Koh Tarutao Pak Bara ferry

Koh Tarutao Guide

Koh Tarutao Ferry Port

The majority of Koh Tarutao is covered by wild jungle growth, making it one of the most unique and fascinating landscapes belonging to Thailand. With the overgrown swampland circled by towering limestone cliffs, the island can evoke an eerie vibe for visitors, especially in the evening. The island is situated off the west coast of Thailand, laying in close proximity to the other islands in the Andaman Sea. Over the decades, Koh Tarutao has undergone a huge transformation; it used to be the destination for Thai criminals in the 1930s and 1940s, eventually leading to the incarceration of 3000 prisoners. Nowadays the island is a relaxing, welcoming haven for tourists, blessed with incredible beaches and alluring caves. Not forgetting its history, however, visitors are offered the chance to visit the site and are given a map detailing the geography and history of the area. To navigate around Koh Tarutao, visitors are most likely to travel by foot due to the infrastructure of the island. The port is located on the north of the island, and it is advised to stay close to the northern coast to make the most of what Koh Tarutao has to offer. The port is the gateway to the Thailand mainland and offers a daily crossing to Koh Lipe on the east coast of Thailand, lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Pak Bara Guide

Pak Bara Ferry Port

Pakbara is a tiny, remote village on the south coast of Thailand, located around 60km northwest of Satun. The only ferry route departing the port is to the relatively popular tourist resort of Koh Lipe, with Bundhaya Speed Boat providing seven hour long crossings per week.

What is there to do in Pakbara?

Famed for its wonderfully delicious seafood, Pakbara is gradually growing into a more tourist focussed resort, though currently it is primarily used as a transportation hub between other popular resorts. Most of the action resides around the pier, where visitors will find restaurants, travel agencies and ambitious locals trying to sell authentic clothing or souvenirs. Due to the extremely transient nature of a visit to Pakbara, there is limited accommodation around the village; budget motels and guesthouses are the only places to sleep, and most of the time they aren’t worth staying in for more than a day.

How do visitors get around Pakbara?

Other than walking, the main form of transportation is a motorbike taxi; ask locals for a ‘Win taxi’ and they will point you in the right direction. It is worthwhile working out a fair price and negotiating a price before setting off.