• Ang Thong National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is in the Gulf of Thailand, 30 km west of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The archipelago is home to 42 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from turquoise water. In the islands forested peaks, vertical cliffs, sea caves, hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, all creating one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural destinations.
The island formations are similar to those found in Phang Nga Bay on the Andaman coast though in smaller scale, with landscapes of forested islands scattered across emerald water. The islands are uninhabited except for park rangers, maintaining pristine character free from development. The Marine life in the park includes dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish, coral formations, and diverse bird species. Fishing is prohibited, allowing marine ecosystems to thrive relatively undisturbed.
The best season to explore the Ang Thong Park is in January-August when the sea is calm and the visibility is good. Most of the visitors experience Ang Thong on organized day trips departing from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao. The nine hours trip includes kayaking through islands and lagoons, hiking to viewpoints, swimming at beaches, visiting Emerald Lagoon, and snorkeling. Overnight camping, part of 2 days tour, offers camping on a beach, multiple kayaking sessions, viewpoint hike at dawn or dusk, night swimming, and stargazing.

The park Attractions:

  • Emerald Lagoon
    Talay Nai is a hidden emerald-green saltwater lagoon within Ko Mae Ko Island, surrounded by dramatic, vertical karst cliffs. The 80 meters in diameter lagoon is connected to the ocean by underground channels.
    Hike a steep 15 minute trail uphill from the beach using also stairs and ropes to reach a viewing platform above the lagoon offering magnificent views.
    Swimming is not permitted to protect the delicate ecosystem.
  • Wua Ta Lap island’s Viewpoint
    Climb a challenging 500 steps uphill for 45 minutes to reach the summit viewpoint to admire spectacular 360-degree panorama across the entire 42 islands of forested limestone karsts rising from turquoise water.
    The uphill trail begins at the beach near the park headquarters.
  • Kayaking in Ang Thong Park
    Paddle for 1-2 hours through islands, sea caves, and channels between the islands within cliff walls. While kayaking you will encounter Mangrove channels, rocky coastlines and hidden beaches. Kayaking Tours are also available.
  • Swimming and Beaches
    Several islands have small, white sand and clear water beaches allowing swimming for a limited time.
  • Snorkeling
    Ang Thong’s coral and marine life are of moderate quality and diversity, when compared to dedicated snorkeling destinations like Koh Tao or the Similan Islands.
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Ang-Thong-National-Marine-Park in the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Travel with Joy

Ang-Thong-National-Marine-Park in the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Travel with Joy