Summary
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a group of 42 paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand, ideal for a day trip from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. This marine park features stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and opportunities for various activities, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty.
How To Get To Ang Thong
To start your journey to Ang Thong, you must first reach either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, the two largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Bangkok Airways offers direct flights to Samui (USM) from Bangkok (BKK) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). However, since the airport in Samui is privately owned, the tickets can be somewhat pricey, approximately 3,000 Baht (~$100 USD). You can compare flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner.
Alternatively, AirAsia provides cost-effective flight/bus/ferry combo packages from Bangkok (DMK) or Kuala Lumpur to Samui or Phangan for under 1,000 Baht (~$33 USD). Simply enter Samui (Lipa Noi Pier) or Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) as your destination, and they will manage all transfers.
Once you arrive in Koh Samui or Phangan, joining a tour is essential to explore Ang Thong, as the park comprises numerous islands that necessitate extensive island hopping.
Best Tour For Ang Thong Marine Park
Klook offers day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui via speedboat for low prices starting at 1,700 Baht (~$50 USD). This includes free hotel pickup/drop-off, buffet lunch, soft drinks, kayaking, and snorkeling (snorkel gear provided). A similar tour from Koh Phangan is also available at the same price.
This is the best tour price for Ang Thong found anywhere in Thailand. If you find a cheaper option, Klook will match the price. To provide context, many street vendors in Koh Samui and Phangan were charging approximately 30% more for this identical day trip, and some did not even include kayaking.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Klook tour, which went smoothly from start to finish. The tour guides were incredibly helpful, and the buffet lunch was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had on a day trip. We got to visit all the park’s highlights while indulging in snorkeling and kayaking.
Entrance Fees
- Adults: 300 THB (~$10 USD)
- Kids: 150 THB (under 120 cm)
- Thais: 40 THB
These are standard fees charged per person for entering Ang Thong National Park, as it is a Thai national park.
Be aware that entrance fees are typically separate from advertised tour prices; thus, your tour operator will need to collect this fee in cash on the day of the tour.
Things To Do & See
🔸 Snorkeling
Snorkeling was our first activity during the tour. We spent over an hour exploring some smaller unnamed islands north of the marine park. Although this area was technically outside the national park, the views and snorkeling opportunities were outstanding, revealing vibrant fish and coral formations.
🔸 Kayaking
Kayaking was included in our tour, allowing us to paddle to two different white sandy beaches after lunch. Though we decided to head back early, it was an enjoyable experience to explore the rocky coastline by kayak, especially for those new to the sport!
🔸 Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake (also known as Talay Nai) is a stunning feature on Ko Mae Ko island. After a short yet demanding 15-minute hike to the top of the limestone karst walls, visitors can gaze into this uniquely colored lake, fed by underground sea tunnels. Although the hike is brief, the steep terrain and narrow stairs can be challenging.
🔸 Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint
Any trip to Ang Thong would be incomplete without a visit to the main viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap, where you can marvel at numerous islands stretching across the horizon. The 30-minute hike to the top is mostly shaded, but it can be a demanding workout due to the steep incline and the intense heat. Staying hydrated is crucial!
The breathtaking view from the summit is definitely worth the effort.
Best Time To Visit
The optimal time to explore Ang Thong and its neighboring islands is between February and September, characterized by sunny weather and minimal rainfall. Conversely, the monsoon season lasts from October to January, bringing heavier rainfall and potentially rough seas. Notably, we visited in early October, and enjoyed clear skies and sunshine, which made for an exceptional experience.
Where We Stayed
During our visit, we chose to stay at a hotel called At Lamai Resort, where we paid only $16 USD for a spacious double room complete with cold air conditioning, hot shower, and fast WiFi.
This hotel offers great value, as it is just a 10-minute walk from Lamai Beach, along with accessible markets and dining options.
Keep in mind that prices may vary, so it’s wise to look out for potential deals.
