Koh Nai; a sea gypsy community occupies Laem Thong in the north. Koh Nai’s beaches include Ao Lo Bakao, Haad Yao and Haad Lanti, popular with surfers. The western portion of Phi Phi Don, Koh Nawk, is mostly uninhabited.
Phi Phi Lei comprises mainly cliffs and a sea lake. Maya bay is the setting for Leonard DiCaprio’s The Beach and swimming in the bay and playing with the plentiful fish is the name of the game. In the famous Viking Cave, men climb flimsy bamboo scaffolds to collect swifts' nests from the cavern walls. There are prehistoric paintings here, alongside more recent pictures from the last century or so.
Phi Phi Don offers plenty of activities. Diving, snorkelling and fishing trip operators work from Ton Sai. Kayaks are available on Ao Lo Dalam, and climbers will enjoy the challenges of over 100 routes on the island’s cliffs.
To get to Phi Phi either take a ferry from Phuket or Krabi Town. The Krabi ferry stops at Ao Nang to pick up passengers however please note that there is no ferry terminal and passengers are shipped out to meet the ferry and will need to transfer between boats.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is known as the jewel of the Andaman Sea. Koh Lanta's quiet, laid-back atmosphere offers an ideal get-away for those seeking to escape the masses of tourists that flock to Thailand every year. Koh Lanta is lush and unspoilt and largely escapes the manic atmosphere of tuk tuks, pushy market traders and sleazy go go bars, making it a popular alternative.
There's not really very much to do on Koh Lanta - and that's the whole point. Krabi province’s biggest island is blessed with nine sandy beaches and an atmosphere so laid back that even turning the pages of a book can seem like an effort after a while.
If you’re after total relaxation, Koh Lanta is certainly the place to come. Despite rapid development over the last few years, the island never feels overcrowded and there is accommodation to suit every taste and budget from backpacker bungalows to boutique resorts, as well as a luxury five-star hotel.
Wooden bungalows provide cheap beachside accommodation Choosing your accommodation here is perhaps more important than elsewhere as you are unlikely to leave the vicinity more than a few times throughout your holiday. All the resorts here are situated directly on the sand - i.e. there is no road between the bungalows and the beach and there are always plenty of bars, restaurants and hammocks nearby.
The beaches - all on the West Coast - will probably be a deciding factor in where you stay. Those in the north - Kaw Kwang, Klong Dao, Phra Ae (Long Beach) - are all long, unblemished stretches of sand, with the best swimming. The beaches in the middle - Klong Kong, Klong Nin - and in the south - Kantiang Bay, Klong Jak, Ao Nui and Bamboo Bay are shorter and have a more rugged and wild character. The further south you go the less busy it is and the more likeliness of a resort with its own private beach.
You can rent a car or motorbike and explore the interior of the island, with its lush, green countryside and many traditional villages, including a community of settled sea-gypsies. At the far south-western tip of the island is the National Park, with its own private beach and short nature trail. In the same area are a couple of waterfalls and an elephant camp, where you can see these great beasts and take a ride.
For shopping and more restaurant options, head north to Saladan. This is where the passenger ferries to the mainland and Koh Phi Phi arrive and depart. There are a few souvenir shops and the local afternoon market to explore. If you need an ‘internet or email fix’ this is where you are likely to find it, along with small supermarkets selling essentials.
There are no other islands in the immediate vicinity of Koh Lanta, but there are trips organised by express boat to visit the remote isles of Koh Rok, with their pristine coral sand beaches and exceptional snorkelling. Trips are also available to the islands of Koh Muk, Koh Ngai, Koh Waen and Koh Cheuak on the Lanta 'four-island tour'. Actually belonging to Trang province to the south, these islands are around an hour and a half from Lanta.
Diving is the main sporting activity in Koh Lanta. The world-class dive sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang (Red Rock and Purple Rock) are nearby, as well as the popular Koh Ha, where whale sharks can often be seen. Dive schools have representatives in or nearby most resorts, so again, there is no need to stray too far to organise a trip.
Nightlife in Koh Lanta tends to be restricted to relaxed beach bars. This is no bad thing: for one, they are very pleasant places in which to sit; and secondly, they are always within stumbling distance of your bungalow! There will occasionally be a party or live music event organised but these are infrequent and not the reason people come here.
Koh Lanta is accessible by passenger ferry from Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi. There is also a car ferry service from the pier at Hua Hin, some 50km south of Krabi Town. During the low season (May to October) this is the only route into Koh Lanta; the passenger ferries do not run because of the large monsoon waves. Even in the season it’s a good idea to rent a car or motorbike and ride down the coast to the small ferry crossing. This then gives you the option of transport while on the island if you were thinking of choosing your accommodation when you arrive.
The island is not really suitable for a day trip, both in terms of convenience and pleasure. To give yourself a chance to chill out and get that slow, Lanta feeling, it is best to stay for a few days at a time.
Koh Tarutao
Tarutao is a marine national park is on the border between Thailand and Malaysia. In fact, Langkawi (a huge island in Malaysia) is just five miles from Tarutao. Tarutao is an island for nature lovers and is not by any stretch of the imagination a party island. It is very undeveloped and unspoilt - the locals and the national Government aim to keep it that way.
UNESCO has designated Tarutao as an ASEAN Heritage site. The park consists of 51 islands - seven big ones. The main island, Koh Tarutao, features tidal rivers, old-growth mangrove forests, old-growth hardwood forests, primary nipa palm forests (this palm's fronds are customarily used for roof thatching), limestone karst islands and lots of wildlife.
Crab-eating Macaques (monkeys) are common on Tarutao. They are often seen walking the mudflats at low tide searching for crabs or whatever else they can eat. Dusky langurs, cute black monkeys with white rings around their eyes, are common too. Monitor lizards which roam the island can get as big as 60 pounds and as long as six or seven feet!
There is a park headquarters with bungalows and the long beach in front of the park adds much beauty to an already stunning scene. A tidal river next to the park is great for exploring. There is a mangrove forest beside steep limestone cliffs. There are lots of birds in the mangrove. Brown-winged Kingfishers, bright orange birds with brown wings and a blue back, are often seen. Oriental Pied hornbills and Southern Pied hornbills regularly cross over the mangrove channels or soar along the side of the massive limestone mountains. Greater Ratchet-tailed Drongos, medium-sized black birds with two very long tail feathers, flutter between trees at the park headquarters in their constant search for insects.
To get to Koh Tarutao by air from Bangkok simply fly to Hat Yai – a 75 minute journey and then take a minibus through to the ferry terminal at Pak Bara which takes just a further 2 hours. Alternatively head for Trang or Satun and then take a bus from there.
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