Geographically, Pethra Islands are a national park located in the Straits of Malacca in the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean. The area is partly under the administrative jurisdiction of Tambon Koh Sokon, Amphoe Palian, Trang Province; Tambon Khon Khlan, Amphoe Thung Wa, and Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe La-ngu, Satun Province. The park covers 22 islands with a total area (land and sea) of 208,987 rai or an equivalent of 491.38 square kilometers. Thailand – Malaysia borders lie 30 kilometers away to the south of the park. The Phetra Islands National Park was established in 1973 and its establishment was proclaimed in the Royal Gazette in 1994 as the 49th park in the country’s national park system. The main islands which constitute the park are Koh Lidi, Koh Bulon, Koh Khao Yai, and Koh Phetra, etc. Because Phetra Islands National Park is the host of nature’s beauty, virgin forests, untouched mountains, it is flourished with bountiful species of wildlife in addition to the picturesque and colorful corals in the sea.
Tourist Attractions
Hat Rawai
Hat Rawai is part of Phetra Islands National Park. It is located at Village No. 2 and 4, Tambon Khon Khlan, Amphoe Thung Wa, 26 kilometers from the district office. To get there, drive along La – ngu – Thung Wa road; take a turn at the intersection at Baan Wangtong, Village No. 4, Tambon Nathon ; take another turn at the intersection that leads to Ban Sila. The beach was once accessible by motorcycle only but now it can be reached by car. Hat Rawai is approximately 3,500 meters long. To the north of the beach lies Khlong (canal) Wang Won and on the west side Koh Sukon of Trang Province, can be seen. The beach is lined with casuarina trees. It is recommended for camping.
Koh Khao Yai
Koh Khao Yai, part of Petra Islands National Park, lies to the west of Pak Bara Pier. Admired from afar, the shape of the island resembles a stone castle. At one end of the island is a natural stone gate which juts into the sea where a small boat can pass through. The area is where the Satun Aquaculture Office is located. On the other side of the island is a large U-shaped bay 700 meters wide. During the low tide, a cluster of corals can be seen parallel with the shores. The waters around the gulf are calm all year round; pearls are cultured here. Tourists can also visit the pearl culture farms. Koh khao Yai can be reached by various means of transportation; however, the most convenient way is to take a boat from Pak Bara Pier.