Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Gulf of Thailand, 84280
Ang Thong National Marine Park (also known as Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park) is a protected archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The limestone-karst seascape features secluded beaches, hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, and photo-worthy emerald lagoons. Visitors also come here to spot wildlife, as it’s home to hawks, eagles, macaques, wild boars, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks.
The basics
Ang Thong National Park is a popular destination for Thailand visitors seeking a little adventure and a lot of nature. Tropical and dry evergreen forests of the interior area house oriental pied hornbills, little herons, crab-eating monkeys, and bats. In the shallow waters, sometimes you can find dolphins, whales, and otters. It’s said that the park inspired the backpacker utopia of Alex Garland’s The Beach.
Most travelers experience Ang Thong on single-day guided tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Wua Talap Island and its famous Emerald Lake. These guided boat trips are the way to go, and most day trips include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often multi-story, open-air, 40- to 50-person crafts, but small private speed boats or luxury yachts are also available. If you want to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Things to know before you go
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Choose between a group boat tour or a private excursion aboard a speedboat or luxury yacht.
Full-day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui last upwards of eight hours.
Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
Most tours provide water and snorkeling gear.
How to get there
Ang Thong Marine Park is accessible only by boat. You can choose from a whole host of options, from big party boats that can accommodate up to 150 passengers to private boat charters. If you want to cover a lot of ground, or sea, consider the Day Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat from Koh Samui. Whatever boat you choose, make sure it comes with life jackets.
When to get there
The best months to visit the national park are between March and October, when the seas lie flat. The park closes completely during the height of the monsoons—between November and December each year. July and August tend to be the busiest months.
Sea gypsies of the Ang Thong Islands
All but one of the 42 Ang Thong Islands are uninhabited. The one with a permanent community, Koh Paluay, is home to a traditional community of sea gypsies who still earn a living through traditional fishing methods.
Ways to explore
Most travelers experience Ang Thong National Marine Park on guided day tours from Koh Samui or Koh Pha-Ngan. These boat trips take visitors to Wua Ta Lap Island and often feature the famous Emerald Lake. Also, most day trips typically include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often 50-person open-air crafts, but small private speed boats or yachts tours are also available as a luxury alternative. If you want to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Accessibility
As Ang Thong National Park is a vast natural wonder, it’s not fully accessible to wheelchair users. However, some boats are; it’s best to check accessibility information for individual vessels.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, binoculars, bottled water, portable charger
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, hat
Not allowed
Disturbing wildlife, picking plants, littering
Amenities
Tent rental for overnight stays, restaurant, Wi-Fi on Ko Wua Ta Lap island near the restaurant
Address
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand and it’s only accessible by water. Many visitors opt to arrive via a boat tour.
Driving
Ang Thong National Marine Park isn’t reachable by car. Tours typically depart from Koh Samui or Koh Pha-Ngan piers. If staying on either island, you can get taxis or cars to the main ferry pier to commence your boat journey.
Public transportation
The only way to get to Ang Thong National Marine Park is to travel by boat. As there are around 40 islands, boat tours are a great way to uncover off-the-beaten-track locations with the crew to take care of directions.
Best times to visit
Aim to get to Ang Thong National Marine Park in the morning for cooler temperatures and plenty of time to explore.
Best days to visit
Weekdays are generally best, as weekends can be more popular with a higher number of tour groups.
Best months to visit
The park sometimes closes in November and December due to waves, so it’s generally best to come between March and October.
Special events
NONE
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