Ang Thong Marine National Park, Koh Samui: 2024 Travel Guide

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Ang Thong National Marine Park is located northwest of Koh Samui island – in the province of Surat Thani, in the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. You can only get there by tourist boat. But the beautiful views are definitely worth the effort spent on the road. This is one of the best parks on Koh Samui .

Read this travel guide on visiting Ang Thong Marine national park and get up-to-date information on how to get there, best day tours, things to see and other details.

Angthong National Marine Park Koh Samui

Ang Thong National Park General Info

  • Location: 45/1-2 Moo 1, Thongsala Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand.
  • Entrance Fee: 50 BHT (Thai citizens), 300 Thai Baht (foreigners)
  • Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
  • Cost of visiting: the price for an independent visit is calculated taking into account the costs of the transfer by boat, food, and other expenses; day tours price starts from 1000-1300 baht per person.
  • Infrastructure and entertainment: kayaks, canoes, snorkeling, bungalows (paid separately, the price depends on the season).
  • You can visit Ang Thong Marine Park by joining day trip. Make your reservation here .
  • On the map: link.

Angthong Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands that were formed due to a volcanic eruption. Today, these islands are covered with greenery and tropical plants, there are you can find bungalows and observation decks with stunning views for amazing photos from Koh Samui.

Kayaking in Ang Thong Marine Park

The status of marine park was received in 1980. Having the status of a national park, Ang Thong marine park is protected from construction and infrastructure development. However, one inhabited island in Ang Thong Marine Park is Koh Paluay.

It offers a glimpse into traditional Thai island life and provides opportunities for visitors to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.

Dozens of species of exotic birds and animals live there. Here you can meet langurs (long-tailed monkeys), little heron, Pacific reef heron, iguanas, pythons, sea eagles.

How to Get to Ang Thong National Marine Park

To get to Ang Thong Marine Park, you need to depart from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, as these are the nearest islands to the marine park. Here are the common transportation options:

Speedboat Day Tours

Many tour operators on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan offer day trips to Ang Thong National Park. Needless to say that speedboat is the fasfest (journey will take about 40 minutes) and safest way to get to Ang Thong Marine park. These tours usually include transportation from your accommodation to the pier, a speedboat ride to the marine park, stops at various attractions within the park for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, as well as meals and snacks. You can find tour options and make your booking here.

Visiting Ang Thong Marine Park in Thailand

Ferry Services

Ferries operate between Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the mainland (usually departing from Surat Thani). While these ferries don’t typically go directly to Angthong Marine Park, they can get you to the islands where you can then arrange a speedboat tour or join a day trip.

Private Charters

If you prefer more flexibility or have a larger group, you can consider chartering a private boat or speedboat. This allows you to customize your itinerary and spend more time at specific locations within the marine park. Click here to find more details and make your reservation.

If you’re traveling to Koh Samui with kids it’s better to choose slow boats compared to speedboats as at high speed or in bad weather, the boat rocks and you can be doused with water.

Snorkeling in Angthong Marine Park on Koh Samui

Best Day Trips to Ang Thong National Park

Day Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui with Lunch, Kayak and Hiking Experience, click here to book

Boat Trip to Angthong Marine park with lunch, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, click here to reserve your spot.

Speedboat Day Tour to Angthong Marine park, check the details here.

Best Time to Visit Ang Thong National Park

The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine Park as well as season for visiting Koh Samui island is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny with little rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the marine park’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs.

Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

Visiting during the dry season ensures smoother boat rides and better visibility for snorkeling and diving activities. It’s worth noting that the months of December and January can be particularly busy due to the holiday season, so if you prefer quieter surroundings, you might consider visiting in February or March.

Ang Thong National Marine Park Attractions

Wua Talap Island

This island serves as the park headquarters and offers facilities for visitors, including accommodation, camping grounds, and a viewpoint overlooking the marine park. It’s a great base for exploring the park’s attractions and enjoying recreational activities.

Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint

How to get to Angthong Marine Park on Koh Samui

Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint is another stunning attraction within Ang Thong Marine Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and seascape. This viewpoint is situated on Wua Ta Lap Island, one of the larger islands in Ang Thong Marine Park. It’s accessible via a hiking trail that leads up to the summit of the island.

Once you reach the summit of Wua Ta Lap Island, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands, turquoise sea, and dramatic limestone karst formations. It’s an ideal spot to take in the beauty of Ang Thong Marine Park and capture stunning photographs.

Ang Thong National Marine Park in Koh Samui

Koh Mae Ko

Koh Mae Ko, also known as Mother Island, is one of the most notable islands within the Ang Thong Marine Park.

Emerald Lagoon

The Emerald Lagoon, also known as Talay Nai, is one of the most iconic and picturesque attractions in Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand. This stunning natural wonder is located on Mae Ko Island, one of the larger islands within the marine park.

It is a lake with green crystal clear sea water. It will offer you swimming with a mask or go canoeing to see dozens of fish species. Also, its one of the best diving spots close to Samui.

What to Do at Ang Thong National Marine Park

Snorkeling and Diving

Discover the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life. Several snorkeling and diving sites offer opportunities to observe marine biodiversity up close.

Kayaking

Paddle through the park’s emerald-green waters and explore sea caves, secluded bays, and limestone formations. Kayaking allows you to access hidden spots and enjoy the park’s natural beauty at your own pace.

Hiking

Embark on guided hikes or trekking adventures to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the marine park’s islands, lush forests, and turquoise sea. Don’t miss the climb to the summit of Mae Ko Island for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Samui

Beach Relaxation

Spend a leisurely day lounging on the white sandy beaches of Ang Thong Marine Park. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding amidst the serene natural surroundings.

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife species inhabiting the park, including macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, tropical birds, and if you’re lucky, dolphins and sea turtles.

Photography

Capture the park’s stunning landscapes, dramatic seascapes, and abundant flora and fauna through photography. Don’t forget to snap shots of the iconic limestone karst formations and picturesque sunset views.

Angthong Marine Park, Koh Samui

Stay for a Night

There is no electricity or Wi-Fi at night in the park. But there are beautiful sunset, bright stars, luminous plankton near the shore and the singing of exotic birds. In other words, this is one of coolest places to visit in Koh Samui during honeymoon.

Make sure to take enough food with you – there is no way to buy something in the park in the evening.

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