Ao Son

Ao Son is a bay on the west coast of Koh Tarutao, about 8 km south of the park headquarters at Ao Pante Malacca — further out and quieter than Ao Mo Lae, which sits closer to HQ and has bungalows. Ao Son’s only facilities are a national park campground and a ranger station; there’s no restaurant, so anyone staying overnight brings their own food and water.

The beach is a long stretch of pale sand with forest behind it, typical of Tarutao’s west coast bays. Because so few visitors make the trip this far south, it’s one of the emptier beaches inside Mu Ko Tarutao National Park — most day-trippers from Pak Bara stick closer to Ao Pante Malacca or head straight for Koh Lipe further offshore. Swimming and basic snorkelling are possible off the beach, though as with the rest of this coast, don’t expect the coral density of the outer islands.

Reaching Ao Son takes commitment: ferry from Pak Bara pier in Satun to Ao Pante Malacca, then a long cycle, walk, or park-truck ride south on a coastal track with no shortcuts. There’s no shop on this stretch of coast, so stock up at the park headquarters before setting off.

Insider Tip: If you’re cycling from HQ, start early — the track has enough climbing that the afternoon heat makes the return leg the harder half of the trip.

Watch out: There’s no food or drinking water for sale at Ao Son — carry everything you need for the day, plus extra water for the ride back to headquarters.