Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
improving as Pak Bara becomes increasingly busy with tourists discovering these
dazzling isles. The peaceful town has forgettable sleeping options, and, aside from the
great seafood, there's no pressing reason to stick around.
The main road from La-Ngu terminates at the pier where there are several travel agen-
cies, internet cafes, cheap restaurants and shops selling beach gear. There's a brand-new,
huge
visitors centre
( 0 7478 3485)
for Ko Tarutao Marine National Park just back from the
pier, which is really more of a massive passenger waiting terminal for Lipe- and Tarutao-
bound speedboats. You can book Tarutao accommodation and obtain permission for
camping here as well. Local travel agencies can also arrange tours to the islands in the
national parks.
Tours
There are several travel agencies near the pier that will vie for your attention.
Adang Sea-
tours
( 0 7478 3338;
www.adangseatour.com
)
is one of the more reliable agencies and also has an
ATM.
My Friend Travel
( 08 9974 7267, 08 1766 8640)
is another reliable source for speedboat
bookings. Shop around for kayaking day trips through the impressive caves at
Tham Chet
Khok
(per person incl lunch 1800B)
.
During the high season, the
Satun Pak-bara Speedboat Club
( 0 7478 3643;
www.tarutaolipeisland.com
)
runs speedboat tours to Ko Tarutao, Ko Bulon Leh and Ko Lipe -
visit the website for the latest details.
Sleeping & Eating
There are several elementary restaurants and vendors near the Pak Bara pier that serve
good Malay Muslim food for 40B to 80B. There's also a series of tasty seafood stalls
along the coast south of town that get smoking just before sunset. They're a popular local
hang-out on Sundays.
Best House Resort
( 08 1189 6906;
www.besthouseresort.com
;
bungalows 590-690B; )
This place is 100m inland
from the pier and has tidy concrete bungalows around a murky pond. Management is
pleased to offer travel tips.
BUNGALOWS
$$
Red Boat
THAI, INTERNATIONAL
$
