Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It offers towering limestone mountains, dense jungle, white sandy beaches, waterfalls, and hidden coves and lakes to explore. The protected area of more than 100 square kilometers of land and sea has a rich biodiversity. Ang Thong’s top activities are snorkeling, trekking, sea kayaking, diving, and relaxing. Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Basic bungalows and tents are available on Koh Wua Ta Lap for those who wish to stay overnight. The park headquarters houses a simple restaurant. Despite their growing popularity, the islands have retained their postcard appeal.
A brief history of Ang Thong Marine National Park
Established in 1980, Ang Thong National Marine Park 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. Ang Thong is best known for his appearance in Alex Garland’s novel The Beach. It is the destination where backpackers camp in search of a secret romantic island.
The next film starring Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed in Koh Phi Phi Leh, but Ang Thong was already on many travelers’ wish lists. Only one of their islands, Koh Paluay, is inhabited. A community of sea gypsies who largely maintain their traditional fishing lifestyle.
What are the highlights of Ang Thong National Marine Park?
Ang Thong National Marine Park has some of Thailand’s most unusual and spectacular scenery. Its sheer limestone cliffs, some up to 400 meters high, have been sculpted into wondrous shapes by centuries of erosion. This marine park has four different types of forests, all teeming with wildlife. Some living creatures include langurs (long-tailed monkeys), little egrets, hairy vipers, Pacific reef herons, white-bellied sea eagles, turtles, iguanas, and pythons. The surrounding sea offers some good snorkeling and diving views.
With 42 islands to explore, a full tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park would take weeks. Few islands are visited on day trips from Samui. This includes the previously mentioned Koh Wua Ta Lap. Also, most visitors need more time to reach Koh Mae (mother island). This island has a stunning beach and an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Thale Nai).
You can climb several trails and a wooden staircase to the top of a nearby mountain for a full view of this sea-green body of water. Koh Sam Sao (Tripod Island) has a coral reef, a large and spectacular rock arch, and a great hiking area.
Good to know about Ang Thong National Marine Park
Only government-approved sightseeing boats are allowed in Ang Thong National Marine Park. You can book day trips to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao. Sailing cruises and speed boat rentals can also be arranged. Few different places. You combine a day of hiking, sightseeing, kayaking, and lounging on the beaches.
Some of the hikes require a good fitness level, so be sure to check the difficulty level with your guide before setting off! Ang Thong National Marine Park is 28 km from Samui and 32 km from Pha Ngan. The best time to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park is from March to October when the sea is calmer. The park is sometimes closed due to bad weather from November to January.
