Ang Thong Marine National Park

Ang Thong is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, on the shores of the Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 islands in a total area of 102 km², of which only 18 km² are land. The park was established on 12 November 1980.

Ang Thong National Marine park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Towering limestone mountains, thick jungles, white sand beaches, water falls and hidden coves and lakes are features to explore. Ang Thong translates into 'Golden Basin' is an area of more than 100 square kilometres of land and sea within the sight of Koh Samui. The park's lime stone islands have steep coasts, bizarre rock formations as well as overhanging cliffs. Islands of the marine park vary in size and shape and covered mostly with rain forests and mostly uninhabited. Its steep limestone cliffs, some rising as high as 400 metres, have been formed into wondrous shapes by centuries of erosion. Snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving and relaxing are the activities to enjoy at Ang Thong. The marine park remains the picture perfect image of tropical paradise.
Ang Thong's National park status ensures that development remains minimal and only few licensed tour operators have access to the park. Ang Thong gained widespread renown after its appearance in the novel "The Beach" and the movie starring Leonardo De Caprio.
Only a few islands are visited during day trips from Samui and most visitors find their way to Koh Mae (Mother Island). This island has a stunning beach and an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Thale Nai). A popular climb up pathways and a wooden staircase takes you to the peak of a nearby mountain where you get the full view of this glittering sea-green body of water.
Ang Thong is 28 kilometres from Samui and 32 kilometres from Pha Ngan. The national park entry fee (sometimes included in the tour cost) is 200 baht for foreign adults, 100 baht for foreign children, and 40 baht for Thai nationals.
Check out the tours in Koh Samui and release the child within! Come out and play, meet other like-minded visitors and learn more about this fascinating tropical island where the fun never ends, all at the same time.

We Checked out tour operators from our hotel tourism desk and set for a days enchanting trip of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
The Trip went on as following......
Tour operator picked us at the Hotel and reached the Tour operators office at Bang Rak pier.

We had our introduction to the day tour and waited for the group members to join and set out for the trip at scheduled departure
At the Pier we collected the tickets and had light breakfast before boarding an extraordinary speed boat, which was awaiting in the waters.

Once in the speed boat we were given protective gear and the journey started towards island to Ko Mae Ko.

It was a wonderful moment with so many friends and co-tourists we started our sailing in the boat with occasional splashes of water to the level of complete drenching in salty water. Lots of ha ha ha ha in the boat.

We were given snorkelling gear for fun and adventure of snorkelling. and our first stop is Ko Wao for an hour of snorkelling at one of the most beautiful shallow-water coral reefs in the park.

Next, absorb the beautiful scenery while cruising by Ko Tai Plao. See Monkey Island, Lion Island, bizarre rock formations, and the natural stone bridge protruding from the sea at Ko Samsao. Upon arriving at Ko Mae Ko we hoped into our kayak and steered our way towards the spectacular horizon. It was a wonderful kayaking experience through limestone caves and crevices in the sea.
Then we proceeded to the nearby beach and took a hike toward the gorgeous salt water lake, Green Lagoon, to admire the opulent scenery and harmonious ambiance. A popular climb up pathways and a wooden staircase takes you to the peak of a nearby mountain where you get the full view of this glittering sea-green body of water.

Stop by the amazing Emerald Lake at Ko Mae Ko; climb to the top and get a panoramic view of the island.

Next, enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch while viewing the northern waters of Ang Thong National Marine Park. most scenic beauty that spreads in front of us as provided by Nature.

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 marine park is home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.

After the enchanting trip and relaxing a while at the white sand beach with sparkling waters, all the group members gathered back and we set for sailing back to Bang Rak pier and to the hotel.

The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine National Park is March to October when the seas are calmer. The park is sometimes closed due to inclement weather in the months of November through January. Admire the spectacular archipelago of the Ang Thong National Marine Park by sea kayaking across crystal-clear waters.