Tarutao is the first marine park of Thailand. It is famous for its distinguished history and natural beauty. It is located in the Andaman Sea 40 kilometres from town or 22 kilometres from Bara Pier. The park borders Mu Ko Phetra National Park in the north and the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the south. The park occupies an area of 1,490 square kilometres and comprises 51 islands. Seven large islands are Ko Tarutao , Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Li Pe , Ko Klang, Ko Ba Tuang, and Ko Bit Si. Tarutao was proclaimed a National Park on 19 April 1974 and declared by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve in 1982. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park that covers an area of 152 square kilometres. The island is teeming with verdant forests and white sandy beaches. There are also camping and diving facility to see corals.

Penitentiary Memorial on Tarutao Island comprises two parts; Ao Talo Udang Prison is at the southernmost bay of Tarutao Island and Ao Talowao Prison, a prison for common and political prisoners which is situated in the south and the east of the island.
The historical six-kilometre road trail was built by prisoners connecting Ao Talowao to Ao Talo Udang and is 12 kilometres long.