Ang Thong Marine Park - A Must Do In Koh Samui

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is located approximately 30 kilometers north-west of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. This park consist of approximately 40 small scattered islands and forms part of the Koh Samui archipelago. Daily boat trips to the park is on offer and arranged by most Koh Phangan hotels and Koh Samui resorts. Boats from Nathon, Maenam Pier or Thong sala pier on Phangan leave at approximately 08:30 in the morning.

Bookings can be done via your hotel or directly with one of many tourist centers on the island. You will have a choice of traveling either by speed boat, which sometimes can be a bumpy ride, or high speed catamaran, which is quite comfortable. The boat trip to the park takes approximately one hour. A trip here can also be booked from sister island Koh Phangan. Boats leave from Thong Sala or Haad Rin Pier. Most of the 40 islands are uninhabitable with the exception of one which is home to a small fishing community, comprising of approximately 200 families making a living off what the sea provides.

The site that awaits you is beautiful and creates the feeling of a mystic calmness. Snorkeling will be on the agenda and allows visitors to jump into the warm water and get a glimpse of the coral and tropical fish species. When in the water, take a hand full of bread with you and immediately have tropical fish swarming around you for a bite. All snorkel gear is provided. The day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, which lasts until approximately 05:00 pm, includes a lunch, often served on the small island housing the fishing community earlier spoken of. The setting is quite original and the food is great.

Another surprise on this trip is a stop at the small island of Mae Koh. This allows you a climb to a view point displaying the emerald green blue lagoon in the middle of the island. The caves, crevices and limestone cliffs, for which time is allowed to explore by kayak, is the stuff most people only see on post cards. Another stop at one of the islands allows time to do whatever you feel like. The beaches on these islands are pure white powder, the water almost too warm and clear as glass.

During the last stop you may snorkel along the limestone cliffs, kayak, play volleyball, swim or soak the sun on one of the most beautiful little beaches many of us will ever lay eyes on. The boat leaves Ang Thong National Marine Park at approximately 04:00 pm, heading back to your Koh Samui resort. Be sure to take your camera along, this is one excursion which will allow you perfect photo opportunities.