Tarutao National Park

Most of Tarutao National Park is covered with verdant forests. Indeed, ninety percent of Ko Tarutao consists of thick forest. And because it lies in a moist-tropical climate zone, it is subject to heavy rainfall. Also, because of the rugged mountainous nature of the island, many types of forest and vegetation can be found depending on the elevation. The following is a brief description of the forests:

 The evergreen virgin forest is the greenest of all the forests in the archipelago. Tourists can do a walking tour of the forest without too much difficulty, as paths inside the forest are wide enough for a vehicle to pass. The distance for walking is also not too short nor too long — about 8 kilometres — and it takes only about two hours which should be sufficient for the average tourist. Virgin forests usually grow in fertile soil with humid conditions so that trees here grow in profusion. Plants found that stand out are Lumpho or Malacca Teak (Intsia  palembanica), Khiam Cotylelobium melanoylon); Yang Pai (Dipterocarpus  costatus); Yang Sian (Dipterocarpusgracillis); Daeng Kha (Eugenia sp); Takhian Hin (Hopea ferrea); These trees also grow on Ko AdangandKo Rawi.

    The mixed deciduous forest is found on limestone mountains and hills. Trees growing on such soil must be able to tolerate parched conditions. Noticeable plants in this type of forest are : Rak Khao (Semecarpus cochinchinensis); RakPa (Semecarpus curtisii); Ngio Pa (Bombax valetonii); Rang (Shorea siamensis); Tabaek (Lagerstroemia cuspidata); Kong Kang Khao (Fagraea ceilanica); Mok (Wrightia  religiosa); Buk Hin (Arisaema fimbriantum); Rongthao Nari Dok Khao (Paphiopedilum niveum) and other.