Koh Tarutao is a remote island known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Koh Tarutao and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're relaxing on the beaches, hiking in nature, or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Koh Tarutao?
You should plan to spend around $129 (฿4,361) per day on your vacation in Koh Tarutao. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (฿1,797) on meals
- $36 (฿1,229) on local transportation
- $108 (฿3,636) on hotels
A one week trip to Koh Tarutao for two people costs, on average, $1,807 (฿61,054). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$903
฿30,527
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,807
฿61,054
-
One Month
Per person
$3,871
฿130,830
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,807
฿61,054
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,613
฿122,108
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,743
฿261,660
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Tarutao cost?
A one week trip to Koh Tarutao usually costs around $903 (฿30,527) for one person and $1,807 (฿61,054) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Koh Tarutao on average costs around $1,807 (฿61,054) for one person and $3,613 (฿122,108) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Tarutao will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Koh Tarutao on average costs around $3,871 (฿130,830) for one person and $7,743 (฿261,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Koh Tarutao expensive to visit?
Koh Tarutao is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Koh Tarutao can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including enjoying the free hiking trails and spending long days at the beach.
On average, budget travelers spend $55 (฿1,908) per day, mid-range travelers spend $126 (฿4,361) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $240 (฿8,334) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Koh Tarutao.
Within Asia, Koh Tarutao is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Koh Tarutao is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Tarutao?
The average Koh Tarutao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Tarutao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Tarutao cost?
Koh Tarutao on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(฿795)
|
$54
(฿1,818)
|
$103
(฿3,474)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$16
(฿538)
|
$36
(฿1,229)
|
$69
(฿2,348)
|
Food 2
|
$23
(฿786)
|
$53
(฿1,797)
|
$102
(฿3,433)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(฿231)
|
$16
(฿529)
|
$30
(฿1,010)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(฿56-169)
|
$4-11
(฿129-386)
|
$7-22
(฿246-737)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Koh Tarutao is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $55 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Koh Tarutao often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $126 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $240. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the island will require a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Koh Tarutao
Hotel prices in Koh Tarutao can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak winter season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $0 up to around $0. From $0 for budget options to $0 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Koh Tarutao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $108 (฿3,636). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $54 (฿1,818) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during winter, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Koh Tarutao
Unfortunately, Koh Tarutao does not provide a solid public transit network. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.
It's unfortunate that most of the island isn't very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.
Public Transit: 



(moderate)
Walkability: 



(moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $36 (฿1,229) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Tarutao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Tarutao is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$36
฿1,229
How much does it cost to go to Koh Tarutao? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Koh Tarutao will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Koh Tarutao
Food choices in Koh Tarutao are few and not the best. It's advisable to save your money for experiences that offer more value than dining out. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Tarutao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Tarutao is $53 (฿1,797) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
฿1,797
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Tarutao is around $52 (฿1797) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $99. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Koh Tarutao are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
As this is a national park, there are fewer options available for dining on the islands. There is a restaurant that serves a good range of dishes from fried noodles and quality local meats. There is also a smaller convenience stores should you want to stock up on snacks, soft drinks and bottled water for your days of trekking through the forests.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
You can cut costs and soak in the views by having a picnic. Swing by a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh goodies, and head to a lovely park or picturesque location to savor your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Tarutao
It's understandable that travelers choose Koh Tarutao, as it is famous for beaches, hiking, romance, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Tarutao typically cost an average of $16 (฿529) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
฿529
Since you're literally surrounded by protected, national forests, the whole area is a sight to see. However, here are some highlights:
Just above Ko Lipe is the island of Ko Adang. This island of dense forests, sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs is always buzzing with new sights to see and experiences to explore. Trek through the jungle to Pirate's Falls where pirates once filled their canteens, or climb the Chado Cliff to watch the green turtles laying eggs on Son Bay. While you're nearby, make a stop at Luu Doo Waterfall. It's the only waterfall in the park and the underwater rock formations are stunning. Luu Doo is certainly a spot for anyone interested in studying trees, flowers or animals.
Ko Rawi is the spot for large limestone hills and thick jungles. Get permission from the local government to pitch a tent and spend a night in nature. Take a dip under the ocean to see the uniquely striped pebbles of Ko Yang and Ko Hin Ngam. Don't touch, though. Legend has it these stones are cursed and if you take them, you'll have bad luck until they're returned.
If tents aren't your thing, take a trip to Pantaemaraka Gulf. This very popular spot in the Tarutao National Park is known for its charming pine trees and pure white beaches. Here you'll be able to signup for home stays or even house boating.
For arguably the best view in the park, head to Ao Pante Malacca, take the ultra steep, twenty-minute trail through the jungle to the top of Toe-Boo Cliff. It's a challenging hike, but the view across Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang is simply breathtaking.
Another worthwhile trip is out to Crocodile Cave. You'll need to take a long-tail boat out there, but on the way you get to see the beautiful mangrove forest.
Beaches:
A significant number of tourists come to Koh Tarutao to lounge at the beach. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.
Hiking:
The hiking trails near Koh Tarutao are amazing. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.
Nightlife Budget in Koh Tarutao
The nightlife in Koh Tarutao is pretty much non-existent. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.61 (฿257) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Tarutao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.61
฿257
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 29, 2024
Traveling in Koh Tarutao
Koh Tarutao National Park, Thailand
While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.
If you'd like to stay on these islands, the main accommodations are small, government-run cabins. There has been a big push to build resorts, but those have mostly gone ignored. If you're looking to have the Thai resort experience, one island, Ko Lipe, has what you're looking for. Its communities of chow lair (sea gypsies) make them exempt from the zero development laws so you'll likely see more development on Ko Lipe.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Tarutao National Marine Park is split into two island groups - the Tarutao section and the Adang-Rawi section. In this area there are essentially nine notable islands. Ko Tarutao is in the Tarutao Archipelago, and is the largest of the islands covered mostly in forests. Ko Klang, Ko Khai and Ko Ta-Nga are all a part of the Klang Archipelago located approximately 38 kilometers off the coast of Thailand. In the Adang-Rawi section you'll find Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Butang, Ko Lek and Ko Lipe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
There's only one place to eat and stay unless you camp, so there's not much choice. We really came to get away from everything and enjoy the national park, and it was fantastic. Hiking is free and the beach is free, so we just enjoyed relaxing and don't spend any money!