Ko Tarutao National Marine Park
Just 20 km from Pak Bara lies Ko Tarutao, the largest island in a 51 island archipelago that has remained virtually untouched by the tourist masses. With spectacular mountains, deserted beaches and an aquatic realm that is teeming with more diverse species of life, and found in more abundance than in any other island chain in Thailand, this is the place not to be missed on your vacation. Some of Thailand's last old growth forests are found here in Tarutao National Marine Park. On your trip from Pak Bara to Ko Tarutao, and beyond to Ko Adang and Ko Lipe, don't be surprised to see dolphins, marlin and even whale sharks near your boat. It is estimated that 25% of the world's tropical fish species can be found in Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. The park is very well known for its four types of sea turtles; the Leatherback, Hawksbill, Pacific Ridley and Green. On land there are numerous species of birds including Great Hornbills, Herons, Egrets, Mynas, Starlings, Kingfishers and fishing eagles. There are also bats, wild boar, crab eating macaques, mouse deer, dusky langurs, fishing cats and squirrels. Accommodation is available on Ko Tarutao, Ko Lipe and Ko Adang. The best choice of accommodation is on Ko Lipe.
 

Ko Lipe Ko Lipe is the home of the Chao Le (Sea Gypsies), who traditionally roamed the islands harvesting fish, shellfish, coconuts, and vegetables. The Chao Le have their own language, culture, and animist religion. On the island is a village with a school and small shops where you can purchase snack foods, toiletries, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.

 Ko Lipe is located in Tarutao Marine National Park just a kilometer south of Ko Adang. You can reach Ko Lipe from Hat Yai by bus (40 baht), taxi (60 baht) or air conditioned vans (60 baht) that leave throughout the day. I highly recommend the vans for the best overall value and comfort. Buses leave from the bus depot and vans leave from one block north of the railway station between Niphat Uthit Neung and Nasatanee Rd. The trip to Pak Bara (where the boat pier for Lipe is located) is about two hours. The boat (500 baht one way or 800 baht roundtrip) leaves from the pier at 10:30 A.M. daily during the peak season (December 1 - April 30). The trip takes about 5 hours and it will include a stop at Tarutao Island for lunch. The boats do not serve meals so you are advised to pick up some food and drinks before leaving the pier at Pak Bara. Life moves at a leisurely pace here so be prepared to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery on your way to Lipe Island. Make sure that you keep your eyes open for whale sharks and dolphins, which are spotted on a regular basis.

This is not Koh Lipe Picture More info about Ko Lipe Diving in Tarutao is both exceedingly beautiful and abundant. The best diving is to be found west of Ko Tarutao around Ko Klang, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi and Ko Dong. If the closest you have come to diving has been in your bathtub, then this is just the place to see what you've been missing. Encounters with whale sharks, dolphins, stingrays, groupers, trumpetfish, turtles, reef sharks, squid, moray eels, butterfly fish, parrotfish, and uncountable species of small exquisitely colored reef fishes are common.So take the plunge and dive to a new adventure!

WHAT TO BRING
Lipe is a remote island that has very few facilities. There are six small resorts on the island as well as a village where approximately 700 sea gypsies live. There are two small stores on the island where you can buy a few basic items but in general you should try to bring as many personal items as possible. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHANGE ANY FOREIGN CURRENCIES IN HAT YAI BEFORE LEAVING THERE. FOREIGN CASH IS NOT EXCHANGED AT THE BANK IN LANGU (the last major town before Pak Bara) however they will change travelers cheques and you can use your credit card to get cash advances. The bank is open from 8:30 to 3:30 Monday to Friday. They will not do foreign exchange before 10:00 A.M. so it will be difficult to get to the pier to catch the boat. It is best to change your money in Hat Yai, Satun or Trang.
Make sure to bring light weight clothes for the hot season and warm clothes for the rainy season. If you come in the rainy season it is advised that you bring an umbrella or rain coat. You can become chilled very quickly if you are wet. Be sure to bring swim suits, sunscreen, insect repellant, and medications.
THINGS TO DO
Lipe island is in the midst of a national park and you will be sure to have a wonderful time exploring the shores and reefs of the many islands that surround Lipe. You can walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, walk inland to see the plants and animals or you may go snorkeling on our many pristine coral reefs.
WHERE TO STAY
There are 6 resorts on the island. You can see the names on the map below.  Prices range from: 200 baht for a basic bamboo thatch hut with toilet/shower and mattress on the floor and 500 baht per night for a nice bamboo thatch hut with toilet/shower, bed, mosquito net, and fan.