Within sight from the northern coast of Koh Samui, Ang Thong is a protected area of more than 100 sq km of land and sea and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing and simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are the main activities to enjoy on Ang Thong.
Most visitors arrive on a join-in day trip and by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Simple bungalows and camping tents are available on Koh Wua Ta Lap for those who wish to stay overnight. The park headquarters hosts a simple restaurant. Even with its increasing popularity, the islands have maintained their picture-postcard appeal.
The Ang Thong Marine National Park, established in 1980, covers an area of more than 80% of the entire archipelago. Its national park status ensures that development remains minimal. Only a few licensed tour operators have access to the park.
Only one of its islands, Koh Paluay, is inhabited. It's home to a sea-gypsy community that largely maintains its traditional fishing lifestyle.
Ang Thong National Marine Park has some of the most unusual and spectacular scenery in all of Thailand. Its steep limestone cliffs, some rising as high as 400 metres, have been formed into wondrous shapes by centuries of erosion.
This marine park has 4 distinct types of forest, all teeming with wildlife. Some of the creatures that live here are langurs (long-tailed monkeys), little herons, hair-nosed otters, pacific reef egrets, white-bellied sea eagles, sea turtles, iguanas, and pythons. The surrounding sea offers some decent snorkelling and diving sights.
With 42 islands to discover, a complete tour of the Ang Thong National Marine Park would take weeks. Only a few islands are visited during day trips from Samui. Those include the aforementioned Koh Wua Ta Lap.
Additionally, most visitors with a limited amount of time find their way to Koh Mae (Mother Island). This island is situated just a kilometre north of Koh Wua Talap and is the second most-visited island in Angthong Marine National Park. It has a stunning beach and an inland saltwater lagoon called Talay Nai known as the 'Emarald Lagoon'.
You can climb several pathways and a wooden staircase to the peak of a nearby mountain, where you get a full view of this sea-green body of water surrounded by limestone cliffs. Koh Mae 'Mother Island' is especially famous for its two stunning viewpoints – most of the panoramic photos you see of the park are taken from them, and for its emerald lagoon.
Only government-approved tour boats may enter the Ang Thong National Marine Park. You can book day trips in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Sailing liveaboard cruise trips and speedboat charters may also be organised. Most tours stop at a few different locations. They combine a day of hiking, sightseeing, kayaking and lounging on beaches.
Island Tours & Excursions
One of the best ways to see the attractions on Koh Samui and much more, is to book a half-day or full-day island safari or city tour that takes you around Samui, making sure you see the most interesting and unforgettable sights of the island. For trips more further afield, full day trips and sea excursions are also available.
Visitors to Koh Samui can enjoy the benefits of booking tours in advance through our tour partner Viator - Reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. To browse all tours available on Koh Samui click the insert below:
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